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Post by goruckurself on Dec 28, 2015 7:46:03 GMT -8
Hello everyone! Merry Christmas, Happy NY, and all that jazz!
So after years of being out of the military I have decided to get back in to hiking. Hopefully this will be something my wife and I can do together after many failed attempts (road riding, mtn biking, gym workouts, Spartan Runs, running in general...) So while I won't say I'm new to hiking I am somewhat new to some of the gear out there.
While I typically stay fairly warm while out riding/hiking in the winter I am wondering what some of you guys might suggest for winter hiking pants. I'm not going to lie, historically, I have simply warn my old military pants or newer versions of them if you will. Basically tactical type pants as they seem to fit the best (I have a bit of an athletic build with decent size thighs and hips which makes slim fit pants a no go).
After watching various hiking/climbing videos/documentaries taking place up in the mountains with snow everywhere, I just curious what these folks are wearing in the way of pants. I mean I have some snow pants and snowboard pants but all have very large foot openings to cover the larger boots being worn.
Last year I was out in about 20-30 degree temps and did fine with my tactical pants and some ploy base layer pants. However, when the main pants start to get wet from sweat, they tend to stay wet which of course just starts helping the cool down process. They also aren't water repellent at all.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Dec 28, 2015 8:18:51 GMT -8
Welcome to the boards! No real intro?? Ok, how do you feel about broccoli, bacon, single malt scotch, and kilts?
To address your own question, while I no longer hike in the snow or cold, I used to. (I live in Fl now.) I found a good base layer was the most important, and then something to shed the water if it was rainy. If it was dry, and I was just hiking in snow, I used any thin nylon pant over my base layer. It dried quickly, and breathed enough to not wet me out from the inside completely. Sometimes, even my rain pants, which had full zips down both sides, would work.
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Post by goruckurself on Dec 28, 2015 8:53:34 GMT -8
I'm from FL (Orlando) but grew up an Army Brat, served myself and have somehow ended up living in MD now. I lived in CO for about 4 years but never really hiked unless it was to get to some fresh snow off the beaten path to snowboard on at some of the resorts. Don't mind the cold so I'm hoping to get some base miles in over the winter. Thanks for the info Zeke.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 28, 2015 9:11:07 GMT -8
Winter or summer seems to have the same dilemma for me - overheating. In winter, I wear a wicking base layer with Military ECWCS Pants. I've tried rain pants a few times and keep coming back to ECWCS pants. They are Gore-tex lined, have zippers so I can remove my pant shell without removing my boots and velcro tabs at the bottom to help secure against snow/rain. I open the pocket flap on them if I start to get too warm. I always wear gaiters in winter (OR Crocks).
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 28, 2015 9:28:53 GMT -8
Where are you in MD? There are a few of us here.
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Dec 28, 2015 9:49:01 GMT -8
I have a pair of REI Acme pants, which are made of Schoeller Dryskin fabric. Water resistant, breathable, stretchy. Unfortunately they are discontinued, but if you can find another pair with the same material go for it. I wear them with a Smartwool baselayer. You want something breathable or at least that you can vent while moving, and puffy or fleece over pants for camp.
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Post by goruckurself on Dec 28, 2015 9:49:03 GMT -8
Live in Montgomery Village (Gaithersburg)
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Dec 28, 2015 9:58:32 GMT -8
I'm over in AACO, but I think Jim and Tomas are in your area.
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Post by dirthurts on Dec 28, 2015 11:57:08 GMT -8
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Post by llamero on Dec 28, 2015 13:08:58 GMT -8
You might give the products from SportHill a look. They are small and reputable company that uses what they make. Good stuff. www.sporthill.com/mens-pants/ |
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tomas
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Post by tomas on Dec 28, 2015 16:33:17 GMT -8
I have a pair of REI Acme pants, which are made of Schoeller Dryskin fabric Ditto. It's a shame that they got rid of the pants. During the typical MD outing I'll wear my hunting rain pants which are goretex and do a good job at shedding rain and wind. For the colder stuff I'll wear the Acme pants. So far I have gotten away with them in cold temps when I wear the heavy base layer on my legs. |
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amaruq
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Post by amaruq on Jan 4, 2016 13:09:59 GMT -8
Depends what I'm doing, moreso in the winter than any other season.
High exertion such as cruising along a trail or climbing ice will have me in no more than a light wicking base layer and my snow pants -- admittedly snowboard pants, but nicer ones -- with gaiters to hold in those bucket-sized boot openings.
Sitting around camp has me changing into a heavier warmth-retaining base layer, optional poly mid layer (or two depending on how many factors of ten below zero it is), and the same snow pants. At bedtime, I simply shuck off the snow pants and jacket as I crawl into the sack.
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Jan 4, 2016 13:30:14 GMT -8
I can highly recommend the Prana Halle fleece lined pants for women! They also have a men's version, called the Bronson, but I can't speak to those, as I am a chick.  My boyfriend just did a review of his favorites, however, they aren't necessarily winter pants, but if you think you might be warm enough in a regular trail pant, any of the three might work for you. |
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Post by Coolkat on Jan 4, 2016 13:37:06 GMT -8
In winter, I wear a wicking base layer with Military ECWCS Pants. I've tried rain pants a few times and keep coming back to ECWCS pants. I'll have to give these a look then. I have the under layers for the ECWCS system but I didn't purchase the pants themselves. |
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Jan 4, 2016 20:21:57 GMT -8
I have the REI Acme pants but would use a layering system, shell, fleece, base layer, on extended trips with temps 0 or lower. The REIs are what I use for day hikes 30s, 20s, and teens.
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