ExOfficio Nomad Roll-Up Pant - Women's Review

The ExOfficio Nomad Roll-Up Pants are the lightest women's hiking pant for traveling light and backpacking in comfort, though they don't offer the convertible features of our Editors' Choice and Best Buy winners.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Fit

The ExOfficio Nomad Roll-Up Pants offer a soft to the touch feel combined with luxurious features such as a fleece-lined waistband. Constructed of 100% Nylon, they are lightweight and breathable yet flexible and stretchy. Although other pants in our review are also constructed of 100% Nylon, such as the Columbia Aruba Pant, the Nomads are by far the softest. We found comfort in the deep, mesh lined pockets, relaxed fit and light weight. Unfortunately, the loose fit is very baggy on petite and slim body types. ExOfficio offers these pants in a petite sizing chart and a regular sizing chart, which addresses inseam length, but does not offer a slimmer fit. The loose fit can be a hindrance while climbing or biking or managing wind while hiking. Fortunately, comfort is not compromised while hiking in moderate conditions. The pants do not rustle excessively or cause any restrictions of movement, despite the baggy fit. Because of the added room in the leg region, these pants are great for layering beneath. Unlike the Marmot Lobo - Women's or the Prana Halle II - Women's, the Nomad Pants are great for wearing with a base layer or for allowing adequate airflow when worn alone.

Breathability

The loose fit lends to increased breathability and ventilation. With features such as mesh-lined pockets and the option to roll up the pant leg ends, these pants excel at breathability and ventilation. The fleece lined waistband works to wick sweat away, keeping you comfortable and dry.

Weather Resistance

While some hiking pants in our review offer DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment ( the Prana Halle and Patagonia Simple Guide), ExOfficio has stepped it up a notch and coated the Nomad Roll-Up pants with Teflon. While this is not the typical application for Teflon, it excels at beading water off of the pants, keeping you and your hiking plans dry. If washing your pants in a sink or lake is on the agenda, these pants will wash very well and dry fast. The Teflon coating contributes to a stain resistant, easy to wash exterior. The Nomad pants also offer a UPF rating of 30, reducing excessive sun exposure through the pant material.

Features

The Nomad Roll-Up Pants offer features to make travel and hiking easy. Two high side thigh zippered pockets are easily accessible while in stride, and two deep front hand pockets with mesh lining are perfect for carrying a small water bottle or camera. There are two additional back pockets as well. While the pockets are plenty large enough, we were mindful about how much we weighed down these lightweight pants. With a proper fit at the waistband, a point and shoot camera can be stored in the side zippered pockets, but if the fit is loose, the lightweight pants may be dragged down by the extras. Unlike the well structured Prana Halle roll-up option, the Nomad Pants may be rolled up and secured or scrunched up and secured. This ability to roll the pants up in two different manners is unique, and due to the lightweight material. A “French closure” at the waistband secures the pants with two outer snap buttons and an inner pull through button. This is slightly excessive, as the three buttons are not adjustable for a better fit, and only serve to secure the pants on. The belt loops do add the option for an adjustable fit.

Mobility

The ExOfficio Nomad Roll-Up Pants allow for full range of motion with no restriction to movement. The mobility is excellent in these pants. The relaxed, modern fit keeps the pants off of the body yet moving with your strides. We love the airy feel of these soft pants while hiking.

Best Applications

The Nomad Pants are a perfect pant for the nomad woman. Hiking, backpacking, wandering, and traveling are al easily accomplished in these pants. While they are mobile and comfortable, we didn't find them to be the best pants for climbing or biking in as the loose fit can be a nuisance. With that being said, the fit never hindered our hiking comfort or mobility.

Value

At $75, the Nomad Roll-Up Pants come at an average cost when compared with other hiking pants in our women's review. They are a great value, especially when you consider the technical design details: they are the lightest weight women's hiking pant at 8.4 oz, have a micro-fleece lined waistband, sturdy metal buttons, and soft nylon material that is breathable and comfortable. The ExOfficio Nomad Roll-Up Pants are a high quality hiking pant at an average price.

Conclusion