[Product] Overview | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants do well in a few select categories: durability and weather-resistance. We found these pants to be a lifesaver while backpacking along a very overgrown, pokey, non-existent trail in Arizona. This experience solidified our belief that these pants are an excellent choice for serious adventurers who frequently travel in rugged locations, as the pants still looked brand new after that trip. Because of their softshell qualities, the Gamma pants are also an excellent choice for hikers who want pants that are more resistant to wind and rain than the average pair of pants. While not completely waterproof like rain pants, the Gamma Pants shed a decent amount of water before wetting out and are also significantly more comfortable than rain pants. While the Gamma pants are a great pair of hiking pants, they are costly. There are other pairs of pants that are more than adequate for the average adventure, so the price tag might not be worth it for many.

Comfort & Mobility

Given they look similar to rain pants, the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are surprisingly comfortable. Don’t get us wrong, there are other pants we tested that we prefer to wear when we finally arrive at camp. However, the Gamma pants have some qualities that make them easier to move in than expected. The two most prominent comfort features we noticed are the looser fit and the soft fabric lining. We generally do not enjoy the feel of hiking uphill in rain pants because they tend to feel restrictive and stifling. Because the Gamma pants have many qualities similar to a pair of rain pants, and they look like one, we initially assumed they would be frustrating to wear. During our side-by-side and field tests, this proved not to be the case. 

While comparison testing, we lifted each leg while wearing the pants until we could feel some resistance. Then, we measured the distance between the top of the knee and the ground. This was repeated with the other leg, and we took an average. The Gamma pants had an middle-of-the-line performance in this area: it was easier for us to lift our legs in these pants than in tighter-fitting models, but many of the jogger-type pants outperformed this model. While backpacking in the White Mountains of Arizona, we were surprised at how easy it was to move in these pants. We had no trouble hiking uphill, bushwhacking, or climbing over blowdowns.

Durability

By far, the biggest strength of the Gamma pants is their incredible durability. Before testing, we were unsure if these pants would be worth the hefty price tag. After using these pants on an aggressively rugged trail in Arizona, we were converted to big fans. While hiking in the Blue Range Primitive Area, these pants were our go-to choice for an overgrown section of trail that was full of unbelievably pokey plants. The conditions were rugged enough that we felt the need to wear rain jackets due to the plants. That said, after several hours of hiking, there weren’t any visible signs that the Gamma pants had been used—no pulled threads, holes, or tears. To us, this cemented Arc’teryx’s presence on our list of best pants. They are an excellent option for those who prioritize durability.

Breathability

Another area where the Arc’teryx pants surprised us is their breathability. We fully expected them to feel hot and sweaty, similar to how rain pants feel, but that wasn’t our experience. During side-by-side testing, we soaked the bottom of the pants and timed how long it took them to dry. Our results showed that the Gamma pants performed in the top half of our lineup. We suspect their water-resistant properties were advantageous because they did not seem to soak up as much water. In the field, we were pleased to find that these pants did not make us feel sweaty or uncomfortable, even during the heat of the day. We had some concerns about wearing black pants during a hot uphill climb in Arizona – we had no choice due to the trail’s overgrown nature. Fortunately, we never felt hot in these pants thanks to the looser fit and breathable fabric. 

Features

The Gamma pants have one of our favorite waist cinches but are a bit lackluster when it comes to pockets. We tested all pockets on every pair of pants to ensure they are usable. There is nothing more frustrating than a useless pocket. The Arc’teryx pants have three pockets with zippers and each one is large enough to fit a modern smartphone. This is a great start, but there are a few issues that make theme frustrating on the trail. While backpacking in Arizona, we found that the leg pocket moved around a bit when a heavy object, such as a phone, was inside. It seemed to be located so that we constantly whacked the phone with our trekking poles when walking. The hip pockets were okay, but we wish they were broader so that our phone would be parallel to the ground when placed inside. When a phone is perpendicular to the ground in a hip pocket, it often inhibits walking movement. 

Aside from pockets, the Gamma pants have ankle cinches, hip belt loops, and a hip cinch. We love the hip cinch in particular. Compared to the drawstring style found in most other pants, the side cinch was much easier to use, didn’t impact our ability to take the pants on or off, and felt more comfortable around the waist.

Weather Resistance

The main advantage of softshell pants like the Arc’teryx Gamma is their resistance to wind and rain. We sprayed all the pants in our lineup with water from a squirt bottle. We then counted the number of spritzes needed for the pants to wet out. In the case of the Gamma pants, it took approximately 13 squirts, which is the largest number of any pair of pants. Aside from the number of spritzes, we observed that the water beaded up and rolled off the pants until the final spritz.

Should You Buy the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants?

In general, the Arc’teryx Gamma pants will be overkill for the average hiker: they are expensive and don’t offer much benefit for those who frequent well-maintained trails. However, hikers who spend much of their time in bad weather or traveling on really rough trails will find that they may be worth the price tag.

What Other PANTS Should You Consider?

Khul FreeFlex Roll-Up Pant Review: Another favorite of ours for rugged trail conditions, the Khul FreeFlex Pants are a more affordable alternative to the Gamma Pants. We like that these pants have a ton of usable pockets and are as comfortable as the Arc’teryx. The big trade-off here is that the FreeFlex pants are not really water resistant, nor do they dry as fast.

REI Sahara Pants Review: The REI Sahara Pants offer more of the traditional hiking pant look and features that those interested in the Gamma Pants may be interested in. They have various pockets and the ability to be converted into shorts. They have a more affordable price tag than the Gamma Pants and would be great for those willing to sacrifice some durability and weather resistance.

prAna Halle Straight Pant Review: Like the Sahara, FreeFlex, and Gamma Pants, the Halle Pants provide a more traditional look and experience than joggers and leggings. The Halle is a versatile, all-around option with large hip pockets, moderate durability, and breathability.