Reviews You Can Rely On

Arc'teryx Gamma Pant - Women's Review

Great for mild to cold weather hiking and wet days on the trail due to solid weather resistance
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Arc'teryx Gamma Pant - Women's Review (The cut of these pants makes them appropriate for most outdoor activities. The high-waist works particularly well with...)
The cut of these pants makes them appropriate for most outdoor activities. The high-waist works particularly well with backpack straps.
Credit: Clark Tate
Price:  $200 List
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Manufacturer:   Arc'teryx
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 17, 2024
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 13
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 7.5
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 6.5
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 10.0
  • Construction Quality - 15% 8.5
  • Versatility and Features - 15% 9.5

Our Verdict

The Arc'teryx Gamma pants are well-built softshells that offer solid technical performance, excellent comfort, and streamlined good looks. They block wind and resist water well, making them a good choice for colder months or damp weather. Between their stretch fabric and smart cut, these pants offer a precise fit and endless mobility. A recent redesign gives them a slightly higher rise and streamlined belt that works great under a harness but may be less comfortable for casual wear for some users. The Gamma pants are more substantial and less breathable than other lightweight pants. However, we haven't tested better four-season hiking pants, and these would do very well for year-round use. Check out our best women's hiking pants review to see how it stacks up to competing products.
REASONS TO BUY
Impressive weather resistance
Excellent mobility
Comfortable
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Rigid waistband noticeable at times
Top button pops open
Not the most breathable

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Technical Hikes Year-round
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Women's Hiking Pants
Top Pick Award
Best For Work to Trail
Top Pick Award
Best Convertible Hiking Pants
Best Buy Award
Best Value Hiking Pants
Price $200.00 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$88.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 4 sellers
$46.93 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers
$90 List
$89.85 at REI
$70 List
$69.95 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A fantastic technical option for cooler, wetter weatherWith soft and stretchy fabric that never inhibits your movements and thoughtful technical details, this is one awesome pair of hiking pantsPants that can take you from town to the trailheadA versatile pair of pants with great venting and breathability at a great priceThese pants offer endless flexibility on the trail, up the mountain, or on the climbing wall
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Gamma Pan... Outdoor Research Fe... Prana Halle Straigh... REI Co-op Sahara Co... REI Co-op Trailmade
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
7.5
9.0
8.5
7.0
9.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
6.5
9.0
6.5
9.0
5.5
Weather Resistance (15%)
10.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Construction Quality (15%)
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.5
5.5
Versatility and Features (15%)
9.5
8.5
9.0
7.0
8.0
Specs Arc'teryx Gamma Pan... Outdoor Research Fe... Prana Halle Straigh... REI Co-op Sahara Co... REI Co-op Trailmade
Measured Weight (Size 6) 10.8 oz (size 6) 9.6 oz (size 6) 11.2 oz (size 6) 12 oz (size 6) 8.0 oz (size 6)
Material 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane exterior, 100% warp knit mesh polyester lining, (30% recycled content) 86% Bluesign-approved nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex 94% nylon/6% spandex
Fabric Features Water, wind resistant and breathable Water, wind resistant, quick dry, and breathable Water resistant, breathable Quick dry, water resistant Water resistant, quick dry, and breathable
Water Resistance FCO-DWR Treatment PFAS-free DWR finish PFAS-Free DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish
Size Options and Versions 00 to 16, in Short (28.5"-30"), Reg (30.5"-32",) Tall (33.5"-35") 0 to 24W, in Short (29"), Reg (31"), Tall (34") 00 to 16, in Short (28"), Reg (30"), Tall (34") 0P to 26W, in Petite (27.5"), Regular (30"), Tall (33"), and Plus 0P to 26W, in Petite (28.5"), Tall (34")
Sun Protection Not specified UPF 50+ UPF 50+ UPF 50+ UPF 50+
Pants-to-Shorts Conversion Cinch around ankle Cinch around ankle No Zip-off Cinch around ankle
Pockets 2 hand (zip), 1 side (zip) 2 hip, 2 back, 1 thigh 2 hand, 1 coin, 2 back (snap), 1 thigh (zip) 2 hand, 2 back, 2 cargo 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh (zip)
Integrated Belt Yes Yes, internal drawcord Yes, internal drawcord Yes, internal drawcord Yes, internal drawcord
Other Features Trim fit, straight leg, adjustable waist belt, adjustable pant cuffs, 3 inseam lengths, gusseted crotch (new design), articulated knees Articulated knees, drawstring at waist, stretch fabric, harness-compatible waist Gusseted crotch with vent holes, articulated knees, drawstring at waist, stretch fabric Mid rise, convert to shorts, relaxed fit, straight leg, 2 inseam lengths, reinforced cuff backs, flatseam Double fabric on knees and at heels, articulated knees, articulated hips, drawstring at waist, stretch fabric, cord loop at waistband
Social or Environmental Certifications Recycled nylon fabric, raw materials made with at least 30% recycled content 86% Bluesign approved nylon, 46% recycled Recycled nylon fabric, Bluesign, PFAS-Free DWR finish Contains materials that meet the Bluesign criteria
Contains recycled materials, From a Climate Neutral Certified brand
Bluesign approved fabric, Climate Neutral Certified Brand, short chain perfluorinated chemical DWR treatment

