How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Lightly insulated for when the mercury dips, the men's REI Co-op Flash Insulated Hybrid pants provide a skosh of extra warmth on frosty endeavors like snowshoeing or cold-weather hiking.
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View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Hiking PantsBest Use | Hiking Snowsports |
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Fabric | Shell: Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign®-approved); stretch panels: 85% nylon/15% LYCRA spandex |
Windproof | Yes |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Insulation | 40 g PrimaLoft Silver recycled polyester |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Gender | Men's |
Lining Fabric | Nylon (bluesign®-approved) |
Weight | 12.7 ounces |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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These pants really fill the gap between summer weight and full on winter gear. I tested them in 53Âş with high wind and they blocked the wind but weren't overheating. Then at 32Âş with a stiff breeze they performed very well. Climbing to over 12000ft had me exerting effort and the pants dumped the heat effectively. I then tested at 43Âş with almost no wind and they were light enough to not be too warm. I like the cuff cinches to block wind and snow. It is lightweight and can pack down pretty small to pack for cold evenings in camp.The pockets are roomy and my phone fit well in the thigh pocket. However, the zipper pulls on the hand pockets ride directly on my hipbones under my pack's hip belt. If I had a weighty pack I think that might be an irritation spot. That minor issue, however, won't keep me from loving these pants for the shoulder seasons.
I like these pants! They are very comfortable and fit great. I am 5' 11" 172lbs 33" waist and the size Medium fit perfectly. The waist is high enough to make me feel comfortable bending over. The three inch stretch fleece panel that runs the length of the inner legs allow the legs to flex and not bind while sitting. I didn't need to use the drawstring in the waist but appreciated that it was there if needed. The wide elastic band that runs the entire back half to the pants was enough to keep the pants snug. The cuffs are shock-corded on each leg in case you need to tighten up for snow sports. I almost didn't notice the thigh phone pocket on the right leg as the zipper blends in very well adding to the smart look of these pants. So why only 4 stars? There are several things that could have been better. First of all I would have liked a longer main zipper. It is only 4 1/2 inches long. This is just too small. A longer zipper would certainly make it easier to answer natures call and even putting the pants on. Another Primalof pants that I have uses a six inch main zipper. While I like the two front zippered pockets to go along with the zippered thigh phone pocket, I would have appreciated at least one rear pocket for my wallet. While not absolutely necessary, extra heavy nylon on the knees and seat areas would be nice for winter sports and camping. These pants are lighter weight and trim fitting to give you that extra warmth when sitting idle in cooler weather. Even though I live in Minnesota, I am writing this in September and it has been too warm to judge these pants for any activity other than sitting out on the deck in the evening. Based on other insulated pants that I have, I believe the weight of these would make them a good choice for x-country skiing on a really cold day or for more moderate activity on a warmer winter day.
Love these hybrid pants. They are perfect for the temperature swings typical in Colorado late in the day, especially late fall and early winter. They are light enough to carry backpacking for the cold nights above 10,000 feet. (I definitely would have brought them on my late August five day backpack trip in the Mt Zirkel wilderness along the Continental divide trail, but they showed up 2 weeks later). The size runs true. However, I tend to buy one size up to leave room for an additional thermal layer in colder weather. The ability to layer adds the flexibility to use these in any season wherever temperatures dropping below 60F are anticipated. These hybrid pants are very breathable and comfortable while adding a good amount of warmth without being too hot while playing outdoors. The fabric panel on the inner portion of the pant legs and around the waist provide additional stretch and breathability. While the outer shell is very effective at blocking the wind. The inner liner adds breathable warmth and comfort directly against skin or over a thermal base layer. . Three zip pockets provide secure storage for keys and phone, so I did not worry about losing items while riding reclined. The legs have an elastic draw cinch which is great keeping the cold wind out when riding reclined. The waist has a shoelace style tie to snug the rather loose elastic waistband (recall I intentionally got one size up). I added a cinch to the waist drawstrings rather than rely on tying them and found this minor modification works well for me. I would definitely recommend this product!
I received these pants from REI just in time for a backcountry camping trip. Knowing my trip would be at 10k feet elevation in the Rocky Mountains, I was excited to have these pants to take along. Long story short, I was definitely not disappointed. These pants were a perfect backcountry camping pant for wearing around camp. They are light enough (and roll up nice and tight) to take along as an extra layer without adding to much to the pack. The pants are comfy and warm and are likely to find a permanent spot in my camping pack. They are not water proof, but definitely capable of repelling a splash here and there. I would not classify these as active wear and would not recommend purchasing them for any serious outdoor activity. The one knock on these, they are kinda ugly. Not an issue for me, but it's notable if that is important to you.
