Arc'teryx Gamma Pant review: high performance, low weight comfort

Arc'teryx Gamma Pant: first impressions

Arc’teryx has set the bar pretty high when it comes to outerwear performance so when a new item comes along we expect it to be a cut above the rest and once again, we weren’t disappointed with these hiking pants. As softshell trousers, the Gamma pants are light, stretchy and breathable enough to sweat away in on a hot summer’s hike, and tough enough to stand up against any scrambling routes. With water and wind resistance, they have enough weather protection for shoulder season hikes and with enough room to haul them on over thermal underwear, you can pair them with rain pants and wear them in winter too.

A comfortable, adjustable waistband is designed to ride under your harness without chafing if you wear these mountaineering or climbing, and though the new model doesn’t have adjustable cuffs, they’re tapered to avoid catching on your boots as you walk. For stashing your phone and gloves, you’ve got two zipped hip pockets plus a thigh pocket, though for those who like to carry a map or giant phone, the thigh pocket may be too small. For breathable, quick drying comfort with tons of stretch, it's hard to beat these pants, and though they’re more costly than some, we think they’re well-priced compared to similar pants.

Arc'teryx Gamma Pant: in the field 

I first wore these pants during the Arc’teryx Alpine Academy in Chamonix, where the weather was surprisingly tropical. Since returning to Scotland, I’ve put them through their paces against cooler temperatures, wind and rain. In a lot of ways, they remind me of my Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants, but for one difference: they’re better.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I always wear a US 4 and that’s what I tested and I’d say these were a good fit. They’re designed to be fitted, and mine definitely have a little more room than some other people who were also testing them out at the Alpine Academy. I would say that those people who wore them with a snugger fit definitely looked nicer than I do in mine, but I like the little bit of extra room. It’s more comfortable to sit down in, and it means I can pull these on over thermal leggings in colder weather.

Comfort and flex

The best way I can describe the comfort of these pants is that they have a ‘barely there’ feel. The fabric is quite soft, they’re light and don’t cut in anywhere, so I can wear them all day long without thinking about them. Ideal, really. The waistband is designed to work well with a harness, which is ideal for mountaineering and climbing.

They’re also super stretchy, and I’ve been wearing them for bouldering lately and having no problems whatsoever moving in them.

Breathability and weather protection

These pants don’t have any thigh vents, but even in nearly tropical conditions I haven’t needed them because the fabric is so breathable. They’re great for warmer weather where you want a little leg protection. 

They are water resistant, which proved absolutely no match for a rainy Scottish hike recently where I wore them with rain pants on top, but for a light rain they hold out and dry quickly.

Features and durability 

I like how easy the waistband is to adjust – just pull a tab to tighten. The pockets are great, including two zipped hip pockets and a thigh pocket that’s big enough for my phone, though not quite big enough for a map. The ankle cuffs aren’t adjustable, though they have two small holes and I’ve absolutely no idea what they are for.

So far, I’ve worn them for scrambling and bouldering and they look as good as new. Given Arc’teryx’s commitment to quality, I expect these to last for a lot of adventures to come.

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