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Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review

One of our favorite pants and among the most comfortable and breathable pairs we tested
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Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants Review (The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of our favorite models for hiking, climbing, paddling, and travel.)
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of our favorite models for hiking, climbing, paddling, and travel.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Price:  $99 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Andy Wellman & Ben Applebaum-Bauch  ⋅  Nov 5, 2024
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 14
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 9.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 8.5
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 6.5
  • Features - 15% 5.0
  • Versatility - 15% 7.5

Our Verdict

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi continue to be one of our favorite overall models in our review of the best hiking pants. They are well-tailored with an athletic fit for acrobatic movements while hiking, scrambling, and climbing. The thin, stretchy material is comfortable against the skin and adds versatility. They have an understated but practical set of pockets and features. Also, these pants are among the most breathable models we tested, keeping us cool on hot days while offering quality sun protection. Though they aren't remarkable in high winds, this is a pair of hiking pants that perform well across a variety of activities.
REASONS TO BUY
Airy fabric
Very comfortable
Maximum mobility
REASONS TO AVOID
Waist fit is loose
Not great in cool weather

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hiking Pants for Men
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
  
Price $88.95 at Backcountry
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$79.00 at Backcountry
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$70 List
$69.95 at REI
Check Price at REI
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$59.95 at Backcountry
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line For comfort and breathability, these pants can’t be beatThis stellar pant surprised us with its high performance at an affordable priceVersatile and comfortable, these thin hiking pants are a bargainThe simplest hiking pants that also proved to be stylish for everyday wearThese pants are lightweight, but offer limited mobility and therefore limited versatility
Rating Categories Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... REI Co-op Trailmade Prana Brion II Pants Columbia Silver Rid...
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
8.5
6.5
7.0
7.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (15%)
6.5
7.0
7.0
5.0
6.5
Features (15%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Versatility (15%)
7.5
7.5
8.0
7.0
5.0
Specs Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... REI Co-op Trailmade Prana Brion II Pants Columbia Silver Rid...
Weight 12.2 oz 9.7 oz 9.3 oz 10.7 oz 10.4 oz
Material 86% nylon, 14% spandex; 90D stretch woven ripstop 94% nylon (62% recycled), 6% spandex 96% nylon/4% spandex 95% recycled nylon, 5% spandex 100% nylon Silver Ridge ripstop
Water Resistance DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish No additional treatment
Sizing (Waist, Length Options) W: 28" - 42"
L: 30"- 36"
W: 28" - 40"
L: 30", 32", 34"
W: 28" - 50"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 28" - 36"
W: 28"- 44"
L: 28" - 36"
Sun Protection UPF 50 UPF 40+ UPF 50+ UPF 50 UPF 50
Pants/Shorts Convertibility No (but have ankle cinch cord and fully convertible version available) No No No Yes
Pockets 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip 2 hand, 2 back (1 zip), 1 thigh zip, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 rear, 1 zippered thigh 2 hand, 2 back, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back velcro, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 velcro)
Waist Strap and Fastener Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, integrated elastic cord Button and zip fly Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, full belt, elastic on hips
Other Features Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket Front and back knee articulation, gusseted crotch, slim straight fit Belt loops Gusseted crotch, belt loops, mesh pockets Gusseted crotch, full belt, elastic waist

Our Analysis and Test Results

We love the unique blend of materials that go into these pants. It produces a product that offers plenty of stretch while you are on the move and breathability that exceeds the performance of the competition.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research ferrosi pants - looking good and feeling good, the outdoor research ferrosi is one...
Looking good and feeling good, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of our favorite pairs of hiking pants.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve

Comfort and Mobility


When it comes to comfort, these pants ranked right up there with the best of them. However, in terms of mobility, no other pants can match the light, supple flexibility afforded by the OR Ferrosi.


The cut of these pants is great. They have articulated knees and a gusseted crotch. We found the fit to be 'regular', neither slim nor baggy. The fabric is smooth against the skin, and the mobility this pair offers is second to none. One understated comfort feature is that the inside of the waistband has a strip of soft, felty material that reduces rubbing and abrasion if you have a backpacking waist belt clipped around it.

One drawback to the fit of this pair is the waist sizing. We suppose this model is designed to be worn lower on the hips, but we felt we really wanted a belt with this pair, which is less than ideal while wearing a climbing harness. It does come with traditional belt loops, so it's not a huge deal, but you might want to try sizing these pants down in the waist.

outdoor research ferrosi pants - a super-soft, felted waist liner keeps these pants from chafing even...
A super-soft, felted waist liner keeps these pants from chafing even after a long day of hiking.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Venting and Breathability


This metric is where the Ferrosi Pants really shine. On warmer days, we felt like we were getting the sun protection we needed while retaining way less heat (and sweat) than we would expect while wearing a pair of hiking pants.


