5 Great Pants For Your Backpack Hunt
Pants on a backpack hunt are important for a lot of reasons. They’re often the first line of defense against the underbrush and weather. Depending on where you’re hunting, what season you’re in, and how your body performs, having the right pants on a backpack hunt could actually impact your overall comfort in the backcountry. In this article, we’ll line out what to look for in a pant and offer up a few suggestions on which to consider based on proven field use.
What To Look For In A Backpacking Pant
Before we dive into specific pants, let’s first talk about what to look for in a pant.
Mobility
Mobility in the backcountry is a big deal. If all you’ve hunted in is jeans or cotton pants, you’re going to find out real quick how amazing modern synthetic fabrics are that have either 2-way or 4-way stretch to them. Crawling over logs and rocks or going up steep terrain will be far more enjoyable to do if your legs aren’t restricted by fabrics that don’t move with your body. It really is the small things that make a big difference in the field and finding a pant that offers just that is a game-changer.
Breathability
Backpack hunting is hard work. There will be times when you’re on the move from one basin to another with camp on your back so you’re going to want to have a pant that won’t suffocate your body. Overheating when you’re on the move is not only uncomfortable, but it’s hard on the body. You need to have a layering system that allows your body to regulate itself so you don’t find yourself sweating so badly that you’re at risk of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
Some backpacking or hunting-specific pants offer ventilation in certain areas where heat can build up while others are made in a fabric that has the ability to circulate air better. It’s important to consider the season you’re hunting in and try to find pants that are appropriate for that season. You don’t want to be wearing fleece-backed pants during an elk hunt in September and you don’t want to be wearing lightweight pants made for the desert heat while making your way through snowdrifts. The goal here is to pair how your body operates when it comes to running hot or cold with a pant that meets the needs of the season you’re hunting in.
Low Profile Waistband
If there was ever a single feature in a pant you should consider over all others, it’s finding one that has a low-profile waistband. It may not sound like a big deal to you now, but once you toss that pack on and start heading down the trail, you’re going to find out real fast where all the seams are located on that waistband because if they’re too thick, they’ll be pinching and poking you your entire trip due to the pressure of your packs waist belt. The more weight you put in your pack, the more you’ll tighten down that belt and the more you’ll find those seams.
5 Great Pants for Backpack Hunting
To help get you started on your search, here’s a list of 5 pants that always recieve great reviews and feedback from backpack hunters. They span the spectrum of cheap to expensive, offer high mobility stretch fabric and an array of features. There are many more pants on the market that can do the job, but this article would be a mile long if we tried to list them all out so here are a few to get you going in the right direction.
Kuiu Attack Pants
The Kuiu Attack Pant is a staple item for Kuiu. It’s one of their most popular pants and for good reason. It’s a mid-weight pant, with side zips for dumping heat, hand pockets, a low profile waistband, and stretch fabric.
Prana Stretch Zion
They’re cheap, stretchy, and get the job done. There aren’t any fancy side zips, but the Prana Stretch Zion is no doubt a favorite among backpack hunters because of how versatile they are. They’re mid-weight pant, built to last, and come in a handful of great earth tone colors.
First Lite Guide Lite
Built for early season hunts, these pants are highly mobile, quick to dry, and won’t weigh you down with added bulk.
Stone Glacier De Havilland
The De Havilland pant from Stone Glacier is quickly becoming a favorite of backpack hunters. They feature a low profile waistband, stretch material, side zips for dumping heat, and are knee pad compatible.
Wrangler ATG Synthetic Pant
If you want a pile of hunting pants for cheap that will get the job down, these are them. Wrangler has found a way to make solid pants for hunting that won’t break the bank. They’re super stretchy, streamlined, and come in a variety of earth tones. If you buy one, you may as well buy another at these prices!
Final Thoughts and Advice
It’s not exactly rocket science, but deciding what pants to bring on your backpack hunt is important. Take the time to research the pros and cons of pants before making the decision to haul them into the backcountry for a hunt. Check out owner reviews to find out what works and what doesn’t work about them, but try not to get too hung up on it. Remember the three ingredients of great pants; mobility, breathability, and a low-profile waistband.
Emory, By Land
Thanks for stopping by the website and checking out this article! If you have any questions for me, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.
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Kevin Fedarko’s trek through the Grand Canyon is a story of resilience, community, and the life-changing power of wilderness. Discover the lessons behind his journey in A Walk in the Park and be inspired to see the wilderness in a whole new light.