Janji Tech Transit Pants Evaluation

Janji Tech Transit Pants are great for hiking and backpacking in cooler weather, light rain, and snow. Made of lightweight DWR-treated polyester with four-way stretch, Runner’s World rated them as one of the Best Running Pants for Colder Weather because they’re wind-blocking, fast drying, and breathable with a double-weave interior that won’t cling to your skin. While I’m not a runner, those properties also make them ideal for hiking and backpacking in autumn or spring when you need a little more warmth. I own four pairs of these pants and will use them for the remainder of autumn until  I have to switch to warmer soft-shell pants (Activator 3.0) for the duration of the winter hiking season.

Specs at a Glance

• Gender: Men’s (women’s fit also available)
• Material: 88% polyester/12% spandex
• Pockets: 3 (all zippered)
• UPF (sun protection rating): 50
• Inseam length: 31″
• Weight: 7.1 oz

Janji’s Transit Tech Pants are ideal for hiking in cool autumn or spring weather from 25F (Fahrenheit) up to about 60F, depending on your exertion level. They’re stretchy, double-woven polyester treated with DWR which makes them wind-blocking, warm, and comfortable to wear even in light rain and mist, which we’ve had a lot of this season. However, they’re still thin enough that they dry very quickly while worn with body heat alone.

The legs are tapered so they won’t hinder your stride and you can see where you’ve placed your feet, which becomes crucial when hiking over wet leaves and slippery rock ledge. The high waist closes with a drawstring which is very comfortable when worn under a hipbelt and doesn’t slip down your torso when hiking the way that many belted pants do.

While they’re great on the trail, the Janji Tech Transit pants are functional and stylish enough that you can wear them around town and for casual dinners out. The pants have three pockets, all zippered, and look and feel good without “collapsing” when you’re carrying a Smartphone, keys, or wallet in them. I particularly like the side hip pocket where I can stash my wallet because it stays alongside my hip rather than under my butt cheek, making sitting on it much more comfortable.

Recommendation

Janji’s Tech Transit Pants are great for hiking and backpacking during “shoulder season” weather when it’s too cold to wear shorts, but still too warm to switch to heavier and slower-drying cold-weather pants. Made with quick-drying and wind-proof double-woven polyester, their high draw-string waist is very comfortable under a backpack hip belt, while their tapered leg and ankle cuffs let you see where you’re putting your feet when more technical footwork is required. They’re also available in numerous colors and patterns, from the wild to the more conservative, to fit different wardrobe styles and needs.  Highly recommended!

Disclosure: the author purchased this product.

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