Did Patagonia Accidentally Design the Best All-Weather Adventure Pants of the Year?

If you’re familiar with Patagonia, it’s likely because it’s one of the largest outdoor gear brands in the world (no big deal). Obviously, that means the brand has some fan-favorite hits, like its recently revised Nano Puff jacket and its Retro-X Fleece.

However, those classics can sometimes overshadow the brand’s more novel gear. That’s a shame, because some of it has the potential to be among the brand’s best releases.

Such is the case with the Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Thermal Pants. Launched without much fanfare, these could be a dark-horse pick for the best adventure bottoms of the year.

Patagonia

Surf and safari

Interestingly, the brand has positioned these pants as pre- and post-surf bottoms. Considering their material and technological origins, that makes a lot of sense.

The exterior, for instance, is made from 100-percent recycled polyester stretchy board shorts fabric. That means it’s windproof, sheds water and dries fast. It also means it’s plenty durable.

Patagonia

That exterior is combined with an interior lining borrowed from wetsuits. Like the outside, it’s also quick-drying, but it has the added benefit of trapping warmth.

So it makes sense that Patagonia would see these as dawn patrol, beach day pants. However, that might be underselling them. These same properties suggest a much wider range of utility.

Patagonia

Everybody pants now!

These pants have some other handy utilitarian features along with their novel material construction. For instance, the two pockets are mesh and self-draining — again, good for beachside purposes.

They also have a zippered cargo pocket on one side, which is probably more ideal for any of your EDC gear you don’t want at risk of falling out, like your wallet or phone.

Furthermore, an integrated belt offers both comfort and easy adjustment, so you don’t have to worry about dropping your drawers by mistake.

Patagonia

But here’s the thing: combining the stretchy, durable exterior, warm, quick-drying liner, and array of pockets … these could be some seriously capable, comfortable, stylish adventure pants.

You need not wear them strictly on cooler beach-going days. You could wear them camping — especially on those cooler, dewy spring mornings — or even don them for hikes where you might need to cross some streams.

The point is: these aren’t just for surfers. They’re perfect for adventurers of all sorts. They might sneakily be one of the brand’s best new releases in years.

Patagonia

Available now

Patagonia’s Hydropeak Stretch Thermal Pants are now available on the brand’s site for $149 per pair.

Patagonia

Patagonia Hydropeak Stretch Thermal Pants

• $149 at Patagonia

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