REI Alpine Pants Review

A couple of weeks ago I desperately needed new rain pants before a trip that was going to be in either snow or rain for 2 days straight. I hadn't had a decent pair of rain pants in a couple years, and I really didn't want to hike in my back up rain pants - a pair of Frog Toggs that belong to my husband....who is a foot taller than me! (Which work but are really, really ugly and sound like a trash bag is walking with you)

I needed a pair of pants that would take abuse, breath well, be waterproof, reasonably wind proof and most of all bend with me...and maybe, just maybe not rustle for 30 miles as I walked. They would be my only pants on the trip so they needed to work well.

I set out at REI looking at soft shell pants but couldn't find anything that would work. The soft shells were not waterproof. On the opposite side was the hard shell pants, traditional style, meant to be worn over a base layer or hiking pants. Crinkly, loud, binding and they never breathe well.

I saw the REI Alpine pants hiding in a corner and decided to try them on. They were soft to touch, had some stretch and fit really well.

They claimed to be waterproof and windproof to 60 mph. Made of two-layer REI Elements®/nylon laminate with sealed seams for waterproofness. They have  full length side zippers, articulated knees, two zippered front pockets and one zippered back pocket. They have an elastic waist with drawcord. The sport nylon mesh lining to the knee and nylon taffeta lining below the knee.

So how did they work?

Really well.

I wore them for 2 days straight in howling wind, driving rain, snow storms and sun. I did not wear a base layer as I tend to overheat in any pant if I do. No clamminess even as we went uphill for extended periods. The pants breathed extremely well. Easy on and off, the full length side zippers have Velcro closures that overlap on the top and bottom. The waterproofness was for once real, they let nothing through. The pockets are well designed on the front, being large enough to handle carrying a quart freezer bag of maps.

And best of all? They never had the cold feeling that hard shell rain pants get. They felt warm to the touch. I could bend in them and move easily. The knees are articulate as well.

The downside?

The weight of the pants. These pants are not light by any means. Well over 1 and a half lbs per pair for the ladies, with the larger men's sizes being more. But if you are wearing them and not carrying them the weight is a minor issue.

If you plan on wearing them without clothes on underneath you might consider getting a size smaller than normal, they are very roomy pants, though with a figure flattering cut. The bottom of the pants is cut with a slight boot cut, fitting nicely over bulky hiking boots.

I can see using these this winter for rainy hikes and snowshoeing.

~Sarah