Spring Hiking Pants

[Kyle P]

Hey Guys,

I currently have a couple of pairs of Columbia's PFG pants that are meant for staying cool in warm weather, but what do you guys wear for the spring/fall hikes when things can be colder?

The reason I ask is... I am heading to the Boundary Waters (Minnesota/Canada) in early May and want to get a new pair of pants that will be a little warmer. However, I was thinking jeans wouldn't be ideal since I will be sitting in a canoe 90% of the time and jeans also don't perform well when wet.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Kyle P

 

[Jackson]

I pretty much wear the same pants year round. Either some fitted athletic warm-up type ones, or a pair of lightweight Columbias, so my personal choices aren't much help.

However, my friend has an awesome pair of Mountain Hardwear DWR-treated pants, and they seem to breathe well and keep the water out well too. They're not heavy at all, but he wore them snowshoeing with me recently and they weren't too cold. I'd imagine they'd be a good pair of pants for your trip.

 

[regehr]

Soft shell pants! I have an old pair of Mammut Champ pants that are completely wonderful for coolish (though not rainy) conditions but they are about worn out. I got a pair of these for Christmas:
http://www.stio.com/mens-pinedale-pant
These work for snowshoeing, trail running, hiking, everything. Totally great. I've even worn them to teach before heading out for some cross-country skiing.