Eddie Bauer
Guide Pro Pants
Fabric: bluesign-approved 94% nylon/6% spandex
Waist: belt loops
Ankle: plain
Pockets: 2 open front, 2 zipped thigh, 2 rear Velcro
Sizes: S-XXL, 3 leg lengths
Women’s version: yes
eddiebauer.co.uk
Chris Townsend is impressed by these breathable hiking trousers with three leg lengths, from an American brand established back in 1920
Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro Pants are lightweight and stretchy nylon hiking trousers. The fabric has a matt finish and feels comfortable against the skin. The stretch plus the shaped knees means they move with you. The waistband has a soft lining treated with Polygiene Odour Control, so it stays fresh when it gets sweaty, which it does when worn under a pack hipbelt.
The woven fabric has a sun protection factor of +50 and a DWR treatment. The latter repels drizzle and light rain, but heavy wind-driven rain soon defeats it. Once the rain stops the trousers dry very quickly and I’m sure the DWR helps with this.
The fabric is wind-resistant but not fully windproof – I can blow through it with a bit of effort. I found the trousers warm enough in a strong wind gusting around 30mph and a temperature of 8°C. Walking up steep slopes with a pack demonstrates that the breathability of the fabric is effective.
The zip thigh pockets are big enough for smartphones or GPS units. Back pockets are covered by a hipbelt. As the fabric stretches, anything heavy causes the pockets to sag and bulge.
Unlike many trousers these come in three leg lengths, which is great for someone like me with short legs! Eddie Bauer describes them as having an ‘athletic/trim fit’. I didn’t find them very close-fitting, but they’re not baggy either and don’t flap about. In fact the fit is just about right for me.
Overall this is a good pair of trousers for three-season use. In winter you’d need a layer under them. They are well-made and I expect them to be durable. The packed size and weight are reasonable. The cost is comparable to similar trousers.