I’d like to say these pants saved me from freezing to death on a 30 below zero night lost in the woods, but the truth is they arrived in early September in the midst of a heat wave here in New England. Hmmm, fortunately, I had a camping trip up in northern Maine scheduled and would be able to run them through their paces. First impression on receipt was they’re fairly thin and light; I like that. They’re made from a light nylon material, 3 pockets- all in front (2 hip and 1 thigh), zipper and a waist and ankle drawstrings to finalize fit. Immediately noticeable are the breathable bands of material sewn into the legs, hips and waist: this would turn out to greatly improve breathability during aerobic activities, I wore the pants the first evening it went into the 50’s and found them comfortable. I definitely run cold and I was comfortable; neither too hot or cold. I also (purposely for testing purposes- given the warmer than seasonal temps even in far northern Maine) used them in conjunction with a 50 degree quilt bag and was comfortable all night. 2 days later, I wore them beneath fishing waders and did a 4 mile hike during the day at temps around 60 degrees. I was hot but not overly so. I’m certain the breathability was key to not being too swampy! I wish I’d had the opportunity to wear them in colder temps (that’s coming). I’d guess they’ll be great under aerobic conditions into the 30’s and non-aerobic to mid-forties. Primaloft is a great insulated and is light, as well as maintaining warmth when wet (and dry quickly). Looking forward to wearing these throughout the fall and winter.
Pants look good notwithstanding the fact, as other have written, that the stretch fabric across the back is not a good contrasting color and just generally doesn’t look good. Fit and feel are very good and I really wanted to keep but the length was just wrong. My size large, which is supposed to have a 32” inseam, couldn’t have been more than ~29” long. What a shame unless of course this length is good for your inseam or you like high waters look.
Disclaimer: These REI Trailblazer pants came my way in the middle of a summer heat wave in WA. So I was not able to test them in cold weather, which is where I assume they would shine! At first touch, they are at the same time both lightweight and substantial. Thin and water repellant outer with a soft and warm liner. Very cozy. Fit is great. Comfort level is high. With room to move and an ease of motion, these Flash Insulated Hybrid Pants can definitely keep up. Think of then more as snow pants than a lightweight, water repellant outer layer because they do get warm. Not appropriate for hot or humid wet weather.
When I received these pants, I thought they were interesting. I wasn’t sure the exact intent of them. They are not sweat pants. They are not snow pants. They are essentially lightweight puffer pants. They are very comfortable. I wore them over a long weekend camping excursion. Temps dipped into the 40s during the night and I was comfortable sleeping in them. Probably not their intended use but I run cold and these gave me extra confidence at night. They keep you warm while also allowing your legs to breathe through the stretch panel on each leg. The stretch panel also allowed for ease of bending over the fire to cook and hike around. I wore them on a bike ride during the day as temps were climbing a bit and again, because of the panels, the pants remained comfortable. These seem very good for the shoulder seasons, will have to see in the winter. The only concern I had was that the material while very light, I was concerned that it might tear easily if hiking among or through brush.
Would love to see these stripped down to weigh less than 8 ounces for backpacking. Maybe eliminate the thigh pocket, ankle cinch, and zippers on hand warmer pockets. Also, lose the stretch fabric on the legs, it absorbs water. All of these features are probably OK/desirable for lounge wear, walking the dog, or front country camping but that’s not my intended use case. Also, at $150 retail these are incredibly overpriced.
These pants are the heat! They keep your legs warm by themselves in temps above 40F. Add long underwear underneath these slick leg warmers and you are good to go down to below 20F or more. They have proven to be water repellent during snow blower operations in my driveway. The slight dampness dried up in less than an hour after coming in the house for coffee and a rest. The fit is loose enough for movement without being baggy. My only complaints are that the drawstring cord is too short and should be 6 inches longer to ease tying a knot, and if it was tied on the outside of the pants like the women's model, it would not press into your skin. But for the almost 30% off sale price, they are a keeper. I just bought a few more pairs of these pants for my daughters to wear when snowshoeing or shoveling snow around their cars.