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Very lightweight pants? 2024


fishing user avatarRatherbfishing reply : 

The older I get, the less inclined I am to show off my pasty white chicken legs to the world.  (Mostly I just don't want skin cancer).  I see a lot of lightweight long sleeve shirts on the market but not so many pants.  As you all know, it can get mighty uncomfortable on a hot day (wearing long pants) and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen.  Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?


fishing user avatarWDE reply : 

I’ve got a couple pairs of pants from Free Fly apparel that I really like. Super comfortable and lightweight. 


fishing user avatarScott F reply : 

I wear them all summer. I’ve gotten them from Bass Pro, Cabelas, and other stores. Columbia is one of the brands I wear. I don’t have any problems finding them, but I do have issues finding them in my size. They typically aren’t sold in the same way normal pants are by waist and length so I don’t order them online. I always have to try them on. 


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 12:15 AM, Scott F said:

I wear them all summer. I’ve gotten them from Bass Pro, Cabelas, and other stores. Columbia is one of the brands I wear. I don’t have any problems finding them, but I do have issues finding them in my size. They typically aren’t sold in the same way normal pants are by waist and length so I don’t order them online. I always have to try them on. 

+1

Was a time when I thought the idea of specialized 'fishing pants' was silly.  A few years ago, I was gifted a pair and I now have several.  Love them.  Sun protection is a huge deal, but light weight, instantly drying and lots of pockets are big pluses, too.  I have Columbia, and others - differences are minor: button vs snap; zip vs velcro pockets; snaps vs velcro cuffs, etc.  I mostly kayak and when I wear jeans and wade in, the cuffs are wet for hours some days.  When I wear light 'fishing pants', they're dry before I realize they were wet.


fishing user avatarArmtx77 reply : 

There are a ton of options. Marmot, Mountain Hardware, North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Khaki, Columbia, Duluth Trading and many more.

 

If you have an REI close by, I would go try on a few and than find them cheaper on line. I have had good luck with Columbia over the years and they are typically on the less exspensive end of the spectrum.

 

I have a couple pairs of Duluth that are a bit thicker that wear for wading rivers.

 

Good luck.


fishing user avatarGundog reply : 

Columbia. I got my first pair 10 yrs ago. They are the kind that you can unzip the legs to make them shorts. Great option and they are light weight even with the legs on. 


fishing user avatarGlenn reply : 

Another vote for Columbia.  Yes, the zip-offs are a great option to have, but typically I don't unzip them because they're comfortable even when the temps are pushing triple digits.


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

The lightest weight men's pants I know of is Lands' End brand SPF pants, 60% cotton/40% Nylon, 5 pocket sports pant. Columbia is good.

Tom


fishing user avatarthe reel ess reply : 

I just use the long sleeve fishing shirt, wide brim hat and spray sunscreen on the legs and hands.


fishing user avatarBaz. reply : 

after getting an infected tick bite started growing the second ring (no lyme im good!) ive begun always wearing pants, long socks, all that when fishing. Now that its warm id recommend checking out the northface hiking AND workout pants. have some very comfortable, very lightweight pants that feels... well... d**n near naked to be honest. Been wearing them as often as their clean for the last 3 years and their holding up well. Got a couple more pairs finally about a month ago. 


fishing user avatarJunger reply : 

I like the cotton canvas stuff from Columbia, SPF 50 and multiple waist/inseam sizes. Usually $30-$45 from Amazon.


fishing user avatarChrisD46 reply : 
  On 5/9/2018 at 11:58 PM, Ratherbfishing said:

The older I get, the less inclined I am to show off my pasty white chicken legs to the world.  (Mostly I just don't want skin cancer).  I see a lot of lightweight long sleeve shirts on the market but not so many pants.  As you all know, it can get mighty uncomfortable on a hot day (wearing long pants) and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen.  Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?

*Excellent topic - I'd add lightweight long sleeve shirt option as well . As a kid growing up in Texas running around barefoot and shirtless in shorts with no sun protection applied - I pay the price today eaten up with sun damage and per-cancerous skin abnormalities which now need to be continually removed by a dermatologist . Pants , shirts , buffs , hats , sun protection lotion , etc.  could hopefully lead to a sticky one day .

