Outdoor Research created a very versatile addition to your hiking pack when they stitched the Ferossi soft shell pant. Three days in the Smoky Mountains put them to the test and here’s how they performed.

What I Like
Comfort : These pants are very lightweight and fit comfortably. They move well with you and don’t sag or catch as you are hiking up or down hill. You don’t have to constantly fidget and reposition the pants as you move, pulling them up your thigh or adjusting your waistline.
Convenience : Since they are lightweight and not bulky, they pack down small to fit in your bag. You won’t need to sacrifice precious weight in your pack and we all know every ounce counts.
Quick Dry : The last day of our hike, it rained intensely for about half an hour just as we started out on the trail. Thankfully, the Ferossi pants dried within minutes after being soaked through.
Style : They look great and fit well. These pants are made for the trail but could also be worn out on the town or even around the office.
What Could Be Better
Storage : The pockets could be a bit bigger and provide more room to store items you may need. The side pocket on the leg, in particular, is not big enough to fit an iphone 10. That being said, odds are you won’t have cell service while on the trail, but it’s nice to have your phone handy to snap a few photos of the action.
Durability : The lightweight fabric is fantastic and moves along with you. This is great for the trail, but don’t expect to hike through the brush with ease. I could easily see the fabric getting snagged on thorns or branches if you chose to blaze a trail of your own.