Arc'teryx Sabria Pant Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Durable, versatile, flattering
Cons: Just 2 small pockets, tighter fit
Manufacturer: Arc'teryx
Our Verdict
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Sabria pants come in size 0-14 in the Regular inseam (31"), as well as 0-8 in short and 4-14 in Tall inseams. Arc'teryx doesn't specify what length the short and tall inseams are.
We bought these pants in our usual size 6. They're snug, but not enough to exchange them. The waistband was tightest when initially trying the pants on but quickly stretched with wear. Online reviews complain that the pants start two sizes too small and stretching two sizes too big. We did notice stretching, but it wasn't that bad. The pants have since kept their form, and are still on the snug side due to the trim cut and tapered leg. If you want a looser fit to layer underneath, you may want to go up a size. Also, note that this pant has a discreet drawstring loop in the waistband.
Performance Comparison
Comfort and Mobility
The material blend of these pants is 87% nylon and 13% elastane. The Sabria provides the right amount of stretch and comfort for semi-technical pants. They are comfortable enough to sleep in, sturdy but discreet enough to climb in, and low-key enough to wear on the streets. These pants are built tough and create some noise with movement, making them less desirable for the yoga mat or a plane ride.
They're cut trimly, with tapered legs, but still allow you to scramble, climb, and high step with ease. Their articulated knees, gusseted crotch, and four-way stretch provide max mobility.
Venting and Breathability
Lightweight, four-way stretch material and an air-permeable design keep everything inside these pants cool. Due to the tapered leg cut of these pants, rolling them up from the ankle more then a couple of inches is virtually impossible. If you hike in these pants in hot temperatures, the light material, and trim cut will help keep you vent perspiration. The pockets are also mesh-lined, so you can unzip them for further heat ventilation.
Weather Resistance
Arc'teryx calls this material water-resistant They feature a DWR finish, that does the trick repelling water, and it takes a lot to soak them through. Once wet, they only took 20 minutes to dry in the sun. The DWR finish and water-resistance of the Sabria is impressive, though the pants are slightly lacking when it comes to wind resistance.
Features
The feature set on the Sabria is minimal. Theses pants have identical, zipper-secured pockets on the thighs. The pockets are small and a tight fit for a large iPhone. The internal waist adjuster is discreet to the point of invisible.
Versatility
The Sabria pants are versatile in the sense that they can be worn comfortably, for all kinds of adventuring. Discreet function and durability make them great for technical hiking, climbing, and streetwear. We tested these pants in the Sierra Nevada fall, where sunrise temperatures are freezing, but mid-day temps blaze hot. During cold mornings they offer ample warmth while moving, but at a standstill or in a gust of wind, we can feel the chill.
Luckily these pants are easy to layer, and with the right base, you can easily create an unstoppable combination. Strong water resistance makes them good pants for wet weather or even a light flurry. Thanks to the tapered leg and lightweight material, these pants do a great job of keeping things cool in hotter temperatures.
Value
The Sabria is one of the priciest pairs in this review. They don't come with all the bells and whistles of some other models, but they' tough. The four-way stretch material is abrasion-resistant, and the seams are all double stitched. We have no issues to report from our durability testing.
Conclusion
The Arc'teryx Sabria are versatile hiking pants. Their trim cut and smooth, stretchy material make for a flattering fit and functional choice for a wide variety of activities. These pants are best on their own in the heat or paired with a base layer in moderate weather.
— Kathleen Sheehan