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Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant soft shell pant

A serious performer that is well worth the money.

Pros

  • Fit
  • Stretch
  • Comfort
  • Versatility

Cons

  • None to date

I don't climb, but I do hike and backpack, and my preference has always been softshell pants. I was a Marmot guy for a while but after another pair found itself covered with Tenacious Tape (my fault...not Marmot's) I bit the bullet and dropped some bananas on the Gamma LT's after reading countless positive reviews.

I've only had them for about three months but after just getting off a long solo in the Sierra's I'll say these are, by far, the best hiking pants I've ever owned. I'm a 32/33 with thick legs and the M fits like a glove. Great stretch, functional pockets, excellent temp control in both warm and cold weather and they've held off some pretty steady rains.

While I can't speak to the long term durability, the construction makes me believe I'll have them for quite a while. I think I might help them along and buy a pair of gaiters for the winter to avoid spike tears.

Overall I'd say these are a good example of how sometimes you really DO get what you pay for.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $140

Best hiking pants I ever owned! I was lucky to pay only $60 for them at the factory outlet, but would not hesitate to buy them at retail. The stretch fabric is extremely comfortable and allows for a full range of motion while keeping the pants nicely and safely fitted. Very durable and highly water/snow/dirt repellant, even in the wet west coast climate.

I've also gotten several compliments on how they look (just like a nice pair of khaki pants). My only criticism is that the zippers on the front pockets do not stay closed, though the rear one seems to be fine. My other pants are Mountain Hardware Convertible Pack Pants, for which I paid more than twice the price, and I can guarantee they will be completely neglected until I wear this pair of Arc'teryx pants down to the threads.

Price Paid: CAD$60

I just bought my 5th pair (6th if you count a pair that I gave to my sister as a gift, which she also loves) and it is still great.

Pros

  • The zipper pocket is the perfect size for hiding my passport too, so I don't need one of those cumbersome passport bags under my clothes.

Cons

  • no weaknesses

I wear them every day, biking, hiking, traveling, and just being comfortable. I love the elastic fit which always looks good. Even my 92-year-old mother admires my pants.

The waterproofing is pretty good when new; on older pairs I spray them if I plan to hike in the rain.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $109 for the first one, $144 for the last one

Two years ago I ordered Gamma LT Women's pant model no4896 colour "Ironstone" and have found them amazing, comfortable and well wearing.

This year I ordered what I thought would be an identical pair in black and received Gamma Lt Women's pant model no.6756. I have to say I am very disappointed in the vast difference in this pant.

Although I ordered the same size I find the legs baggy and with drawstrings around the ankles they certainly don't resemble the other pair I have.

Price Paid: $183.52 (Canadian)

I love these pants because they stretch when you need them to do so but do not appear to be stretch pants. The pockets hold a lot of gear and the zippers can be zipped one-handed. I wish I could afford another pair, they are salty but worth every penny. They also do not pick up dirt easily. I wear them on every outing.

Fabric: Stretch Nylon
Price Paid: $199

I also bought a pair of these pants a few years ago, and thought I was buying the same pant again.... they are not the same. Anyone know if you can you still get the older version?

Great pants but the old version is the better of the two.

Price Paid: full retail

In reply to the previous post; the old (up to 07 I think) Gamma LT was Tweave fabric. The new 08/09 versions use a fabric called Fortius. Both are nylon/spandex blends, but Tweave is the heavier one.

I've used this garment for everything from spring backpacking in Yosemite to summer mountaineering in the Sierras to winter hiking in the desert. Has always kept me at the right temp and the comfort is excellent.

Price Paid: $200

Need input. I noticed the fabric feels different than my first pair. Sales guy says it's exactly the same. Anybody noticed? I want the same as what I bought before...3 years ago at Neptunes. Thanks

Fabric: It's different

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Specs

Men's
Price MSRP: $189.00
Historic Range: $69.63-$198.95
Reviewers Paid: $109.00-$200.00
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Inseams Short, Regular, Tall
Weight 350 g / 12.3 oz
Fit Regular Fit, Straight leg
Activity Rock Climbing / Alpine Climbing / Hiking / Trekking
Women's
Price MSRP: $189.00
Current Retail: $160.00-$189.00
Historic Range: $74.95-$199.00
Sizes 00, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
Inseams S, T
Weight 310 g / 10.9 oz
Fit Trim fit, Straight leg
Activity Rock Climbing / Alpine Climbing / Hiking / Trekking
Product Details from Arc'teryx »

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