What are your favorite trousers made of?

[leatherneck]

I'm trying to get some good trail pants but I don't know what material to get. There's the NYCO (Nylon/Cotton) blends, Poly/Cotton blends, 100% Nylon, or 100% cotton.
What are your favorite trousers made of and what the advantages/disadvantages of these materials. I'd like to get some tough and quiet pants.

 

[bluemountaingunworks]

Leatherneck,
I prefer the 100% cotton, ripstop USGI BDU pants for most of the year. They are light, dry quickly, roomy, have large cargo pockets on the side, pretty cheap, and available in multiple camo patterns as well as solid earth tones. The only downside I have found is that they are prone to tear right above the double-knee at the seam. This is an easy fix though with a sewing machine and lots of thread to reenforce the area.

For really cold weather, I prefer wool. I have been wearing West German surplus britches for several winters. They are constructed similar to the US BDU with cargos and reenforcement on the knees. They're super warm, wear well, and are a nice gray-green color that blends in well with most environments. I have recently purchased a pair of Columbia brand Gallatin Range wool bibs. These too sport cargo pockets, muted camo pattern, reenforced knees, and are toasty warm! God Bless! Jerry

 

[BOD]

I'll second that. BDU's. Poly cotton for the jungle, cotton for the arid.

Spent 10 days in the West Australian desert last year. Some of the fancy labels that people wore did not do well.

An Arizonan came looking like a refugee from desert storm but his trousers did well while others were ripped and shredded by pants and rock.

 

[michiel]

I love fjällräver. They are made of G1000 it a polyester-cotton mix if I'm not mistaken.
Great fabric. They also have pants made of MT. this is a very light and VERY fast drying fabric. ideal for summer.

Michiel

 

[Mikey P]

British military OGs - get them cheap from surplus shops. Hardwearing and dry quickly.

Alternatively, for colder locations, I use shoeller softshell pants - but that's more for climbing and stuff.

 

[black_kissa]

Thin, dark, supple leather. No problems with sparks, tough, windproof, wet still reasonably warm, silent, blends in with surroundings, cheap (just 5 euros in a 2nd hand shop), prevents cuts.

Live and Love,
Anneke

 

[malente]

For any sweaty activity (like mountaineering, climbing or trekking with a big pack): Schoeller fabric!

For being in the woods and do bushcraft: polycotton or G-1000.

When it's hot: thin cotton.


Cheers,
Mike

 

[Bisamratte]

what are the German army moleskin trousers like? I take it they are not made from real moles

 

[Nathan Sturgess]

Crag Hoppers

 

[C_Claycomb]

poly/cotton blend. Usually 65/35 mix. Craghopper Kiwi trousers are good. I like the light colour ones for summer use.

When it is really hot, pure cotton is cooler, but in the hills, with changeable weather even in summer, I wouldn't want to wear pure cotton.

I have some wool/nylon trousers for winter 85/15 mix. They seem good, but it hasn't been anything like cold enough to use them this winter

 

[bushtank]

British army temperate DPM are my favourite they dry out well and i wear them in all seasons

 

[Chopper]

Fine italian leather with gold leaf trim.

 

[dwardo]

British army temperate DPM are my favourite they dry out well and i wear them in all seasons

Agreed light, dry quickly, warm, £7 a pair , woodland colours, quick belt release straps, tensioners and comfortable.

Whada else do you need !