GOOD GEAR
The right gear makes a difference!
The right gear makes a difference!
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Wearing KÜHL Freeflex pants in Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness, Utah
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I recently tested out a pair of KÜHL Freeflex Roll-up hiking pants on one of Idaho's toughest hikes - the rugged off-trail climb to Mt. Breitenbach, the fifth highest peak in Idaho. They fit me perfectly with the assistance of the drawstring at the waist. No binding or constricting, no slipping down, just put 'em on and focus on the hike. I think KÜHL has figured out the right construction and proportions for their hiking pants - they comply with every movement; from Class 3 climbing over boulders to jumping over streams and sitting and taking a break. I wondered how the material would handle sitting on the scratchy, sharp limestone talus, and whether the rock might snag a hole in the material. Well, the Freeflex handled it just fine - no holes or rips or snags. The material seems really heavy-duty for its lightness and it is soft but strong. The length is generous, fitting over the top of my boot to deter gravel from entering. There's a lot of great things to say about these pants - they also hold their shape throughout the hike and don't sag.
Actually, I will probably end up wearing them around town, too because they are so comfortable and flattering. They washed up really well and dried quickly. Something that you don't always think of when buying hiking pants is your cell phone, or rather how that phone fits into your pants. I was able to carry my phone in the side cargo pocket and not feel the weight of it with every step, as I do with my other hiking pants. And I like the roll-up option for streams and gravel-free hikes.
Time will tell how they hold up but if they are anything like my KÜHL Splash Roll-Up Pants, they will last a while. I got my Splash hiking pants many years ago and they have withstood many miles of cold-weather hiking and many years as part of my field-working "equipment" for geology and vegetation surveys and forays. Their quality, rugged material expertly handled the vigors of walking through harsh sagebrush steppes, kneeling, digging, and gave me protection while planting shrubs for habitat restoration. They fit over a light pair of base layer leggings when added warmth is needed. I still use them today, although the bottom hems are finally getting a bit frayed. I'm not surprised that the Splash hiking pant is still a popular product. I'm pretty rough on my outdoor clothing and these have held up better than other brands.
Actually, I will probably end up wearing them around town, too because they are so comfortable and flattering. They washed up really well and dried quickly. Something that you don't always think of when buying hiking pants is your cell phone, or rather how that phone fits into your pants. I was able to carry my phone in the side cargo pocket and not feel the weight of it with every step, as I do with my other hiking pants. And I like the roll-up option for streams and gravel-free hikes.
Time will tell how they hold up but if they are anything like my KÜHL Splash Roll-Up Pants, they will last a while. I got my Splash hiking pants many years ago and they have withstood many miles of cold-weather hiking and many years as part of my field-working "equipment" for geology and vegetation surveys and forays. Their quality, rugged material expertly handled the vigors of walking through harsh sagebrush steppes, kneeling, digging, and gave me protection while planting shrubs for habitat restoration. They fit over a light pair of base layer leggings when added warmth is needed. I still use them today, although the bottom hems are finally getting a bit frayed. I'm not surprised that the Splash hiking pant is still a popular product. I'm pretty rough on my outdoor clothing and these have held up better than other brands.
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On slopes of Mt. Breitenbach, Idaho's 5th highest peak - wearing KÜHL Freeflex Roll-Up Hiking Pants
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Fred got to try the KÜHL Renegade Cargo shorts on the rocky hike to Mt. Breitenbach. These are great shorts as an alternative to hiking pants. They offer more sun protection than many shorts because they are cut to knee-length. There are lots of pockets to store small items in. The fabric is very durable for sitting on rocks. These shorts fit well and were true to his size.
Fred had another pair of KÜHL shorts he wore year after year for hiking. We summited Gardner Peak in Utah a few days ago and he wore the Renegade Cargo shorts again, - looks to be his new go-to hiking short. 
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I bought my New Balance Hierro Trail Running Shoes last year and I like to wear them on shorter southern Utah hikes because they grip extremely well on steep sandstone slopes with loose rock and gravel where I need stability with each step. These have a Vibram® Megagrip outsole. The Fresh Foam makes the hike comfortable, even "cushy". They have a little rubber extension piece of the sole in the rear that, according to one review I saw, is designed to increase foot/ankle stability. however these occasionally get in the way with wearing in the house going down stairs. I recently wore these shoes on the Double Arch Alcove Trail in Zion National Park that included about 10 or so shallow stream crossings and they became a little heavy because they kept water and sand in the sides of the shoe. With thin socks I can sometimes feel my foot moving laterally in the shoe when hiking over big rocks, so I have to be mindful of how I step. I have noticed some wear but, hey, I have been using them on a lot of sandstone. The attributes I like best are stable footing and a cushy ride! I would buy another pair.
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From New Balance website
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