[Product] Assessment | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

Versatility is the name of the game for the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants. These pants can fit in at the office, around town, and on the trail, and have essential features that get the job done. We like that these pants are made of comfortable fabric and cut in a way that is stylish and easy to move in. While hiking up the steep mountainsides of the Chiricahuas in Arizona, we were impressed with how unrestrictive these pants are. From a durability standpoint, the fabric is able to handle snags well but is prone to pilling in brushy environments. We love how hydrophobic the fabric is, repelling water and wicking moisture relatively quickly. There are a respectable number of pockets are all large enough for a smartphone, which wasn’t the case for some of the other pants we tested. While we would consider a different model for more adventurous hikes, the Ferrosi has everything a pair of pants needs to explore moderate trails.

Comfort & Mobility

The Ferrosi Women’s Hiking Pant offers an extraordinary amount of comfort for a pair that is so versatile. We love wearing these pants to the office and on the trail because the fabric feels good on our skin and the fit is easy to move in. During side-by-side testing, we measured how high we could lift each leg before encountering resistance and then took the average. This helped us determine how easily we could hike uphill in each pair of pants The Ferrosi ranked just behind the looser fitting, jogger-style pants we tested, thanks partly to the airy design. While wearing these pants both to work and on a backpacking trip in the Chiricahua peaks of Arizona, we found them very easy to move in. Our backpacking trip had a ton of elevation gain, we climbed from 6,000 to 9,000 feet in a few miles up a wash and hillside with a non-existent trail. We have used other pants in situations like this that are frustrating to move in, and it feels like a battle the entire way up the mountain. However, we never spared any thought for the Ferrosi pants while climbing; they were unrestrictive and provided a ton of mobility. In camp, they were comfortable to lounge around in, and we also found them to be a good choice for the 10-hour drive to and from the trailhead. 

Durability

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants’ fabric is obviously thin, and while they resist ripping better than expected, they are very prone to pilling. On our backpacking trip to the Chiricahuas, we used these pants in challenging conditions, such as off-trail hiking in washes and bushwhacking up hillsides where trails no longer existed. The plants of Arizona are incredibly thorny and pokey, often dragging at the fabric as we fought our way through the underbrush. By the end of the first day, there was a fair amount of pilling all over the fabric, though we didn’t notice any thread pulls. On day two, the diversity of the plants changed based on our location and consisted more of oaks with sticky leaves and dead grasses. These stuck to the pants and caused even more pilling and some pulled threads. The pants got caught on a few branches jutting from down trees, and we were happy to see that the fabric did not tear. This suggests they would be suitable for more casual hiking on better-maintained trails.

Breathability

When it comes to breathability, the Ferrosi Pants are average. They resist soaking up water and wick it away reasonably well. During our comparison testing, we soaked the bottom left leg of all the pants we tested, then timed how long each pair took to dry. We tested the pants simultaneously to ensure the conditions were the same. The Ferrosi did not soak up as much water as some other pants, which helped with the drying time. The thinner fabric also seemed to make a difference, allowing the pants to dry faster. In the field, we found these pants to be comfortable to wear in warm weather, even when climbing uphill in the heat of the day. The looser fit helped prevent too much sweating.

Features

The Ferrosi Pants offer a myriad of features comparable to most models and include what we like to see on a pair of hiking pants. First and foremost, the Ferrosi has five pockets, which can all accommodate a smartphone. We appreciate that the hip pockets are roomy and that our phone stayed in the back pockets during our jumping test. The leg pocket was snug but didn’t move around too much while hiking. We used this pocket a lot when bushwacking and crossing creeks. 

The Ferrosi Pants also include a waist tie and belt loops, which provide a variety of ways to cinch the waist. Ankle cinches can be used during water crossings or to keep debris out of your socks.

Weather Resistance

We were amazed at how water-repellent the Ferrosi Pants are. We sprayed each pair of pants we tested with a squirt bottle during side-by-side testing and counted how many spritzes it took to wet them out. The Ferrosi pants came in right behind the softshell pants we tested, demonstrating hydrophobic capabilities. Notably, the water not only beaded up but immediately rolled down off of the pants when sprayed. When we placed the lower left leg in water for the breathability test, it wasn’t easy to get the fabric wet — it seemed to repel the water. These would make an excellent choice for hiking in short rain storms or conditions where some water resistance would be beneficial.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants?

The Ferrosi pants make a great choice for casual hikes where some water resistance is helpful. We found that because they pill easily in brushy environments, they are better suited for trails that are well-maintained or have less vegetation. These pants look stylish (as long as pilling is avoided) and can be worn around town or in the office in addition to on the trail. Their water resistance and decent drying abilities make them great all-around hiking pants.

What Other PANTS Should You Consider?

Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2/Ankle Review: Like the Ferrosi Pant, the Dynama Pants are stylish and comfortable to wear on and off the trail. We like that these pants dry quickly, but we wish they had better pockets and a waist tie. They may be a good alternative for those who can live without those features.

REI Trailmade Pants Review: The Trailmade Pants have a similar fit and incredible drying time, making them a desirable alternative to the Ferrosi. They have more of an outdoor aesthetic, and the pockets are a significant pro for these pants. We wish the durability was better, however, the price tag is hard to beat.

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Review: The Aphrodite Pants are our top choice for unparalleled comfort. The soft fabric, adjustable waist and ankles, and loose fit make it easy to wear these pants all day long. Modest pockets and an affordable price tag sweeten the deal for those who can overlook the decreased durability.