Wind-resistant and quick-drying, these pants are up for adventures in almost any condition. A midrise waist ensures the pants can fit underneath a backpack’s waist straps or a climbing harness, and an internal drawcord lets you dial in the fit. The pant legs can be adjusted with cinching cuffs, which can be nice for hot summer days, creek crossings, and high steps on a rock face.
Our testers wore Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants ($99) hiking on steep switchbacks in the Eastern Sierra, California, put them to the test rock climbing on granite crags, and were impressed by their stretchiness and mobility.
While their lightness is a bonus for warm hiking days, the fabric itself isn’t the most durable in our lineup of the best hiking pants. We loved the comfort and stretch of the nylon, but they are definitely not the pants to bring on your next canyoneering adventure or offwidth climbing endeavors — basically anywhere where you’re bound to be scraping your body against rough surfaces.
This fabric, however, is made with 50+ UPF sun protection as well as a DWR finish, making the Ferrosis at home in hot, sunny weather while also providing moderate protection during surprise showers. The 90D ripstop nylon is also made with 46% recycled material, which is something that earns points in all of the products we review.
Still undecided? Read on to learn even more details about these popular hiking pants.
In short: The Ferrosi pants from Outdoor Research earn so many points in our book, from their stretchy, mobile materials, midrise waist, and lightweight feel that will make you feel comfortable hiking up steep switchbacks or on your next rock-climbing adventure.
Compare the Ferrosi with other picks in our guide to the best hiking pants for women.
- Weight: 9.5 oz.
- Fabric: 86% nylon, 14% spandex, DWR finish (46% recycled materials)
- Inseam: 31"
Pros
- Lightweight and stretchy
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Mid-rise waist for harness and backpack compatibility
Cons
- Light material means pockets can get bulky
- Not as durable as some thicker pants in our lineup
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review
Materials

Pant Length & Versatility

Mobility

Features
Conclusion
