First impressions are hard to overcome, and when I first opened the package containing Forloh’s latest product, I scratched my head and thought, huh, they look like Fjallravens. And, well, the similarity in appearance to some of Scandinavia’s top pants is rather uncanny.
Forloh shares a lot with the Swedish icon. But its new Brush To Mountain Pro (BTM Pro) has unique material and design considerations and is made in the USA.
I put the BTM Pro to the test for 2 months this spring and came away with an appreciation for these pants. They stand up to tough use while offering good comfort and flexibility. And while they come at a high price, the Forloh BTM Pro pants are a quality hunting pant that offers multiseason versatility, durability, and comfort for trekking, bushwhacking, and a whole lot more.
In short: The Forloh BTM Pro pant is a versatile hunting pant with waxed canvas leg fronts combined with four-way-stretch twill woven fabric panels. It offers excellent skin protection against sharp brush or thorns, yet good freedom of movement. The pants combine technology with traditional physical protection for modern, effective pants for camping, hiking, or hunting in physically tough conditions.
- Fabric: 4-way stretch polyester, BTM wax ripstop nylon/cotton blend
- DWR: No
- Scent control: Yes
Pros
- Durable and protective
- Good mobility
- Built-in gaiters
- Spacious pockets
Cons
- Too warm for hot weather
- Expensive
Forloh BTM Pro Pants Review
I tested the Forloh BTM Pro hunting pants for about 2 months this spring. My biggest outing was a 4-day trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The weather was cold and snowy, and we camped in a rad TUNE M1 camper for the weekend. On the trip with my wife and dog, we hiked about 6 miles each day and spent a lot of time hiking around the cold but beautiful dunes.
In this modest use, the pants excelled. The flexible material around the hips and knee articulation allowed me to step high when climbing in and out of the truck bed. The built-in, adjustable gaiters kept sand out of my boots. And the pants stayed dry in a wet, humid environment.
The pants have great pockets, and I mostly used the button-secured thigh pockets to carry my phone. The hip pockets provide plenty of space for other small items and are reinforced for use with a knife clip.
Familiar Look
I came to adore the BTM Pro pants over the spring. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that they are a rebranded version of the Fjallraven Keb.
So I pulled a pair of Kebs out of my dresser and laid them down. The resemblance was uncanny. They are almost identical down to small details like the belt loops and knee pad pockets.
But there are some differences. The biggest one is that the Forloh BTM Pro is made in the USA. Fjallraven manufactures the Keb in Vietnam.
Functionally, Forloh adds silicone to the waistband to give it some traction. That helps it stay in place during a long day of trekking. Forloh also uses a different type of waxed ripstop on the knees, seat, and other high-abrasion areas.
Forloh also adds Polygiene antimicrobial treatment to reduce odors, a major plus for hunters or anyone who doesn’t want to get stinky.
Beyond that? Well, they’re darned near the same pants. And given the Keb’s popularity, the BTM Pro should make many hunters and trekkers very comfortable.
Forloh BTM Pro: Who Should Buy Them
Cool-weather hunters, those who need knee pads, and people whose treks take them off-trail will enjoy the durable yet comfortable BTM Pro.
Forloh uses excellent materials in the pants and, let’s face it, they’re nearly identical to a very popular and time-tested design. While I haven’t really abused the BTM Pro yet (and I’m sure I will once upland hunting season rolls around), I have little doubt that they will handle brush and rock abrasion well.
At $259 retail, they’re just slightly more expensive than the competition, the Fjallraven Keb. But with a few differences, primarily in North American manufacturing and the addition of scent-fighting technology, some buyers will look past the $20 difference.
The Forloh BTM Pro is a fine brush and trekking pant. When the temperatures cool again, I’ll thrash them more and update this piece with any further revelations.
