Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Pant Review

We like the low-profile integrated belt which makes adjusting the waist easy. The deep handwarmer pockets are a nice feature as well.

Performance Comparison

Comfort & Mobility

These pants don't feel as stretchy as we first assumed they would be based on their elastane content. However, one really unique quality that differentiates them from most other pairs is that the inside-facing material is woven in such a way that it makes the synthetic fabric feel softer. During testing, we really came to appreciate the difference that this makes in terms of reducing chafing.

Wearer mobility proved to be middle-of-the-pack. The gusseted crotch means that there is plenty of room to move in the upper half, however, the legs feel somewhat short, leaving ankles exposed on big steps. The cut is fairly 'regular' — not slim, but not loose. The included belt also allows the wearer to dial in the fit of the waist.

Venting & Breathability

The ventilation on these pants is standard but effective. The front and rear pockets are mesh-lined, so they can be unzipped to throw some heat. If you opt to roll them up, the elastic cord in the ankle secures them in place. There are a handful of models that employ a similar feature, but we found that these pants actually execute it well.

These pants don't breathe especially well. The fabric is on the thicker side, and they are meant for cool weather so they are more for keeping in heat than releasing it.

Versatility & Style

The Chockstone is a technical and technical-looking pair of pants. They perform well on flats and gradual switchbacks, however, when high-stepping and scrambling the short legs were somewhat annoying. They are effective though for water-based or water-adjacent sports like canoeing and fishing.

This model definitely comes with a tech look. They are a fine fit for the informal front country. They are decent utility pants that can also double as casual happy hour wear.

Weather Resistance

We are pleased with the water resistance of these pants. They are not waterproof, so moisture eventually soaks in, but because of the weave of the fabric, wearers often didn't end up feeling that moisture as quickly. The weave pattern of the inside-facing fabric seems to absorb, which gives the wearer at least a little more time before the water makes it to their skin. We also found that they dry slightly faster than the average pair.

As with many other models in this review, we appreciate the UPF 50 rating that confirms the protection that these pants provide from harsh UV rays. They have reliable wind resistance as well.

Features

These pants have okay features. There are only three pockets including two front handwarmer pockets, and one rear zipper pocket on the right. We like the depth of the front pockets, which reduced our worry about items falling out. The rear zipper also provides peace of mind for critical items like keys.

As discussed above, this model comes with a very practical elastic cord at the ankles which helps secure the legs when they are rolled up in warmer weather. The integrated belt is low-profile and helps dial in the fit.

Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone?

This is a durable, tech-forward model. The short-feeling legs put a damper on our enthusiasm for these pants, especially with its higher-than-average price tag. However, they are water-resistant and have nice deep pockets. Though there are a few nice features, it's possible to get everything these pants offer in other pairs, so we would look elsewhere.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?

For pants with impressive weather resistance, we recommend the REI Activator 3.0 or the Arc'Teryx Gamma Pant. For high comfort and light weight, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi is our model of choice. Great style can also be had with the Royal Robbins Alpine Road and Prana Brion II.