Suggestions for midweight pants with very low/no spandex content

Looks like Railriders have several all-nylon models, including the Wayfarer, which they describe as, “A durable, warm pant for your adventures and travels throughout the colder parts of the year.” Fit looks kind of baggy, though.

https://www.railriders.com/men-wayfarer-pant-p-1068.html?cPath=104_110

Look at tripleaught design https://tripleaughtdesign.com/shop/men/pants-shorts/

Maybe not ultralight, but that’s what I can think of.  Not tested personally.

Thanks, Federico. They do look pretty heavy, though.

Turns out the Simul ALpines are 100% polyester. Very promising.

https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-simul-alpine-pants-for-alpine-climbing/83061.html?dwvar_83061_color=BLK&cgid=mens&isSearch=true

I have read on BPL that spandex absorbs less water than nylon, so you are better off having nylon pants with more spandex, not less, if water absorption is your criterion.

Not sure if water absorption and drying time is exactly linear but, all else being equal, a textile with more water in it should take longer to dry.  I would be interested to see figures of relative drying times of fabrics.

From Andrew Skurka’s Blog:
PANT FABRICS
The intended application will dictate the optimal pant fabric weight, fiber, and treatments. For cooler temperatures and really intense bushwhacking, a heavier woven nylon fabric is preferred. But if the pants are merely for sun, bugs, and mild brush, a lighter polyester — which will have less durability but better moisture management — would be more comfortable. A permethrin treatment is a must for lighter, loosely woven fabrics during peak bug seasons.

Pant fabrics with a small spandex content (5-10 percent) will offer better stretch and fit, but they will be heavier, absorb more water, and dry more slowly. Pants treated with DWR (durable water repellant) will shed some precipitation when new, but the treatment will quickly degrade due to abrasion, dirt, and body oils. In fact, after a few weeks of use there is no difference between pants with or without a DWR treatment.

HERE is the article:

Core Backpacking Clothing || Go Suit — Item 5-6: Pants & Underwear .

There have been two textile scientists on this forum who have stated the contrary.

link here

Thanks, Anna and Sean. I have yet to finish the BPL thread but my personal experience agrees with Skurka’s. Spandex is good in light fabrics but in heavier fabrics it feels damp for far longer. I know there are special weaves now with textured inner faces to transport moisture away from the skin but not sure if they’re made it past baselayers into pants. That might make a difference in warmth. I also have never had DWR in pants that was worth relying on.

Also as a general note, all these proprietary fabrics with 88/12, 90/10, and 95/5 with no other info just makes me think they’re all exactly the same thing.

I’ve found these to be good.  The link is for a pant that has 3% spandex and 97% nylon.  They also have a 100% nylon pant but it looks like it’s on clearance with very few size and color choices.

https://www.duluthtrading.com/mens-duluthflex-dry-on-the-fly-pants-46202.html?cgid=mens-pants&dwvar_46202_color=GNM#start=24&cgid=mens-pants

Nice find, Jason! 4.7 oz is a nice midweight and 3% is pretty low. I might try these and set an ebay watch on the simul alpines.