 


fishing user avatarCenCal fisher reply : 

Columbia Omni shade pants. 


fishing user avatarNHBull reply : 

Columbia, blood and guts......just get them????


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 3:40 AM, ChrisD46 said:

*Excellent topic - I'd add lightweight long sleeve shirt option as well . As a kid growing up in Texas running around barefoot and shirtless in shorts with no sun protection applied - I pay the price today eaten up with sun damage and per-cancerous skin abnormalities which now need to be continually removed by a dermatologist . Pants , shirts , buffs , hats , sun protection lotion , etc.  could hopefully lead to a sticky one day .

 

Not a sticky, but I am happy to keep topping this:

 


fishing user avatarBassWhole! reply : 

Columbia is the right answer. I took several pairs of pants, shorts, and the zip-outs to Djibouti for a one year deployment. They make some that are really thin and cool, and most are in neutral colors. I think the "coolest" day there was 95ºF, and they worked great. I fish with them most of the time, and as a bonus, they have a crazy number of pockets.


fishing user avatarScott F reply : 

For those who are unaware of these style pants, and want to look for them, they are normally 100% nylon which makes them very lightweight. Unlike cotton, they won't hold moisture very well which makes them quick dry. Many styles are convertible so you can zip off the legs and turn them into shorts. If you haven't worn them, they are the most comfortable pants you can wear. You'll be happy you got a pair.


fishing user avatarMontanaro reply : 

I typically wear jeans for their ability to ward off a stray treble hook.  The peak of summer i will sometimes wear cheap zip off pants/shorts but they arent very comfortable.  I don't like wearing shorts fishing due to skeeters/horse flies/sun.


fishing user avatarIgotWood reply : 

Simms has an ultra-lightweight pants. I've got a few pairs that I bought several years ago and I love them. Super light, and they dry very fast.


fishing user avatarBass_Fishing_Socal reply : 

Columbia here too, very reasonable price and comfortable enough for all day fishing even when wet.


fishing user avatarnd1225 reply : 

I bought 3 pairs of Columbia pants, and they're awesome!


fishing user avatarFishDewd reply : 

I might be one the lone guys out, but I like fishing in shorts and sleeveless tees! With tanned and toned arms and legs like these, why would I wanna hide them? ????


fishing user avatarlo n slo reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 9:25 AM, FishDewd said:

I might be one the lone guys out, but I like fishing in shorts and sleeveless tees! With tanned and toned arms and legs like these, why would I wanna hide them? ????

i used to be the same way til they started cutting things off of me and i dont think they’re done either


fishing user avatarblckshirt98 reply : 

The quick dry pants are a godsend for me and not only keep me warmer in cold weather, but it keeps the sun off me and keeps me cooler in hot weather.  I've used the ones from Columbia and Alpine Design, but I've also used the cheapest generic brand from Sierra Trading Post when they're up on clearance and they all work the same.  Number of pockets and layout are different but as long as they fit, I don't have a brand preference.


fishing user avatarFishDewd reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 9:29 AM, lo n slo said:

i used to be the same way til they started cutting things off of me and i dont think they’re done either

I do wear sunscreen though, meant to mention that. SPC 70 Sport for longer outings where is no shade. I don't get burned.


fishing user avatarfishwizzard reply : 

I do shorts and tights in the summer when on my yak or when bankfishing spots where I have to wade into tall grass.  I bought a pair of AFTCO fishing shorts last summer and love them. They look very cheaply made but they have really held up well and dry faster then any other fabric that I have found.  I am still searching for the ideal tights but mosy any light baselayer will work well enough.  


fishing user avatarMobasser reply : 

I received a pair of Columbia pants as a gift last year. Its now getting hot enough to wear them here. I've worn them once now, and are working out great 


fishing user avatarBrackishBassin reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 9:25 AM, FishDewd said:

I might be one the lone guys out, but I like fishing in shorts and sleeveless tees! With tanned and toned arms and legs like these, why would I wanna hide them? ????

