Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review

These pants were a joy to test across multiple seasons, from desert scrambles to summertime fishing missions to alpine lakes. Our review team concluded the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a top choice for shoppers needing breathability and a relaxed cut.

Comfort and Mobility

This was among our favorite metrics for the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants, allowing our entire testing team to move in any way we wanted, whether practicing yoga, boulder-hopping, or huffing up a steep trail. These came in towards the very top almost every time.

Outdoor Research uses a blend of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, which makes them very stretchy. In addition to the fabric blend, the cut of the Ferrosi Pants is quite relaxed, making them even more mobile. The waist adjustments are easily made with a drawstring system if you want to forgo a belt (which we often find more comfortable), and the more precise fit around the thighs was greatly appreciated. We didn't like the baggier cut around the ankles and feet quite as much, especially hiking through scrub oak or dense brush, but none of our testers reported tripping on the extra fabric.

Venting and Breathability

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants were exemplary in the venting and breathability metric. These particularly stood out for hikes that involved steep uphills and when hitting the trail in the heat of summer. The Ferrosi aren't as breathable as shorts, but for a full-length pant, they're pretty hard to beat.

The top-notch breathability of the Ferrosi is due to the materials used and the overall cut of the pants. The nylon spandex blend is commonly used in hiking pants, but the Ferrosi goes a bit thinner on the construction, allowing heat to escape directly through the fabric. There aren't any vents in these pants, but the looser fit from the knees to the feet encouraged more airflow, and we could feel it even through the waist. While some competitors used thicker waist fabrics and reinforcements (to improve durability), Outdoor Research chose to keep things lighter at the waist, though adding a belt will reduce some venting.

Versatility

These hiking pants are at home in a variety of settings, though we prefer them for warmer-weather use. Having said that, the Ferrosi does offer a loose enough cut that we were able to fit long underwear underneath in the colder months. Ultimately, these scored above average and would recommend the Ferrosi as a year-round pant that fits into most any setting.

As shared previously, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants particularly shine in breathability and mobility, making them ideal for warmer-weather hikes or any outdoor activity that requires freedom of movement in the lower body. From yoga to rock climbing to scrambling, the Ferrosi were a joy to wear, and the drawstring waist offered enough stretch when needed. The baggier fit around the feet slightlyencumbered our testing team while hoofing it through dense brush, but that relaxed cut also afforded more space for long johns in cold temperatures and better airflow during hot days. As travel pants, these performed well in the comfort realm, but the hand pockets weren't zippered, making it a bit easier for a cell phone to fall out after riding public transit or during a long flight.

Features

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants have a simpler design, but a few key additions set them apart. Amongst other hiking pants, these came in about average.

Aside from a nice, stretchy fabric, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants feature two zipper-less hand pockets, one zipper-less back pocket on the left, and two zippered pockets: one on the right back and one on the thigh. We generally prefer at least one zippered hand pocket to more easily secure personal belongings, but we were glad we could at least keep some sunscreen and a wallet secure.

Our favorite feature of the Ferrosi Pants was the drawstring waist. While some may still prefer to add a belt, we were able to solely use the strings to keep the pants up, keeping weight down while preserving freedom of movement.

Another highlight for us was the drawcord cuffs. While these didn't completely nullify the excess fabric at the ankles, they did reduce the likelihood of them getting snagged on rocks or branches.

Durability

As a lighter-weight model, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants aren't the most durable option on the market. However, we ultimately found them to outperform their numbers on the scale.

The thinner build that makes the Ferrosi a stretchier and more breathable pair of pants also makes them a little less rugged if hiking through bushy trails or scooting through slot canyons.

The stitching, zippers, and drawstrings held up well throughout testing; just keep an eye on clothing-ripping branches or abrasive rocks. Over time, we found these to be a bit less water-resistant, though that was the case with many of our hiking pants. For true waterproofing, you'll want a pair of rain pants.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants?

If you want a top-tier pair of hiking pants and need something breathable enough to get you through the heat of summer, look no further than the Ferrosi. While these do have a bit baggier fit, the ankle cuff adjustability will help if scrambling or bushwhacking, and during hot days, the relaxed cut will increase airflow. If you're hunting for a pair of pants for cold-weather hiking, these will work if you pair them with long underwear, but there are other models better suited for winter.

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