In terms of ventilation, the two front hand pockets are partially lined with mesh on the inside, as is the thigh pocket. Additionally, the bottom of each leg cuff has an elastic cord that allows the wearer to pull up and secure the pant legs above the calf or knee. Though not wholly comparable to a convertible pair, this feature offers a solid, simple solution when you need to cool down in the heat in a hurry.

Though these pants have only a couple of features that could be considered venting points, in our head-to-head testing, running uphill revealed that their super-light and highly breathable fabric more than made up for it. Ultimately, we felt cooler in our Ferrosi pants than any other pair we tested. Our only critical note is that when the wind whips on chilly days, these pants may be a little bit too breathable.

outdoor research ferrosi pants - these pants have an elastic cord built into the ankle that makes it...
These pants have an elastic cord built into the ankle that makes it possible to cinch them up when you need additional ventilation.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


These pants do an effective job of shedding water, at least while the DWR coating holds up. They don't offer nearly the level of beading and shedding that we saw with other models, but we noted that they still perform admirably.


With a spritz that simulated a drizzle, the water effectively beaded up and fell off the front of these pants. In a full-on downpour, water soaked into the outside layer of nylon, so our legs got wet. On the plus side, when the clouds parted, their thin fabric dried out very quickly.

outdoor research ferrosi pants - though they aren't the best in truly wet weather, these pants are...
Though they aren't the best in truly wet weather, these pants are actually nice on overcast, humid days when you want to stay cool.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve

Features


The Ferrosi have just a few simple features, but they all function quite well. There are five pockets overall — two partially mesh-lined front hand pockets, as well as a side pocket on the outside of the right thigh that includes a horizontal zippered opening. We found that the front pockets were adequately deep, and we appreciate the subtle but thoughtful angle of the thigh pocket zipper, which makes it easier to open and close with one hand.


On the back, these pants have two pockets, one with a zipper and one with an open top. We didn't mind not being able to close the rear pockets in the backcountry — we found that we rarely used them, and when we did, it was to temporarily hold a bandana or some small object to free up our hands. However, wearing them around town, we would like to be able to close them for peace of mind when walking around with a wallet.

These pants also come with a 50+ UPF rating, which means they are ideally suited for sun protection. Another somewhat unique feature these pants offer is the elastic cinch cord at each leg cuff. Not only does this give the wearer another option for cooling down, but the cord can be used to keep the pants up when crossing streams or to cinch the cuffs down around the tops of boots like gaiters. Though the Ferrosi is not the most feature-packed pair, we are still pleased with what they do offer.

outdoor research ferrosi pants - two rear pockets - one zippered and one open - give you the option...
Two rear pockets - one zippered and one open - give you the option of securing essential items or keeping others more easily accessible.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve

Versatility


The Outdoor Research Ferrosi provides an excellent combination of attributes for many outdoor activities. They feature an 86% 90D stretch ripstop nylon and 14% elastane blend, the airiest-feeling material of any pants we tested, making them great for both hiking and climbing. They are the perfect choice on warmer days and good in the late summer and early fall, just as the weather is about to change. On multi-day adventures, we wouldn't hesitate to keep them on as a pair of in-camp pants or even use them as a pair of on-trail pajamas.


The Ferrosi pants are perfect for hot weather and offer the extra options afforded by the leg cinch cords. If you need a pair of pants that will keep you warm, look elsewhere — the material on the Ferrosi is just too thin to provide serious wind protection. They can also get pretty beat up while climbing. They are stylish enough for a night on the town, but they look a bit techy.

outdoor research ferrosi pants - because of their stretchiness and lightweight fabric, the ferrosi is...
Because of their stretchiness and lightweight fabric, the Ferrosi is great for long-distance air travel as well as outdoor adventures.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Ferrosi?


The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is a high-performing technical hiking pant. They're very comfortable, highly breathable, and allow for great mobility. Whether you are out on a day hike or a multi-week adventure, they will keep you cool and comfortable while on the move. The thin material can take a beating over time if you abuse them on your adventures, but overall, they are a perennial favorite of our test team. And they come at a fair price.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?


You can't go wrong with this model, but if you want to add a little more style to your hiking wardrobe, the Royal Robbins Alpine Road and the very simple Prana Brion II are phenomenal options as well. For a little extra protection in colder weather, check out the similarly styled Patagonia Quandary. For wet weather, we recommend the Arc'teryx Gamma.

Andy Wellman & Ben Applebaum-Bauch