A nice-fitting pair of pants is something to celebrate. You know, the kind that stays put when squatting, stretching, hiking or just lounging. The multi-purpose Patagonia Altvia Trail Pants are just that and more. They have become my go-to from hiking to office duty.
Patagonia Altvia Trail Pants Features:
- Made from recycled polyester/spandex dobby
- Features 4-way stretch with a light DWR
- Partially elasticized waistband
- Moderate leg articulation
- Zippered cuffs to cover boots or for easy removal
- Zippered pockets with drainage
- MSRP: $119
Altvia = Trail, travel or even around town
As the cut and fit of pants has gone from tight to loose and back again, I’m grateful that the Altvia Trail Pants featurs a modern “just right” fit that is streamlined, but comfortable. Nobody wants to walk or hike like a stick because their pants inhibit movement, so Patagonia gave these a full, 4-way stretch to move with you.
As Patagonia states, these are made for “long, active days on the trail.” Interpret that how you wish, but hiking, dog walking or backpacking are all on the menu. For me, the Altvia Trail Pants have been confidently used around the Wasatch and on trips to Colorado and Oklahoma this summer. I love stashing them away in my bag and pulling them out, wrinkle-free and ready for action. On our trip to Oklahoma, things got mighty humid and sticky and the mosquitos were hungry. My solution was to grab the Altvia Trail’s and proceed to saunter about with the family.
In Colorado, we went on family hikes around Steamboat Springs and while my kids were all wondering why I wasn’t wearing shorts, I knew better. Hiking with pants is always my preferred choice because you never know when a good bushwhack might be in order. Luckily, on this particular hike, no bushwhacking was necessary, but I did realize that even though the Altvia Trail Pants are stretchy and comfortable, they can get a little warm when pushed hard. I don’t expect to run with them, but fast-paced hiking will get a little warm.
All the zippered pockets are well-placed and the right thigh pocket is perfect for my iPhone SE. I haven’t noticed any real wear in the face fabrics, but I’m stretching my head trying to find the DWR (durable water resistance) that Patagonia states they have. Water soaks right in for me… hmm.
One of my favorite features is the semi-elastic waistband. Now, these are nothing like Sears Toughskins pants from the 1970’s, with their embarrassing elastic waistband. No, they feature two, three-inch sections on either hip to allow natural stretch. This covers your backside when squatting and generally holds the pants in place like a champ.
As far as sizing goes, these are spot-on for me. Order what you would normally wear in a good pair of pants and you should be golden. I just toss these in with all the other dark clothes in our home and they have fared well. With a family of six, I’m not about to take special care of any apparel.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs with a 33″ waist and 31″ inseam. The 33″ regular length fits like a glove.
The Good:
- That 4-way stretch is super comfy
- Electric waist sections make sure they stay put
- Zippered pockets keep items secure
- Phone pocket
- Fits true-to-size
- Can be stuffed in a suitcase and worn, wrinkle-free
The Bad:
- Not seeing much in the way of DWR
- Can get toasty when hot and humid
The Bottom Line: Patagonia Altvia Trail Pants
The Altvia Trail Pants are great to have around for just about anything. My wife likes it when I wear them around and I appreciate their soft, stretchy fit. And, as a admitted “belt hater” I love that I can wear these without a belt and they stay perfectly in place — no matter my movements.
Buy Now: Available from Patagonia