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Arc'teryx Gamma pants are the only soft shell option we tested, a category between regular pants and hard shell rain pants. Whereas hard shells are waterproof but struggle to breathe well to release sweat buildup, softshells are more waterresistant than most hiking pants but are more breathable than hardshells. They're a great option for high-output activities, like climbing a mountain, where you want your sweat to escape but need more protection from unexpected weather. If you're going to be out for a while and need to stay dry, you'll want those hard shells.

The Gamma pants are made of recycled nylon. This pair comes in sizes 00 to 16 in regular length (30.5" to 32"), 0 to 10 in short (28.5" to 30"), and 6 to 12 in tall (33.5" to 35").

Performance Comparison


The Gamma Pant works well for anything from a casual morning hike to full alpine adventures.
Credit: Clark Tate

Comfort and Mobility


The Gamma pants are built for performance. Their comfort comes largely from their impressive mobility, which they owe to cleverly constructed stretch fabric and a smart cut. A recent redesign gave them a higher waist for a more precise fit and moved the belt buckle off to the side. The legs also have a slightly looser cut and the gusset has a slight redesign. The result fits our lead tester like a glove and works wonderfully under a harness or back strap. These pants shine during full days spent on the trail or mountain.


The redesign feels so specific, that it may not work as well for all body types and the higher rise may not be as comfortable for casual wear if it's not your typical style or if you have a shorter torso. Since the belt is now moved to the side, the top button sometimes unsnaps, usually when squatting and flexing your abs to down climb.

Otherwise, the pants seem very similar. The fabric is thin, swishes a bit when you move, and is pleasant in hand, especially the soft inner layer. It has more structure than some of the lightest weight hiking pants we tested, which we find more comfortable in rugged terrain. The pant's cut stays out of our way even with its wider redesign and offers plenty of room to wear even our thickest base layer underneath.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - these pants performed flawlessly on a warm-weather, 12-mile hike...
These pants performed flawlessly on a warm-weather, 12-mile hike. Moving and breathing well enough that we never gave them a second thought.
Credit: Clark Tate

The recycled 88% Nylon and 12% elastane material offers enough stretch for any move you'd like to make. Articulated knees and a generous gusset in the crotch ensure you never feel restricted. Curved seams and three-dimensional paneling give your hips and booty space, too. The high rise keeps the pants from sagging at the waist, as does the sleek integrated belt. From deep telemark turns to high steps on rock or ice, these pants never hold us back.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - from office days to impromptu yoga sessions and morning hikes, these...
From office days to impromptu yoga sessions and morning hikes, these pants do it all.
Credit: Clark Tate

Venting and Breathability


The Gammas are breathable, but they just hold in more heat than some summer-oriented pants in the test, earning a lower score as a result. If you hike in the Gamma pants in 80-degree weather, they'll let your sweat escape, but it takes a bit longer than the lightest options. Their sturdy windproof fabric also works against you here, blocking you from the sweet relief of a breeze.


Luckily, you can roll them up or slide them up your calves, using the cinch in the hem to hold them in place. This is our favorite option in warmer conditions. The mesh hand and side pockets also vent some heat when unzipped.

We wore these pants to play racquetball and climb the never-ending Mount Stair-Stepper at the local gym, allowing us to test breathability in a controlled environment. They kept us sweat-free during the stop-and-start sport but held onto moisture during the consistent climb. After we stopped, they released the buildup quickly, keeping us comfortable enough to head to lunch without a shower.

We found the same was true on a 12-mile hike in humid conditions in the mid-80s. They were warmer and less breathable than we'd like but managed moisture reasonably well.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - we prefer to roll these pants up when we need some air, the hem...
We prefer to roll these pants up when we need some air, the hem cinches work well too.
Credit: Clark Tate

Weather Resistance


Throughout months of testing, the Gamma pants proved to be one of the best options for protecting against adverse weather. They block wind well, including in frigid winter conditions. They are also impressively water resistant thanks to an FCO-DWR (aka fluorocarbon-free durable water repellent) coating.


