Boy, do I have a pant for you. It聮s the Arc聮teryx Gamma LT pant (arcteryx.com), which uses a stretch-woven fabric from Schoeller to create a lightweight, tough pant that has a remarkably wide comfort range. I聮ve worn it this spring in temps from the mid-30s to low-70s, and it has been warm or cool as conditions dictate. I聮d take it up Mount Rainier with little more than a pair of light wool long underwear to put underneath. The pant has also stood up to glissading, sliding down gravel slopes, banging into rocks, and more. And it looks great: very trim and sleek, with low-profile zippers. Fine for around town.
Arc’teryx Gamma LT pant
Gamma LT pantBut, the bad news is the price: $150. I do think the Gamma LT is worth it because it聮s so versatile and well-made, but I concede that is a chunk o聮 change for a pair of pants.
Arc聮teryx does make another pant called the Agent Comp, which is a tough, soft-shellish sort of pant that goes for $99. Is it as nice and versatile as the Gamma LT? Ummm聟.no. But it聮s a nice pair of pants!
Here聮s a thought: Take a pair of Ex Officio聮s excellent Amphi Pants ($60; exofficio.com). It聮s a light, comfortable nylon pant that聮s great for hiking or around town. Take some Patagonia Capilene One (formerly known as Silkweight) leggings ($36; Patagonia.com) to wear under them and extend the comfort range on cool days.
Convertible pants mark you as a 聯turista” as surely as a baseball cap and white sneakers, but Mountain Hardwear聮s Convertible Pants ($100; mountainhardwear.com) are comfortable, durable, and decent-looking. Again, take the Capilene One stuff for a layer underneath.
Have a great trip!
You聮ve seen our picks for 2007 Gear of the Year, and now the entire
国产吃瓜黑料 Summer Buyer聮s Guide is online. Check out this year聮s more than 400 must-have gear items, including hiking apparel.