Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s Review

First Impressions of Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s enters a crowded field of waterproof shell pants promising protection from the elements. Made by Mountain Hardwear, these pants aim to deliver reliable weather resistance and practical features at a reasonable price, making them an intriguing option for outdoor enthusiasts. Their packable design, 3/4 side zips, and recycled nylon construction immediately caught my attention, as I sought a versatile and eco-conscious solution for unpredictable weather conditions on the trail.

I needed a lightweight, packable pant that could easily be thrown into my backpack for sudden downpours during hiking and backpacking trips. I was specifically looking for something more breathable than my heavy-duty ski pants but with better weather protection than my lightweight hiking pants.

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s arrived neatly packaged, and my initial impression was positive. The fabric felt surprisingly durable for its weight, and the Mission Olive color was understated and practical. Picking them up, I was immediately struck by how light they are – only 10.7oz! This is a game changer for long backpacking trips.

I considered the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants and the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants, both popular choices in this category. Ultimately, I chose the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s because of the combination of the 3/4 side zips for superior ventilation and the more robust feel of the 70D recycled nylon fabric compared to the thinner materials used in other similar pants.

I was definitely excited! The low weight, combined with the promise of waterproof breathability and thoughtful features, made me eager to test these pants in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s was on a three-day backpacking trip in the Olympic National Forest. The weather forecast was mixed, with a chance of rain each day, so I packed the pants as insurance against getting soaked. On the second day, a heavy downpour started in the early afternoon, and I quickly pulled the pants on over my hiking pants.

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s performed admirably, keeping me completely dry even after several hours of steady rain. The 3/4 side zips proved invaluable for ventilation, preventing me from overheating despite the humid conditions. Putting them on over my hiking boots was a breeze thanks to the 3/4 zips.

The pants were easy to use right out of the box, although I did need to adjust the drawcord at the waist for a snug fit. I was initially surprised by how well the elastic cuffs sealed around my hiking boots, keeping water from splashing up my legs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple hiking trips and a weekend of car camping, the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear, even in high-abrasion areas like the knees and seat. The recycled nylon fabric feels tough and resists snags from branches and rocks.

Cleaning the pants is a breeze; I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or machine wash them on a gentle cycle. They dry quickly, which is a huge plus when traveling. Compared to my previous rain pants, which were bulky and difficult to pack, the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s are a revelation. They pack down incredibly small and weigh next to nothing, making them easy to carry on any adventure.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Mountain Hardwear.
• Gender: Female.
• Age Group: Adults.
• Application: Outdoor.
• Apparel Fit: Regular.
• Color: Mission Olive.
• Fabric/Material: Dry.Q 70D 3L Nylon Ripstop: 100% Recycled Nylon.
• Weight: 10.7 oz.

These specifications are important because they highlight the lightweight and packable nature of the pants, as well as the use of durable and eco-friendly materials. The Dry.Q 3-layer construction is crucial for waterproof and breathable performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s excels at its primary function: keeping you dry and comfortable in wet weather. The waterproof and breathable fabric effectively blocks rain while allowing moisture vapor to escape, preventing that clammy feeling often associated with waterproof clothing. The 3/4 side zips are a game-changer for ventilation, allowing you to regulate your temperature during high-exertion activities.

The main strength of these pants is their balance of weather protection, breathability, and packability. A potential weakness could be the lack of reinforced areas in high-wear zones, which might affect long-term durability for very rugged use.

The pants definitely meet my expectations for a lightweight, packable rain shell. I appreciate the thoughtful features and comfortable fit, making them a reliable choice for outdoor adventures.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s is simple and functional. The elastic waistband with drawcord adjustment provides a comfortable and secure fit, while the zippered hand pocket offers convenient storage for small items. The elastic cuffs with snap closure effectively seal out the elements.

The pants are user-friendly and require no special techniques to wear or adjust. The fit is relatively trim, allowing for a good range of motion without feeling bulky.

Durability & Maintenance

The 70D recycled nylon ripstop fabric feels durable and resists abrasion. The quality construction and reinforced seams suggest that these pants will last for several seasons of regular use.

Maintenance is simple; machine washing and drying on a low setting is sufficient to keep the pants clean. The waterproof coating should be retreated periodically with a DWR spray to maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s are fairly basic in terms of accessories. They feature a single zippered hand pocket and an internal carabiner clip loop in the rear pocket (for when the pants are packed into themselves). There are no specific customization options available.

The pants are compatible with most hiking boots and gaiters. The simple design makes them easy to layer over base layers or hiking pants.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s

Who Should Buy Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s?

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s are perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and packable rain shell. They are also a good choice for travelers who want to be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.

These pants might not be ideal for users who require maximum durability for extremely rugged activities, such as rock climbing or bushwhacking. Someone doing serious mountaineering might also need something more robust.

A must-have accessory would be a small stuff sack if you want to keep them separate from other items inside their own pocket.

Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s

The Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s are a well-designed and functional rain shell that offers excellent weather protection and breathability in a lightweight and packable package. The value proposition is strong, as they deliver performance comparable to more expensive options.

I would definitely recommend these pants to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile rain shell for outdoor activities. The combination of features, performance, and eco-friendly materials makes them a top contender in their category. Don’t let unexpected weather ruin your adventure; grab a pair of the Mountain Hardwear Threshold Pant – Women’s and stay dry and comfortable on the trail!