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Kuhl Radikl Review

Hiking pants with a unique, mostly cotton construction that does best in dry climates
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Kuhl Radikl Review
Credit: KUHL
Price:  $109 List
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Manufacturer:   Kuhl
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2023
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 14
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 7.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 7.0
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 3.5
  • Features - 15% 7.0
  • Versatility - 15% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Kuhl Radikl pants are certainly unique. Strategically placed stretch fabric at the crotch, lower back, knee, and side leg makes for a comfortable pair of pants. They are also heartier than the average pair. They come equipped with a variety of pockets, and the interior secondary waist stay ensures that they will stay put all day long. On the downside, we learned quickly during testing that these pants are fairly absorbent, which really limits their versatility and obviously, weather resistance. They have a somewhat unusual aesthetic, but if that turns out to be the look you are going for, then these dry-weather-friendly hiking pants will keep you comfortable on your next adventure.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not water resistant
Styling not for everyone
More casual than most hiking pants

Compare to Similar Products

 
kuhl radikl
This Product
Kuhl Radikl
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hiking Pants for Men
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Trail to Town
Top Pick Award
Best Convertible Option
Price $109.00 at Public Lands
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$74.25 at Public Lands
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line These pants aren't for everyone, but they are worth considering for desert dwellersFor comfort and breathability, these pants can’t be beatVersatile and comfortable, these thin hiking pants are a bargainAn excellent choice for anyone going straight from their desk to the trailheadThese pants offer mobility without skimping on features
Rating Categories Kuhl Radikl Outdoor Research Fe... REI Co-op Trailmade Royal Robbins Alpin... REI Co-op Sahara Co...
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
7.0
8.5
7.0
6.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (15%)
3.5
6.5
7.0
7.0
5.0
Features (15%)
7.0
5.0
7.0
8.0
7.5
Versatility (15%)
4.0
7.5
8.0
7.0
5.0
Specs Kuhl Radikl Outdoor Research Fe... REI Co-op Trailmade Royal Robbins Alpin... REI Co-op Sahara Co...
Weight 14.9 oz 12.2 oz 9.3 oz 13.8 oz 11.9 oz
Material Enduro 68% cotton, 29% nylon, 3% spandex 86% nylon, 14% spandex; 90D stretch woven ripstop 96% nylon/4% spandex 66% nylon, 31% polyester, 3% spandex 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex
Water Resistance No additional treatment DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish
Sizing (Waist, Length Options) W: 28" - 42"
L: 28" - 36"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 30"- 36"
W: 28" - 50"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 30" - 46"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 28"- 50"
L: 28" - 34"
Sun Protection UPF 50+ UPF 50 UPF 50+ UPF 50+ UPF 50
Pants/Shorts Convertibility No No (but have ankle cinch cord and fully convertible version available) No No (but have ankle cinch cord) Yes
Pockets 2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip 2 hand, 2 rear, 1 zippered thigh 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 flap)
Waist Strap and Fastener Button and zip fly Button and zip fly Button and zip fly Snap and zip with French fly Button and zip fly, elastic across back
Other Features Gusseted crotch Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket Belt loops Gussetted crotch, tapered leg, cinch cord at cuff Removable legs with color-coded zippers and vertical zippers, elastic in waist

Our Analysis and Test Results

A lot is going on with the fabric of this model. The majority of it is a 68% cotton, 29% nylon, and 3% spandex blend. The woven stretch fabric is 88% nylon and 12% spandex. What this amounts to is a pair of pants that comes with the comfort afforded by a cotton garment but with the mobility of stretchier synthetic material. They don't come with the same minimalist style that we admire in other pairs, but there are still some pros to these pants.