Skin cancer? Bugs? Poisonous plants? Briars? Sharp sticks? Hooks?


fishing user avatarjunyer357 reply : 

I like columbia as well. The magellan stuff at acadamy is just as good i think for much better prices. I cant really tell much diffrence between most of it and columbia. Ive suspected they are made together, but its just a hunch, no proof. 


fishing user avatarFishDewd reply : 
  On 5/10/2018 at 9:31 PM, BrackishBassin said:

Skin cancer? Bugs? Poisonous plants? Briars? Sharp sticks? Hooks?

Well if I am going to be doing a woods excursion that may change how I dress a bit. I don't do a lot of bush whacking though, not much payoff to doing that here. Not many rivers, the ones I do have are poo rivers with mutated fish. SKin cancer, yeah... little concerning. But my average trip is only a few hours in the evening when the sun's intensity is at a minimum. I'm not going to be fishing when it's 100* outside. Also, I use good sun screen! Very important. You have to block that UVC, that's the bad stuff.


fishing user avatarNYWayfarer reply : 

One bout with poison ivy was all it took for me to ditch the shorts for lightweight pants. I like the Columbia Backcast Convertible pants.


fishing user avatarfishwizzard reply : 

I wear shorts most of the summer and my legs look like hell starting around April.  I wear the tights if I am going to be in the direct sun, but I am still undecided on them for ticks. If I remember to pre-treat them with Primentrin I think they are an asset, but otherwise I perfer bare legs for faster tick detection.  


fishing user avatarLonnieP reply : 

I wear shorts. I can't stand wearing long pants when it's over 70 degrees out. 


fishing user avatarRatherbfishing reply : 
  On 5/11/2018 at 12:18 AM, LonnieP said:

I wear shorts. I can't stand wearing long pants when it's over 70 degrees out. 

I love wearing shorts and usually do when I'm bank fishing but no matter how much sunscreen I put on, especially in my boat, the tops of my legs start to feel like they are sizzling like bacon on a griddle.  In addition to potential down-the-road cancer, I want to be more comfortable.  Denim jeans are the worst.  I have actually taken to wearing my older dress slacks because they are, at least, lighter.


fishing user avatarLord Castlereagh reply : 
  On 5/9/2018 at 11:58 PM, Ratherbfishing said:

The older I get, the less inclined I am to show off my pasty white chicken legs to the world.  (Mostly I just don't want skin cancer).  I see a lot of lightweight long sleeve shirts on the market but not so many pants.  As you all know, it can get mighty uncomfortable on a hot day (wearing long pants) and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen.  Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?

Ahhh, because I am no longer 15-years old, I refuse to wear shorts in public, making me the world's foremost expert on this subject.

 

My favorite choice is LL Bean's washable 100% wool pant. Don't let the wool fool you; it is feather light, VERY comfortable, breathable, and dries in seconds. BEST outdoor pants in the world, and you'll be frequently mistaken for Indiana Jones, instead of some kid skipping school.

 

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/79817?page=washable-year-round-wool-pants-classic-fit-pleated&bc=&feat=men


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 
  On 5/9/2018 at 11:58 PM, Ratherbfishing said:

and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen. 

Missed this on my first dozen visits to this thread....just curious, but why no sunscreen?


fishing user avatarRatherbfishing reply : 
  On 5/11/2018 at 12:45 AM, Choporoz said:

Missed this on my first dozen visits to this thread....just curious, but why no sunscreen?

Oh, if I'm wearing shorts, I definitely wear sunscreen.  But it's greasy, makes my hands slick, and rubs off over time and sometimes I'll forget to reapply it and, honestly, even WHEN I have it on pretty thick, I still feel like the tops of my legs are sizzling.  I hate that feeling.


fishing user avatarblckshirt98 reply : 
  On 5/11/2018 at 12:18 AM, LonnieP said:

I wear shorts. I can't stand wearing long pants when it's over 70 degrees out. 

