Very lightweight pants?

[Ratherbfishing]

The older I get, the less inclined I am to show off my pasty white chicken legs to the world.  (Mostly I just don't want skin cancer).  I see a lot of lightweight long sleeve shirts on the market but not so many pants.  As you all know, it can get mighty uncomfortable on a hot day (wearing long pants) and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen.  Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?

[WDE]

I’ve got a couple pairs of pants from Free Fly apparel that I really like. Super comfortable and lightweight. 

[Scott F]

I wear them all summer. I’ve gotten them from Bass Pro, Cabelas, and other stores. Columbia is one of the brands I wear. I don’t have any problems finding them, but I do have issues finding them in my size. They typically aren’t sold in the same way normal pants are by waist and length so I don’t order them online. I always have to try them on. 

[Choporoz]

9 minutes ago, Scott F said:

I wear them all summer. I’ve gotten them from Bass Pro, Cabelas, and other stores. Columbia is one of the brands I wear. I don’t have any problems finding them, but I do have issues finding them in my size. They typically aren’t sold in the same way normal pants are by waist and length so I don’t order them online. I always have to try them on. 

+1

Was a time when I thought the idea of specialized 'fishing pants' was silly.  A few years ago, I was gifted a pair and I now have several.  Love them.  Sun protection is a huge deal, but light weight, instantly drying and lots of pockets are big pluses, too.  I have Columbia, and others - differences are minor: button vs snap; zip vs velcro pockets; snaps vs velcro cuffs, etc.  I mostly kayak and when I wear jeans and wade in, the cuffs are wet for hours some days.  When I wear light 'fishing pants', they're dry before I realize they were wet.

[Armtx77]

There are a ton of options. Marmot, Mountain Hardware, North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Khaki, Columbia, Duluth Trading and many more.

 

If you have an REI close by, I would go try on a few and than find them cheaper on line. I have had good luck with Columbia over the years and they are typically on the less exspensive end of the spectrum.

 

I have a couple pairs of Duluth that are a bit thicker that wear for wading rivers.

 

Good luck.

[Gundog]

Columbia. I got my first pair 10 yrs ago. They are the kind that you can unzip the legs to make them shorts. Great option and they are light weight even with the legs on. 

[Glenn]

Another vote for Columbia.  Yes, the zip-offs are a great option to have, but typically I don't unzip them because they're comfortable even when the temps are pushing triple digits.

[WRB]

The lightest weight men's pants I know of is Lands' End brand SPF pants, 60% cotton/40% Nylon, 5 pocket sports pant. Columbia is good.

Tom

[the reel ess]

I just use the long sleeve fishing shirt, wide brim hat and spray sunscreen on the legs and hands.

[Baz.]

after getting an infected tick bite started growing the second ring (no lyme im good!) ive begun always wearing pants, long socks, all that when fishing. Now that its warm id recommend checking out the northface hiking AND workout pants. have some very comfortable, very lightweight pants that feels... well... d**n near naked to be honest. Been wearing them as often as their clean for the last 3 years and their holding up well. Got a couple more pairs finally about a month ago. 

[Junger]

I like the cotton canvas stuff from Columbia, SPF 50 and multiple waist/inseam sizes. Usually $30-$45 from Amazon.

[ChrisD46]

3 hours ago, Ratherbfishing said:

The older I get, the less inclined I am to show off my pasty white chicken legs to the world.  (Mostly I just don't want skin cancer).  I see a lot of lightweight long sleeve shirts on the market but not so many pants.  As you all know, it can get mighty uncomfortable on a hot day (wearing long pants) and I prefer NOT to apply sunscreen.  Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations?

*Excellent topic - I'd add lightweight long sleeve shirt option as well . As a kid growing up in Texas running around barefoot and shirtless in shorts with no sun protection applied - I pay the price today eaten up with sun damage and per-cancerous skin abnormalities which now need to be continually removed by a dermatologist . Pants , shirts , buffs , hats , sun protection lotion , etc.  could hopefully lead to a sticky one day .

 

[CenCal fisher]

Columbia Omni shade pants. 

[NHBull]

Columbia, blood and guts......just get them?

[Choporoz]

14 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

*Excellent topic - I'd add lightweight long sleeve shirt option as well . As a kid growing up in Texas running around barefoot and shirtless in shorts with no sun protection applied - I pay the price today eaten up with sun damage and per-cancerous skin abnormalities which now need to be continually removed by a dermatologist . Pants , shirts , buffs , hats , sun protection lotion , etc.  could hopefully lead to a sticky one day .

 

Not a sticky, but I am happy to keep topping this:

 

[Deleted account]

Columbia is the right answer. I took several pairs of pants, shorts, and the zip-outs to Djibouti for a one year deployment. They make some that are really thin and cool, and most are in neutral colors. I think the "coolest" day there was 95ºF, and they worked great. I fish with them most of the time, and as a bonus, they have a crazy number of pockets.

[Scott F]

For those who are unaware of these style pants, and want to look for them, they are normally 100% nylon which makes them very lightweight. Unlike cotton, they won't hold moisture very well which makes them quick dry. Many styles are convertible so you can zip off the legs and turn them into shorts. If you haven't worn them, they are the most comfortable pants you can wear. You'll be happy you got a pair.

[Montanaro]

I typically wear jeans for their ability to ward off a stray treble hook.  The peak of summer i will sometimes wear cheap zip off pants/shorts but they arent very comfortable.  I don't like wearing shorts fishing due to skeeters/horse flies/sun.

[IgotWood]

Simms has an ultra-lightweight pants. I've got a few pairs that I bought several years ago and I love them. Super light, and they dry very fast.

[JustJames]

Columbia here too, very reasonable price and comfortable enough for all day fishing even when wet.

[nd1225]

I bought 3 pairs of Columbia pants, and they're awesome!

[FishDewd]

I might be one the lone guys out, but I like fishing in shorts and sleeveless tees! With tanned and toned arms and legs like these, why would I wanna hide them? ?

[lo n slo]

1 minute ago, FishDewd said:

I might be one the lone guys out, but I like fishing in shorts and sleeveless tees! With tanned and toned arms and legs like these, why would I wanna hide them? ?

i used to be the same way til they started cutting things off of me and i dont think they’re done either

[blckshirt98]

The quick dry pants are a godsend for me and not only keep me warmer in cold weather, but it keeps the sun off me and keeps me cooler in hot weather.  I've used the ones from Columbia and Alpine Design, but I've also used the cheapest generic brand from Sierra Trading Post when they're up on clearance and they all work the same.  Number of pockets and layout are different but as long as they fit, I don't have a brand preference.

[FishDewd]

52 minutes ago, lo n slo said:

i used to be the same way til they started cutting things off of me and i dont think they’re done either

I do wear sunscreen though, meant to mention that. SPC 70 Sport for longer outings where is no shade. I don't get burned.