Columbia Trail Twist Pant : Fits Like a Tight, Performs Like a Pant

Ever since I stopped running and started power walking and hiking I've been looking for the right gear. Running apparel was too body conscious and hiking gear was too baggy. Then I found Columbia's Trail Twist Pant; it might just be the ideal active pant for me.

Part of Columbia's performance Titanium line, the Trail Twist pant is a hybrid running/hiking pant. Made out of a poly/elastane blend, the back of the pant is an all-way-stretch double weave, like a running tight, and the front of the pant feels more like the surface of abrasion-resistant hiking pants. It only stretches horizontally. It seemed like an odd combination until I wore them on a chilly, drizzly day.

I started my walk in the dark, when it was about 40 degrees. Halfway through my loop trail, it was raining lightly. Normally, this is the kind of walk where I end up chilled to the bone because my thighs freeze once they get wet. But, with the Trail Twist pant I stayed dry because the front of the pant is highly water repellent. An hour later, I arrived home and was completely comfortable.

I like the fit on The Trail Pant. The legs are cut nice and long and tapered, so the pant legs don't form to my calves and ankles. I also like the rise on these pants. Most women's exercise clothes are too high waisted for me, but this pant hits just right. The material is stretchy enough that I can pull the waistband up over my belly or roll it down and wear it lower. The drawstring in the waistband makes it easy for me to cinch up on cold days when I want to tuck in my baselayer top. There's also a handy zippered back pocket centered just under the waistband that's perfect for a treat or keys so I can exercise hands-free.

I admit--I wasn't sure about these pants at first because I wanted a pants-like fit through the seat as well as the lower legs. I also wanted the more durable material used on the front of the pant on the back as well so that I could wear them around town and as travel pants (since they're too form-fitting in the rear for me to want to wear them casually). Still, I've been wearing them for days; they've become my daily winter exercise pant. I've worn them for power walks in temps around 40 degrees down to about 25 degrees and felt fine. (I tend to heat up when I walk, so I can wear thin layers for winter exercise--others might want a warmer pant for temps in the 20's.)

Material: 90% polyester, 10% elastane.

Available in women's sizes XS-XL, in Black, Grill, and Tank.

Bottom LIne: I've been happy with the water repellency of the Trail Twist pant. My thighs stay dry, so I can exercise without getting chilled from wet pants.--E.D. (Dec '10)

BUY ONLINE : $55 click to shop at Amazon (on sale now).

Manufacturer's Site: www.columbia.com

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