Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s Review

First Impressions of Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s promise warmth, silence, and freedom of movement, a trifecta I desperately seek in my hunting apparel. Gamehide aims to deliver a pant suitable for a wide range of hunts, from crisp early-morning treestand sits to active spot-and-stalk scenarios, and at a price point that won’t break the bank.

My quest for the ideal hunting pant has been long and arduous. I’ve battled stiff fabrics that restrict movement, noisy materials that betray my presence, and pants that simply don’t offer enough insulation when the mercury drops. The promise of HyperHide fabric and a fleece inner layer immediately piqued my interest, offering a potential solution to these persistent problems.

Upon unboxing the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s, my initial impression was positive. The Realtree Edge camo pattern looked crisp and effective, and the pants felt surprisingly lightweight despite the promise of warmth. The fleece lining was soft to the touch, hinting at a comfortable and cozy interior.

Compared to my old, heavy, canvas hunting pants from Cabela’s, or even the more modern but still somewhat stiff Sitka Gear Ascent pants, the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s felt significantly more pliable and less bulky. While the Sitka pants focus on breathability for warmer weather, and the Cabela’s pants prioritize durability, these Gamehide pants seemed to strike a balance between warmth, flexibility, and silence, a crucial factor for close-range archery hunts. I was cautiously optimistic that these might be the perfect mid-season hunting pants I’d been searching for.

My first impression was one of cautious excitement. They appeared to offer a compelling combination of features at a reasonable price. Only real-world testing would reveal whether the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s could truly live up to their promises.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s took place during a late-October whitetail hunt in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin. Temperatures hovered in the low 40s in the morning, climbing to the mid-50s by midday. I spent the morning in a treestand and the afternoon still-hunting through some thick timber.

The pants performed admirably in the cool morning air, keeping me comfortably warm without overheating. The silent HyperHide fabric lived up to its name, allowing me to shift and adjust in my stand without creating any telltale rustling sounds. The flexibility of the material was immediately noticeable, allowing for unrestricted movement when climbing into my stand and drawing my bow.

I did notice that the pants seemed to retain a bit of moisture after a brief, light drizzle. While they didn’t become soaked, they weren’t as water-resistant as some higher-end waterproof pants I’ve used. No major issues arose during this first outing, leaving me feeling even more confident in their potential.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during both archery and firearm deer seasons, as well as a few late-season coyote hunts, the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s have proven to be a reliable and comfortable choice for moderate weather conditions. The fabric has held up well to brush and briars, showing no signs of significant wear and tear. I’ve even worn them while helping clear downed trees after a storm; they are surprisingly robust.

Maintenance has been simple: a cold-water wash and low-heat tumble dry have been sufficient to keep them clean. I did notice that they tend to pick up burrs and other debris easily, requiring a bit more attention during the cleaning process.

Compared to my previous experience with less flexible and noisier hunting pants, the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s offer a significant improvement in comfort and stealth. While they may not be ideal for torrential downpours or extreme cold, they excel in the conditions I typically encounter during the mid-season hunts. These pants are more comfortable and mobile than many of the canvas offerings in the price range, however, pants with a DWR coating, like my old Browning pants, did shed water more effectively.

Breaking Down the Features of Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s

Specifications

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s boast several key specifications that contribute to their overall performance:

• HyperHide Fabric: A two-layer bonded fleece providing silent, waterproof protection and stretch. The waterproof aspect is more water-resistant than fully waterproof in my testing.
• Slash-Style Handwarmer Pockets: Offer convenient storage and a place to keep hands warm. The slash-style provides easy access.
• Snap Closure Cargo Pockets: Provide secure storage for essential gear. Snaps are generally quieter than velcro closures.
• Knee-High Leg Zips with Cuff Adjustments: Allow for easy on/off over boots and customizable fit. This is particularly useful with bulkier hunting boots.
• Post and Fly with Elastic Section in the Waist: Ensures a comfortable and secure fit. The elastic waist allows for layering underneath.
• Color: Realtree Edge camo for effective concealment in a variety of environments. Realtree Edge is a popular and versatile camo pattern.
• Fabric/Material: Fleece lining for added warmth and comfort. The fleece interior enhances comfort in colder temperatures.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the pants’ ability to keep you warm, dry, and concealed while allowing for freedom of movement. The silent fabric is crucial for stealth hunting, while the pockets provide convenient storage for essential gear. The leg zips and cuff adjustments make it easy to put on and take off the pants over boots, a feature that is highly desirable for any hunter.

Performance & Functionality

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s perform their job admirably, providing a comfortable and stealthy hunting experience in moderate weather conditions. They excel in situations where silence and freedom of movement are paramount.

Their strengths lie in their quietness, flexibility, and comfort. The HyperHide fabric truly lives up to its name, allowing for near-silent movement. Weaknesses include a lack of true waterproofness and limited insulation in extremely cold conditions.

Overall, the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s meet my expectations for a mid-season hunting pant. They are a reliable and comfortable option for a wide range of hunting activities.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s is good, with durable stitching and quality materials. The fleece lining is soft and comfortable against the skin.

The pants are user-friendly and require no learning curve. The pocket placement is intuitive, and the leg zips are easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s appear to be reasonably durable and should last for several seasons with proper care. The fabric has held up well to abrasion and snags during my testing.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a cold-water wash and low-heat tumble dry. They air dry quickly as well.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s do not come with any additional accessories. However, they can be paired with various base layers and outerwear depending on the weather conditions.

They are also compatible with most standard hunting belts and suspenders. No modifications are required for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s?

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s are perfect for hunters seeking a comfortable, silent, and affordable pant for mid-season hunts. They are also suitable for those who prioritize freedom of movement and stealth over absolute waterproofness.

Those hunting in extremely cold or consistently wet conditions should consider a different option. A waterproof pant with greater insulation would be better suited.

A comfortable base layer is a must-have accessory for colder days, as well as a reliable hunting belt to ensure a secure fit.

Conclusion on Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s

The Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s are a solid choice for hunters seeking a versatile and affordable mid-season hunting pant. Their silent fabric, comfortable fit, and practical features make them a worthwhile investment for hunters who value stealth and freedom of movement.

The price is definitely justified, considering the performance and features offered. While they may not be perfect for all conditions, they excel in a wide range of hunting scenarios.

I would personally recommend the Gamehide Wapiti Pants – Men’s to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable hunting pant that won’t break the bank. If you value stealth and comfort during your hunts, these pants are a great option. Give them a try and experience the difference for yourself!