I have a hard time finding 100% nylon for maximum windproofness "overpants" (large enough to put over regular trousers or wool trousers with suspenders) that have no waterproof coating or membrane whatsoever (for maximum breathability). Most of the so called sports wind pants I find in the stores are polyester and so designed for joggers and athletic purposes.

So far the candidates are:

MEC River 2 pants:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302698621&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442331445&bmUID=1190118229869

I like what the reviewers say, that "Flies don't bite through them" and "Used it while moving dead trees (with really rough bark) and no holes/ripping." This is the kind of usage I have in mind, but would also want to use them as all purpose wind breaker in urban environment during the cold waves of Canadian winters.

But I don't like the ankles that are too tapered and the front pockets are not secured (no zipper and of course, no flap with button which on a survival point of view is better than the zipper). I do however like the price and they are light.

From Angie's Outdoor (interesting military surplus store in Ontario)
http://www.angiesoutdoor.ca/military_surplus/canadian/pants_wind.html

Secured front pockets, military ones have buttons while civilian have zippers (the buttons are easier to repare in the field) but have to mail order and I'm not sure if they have my size and if it will fit and all that. In short I have to deal with the hassle of trying on clothes by mail order...

More expensive candidates includes The North Face Paramount nylon pants.

What are other affordable options and what do you use?

Thanks

It's strange that good wind pants are a specialty item these days. They work a lot better than Gore-Tex in below-freezing conditions.

You're right, most of the athletic pants have a coating that will hold moisture in and foul up your insulation in no time.


I have purchased oversized nylon "trekking pants" in the past, and used them as wind pants. The fit is pretty baggy, which is good for ventilation but lousy for your fashion image at the ski lodge.

Have you tried second-hand stores? If you know what you're looking for, sometimes there are some real gems for five bucks.

You might want to look at railriders

I have used the Guide Series rain pants from Gander Mountain. They are light weight nylon, fold small. I store them in the inside pocket of my guide series rain jacket (jacket is "packable" and folds into its own inside pocket, pants go in that pocket). I don't know that you could move a lot of dead trees without some damage, haven't tried it. I am sure they would hold up for a while, they are not that cheap. They don't have zippers or buttons on the pockets. They were reasonably economical and they packed light which was my primary reason for buying them before a backpacking trip. Used them for three years. Pull on easy over boots.

I liked the MEC Rad pants, though I don't know if they are still making them or not. Very simple and made for climbing, but they do have the tapered fit and also have alastic cuffed bottoms, good for hiking them up or over boots etc. They are made of Taslan nylon from what my memory tells me, and very durable.

Nylon though seems to take a bit longer to dry than polyester.

That's pretty close to what I'm talking about. I have a question, it's 2ply of 3oz nylon, does it mean it's actually like 6oz nylon (two layers?) The MEC River pants (and Rad pants) are 3.6oz.

That is just what I did when trying on the MEC River pants. I wanted the olive color and they didn't have my size which is large, but realized XL was probably even better for the purpose of putting them over other pants and tucking in heavy sweaters. I may go with them after all. And when it's extremely cold outside, people tend to be less fashion conscious...

Call Railriders (800-437-3794) and ask.

MEC's Rad and River pants are both good choices. I have both. They really do stand up to outdoor use.

If you're doing snow work, consider some gaiters to go with them.

As for fashion: once it drops below -15C, only a knucklehead is more concerned about fashion than warmth. (Personal rant.)