Performance Comparison


kuhl radikl - these pants are a comfortable, cotton-based alternative to the...
These pants are a comfortable, cotton-based alternative to the typical synthetic pants in this review.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Comfort and Mobility


The fabric blend is one approach that these pants use to increase comfort, but it takes advantage of other features as well. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees make for a roomier cut. The pants also sit slightly higher and hug the waist. Combined with the double waist stay, they remain secure, even without a belt. Unlike some other models in this review, the fly is also sufficiently sized to be practical, and the waist button won't pop open after a big lunch.

kuhl radikl - stretch panels are found in many places on these pants, including...
Stretch panels are found in many places on these pants, including the interior of the legs.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Venting and Breathability


These pants have strong ventilation and breathability. The same stretch fabric panels that increase wearer mobility also increase ventilation. They are strategically placed in areas that tend to get the sweatiest the fastest (e.g., lower back and crotch), and their looser weave facilitates airflow. Despite the heft of the fabric, during testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how cool we stayed. The cotton blend is also reasonably breathable. The primary detractor in this metric is that these pants don't dry particularly quickly once they do get sweaty.

kuhl radikl - the handwarmer pocket liner is the same stretchy fabric that is...
The handwarmer pocket liner is the same stretchy fabric that is found in multiple places on these pants.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


By design, these pants aren't meant to be water-resistant. The primary fabric blend is mostly cotton. The synthetic stretch panels have a comparatively loose weave that allows water to permeate through. Testing makes it plain that these pants just won't cut it in wet weather. In our spray test, water began seeping in immediately. Their redeeming quality is that they are a little heavier and thicker than most other pairs we tested, so they can tolerate a small amount of precipitation before they absorb enough to reach your body. They are also decently wind-resistant.

kuhl radikl - because they are made with a high proportion of cotton and have no...
Because they are made with a high proportion of cotton and have no DWR coating, these pants absorb water immediately.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Features


These pants come with an array of features. There are two handwarmer pockets (plus one coin pocket on the right-hand side) lined with the same stretch material in the woven panels described above. Two rear pockets and two similar, but not identical, narrow and deep pockets on the upper leg that seem to be designed to hold a smartphone or GPS. We like the options; our issue is that none of these options have zippers. We admit that we never had issues with items falling out, but somehow, we couldn't get past the psychological hurdle of our phones going tumbling down the mountain because we squatted just a little too deeply. These pants come with traditional belt loops (without an integrated belt). We wore them with and without but didn't find a meaningful difference one way or the other; assuming the waist fits to begin with, they will stay up, even without a belt.

kuhl radikl - the regular snap and the interior button and fabric panel are a...
The regular snap and the interior button and fabric panel are a feature combination that keep these pants extra secure around your waist.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Versatility


There are a couple of factors that limit the versatility of these pants. Their minimal water resistance, discussed above, means they are primarily suited for dry climates. The open pockets don't give us confidence in the security of whatever we put in them, so scrambling and steep ascents aren't an ideal use either. Less important for many people, but still a practical consideration, is that their style is not for everyone. They have a lot of visible stitching and look cargo-esque without actually being cargo pants. They are decent in a variety of temperatures, but we'd mostly stick to desert conditions in these.

kuhl radikl - these pants have a burlier aesthetic that might not be for everyone...
These pants have a burlier aesthetic that might not be for everyone, but just right for someone.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Should You Buy the Kuhl Radikl?


The Kuhl Radikl is a comfortable model if nothing else. Their atypical fabric blend and construction maintain stretch and wearer mobility, and the waist stays secure throughout the day. Though their style may not be for everyone, they are a solid pair of pants. If you are planning a trip into wet weather, then we strongly recommend looking elsewhere, but for clear fall days, they do perform well.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?


If comfort is what is most important to you, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Patagonia Quandary are two other models to consider. For better weather protection, the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant is top of the list, and if ventilation is critical, then the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible — that turns into shorts — is worth a look.

kuhl radikl - we would take these comfortable pants on a dry-weather hike any day.
We would take these comfortable pants on a dry-weather hike any day.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Ben Applebaum-Bauch