How to Choose Hiking Pants

Engineered for mountain missions, the feature-rich Black Diamond Swift Stretch men's pants have 4-way stretch to give you the freedom of movement you need for summit pushes or fastpacking treks.
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Imported.
View all Black Diamond Men's Hiking PantsBest Use | Climbing |
---|---|
Fabric | 87% nylon/13% elastane |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Inseam (in.) | 32 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 14.25 ounces |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 34 - 35.5 | 36 - 38 | 38.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 45 - 48.5 | 49 - 52 | 52 -55 | ||||||
Sleeve Length | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | ||||||||
Waist | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 31 | 31.5 - 34 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 42 | 42.5 - 46 | 46 - 49 | 27 - 28.5 | 29 - 30.5 | 31 - 32.5 | 33 - 34.5 | 35 - 36.5 | 37 - 38.5 |
Hip | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 40.5 | 41 - 44 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 51 | 51 - 54 | 33.5 - 35 | 35.5 - 37 | 37.5 - 39 | 39.5 - 41 | 41.5 - 43 | 43.5 - 45 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 |
HOW TO MEASURE:
Neck: Around the fullest part of the neck, at the base.
Chest: Around the chest, just under the arms and across the shoulder blades.
Sleeve: From the center back of the neck, across the shoulder, and down the arm to the wrist.
Waist: Around the narrowest part of the waist.
Hip: Around the widest point of the hips.
Inseam: From the crotch to the anklebone on the inside of the leg.
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I bought these thinking I might venture out in some wet weather this spring. I hadn't thought at all about how useful they could be in snow. Even wearing waterproof boots and gaiters I am accustomed to wet feet after several miles of snow and always bring a spare pair of socks for the downclimb. Not with these. I can go ten miles, much of it post holing over the top of my gaiters, and still arrive back at the car in good comfort. And the worst part, at the top in deep powder, completely dry, which is an amazing feeling. The sizing took some adjusting to; stepping up from medium to large did the trick.
These pants are tough as hell. Whether you’re biking, hiking, caving, or climbing the ergonomics are excellent. A little large in the waist? No problem, built in bet to cinch it up. Scrambling over rocks in the heat of the Grand Canyon or Sedona? They breathe. Backpacking in below freezing temps? No problem, they breathe and have lace clips to keep out the snow— and they’re essentially waterproof too. Caving and crawling around on rocks? No problem. Excellent mobility and durability. The zippers are well-placed, too. I just ordered a second pair, I love these things.
Couldn't ask for more. Waterproof yet breathable. Tough yet stretchy. No swishy noises. Great pockets. Athletic cut. I use them for everything -- summer ski mountaineering, winter touring, ice climbing, winter running. They're 1/2 the weight of my old touring pants. I don't even take them off when I get home. I used to find Black Diamond stuff kind of "budgety" like Outdoor Research or REI brand, like it could be a LITTLE better... but not anymore. Their new stuff competes with any high end European brand that costs 3x as much.
I'm 6'3" with a 34" waist and 34" inseam, and the large fits perfectly. The construction is solid, I expect them to last a while. These pants are comfortable and not too loose, but I wouldn't call it a slim fit. I love the integrated belt, snap cuff and lace hook. My only gripe, albeit minor, is the depth of the pockets seems a bit shallow. My Iphone sticks out of the back pocket. Overall, I recommend these pants and will be ordering another pair.
First off - this is a great looking pant that does a good job at repelling water. I've used it once during a mountaineering introductory course. It's water repellency is excellent, however, after only about 10 mins of self arrest practice, the knees and seat area fabric and already started to pile. Other than that, they are great pants.
These pants are great for frequent use hiking or nordic skiing. The size medium actually fit pretty well (I'm 5'7", 160 lbs), considering a lot of outdoor gear companies' size M's are kind of big on me. Not sure how well these pants are in the rain, as I've only been out in the sun so far.
I am 6.2” and slim so the medium fits perfect. The hook on the bottoms of each leg that attaches to your shoe laces are a great feature. Lightweight, breathable and highly water resistant, works great with wool Base layer for temps below freezing.
The fit and function of the swifts is great. Well designed & made. material and fabric are quality, but the the new DWR BD were boasting about is not as good as contemporary, conventional DWR.
Pants run small. I am a 33x32 and need a L Unfortunately with EV im stuck with them.