Waterproof Jackets

Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants | Review

Durable, stretchy and adjustable - Patagonia have created some solid walking trousers here

Why We Chose The Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants: Good mobility, nice pocket options, simple design

It might seem silly, or simply an oversight, but sometimes wearing a pair of uncomfortable walking trousers can really ruin a good hike. We’re talking chafing, overheating, and maybe even ripping an unfortunately-placed hole at the back seam as you’re half way up Crib Goch.

And though the prices are sometimes scary; in the long-run, the investment definitely pays off. Take the Patagonia Point Peak trail pants for example. With a nylon-elastane build, and extra reinforcement panels throughout, they’re made specifically with rugged, multi-day adventures in mind.

Who Are The Point Peak Trail Pants For?

We can see these working well from spring through to autumn here in the UK, though you’ll probably want something a bit tougher for the winter months. With trails like Hadrian’s Wall or the South West Coast Path though, these should more than do the job.

Materials

The Point Peak pants are made from 90% recycled nylon, 10% double-weaved elastane, and a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. In fact, Patagonia are working on converting 90% of their waterproof products with a DWR finish to a PFC-free finish by autumn of this year. Pretty impressive stuff.

“There’s a very handy gaiter-esque feature that can help stop light rain running down the trouser leg and into your shoes.”

The recycled nylon, on the other hand, reduces the waste of virgin fabrics by using post-industrial waste fibres instead, including discards from weaving mills and post-consumer fishing nets.

The fabrics are also bluesign approved and Fair Trade Certified sewn, which in theory means the people who made it earned a good wage for their labour, whilst the wider company worked to reduce the harmful environmental impacts from the textile supply chain.

Features

Built with a slim fit, the Point Peak pants have abrasion-resistant panelling on the rear and from the front mid-thighs to the cuffs. There’s also adjustable hook-and-loop tabs on the waist and cuffs, mitered on-seam front pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, two zippered back pockets, and a gusseted crotch for extra mobility when scrambling (for example).

The men’s inseam is 31” so should suit someone of roughly 5”8” and above, though there’s a 29” inseam available too. If you’re worried about the legs riding up, however, there’s a centre-front boot hook on each cuff to keep you well and truly in your trousers. (Joking aside, this seems like a very handy gaiter-esque feature that can help stop light rain running down the trouser leg and into your shoes.)

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

I’ve worn these over hundreds of miles over the last two years and I rate them highly. They’re comfortable, light and breathable and the water resistance is good. A lot of softshell trousers can lose their shape and get saggy when they get wet but these don’t. I also like the fact that they have Velcro tabs that let you take in or loosen the waist quickly and easily. On a long-distance hike, my waistline grows and shrinks by quite a lot through the course of the day so that ease of adjustment is really handy.

I mainly see these as a pair for mild weather but they’ve served quite well on winter days when worn over a pair of baselayer leggings.