Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hiking Pants are full-length soft-shell hiking pants with a lot more stretch (14% spandex) than most hiking pants. I like to wear them in warm to hot weather on and off the trail because they are comfortable and look so good. They are hipbelt and climbing harness-compatible with five pockets, including two that zipper close. Elastic drawcords at the ankle let you roll them up if you want to vent your lower legs while the 90D Ferrosi ripstop fabric is remarkably durable and breathable.
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Specs at a glance
- Gender: men’s (women’s model available)
- Weight: 10.7 oz/pair
- The updated fabric is made with 46% recycled nylon and has improved stretch and recovery for multi-day use
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Lightweight fabric resists water, wind, and abrasion
- Brushed tricot-lined waistband with metal button closure, bonded belt loops, and internal drawcord
- Harness and hipbelt-compatible waist
- Drop-in hand pockets
- Pockets: 5
- Drawcord cuff
The Ferrosi fabric that these full-length pants are made from has a cult following in the outdoor community because it’s so lightweight and stretchy, but amazingly durable at the same time. They also feel fantastic whether you’re wearing them for hiking, climbing, traveling, or on a hot date! Seriously, they are nice enough that you can wear them for semi-formal occasions (they do have a stenciled logo on the left thigh) but they look a hell of a lot better than your normal cargo hiking pants!
Functionally, the Ferrosi pants have five pockets, two drop hand pockets up front, two in the rear, and one on the right thigh – the thigh pocket and right rear pocket both close with zips. The pants have a button front closure, zipper, belt loops, and an internal drawstring which is useful when they’re worn with a climbing harness or a backpacking hipbelt. You just need to be very careful not to let that drawstring get pulled into the pants, particularly when washing them because you’ll never get it out again.
In addition, the cuffs of the legs have drawstrings so you can pull the pants up over your knees, tighten the drawstring, and wear them like shorts for stream crossings. Although they are so fast-drying, you often don’t have to bother. These Ferrosi pants are also available as zip-off convertible hikers if you prefer that leg styling: they are otherwise identical to this full-length leg version.
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Recommendation
I think these Ferrosi full-length hiking pants make good late spring and summer pants because they are so breathable and fast-drying, particularly when you need the extra sun or brush protection of full-length hiking pants. Highly Recommended!
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