This post sponsored by KÜHL. All opinions are my own.
I was super excited to be contacted by KÜHL to try out a pair of their pants (my choice of style) and couldn’t wait to test them out!
KÜHL Trekr Pants
I got to test the KÜHL Trekr Pants out on a recent hike that involved finding cave entrances to a cave system right in the middle of a subdivision (look for my hiking report of that on my blog).
I typically wear Columbia and PrAna pants, so those are what I will be comparing these to.
About the Trekr Pants
Made from KÜHL’s exclusive REKOIL™ fabric, which retains its shape and has awesome stretch, it wicks moisture and is fast drying. It also features UPF 50 protection, 2 snap back pockets, 2 regular front pockets, 2 zip thigh pockets, internal waist drawcord, and includes a side seam cinch within the thigh pockets which allows you to cinch up the legs to a 27″ capri.
What I Liked About KÜHL Trekr Pants
Sizing
I originally could not find the size chart, so I asked what size they would recommend for someone who wears a size 12 in Columbia and PrAna. They recommended a size 12 in their brand as well. They fit perfectly. For the record, at the time of this post, I am 5′ 9″ and weigh 195 lbs (yes, really…no one ever believes me on that haha) and I ordered a size 12 with a 34″ inseam.
Multiple Inseam Lengths
I love the fact that they also offer longer inseams. I am 5′ 9″ and it’s hard to find hiking pants that don’t end up as Capri’s or high waters on me lol. In regular pants I wear a 36″ inseam but found that 34″ inseam in hiking pants is the perfect length as I do not need them to hit the ground like my boot jeans (yes, I wear boots and jeans on almost a daily basis).
Comfortable Fabric
The fabric is lightweight, stretchy in all the right spots, and feels great next to the skin. I love the fact that it offers UPF 50 protection and is quick-drying because mud and water always love to find me on the trail.
Pockets
I love pockets on my pants. These have 2 zipper pockets (one on each thigh), 2 regular pockets, as well as 2 snap pockets on the back bootie area. I do prefer cargo-type pockets on my thighs, but love that these are zippered (a must when hiking to keep stuff from falling out).
What I’d Change
I am not a fan of the cinch legs. I found that while one leg would stay cinched hiking, the other leg kept falling no matter how many times I would try to readjust the cinch. It’s a great concept, it just didn’t work for me. I would also prefer that the back pockets be zipped instead of snapped. Just a personal preference on my part. I would also like to see more colors offered (as of this post, there are only three colors offered; charcoal, stone, and odyssey) even if it was just adding the color black and tan.
My Overall Thoughts
I love KÜHL Trekr Pants. They are so comfortable and the right amount of thickness. Not too light and not too heavy. They have become my favorite pants and I have decided to give them the real test, by making these my main pants when I head back out to the Appalachian Trail on June 1st to do my flip-flop thru-hike. Once I give them a beating, I will update this post with how they handled!
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