Which Windproof, Breathable Pants?

samfisher5986 on 31/05/2022 - 15:39
Last edited 31/05/2022 - 15:39

Does anyone have any suggestions for windproof, breathable pants?

Basically I'll be in 2-10C weather and hoping for some everyday pants that can combine with my thermals which can then be used for hiking where I'll want some protection from the cold wind.

Is this practical? I wanted them breathable and not insulated so I can also use them in a regular Australian winter.

Otherwise I was thinking I could just use thermals + regular pants and then use my existing snow pants if the weather is cold enough, which are highly rated for breathability while being insulated.

Fashion & Apparel Pants

Comments

  • EightImmortals on 31/05/2022 - 15:53
    +2

    Windproof?
    Not sure, try a pair on and get someone to pull your finger.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2022 - 15:55

    layering is better than a jack of all pants

    your solution with the snow pants is probably your best (and cheapest) bet.

    • samfisher5986 on 31/05/2022 - 15:57
      +1

      But wouldn't layering various clothing that wind can penetrate not be particularly helpful? Or does the layering create a sort of breathable, windproof situation.

      I've never been in low enough temperatures to know.

      • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2022 - 16:42

        if you've never been in 2 - 10 C weather and are averse to cold like most Australians, better to be safe than sorry. layering thermals and normal pants under a windproof shell will work better than a single pair of wind proof pants.

        you'll want a base layer for moisture wicking, a middle layer for insulation and an outer layer for weather proofing

  • MS Paint on 31/05/2022 - 16:03

    Windproof, Breathable

    Sounds like what I need in underwear, not pants.

  • SF3 on 31/05/2022 - 16:11
    +2

    gore tex pants

    • apsilon on 31/05/2022 - 16:19

      Or eVent if you can find it which is not as common or popular but superior performance IMO.

      Get decent wind proof gloves as well IMO.

    • samfisher5986 on 31/05/2022 - 16:20

      Any particular suggestions? Was hoping for something under $200.

      • Quantumcat on 31/05/2022 - 16:49

        Look at rain pants, then they are just waterproof and you can layer your warmer clothing underneath. Eg https://www.kathmandu.com.au/trailhead-mns-rain-pants-v2-cle…

        If you add some gaiters you can avoid getting cold or wet ankles.

        I don't know if they are windproof, but I wore something like this when going snowshoeing (with thermals and tracksuit pants underneath) and I was very comfy.

        • samfisher5986 on 31/05/2022 - 17:44

          My main concern with rain pants is comfort and that they look a lot like rain pants.

          • Quantumcat on 31/05/2022 - 18:22

            @samfisher5986: Do you need to be fashionable?

            • samfisher5986 on 31/05/2022 - 19:52

              @Quantumcat: Yes, they do :)

              Also comfortable

              • Quantumcat on 31/05/2022 - 20:11

                @samfisher5986: I was pretty comfortable in mine. You just have to make sure they are big enough - try them on in store and make sure you can lift your knees right up, bend over at the waist, and try and do the splits as far as you can. If you can do these things and they don't restrict your movement they will be comfortable. They don't need to be comfortable next to the skin because you'll never be wearing them next to the skin, you'll have tights / thermals at the very least, or plus soft warm trousers.

  • dtc on 31/05/2022 - 17:47
    +2

    I dont think you can get warm but not insulated pants. The insulation is what makes them warm; you cant buy pants that are warm in -10C and also not warm…you can buy insulated pants that are not super warm and are wearable in Australia winters (at least, southern and inland winters) if you dont have thermals underneath. If you get something relatively cheap and its too warm, well thats the cost of your hiking expedition.

    have a look for softshell fleece lined pants. perhaps Camii Mia Men's "Windproof Waterproof Sportswear Outdoor Hiking Fleece Pants" on amazon. About $40 incl postage (but from overseas so allow some time). or the FREE SOLDIER Men's Fleece Lined Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants about $80

    then, as mentioned, buy some rain pants you can put over the top if its raining. Look at golf overpants as well as they are much the same as hiking overpants.

    waterproof boots and good socks.

    snow pants may be feasible depend on what style they are. I wouldnt want to hike in puffy ski pants, the sound of the fabric rubbing together every stop would drive me nuts!

    do the same layering for your torso and head and face (take a balaclava if there is any wind).

    I've been hiking in sub zero a few times, in the US and China (it was closer to -20C there, but at least the hike was only a few hours!). -2C is not to bad for hiking, you warm up ok - its just the stopping parts that are difficult. But below -5C or if its windy or wet, then you need everything you can load onto your body

  • samfisher5986 on 01/06/2022 - 09:12

    So my current thoughts are something like this, especially as I will be able to try it on: https://www.macpac.com.au/macpac-mens-nemesis-softshell-pant…

  • Cheaplikethebird on 01/06/2022 - 11:05
    +1

    I have some North Face Futurelight pants that go alright. Supposed to be more breathable than Gore-Tex. I wear them hiking and around Melbourne in the winter.

    I have previously used a pair of waterproof pants over thermals while hiking in the snow and my crotch was like a native American sweat lodge half hour in.

  • timmypete on 01/06/2022 - 13:23
    +1

    These aren't cheap at all, but the Fjallraven Viddas are waterproof and have ventilation via zips.

    One key thing to remember is the waterproofing is reliant on wax (they come pre-waxed and refreshes are sold separately). It will wash out after a couple of washes, which is actually excellent for summer as it makes them more breathable and cooler. I then apply wax for winter, and back with thermals if I'm going to be sedentary.

    Chris at Tom's Outdoors is really good with the full range, as some of their other options might fit the bill too.

    https://www.tomsoutdoors.com.au/collections/fjallraven-pants…

    • apsilon on 01/06/2022 - 13:57

      It will wash out after a couple of washes

      Same goes for most DWR treatments. They either need to be refreshed with a spray or washed with a special solution to maintain it. Most Gore-Tex and similar fabrics have special laundry requirements as well.

      • timmypete on 01/06/2022 - 17:47

        Agreed, but one thing about waxed canvas over DWR/Goretex/eVent is that the treatment also affects the thermal performance. In this product's case it's actually an excellent feature as a single set of pants can do almost all Aussie weather conditions by selectively omitting the treatments in summer and refreshing in winter (and possibly supplementing with thermals).

        • apsilon on 01/06/2022 - 18:07
          +1

          Interesting point. I've wanted to try a pair for a while but I haven't done a proper walk in years and not sure when I'll next get the chance. If I can get back to it, I'll give them a try.

          • timmypete on 02/06/2022 - 07:39

            @apsilon: I feel you! These were purchased with grand plans as hiking pants, but have done a lot more wfh, and pottering about on weekends 🙄

  • Aussiebro on 02/06/2022 - 03:23

    Maybe take a sus at macpac. I have been liking some of there stuff lately but it cost abit

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