Gear Review
Patagonia Untracked Pant available at evo.com
Words: Eric Behn | Photos: Jaycee Clarkson
Overview:
Patagonia is one of the largest manufacturers of outdoor recreation clothing providing high quality products to climbers, skiers, fly fishers and more; and the Untracked snow pant is no exception to the type of quality that can be expected from this well known brand.
The Untracked Pant is a GORE-TEX® hardshell which provides ultimate weatherproofing from rain to snow to sun, and from freezing to warmer temperatures. The three layer GORE-TEX® fabric will keep you dry and ventilated no matter the weather situation. The pant is intended for ski and snowboard use in the alpine and is designed with a relaxed fit. It fits more on the baggy side giving it a comfortable loose feel.
This pant has several key features such as a ankle gaitors, adjustable waistband, and several pockets for storage. It features a RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector.
By the Numbers:
SIZES: Extra Small – Extra Extra Large
2 Button fly with tapped zipper
5 External pockets
16 inch Hip-Zips
2 Zelcro adjustable waist bands
3 Layer GORE-TEX® fabric
5 Belt Loops
200(approx.) Degrees of scuff guard coverage
467 g (size Medium)
Colours: Willow Herb Green, Retro Khaki, Black
MSRP: $449.00 USDÂ evo.com
Patagonia & GORE-TEX® Guarantee:
If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, you may return it to us for a repair, replacement or refund. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge. – Patagonia
If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of your GORE-TEX® product, then we will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price. No matter which of our trusted customers makes the product, if it has the GORE-TEX® label on it, we have certified that it is durably waterproof, windproof and breathable for its intended use. -GORE-TEX®
Features:
- RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector on back
- Hip-zips for good ventilation
- Adjustable waist with belt loops
- Ankle gaiters to keep feet and boots dry
- Pockets at different levels both front and back
Observations:
When first trying on the pants we were impressed with the comfortable, looser fit. The Willow Herb Green is a good neutral colour that will go with a number of jackets and looks really good with it’s Untracked jacket match. As we looked through the features we found that there wasn’t any bells and whistles, just the things you needed.
The five pockets, four on the front and one on the right back side, provide enough storage for wallets, keys, passes etc. but aren’t designed as cargo pockets. The hip-zips provide a nice amount of ventilation and are in an easy access position. The fly and two button waist fasten are strong and don’t require a belt so long that the hip adjustments are set up well.
Checking out the cuffs the first thing we noticed was that there wasn’t a zip-able ankle flare to open up the bottom of the pants. This however is over shadowed by a good fitting cuff that is loose enough to be able to get your boots on and off easily, while being tight enough to keep your pants from dragging on the ground. The scuff guard provides a lot of good coverage and protects from both any contact with the heel area, bindings etc., and also your ankles rubbing together.
The gaiters don’t have a hook but seem to work well. A loop on the front would allow the use of a hook, but we agree that this feature is often unnecessary.
The prices of these pants are easily justified with the use of GORE-TEX® as the main fabric. GORE-TEX® is guaranteed waterproofing and provides good breathability.
Our take:
The Patagonia Untracked pant is simple, but near perfect. The GORE-TEX® alone justifies the hefty price tag, but the simplicity and good design are really what makes these pants feel and perform well. No unnecessary pockets or useless features keep the overall design straight forward and concentrated on snow expeditions. The cuffs seem strong and wouldn’t wear in a long time with the scuff guards. The gaiters are simple and do the job, that’s all we ask for. Between the GORE-TEX membrane and hip-zips, the ventilation is excellent and the zips provide opportunity to adjust airflow during touring. The loose fit are right on key with the sizing, with a 5’8, 150 lbs build, the medium size fit as intended, no ordering the size up for a baggier fit. The pants are also very comfortable. Despite being plainly a shell, the soft, inner lining is comfortable against the skin, but we would probably recommend a long john or compression pant underneath for insulation.
Whether you’re looking for a good pair of pants for park laps or backcountry expeditions, the Untracked pants would look and perform well.
- Patagonia’s Untracked Pants available at evo.com
