Kayak Pants

[hookedahawg]

Hey guys, ever since owning my kayak I've always worn shorts because it gets so hot. Well last week I went fishing for around 6 hours and my legs are completely eaten up by bugs. Could anyone put me in the direction of a good quick dry pants but also one that's made for warm weather? All I was able to find was cold weather pants. Thanks!

[martintheduck]

For hot months, I snagged a pair of $70 Columbia pants (with zip off legs). I use them as shorts until bugs get bad, then toss the legs back on. Got them at Dick's. They are made of that slick under-armory material. Should be able to look at the tags and it will say "quick dry" on the specs. They cost a little bit, but it was the best purchase I've ever made for yak fishing. 

 

During the cold months I just wear normal cold gear with a pair of frogg togg pants over them.

[flyfisher]

Any lightweight nylon/quick dry pants will work. My preference is mountain hardwear and I also hate zip offs. It's one of those things that seems cool and you will use often but I never do. I tried them in the yak and depending on your seat the leg zipper may get in the way.

They are good for lightweight traveling though.

[Jrob78]

The Columbia Aruba pants are nice and usually cost under $50. I also have a pair of North Face Horizon pants that don't have the zip off legs, they are great too but cost a little more.

[martintheduck]

Any lightweight nylon/quick dry pants will work. My preference is mountain hardwear and I also hate zip offs. It's one of those things that seems cool and you will use often but I never do. I tried them in the yak and depending on your seat the leg zipper may get in the way.

They are good for lightweight traveling though.

 

 

This is exactly why I went with the columbia pants. I hate zipoffs normally because the zipper will get in the way or press into the knee. I found the columbia ones have the zipper higher on the leg, went and tried on a pair, and yes... the zipper is higher. standing up the zipper is about 4 inches above my knee. 

[moguy1973]

I also have a pair of the Columbia fishing pants to fish out of my kayak in.  They are light weight, dry fast, have 50 UPF sun protection, and the bottoms are convertible and zip off to make them into shorts when I'm done fishing.  I wear one of their long sleeve shirts too.  I burn pretty easily and I really hate reapplying sunscreen when I'm fishing so wearing this stuff really helps out.  

[Hanover_Yakker]

I also second the Columbia branded pants, but if you are in a pinch for money, the Worldwide Saltwater Sportsman pants at BPS are affordable.  Also, WalMart has started carrying a line of fishing pants by Berkley for $15/pair.  Not sure of how they fit or perform but that may be an option for you.  Lastly, on the Columbia, if you have a Columbia Outlet near you, you can find them there sometimes.  I just purchased three pairs at $17/pair.

[clayton86]

Bug spray/thermacell........

[hookedahawg]

Thanks guys, im also in the " I hate the feel of lotion club. " so sunscreen is out, same feeling for bug spray. I figure if I can get some good pants and an airy long sleeve I should be good. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[CTGalloway21]

I heard if you shave your legs the bugs will leave you alone.  hehe

[hookedahawg]

Haha id rather deal with the bugs then my buddies.

[aceman387]

I go the with the zippered pants also.I had an old timer tell me he throws some moth balls in the bottom of the boat and it keeps the flies from biting his ankles.I don't what would be worse the flies biting your ankles or inhaling moth ball fumes all day.lol

[gramps50]

I have heard that dryer sheets will keep the bugs away too, but have never tried it.

[Team_Dougherty]

I also where the light weight convertable pants and shirt when kayak fishing. I may look like a goof but I also burn easily and hate the feeling of suntan lotion.

 

I have different pairs. some by remington and others by Koppen