I'm a shorts guy myself, but when fishing, the lightweight polyester pants actually keep me cooler by keeping the direct sun off my legs.  I wear them with a loose fit and don't even notice them on me.  If you haven't tried them yet find a generic budget pair for like $15-20, they might change your life if you fish often on hot sunny days.

  On 5/11/2018 at 12:49 AM, Ratherbfishing said:

Oh, if I'm wearing shorts, I definitely wear sunscreen.  But it's greasy, makes my hands slick, and rubs off over time and sometimes I'll forget to reapply it and, honestly, even WHEN I have it on pretty thick, I still feel like the tops of my legs are sizzling.  I hate that feeling.

Get a non-greasy type like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.  Barely noticeable once you apply it.


fishing user avatarBrackishBassin reply : 
  On 5/11/2018 at 12:51 AM, blckshirt98 said:

I'm a shorts guy myself, but when fishing, the lightweight polyester pants actually keep me cooler by keeping the direct sun off my legs.  I wear them with a loose fit and don't even notice them on me.  If you haven't tried them yet find a generic budget pair for like $15-20, they might change your life if you fish often on hot sunny days.

Get a non-greasy type like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer.  Barely noticeable once you apply it.

Problem with those chemical based sunscreens is that you have to reapply them every two hours, or they’re not effective. Not to mention the issues inherent in the chemicals breaking down inside of your skin, which is how they work. 


fishing user avatarblckshirt98 reply : 

I re-apply about every 3 hours, a lot of people seem to forget about reapplying.  I hear you about the sunscreen being absorbed which is why I try to keep my exposed skin to a minimum - hands, upper face/ears, neckline where the buff can scrunch up, arms.  Arms are the big one now but I got some long sleeve sun shirts to cut down on the UV exposure/sunscreen there.


fishing user avatarFryDog62 reply : 

Checkout Kuhl products.  I like their durability, stretch, and they’re cool.  Check out the Kontra Air, Konfidant Air.  They have some zip-off convertible pants/shorts too.

 

http://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/pants/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4eWY7uX82gIVFcNkCh3HQAzfEAAYASABEgIEnPD_BwE

 


fishing user avatarjunyer357 reply : 

Ive found that its cooler to me to be covered up, especially once i get a sweat going and any wind moving.  I wear lighter colors like white or baby blue, and khaki pants. I had a forest green shirt, but it was really warm with the bama sun beaming down on it all day. 


fishing user avatarblckshirt98 reply : 

Here you go, 100% Nylon pants, $15, those even have a couple of side pockets to hold some fishing stuff.

 

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/dakota-grizzly-parker-convertible-cargo-pants-for-men~p~254hm/?filterString=clearance~1%2Fnewmarkdowns~1%2Fmen~d~5284%2Fmens-clothing~d~15%2Fmens-pants-and-shorts~d~143%2Fmens-hiking-pants~d~9936%2F


fishing user avatarGundog reply : 

Try these....

Men-s-Sexy-Mesh-font-b-Sheer-b-font-Lounge-font-b-Pants-b-font-Sexy.thumb.jpg.b9cb797fa2d0dcd1b4c53f4cd73f606d.jpg

VERY BREATHABLE! Jock strap not included. 


fishing user avatarSharkicane reply : 

Anyone got a line on any of these lightweight fishing pants in larger sizes like size 48+ ? I looked at the columbia pairs and most stop at around 44 :(


fishing user avatarPourMyOwn reply : 
  On 5/11/2018 at 11:25 PM, Sharkicane said:

Anyone got a line on any of these lightweight fishing pants in larger sizes like size 48+ ? I looked at the columbia pairs and most stop at around 44 :(

Just saw the big and tall Columbia backcast pants on Amazon. They go up to 4x. 


fishing user avatarsdsc357 reply : 

Columbia Men's Backcast Convertible Pant


fishing user avatarMassYak85 reply : 

Academy Laguna Madre pants. Very lightweight, and to my surprise were actually fairly waterproof even though that's not why I bought them. I will be wearing them this summer and they will also be my hiking pants going forward. Oh, and they're only 30 bucks. 




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