DWR treatment encourages water to bead up and roll off your clothes instead of soaking into them. It works very well in this case, with water rolling off more readily than most of the options we tested. It kept our legs completely dry in the shower for about 30 seconds. Even then, only a few droplets worked through to our legs. After two full minutes, under a steady fall of water, our legs were damp, but the pants felt surprisingly dry to the touch.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - these pants resist water well and dry quickly.
These pants resist water well and dry quickly.
Credit: Clark Tate

If you're in a sustained rainstorm, though, the water will soak through. Usually, the areas where your rain jacket sheds water onto your pants will saturate first. Like most of the pants in the test, these dry quickly, in about 4.5 hours in our 70-degree dry weather test.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - while they won't keep you dry in a downpour, they will fend off the...
While they won't keep you dry in a downpour, they will fend off the persistent shower from your water obsessed dog.
Credit: Jake Holmes

Construction Quality


These pants are impressively wrought with a three-dimensional shape they owe to smartly cut and placed panels. A gusseted crotch, with a slightly updated design, and articulated knees add to their sleek and functional features. Their excellent construction quality carries through to the sturdy nylon fabric and small, even seams.


The softshell material is highly abrasion-resistant. We found the fabric very difficult to puncture with the blunt tip of a paperclip. When it does punch through, the fibers immediately slide back into place. There are no concerning runs that might suggest that the fabric rips easily.

The hand pockets are secure, comfortable, and large enough to use.
Credit: Clark Tate

The zippers are reinforced, and the seams are double-stitched and are too small and tight to snag, a rarity that suggests they will stand the test of time. The snap button and hem cinches, which we'll discuss in more detail below, work well and have no obvious weaknesses.

The one concern we have is the new belt buckle. While we appreciate its compact size, lightweight, and tucked away functionality, it is small and plastic. In our experience, small, plastic gear can fall under pressure. Still, we didn't have any durability issues arise during our testing period, and, with the exception of the belt buckle, we don't expect to in the future.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - the new, tucked-away belt works well, but the small plastic buckle...
The new, tucked-away belt works well, but the small plastic buckle is a weak point.
Credit: Clark Tate

Versatility and Features


The Gamma pants work well in a range of front-country and wilderness adventures and have a few well-designed and helpful features. Most of the hiking pants we've tested are best suited to the summer months and the warmer days of spring and fall. These do well in the warmer months, can handle the winter months, and shine during the cooler parts of fall and spring. They also handle short bouts of wet weather well.


Despite their technical nature, we also wear them to work in our casual office. They're equally versatile in the woods, handling rough hiking trails, backpacking trips, climbing, and alpine adventures. We don't even mind wearing them at the gym. We did get more compliments on the previous version of the pants, though we did have them in a more eye-catching color

The high waist and minimal belt avoid interfering with backpacking waist straps and climbing harnesses, a fact we greatly appreciate.

The higher waist stays out of the way of harnesses and straps.
Credit: Clark Tate

The pants offer streamlined features that all work well. The pockets are made of sturdy mesh fabric, helping them to breathe while lying flat against your legs. The front pockets are big enough for your hands, phone, or wallet and zip closed for security. They are a bit smaller than the original version though, and are now rounded instead of squared off. We appreciate this detail since dirt and debris always seem to collect in those little pinch points.

A large, zippered thigh pocket on the outside of the right leg easily and comfortably holds a phone or a snack. Small pull tabs now grace the tiny zippers, an attention to detail that we appreciate. A low-profile, high-quality belt is wrapped into the waistband itself.

The cuffs have a drawcord, allowing you to cinch the hems to hold in heat or keep out insects or wet weather. The two small grommet holes that allowed you to strap the pants to your boots in the previous version are now absent. We won't miss them.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - being able to choose the length of the pants only improves the fit.
Being able to choose the length of the pants only improves the fit.
Credit: Clark Tate

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant?


These excellent pants cost a pretty penny, over twice as much as many options in the review. If you're a casual hiker who isn't hard on clothes and who rarely spends more than a few hours at a time in areas close to shelter, these are probably overkill.

That said, if you go with this pair, they're likely to last. If you want hiking pants that will stick with you through thick and thin in backcountry environments all year long, these are an excellent option.

These pants are also made of 30% recycled content. They use a DWR coating that is free of toxic, forever PFC chemicals. That means they keep you and the Earth healthier.

arc'teryx gamma pant for women - we don't mind that there aren't pockets in the seat of the pants. we...
We don't mind that there aren't pockets in the seat of the pants. We rarely use those anyway.
Credit: Clark Tate

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?


If you're looking for excellent four-season hiking pants that trend more toward workwear than fast and light alpine pursuits, check out the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers. If you want to spend less on a pair of high-quality, wind-resistant pants that breathe and repel water better than the Gamma option, see the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant.

Clark Tate