TYPES OF MOUNTAIN PANTS
Types of Mountain Pants | Overpants or Shell Pants
Breathability and lightness are essential characteristics for trekking pants, especially on hot and sunny summer days. Since a thunderstorm is always lurking in the mountains, it would also be advisable for the garment to be waterproof.
However, waterproofness and breathability are characteristics that run on divergent paths. Carrying two pairs of pants not only poses a problem of weight and bulk but also implies having to undress to change pants, which, as one can easily imagine, may not be pleasant if you have to do it outdoors with impending rain or wind.
Once again, the solution lies in modular clothing, using lightweight pants paired with waterproof and windproof overpants or shell pants.
These are made of water-repellent fabric (e.g., GORE-TEX®, polyester, nylon, etc.). While it’s true that the famous GORE-TEX®, patented in 1956, guarantees excellent breathability, it is also quite stiff and noisy, drawbacks that are mitigated by other more modern membranes.
The leg zipper is crucial: it allows you to put them on without removing your shoes; in some garments, the zipper extends along the entire side, so you can put them on even with boots on.
Some models have a double zipper system that allows ventilation of the legs.
The reinforced leg hem prevents wear since these pants need to fit loosely to easily go over the pants underneath.
The waistband may be elastic, but a button, zipper, and fly are more comfortable.
Pockets that allow access to the corresponding pockets of the pants underneath are always very useful.
The pre-shaped knee makes the shell pants more comfortable.
All zippers must be waterproof; otherwise, the garment will only be effective against wind, not rain.
Alpine shell pants, compared to trekking shell pants, need to be warmer (as they are used in high mountains) and more durable. In this case, reinforcement on the lower leg is essential to prevent them from being accidentally torn by crampons.
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Types of Mountain Pants | Long Mountain Pants
Summer mountain pants must be lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, all properties tied to the quality of the fabric, which generally has a weight of less than 250g/m². It should be noted that when considering fabric weight, altitude and the difficulty of the activity, such as crossing glaciers, must be taken into account.
In the field of mountain pants, synthetic fabric outperforms cotton. Indeed, waterproofness and windproofness become essential if you do not plan to have shell pants at hand. We can consider that pants for altitudes from 0 to 2,500 meters could use fabric with a weight of up to 150g/m², while for higher altitudes, a weight between 150/250g/m² should definitely be considered.
Zippers and buttons, which increase the functionality of the garment, must be positioned so as not to hinder movement.
Pants should not fit too loosely to avoid getting caught on rocks and branches. A certain degree of fabric elasticity makes them more comfortable.
A foot zipper that reveals a gusset allows the pants to remain over the boot, preventing snow or pebbles from entering.
Don’t underestimate the usefulness of pockets and ensure that the waistband closure system doesn’t become uncomfortable when wearing a backpack.
Long pants also serve to protect against solar radiation. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the parameter that indicates the portion of UVA and UVB rays blocked by the fabric. For example, a fabric with UPF 50 allows only 1/50th of solar radiation to pass through. A UPF below 15 indicates low protective effectiveness of the fabric, making it advisable to apply sunscreen on your legs.
Avoid dark colors if you don’t want to overheat, and if you want to protect yourself from ticks, which are easily spotted and removed on light or colored pants before they bite.
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Types of Mountain Pants | Convertible Long Pants into Shorts
Some long trekking pants are convertible, meaning they can become shorts by detaching a part, usually secured with a zipper.
They are intended for days with great temperature variability.
On one hand, convertible pants allow for faster setup changes and save weight and bulk in the backpack; on the other hand, the zipper rubbing against the leg (usually on the thigh) makes them less comfortable than the combination of long pants and shorts.
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Types of Mountain Pants | Bermuda Shorts
Reserved for the hottest days, shorts offer unparalleled lightness and freedom of movement. However, they expose you to the risk of abrasions, sunburn, and insect bites, nettles, and ticks.
Breathability and quick-drying are essential, as they are assumed to be used on hot days when you sweat a lot.
Synthetic fabrics dominate.
Shorts can be almost inguinal, like those used by runners, reach down to the knee, or even below, in which case they are called “capris.” Running shorts offer maximum freedom of movement and breathability, while the others provide more protection, both against abrasions and sunburn, limiting the leg area exposed to external elements.
Pockets are very useful (running models even have a zippered one, either inside or on the back, for storing keys). Many running shorts also feature an internal brief.
Shorts can be tight-fitting or loose. There are no particular pros or cons to either model: the choice is based on how they feel when worn.
Except for the shortest hikes, it is always better to pair them with long pants or shell pants.
They should never be worn when crossing glaciers or snowfields.
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