The Ferrosi is a lightweight softshell hiking pant made from breathable and highly mobile nylon/spandex. It features a UPF 50+ rating, quick-drying fabric, articulated knees that follow your body's natural bend, multiple zippered and drop-in pockets, and two full-zip pockets for trail utility. The pants also feature a harness-compatible waistband and adjustable ankle cuffs if you want to take them on vertical adventures.
Comfort and mobility are among our favorite aspects of the Ferrosi throughout testing, and it is one of the most comfortable traditional hiking pants we've tested yet. The material hand is a lightweight blend of 86% nylon and 14% spandex that delivers an excellent balance of softness, breathability, and stretch. That nylon-spandex blend offers impressive stretch, and the fabric moves naturally with the body, whether hiking steep trails, climbing over boulders, or squeezing through narrow canyon walls.
During testing in slot canyons, the Ferrosi handled scrambling, chimneying, and wide step moves with ease, allowing unrestricted movement in awkward positions and full split-style reaches. The generous stretch and articulated design gave the pants a natural feel while climbing and navigating tight sandstone features, and the streamlined fit prevented excess fabric from snagging in narrow spaces.
Breathability in the Ferrosi comes from a combination of lightweight fabric and a cut that favors airflow over heavy reinforcement. Rather than relying on zippered vents or thicker panels for durability, the design keeps materials thin and flexible to help heat dissipate during sustained movement. The result is a pant that manages temperature well, and we especially appreciated this when hiking in the desert or fastpacking uphill.
The fabric stays comfortable during long, active days thanks to its airy feel and is exceptionally quick-drying. Even in warm weather, the material remains comfortable against the skin without feeling clingy or heavy. Airflow is also enhanced by the pants' cut, particularly in the lower leg, where the fit relaxes slightly. That loose drape around the knees and calves helps encourage passive airflow while walking or scrambling. Even without zippered vents, the material does a solid job of preventing heat buildup on climbs and long uphill hikes.
The Ferrosi moves easily between active outdoor use and everyday wear, with a slight focus on warm-weather performance. It makes it a great option for summer days, when you need to stay cool, but also want to protect your skin from high UV levels. In cooler conditions, the fit leaves room for a thin base layer, extending its usability into shoulder seasons. Despite being a hiking pant, it has a flattering cut and looks stylish for town, or dare we say - outdoorsy chic.
The softer, thinner fabric packs down more compactly in a bag than heavier hiking pants, making them easy to carry on longer trips where space matters. That lower bulk, combined with all-day comfort and quick-drying performance, makes them a practical option for travel days, especially since these pants are a good all-arounder for a variety of activities. In our tests, they worked well for everything from mobility-heavy movements like rock scrambling to trivia night in town and long days driving on a road trip, maintaining a consistently comfortable feel throughout.
The Ferrosi keeps its feature set simple and functional, focusing on comfort and usability rather than extra technical add-ons. The simple design is efficient and effective, and we appreciate that it is not too flashy, with extras that would compromise its comfort or mobility.
One of the most useful features is the pocket system, which includes two hand pockets, a zippered thigh pocket, and a rear pocket that provides enough storage for small essentials on the trail or during travel. Although the pockets are a bit small for larger phones, they do the job for most things.
The hip has a drawstring that we found very comfortable for cinching our waistline. The low-profile drawstring waist offers a comfortable alternative to a belt and allows quick fit adjustments without adding bulk under a pack hipbelt or harness. The pants also feature cuff adjustments, making it easier to adapt them to changing conditions and footwear. They can be loosened for improved airflow in warm weather or tightened around low-profile hiking shoes to help keep debris out on dusty trails. Combined with the material's lightweight construction and comfortable drawstring waistband, the streamlined feature set keeps the Ferrosi practical without adding unnecessary complexity or weight.
Despite its lightweight feel, the Ferrosi Pant holds up well to trail use, bushwhacking, and moderate abrasion. The nylon-spandex blend is thinner than many traditional softshell hiking pants, but the fabric resisted visible wear better than expected after repeated scrambling, contact with sandstone, and off-trail travel through desert scrub. Seams remained intact throughout testing, and the stretch material recovered well without becoming baggy.
That said, the emphasis on breathability and mobility comes with some trade-offs in long-term ruggedness. The lighter fabric is more vulnerable to sharp rocks, thorns, and cacti pricklies than heavier softshell models designed specifically for alpine or work-oriented use. For most hiking, climbing, and travel applications, though, the Ferrosi strikes a solid balance between durability, comfort, and low weight. We would limit “professional booty scooting”, though, as that may push them beyond their limits.
The Ferrosi offers versatility to hikers, climbers, and travelers seeking a lightweight, highly mobile pant with a traditional fit. Its breathable stretch fabric and excellent freedom of movement make it especially well-suited for warm-weather hiking, scrambling, and technical terrain. Since the material is low bulk and packable, it also makes it a practical travel pant. People who need maximum abrasion resistance or weather protection in harsh alpine environments may want a heavier softshell, but for everyday trail use and active outdoor travel, the Ferrosi offers an impressive balance of breathability, versatility, and, in our experience, almost unmatched stretch.
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Hiking Pants |
|---|---|
| Price | $110 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | An exceptionally lightweight and breathable design that balances all-day comfort with the mobility needed for everything from mellow trail days to technical scrambling |
| Pros | Lightweight and breathable, good mobility and stretch, holds up to scrambling, quick-drying, packs down small |
| Cons | Too thin for cold or windy conditions, pockets are shallow, waistband can stretch out over time, lighter colors can show dirt |
| Rating Categories | Outdoor Research Fer... |
| Comfort and Mobility (35%) | |
| Venting and Breathability (20%) | |
| Versatility (20%) | |
| Features (15%) | |
| Durability (10%) | |
| Specifications | Outdoor Research Fer... |
| Cut/Rise | Slim, mid-rise |
| Sun Protection | UPF 50+ |
| Water Resistance | PFAS-free DWR finish |
| Convertible Features | Cinch around ankle |
| Measured Weight | 9.6 oz (size 6) |
| Size Options and Versions | 0 to 24W, in Short (29"), Reg (31"), Tall (34") |
| Pockets | 2 hip, 2 back, 1 thigh |
| Integrated Belt | Yes, internal drawcord |
| Material | 86% Bluesign-approved nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex |
| Social or Environmental Certifications | 86% Bluesign approved nylon, 46% recycled |
