Klim USA Chinook, Baja, Dakar And Mojave Pants

A few years ago I picked Klim pants as one of my personal products of the year, and since then the pants have only gotten better. Cases in point: the new Chinook and Baja in-the-boot pants.

These start with the same Klim design theory: a well-proportioned and proper-fitting pant that has all the pockets and venting options you'll likely ever need. Next, you decide between the near full-mesh front on the Baja or go with the zip-open flaps on the leg that dump fresh air into the Chinook. You also have the two over-the-boot options with the Dakar and Mojave as well.

Overall these pants are some of the toughest I've worn, and even the mesh resists tearing better than other mesh fabric I've tried. No matter how hot it is, the Dakar and, yes, the Chinook pants will cool you, but don't wear the mesh front ones if it is below 50 degrees as you will experience leg freeze. The pockets on all of the pants have enough room to store small flat things like gloves, some cash or mountain money, but there isn't the room for bulky or sharp items, which don't really seem happy on your legs in the first place.

The fit of the tuck-in leg is about perfect, and the best new feature since the last time I mentioned these pants is the addition of a hook-and-loop closure on the back of the over-the-boot versions to make it much easier to get your boots on. The style of the gear is plain and simple, a good and clean look, not making you appear like a cartoon character on the trail.

All of the pants I've tested have lasted for more than a year of abuse, and the ones I've passed on to friends continue to impress them with function and durability. Priced between $119 and $159, they are cost competitive and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. -Jimmy Lewis