Best NON-cotton "adventure" pants that won't break the bank???

[Andy G]

Here in the North-land, the motto is "cotton kills". That applies especially in the wintertime, but is pretty relevant year-round.

I've engaged in a search to find the best "adventure style" pants that don't cost a bajillion dollars to buy, aren't cotton, and are long lasting.

With that said, I'm not having any luck here on Kodiak locally, so I've gotta go mail-order (like most stuff we get up here...).

So...I'd like to hear any suggestions you all have on what your favorite brand is? Where'd ya get 'em from, and how much did they cost?

To clarify, I'm not looking for insulated or lined pants. Pants to use while hiking, on expedition, shooting, camping, etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RangeBrover]

I know it's cotton but I love the 5.11 flannel lined pants for the winter. I've worn them in -5 F and been comfortable. A more expensive pant that works well is the Filson tin cloth line or mountain khaki. They cost a little more but I have pairs that are 6-7 years old that still look like new.

 

[cnynrat]

I have a few pairs of LL Bean's Timberledge pants. They are made of a nylon type material that wicks moisture and drys quickly. I've used them in some of my canyoneering adventures and they seem to hold up relatively well to abrasion. They are available both as regular pants and zip offs. $50.

 

[Corey]

Search for my RailRiders thread in this section.
I wear the Extreme Adventure pants both at home during the winter, and at work.
I operate heavy equipment and scrape up against stuff with the pants, and they refuse to soil or look used.
Best tough pant I have found so far.
http://railriders.com/

 

[AFSOC]

I'm with Corey on Railriders. I had a pair of Weatherpants for 5 or 6 years and they were outstanding. I initally bought them for a Morrocco trip. Tough as a pine knot and easy to take care of in a hotel sink (washing machine) and balcony (drier). Verrry comfortable and very durable.

 

[AmericaOverland]

Here's my problem; why are nylon/synthetic quick-dry clothing so hot to wear in hot weather? I find myself preferring the all-cotton clothing. Is is the extremely tight weave that prevents them from breathing well?

 

[shogun]

I'll vote for railriders extreme adventure. Very tough, good function, and surprisingly not overly hot in summer (AZ summer).

Downsides; non-functional belt loops, deep pockets make retrieving stuff from bottom difficult, poor sizing (legs too long).

Upsides; double seat/knees/ankles, adjustable cuffs, good thigh pockets (discrete).

 

[xpdishn]

Look through this site: http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/...|11167493401&gclid=COrri-3xwKwCFQZThwod9mf9qw

They have a wide variety of stuff and it's all really well built.

 

[Quill]

I prefer wool. There are good ones from Filson and Codet. If a spark lands on them they won't be ruined.

 

[Andy G]

Search for my RailRiders thread in this section.
I wear the Extreme Adventure pants both at home during the winter, and at work.
I operate heavy equipment and scrape up against stuff with the pants, and they refuse to soil or look used.
Best tough pant I have found so far.
http://railriders.com/

Pretty darn close to exactly what I'm looking for...although the fairly non-functional belt loops are a bit disappointing...gonna try a pair though and check 'em out. Thanks!

 

[Corey]

Pretty darn close to exactly what I'm looking for...although the fairly non-functional belt loops are a bit disappointing...gonna try a pair though and check 'em out. Thanks!

You are welcome.

I will have to echo what Shogun said about the deep pockets.
I carry my work cell in the left zipped side pocket, and when it rings I have to cram my hand way down my leg to retrieve the phone.

They do have shorter inseams now, I order the 30" ones.

The belt loops I use the stock belt most of the time when wearing these around home and out on weekends, but at work I use a Cabelas belt that stays tighter and is beefier, as I wear a Bear Gryll's knife/sheath on my right side.
The stock belt is not beefy enough to "hang" stuff off of.

Those are my only two complaints though.
The pants are tough, the double material in some areas, and quick drying.
I wear these in pouring down rain too here in the PNW, and they shed water very well and do not soak up the rain like cotton pants would.

I also wear the Duluth Trading Firehose work pants (all cotton) at work, but I prefer the lighter weight of the Extreme Adventure pants.

I never pay full price either for any of Railriders stuff, they always have sales going on.
And with the blackest of all Fridays fast approaching, most of their clothing is on sale right now.
The Extremes are 15% off right now through the 28th.
http://www.railriders.com/men-treme-adventure-pant-p-951.html?cPath=104_110

So far I have three pairs, I am going to order another pair this weekend.
I also have many of their shirts.
I have been buying the long sleeve ones that have the bug protection built in.
I hate applying DEET or any other bug spray, and these shirts really do work.

 

[Andy G]

Being 6'4" tall, I'm happy to find a pair of pants that actually fit LONGER instead of shorter!

 

[Cards81fan]

North Face is not what it used to be, I think we can all agree. But some of their original designs still prove practical and of fine quality.

Their Paramount Peak convertible pants are my outdoor pant of choice. They are more a warm weather pant though; good base layers will be needed in cooler to cold weather.

 

[MarcFJ60]

Here's my problem; why are nylon/synthetic quick-dry clothing so hot to wear in hot weather? I find myself preferring the all-cotton clothing. Is is the extremely tight weave that prevents them from breathing well?

This.

The only time I wear my nylon convertible pants (Columbia, Quest) is when it is cool or wet. I'm not a huge fan of cotton clothing for anything active, but pants are the exception. I would love to find a pair of non-cotton pants that could be comfortably worn above 80 degrees.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I'm a big fan of these http://www.columbia.com/Men’s-Utilizer™-Pant/AM8318,default,pd.html

breathe really well, light weight, decent price, semi water repellant, comfortable, pretty durable, stylish enough for around town or on the trail.