What Arcteryx say about the women’s Gamma SL Hybrid Trousers

They call them “pants”, by the way! The Arcteryx Gamma Walking Pants  are lightweight, durable, wind and moisture resistant and constructed using two weights of softshell textile for enhanced mobility and breathability.

They are suitable for a wide spectrum of alpine activities. The trim-fitting pants feature a hybrid of durable Fortius™ 1.0 fabric in the lower leg, knees, and seat with light, breathable TerraTex™ on the front of the pants and back of legs.

Technical Features:

·       Weather resistant

·       Snow-shedding

·       Breathable

·       Lightweight

·       Durable

Construction:

·       DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps bead water from fabric surface

·       Hybrid technology—combining materials to enhance functionality and performance

As with all Arcteryx clothes there is an even longer – and very impressive – list of extra features. Check them out here

What I think about the women’s Arcteryx Gamma SL Hybrid Walking Trousers

They are very, very comfortable. They feel light to wear and not at all constricting. The stretchy panels around the knees make walking up mountains a breeze. Whether walking the dog or climbing mountains the trousers seem to move beautifully and never snag. This is in contrast to many other walking trousers that I have tried, which do not move with your body, or ride up uncomfortable or snag at the knees. 

They are also flattering. I have been sent a size 8 and they still feel quite loose. (I’m normally a size 10). But while they are loose-ish and comfy around the bum and hips they fit “trimly” on the legs. 

On the first wear the trousers had a fairly effective anti-shower protector and the rain hardly wet the trousers. After a wash or two, this protector disappeared and the trousers do get wet in the rain. I would counter this with a pair of waterproof over-trousers. However, when I have ended up soaked (it’s impossible not to end up wet from rain this summer), the trousers dry out very quickly.

Other features that I like are the roomy front pockets and additional side pockets. The integral belt helps to keep the trousers up when walking uphill. The trousers also feature a hook at the bottom front of the legs to attach to walking boots. I don’t like this at all because it feels as though the trousers are dragging downwards but perhaps other people like their trouser cuffs to stay in place.

There are lots of extra details, such as “seamless instep to reduce abrasion” and “articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility”. All are great and simply add to the attractiveness of buying these trousers. At £135 they are not cheap walking trousers but they are the first I have found in more than a decade that fit beautifully and do everything you want them to in the great outdoors. I will be getting value for money as I wear them for work, socialising and on the hills (in between washes!).

Arcteryx Gamma Walking Trousers are available to buy for £135 at many outdoors retailers.

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.