Though the exact shade we tested isn't offered any longer, you've definitely still got options. We show a current color (Pine) in the image above, but the Splash Roll-Up Pant is available in 12 other colors, and not just neutrals - you can get anything from rose to turquoise to baby blue.
March 2019The Splash Roll Up Pant is made of 68% Cotton, 29% Nylon, and 3% Spandex. They have a relaxed fit that tends to run small (we had to size up in this model otherwise the waistbelt snap kept popping open — yikes!), and are available in three inseam lengths (Short 30", Regular 32" and Tall 34") for all sizes (2-16). The legs roll up to a 24" inseam (on the Regular size) with a snap to secure them.
These pants are fairly stiff when new, though the material does soften up over time. While they are fairly comfortable for wearing around camp, they are a little heavy and stiff for long hikes. The cotton-blend material feels soft against our skin, but we preferred the soft and stretchy feel of our Top Pick for Comfort, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama and the equally comfortable The North Face Aphrodite 2.0. At 13 ounces in the size we tested, they are the heaviest pant in this review, and it was noticeable. This is not all bad, as for cooler days you want a heavy pant that will keep you warmer. We did like the relaxed fit; it felt feminine and not too baggy, and sat at the perfect spot on our hips to still feel comfortable with a backpack on.
As for mobility, the spandex adds a touch of stretch, and these pants work well when climbing or bouldering, though we liked the Prana Halle better for that application as those are stretchier and somewhat lighter. This model does have articulated knees though, which will help you high step or heel hook better.
These pants have two length options: full-length and a crop that is secured by buttons. This makes them a little less versatile than the zip-off options in this review, and the lack of water resistance also impedes their versatility, as we would only wear this pair on a bluebird day with no chance of rain. If you need something that offers you more wear options, then the Marmot Lobo's Convertible Pant or The North Face Paramount 2.0 Convertible Pant are a better choice.
These pants did not score well for breathability and ventilation. The thicker material did not vent as well the lightweight Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch, and these pants have few options for increasing airflow. They are best worn on hikes in shoulder season cool weather, not warm summer days.
Durability is where these pants excel. The thicker fabric will hold up to more butt scootches than a thinner pant, and the smooth material doesn't snag on spiky plants or pill easily. In fact, we have a pair in our closet that is a few years old, and they still look brand new except for a little fading, which you might want to keep in mind when selecting from the array of colors available. (Our Black pair is now decidedly “Grey.”)
These pants are mostly made of cotton and not treated with DWR coating, and they absorb water as opposed to repelling it even a little. They are also slow to dry, which is not a good trait for long backcountry hikes. If you're wearing these pants and need to cross a deep creek, you're better off taking them off completely than wearing them across. They took over an hour to dry in full sun in our tests, unlike The North Face Paramount 2.0 and Marmot Lobo's models, which dried in about 20 minutes. As a result, we'd never bring this model on any type of thru-hike or in an environment where we could become wet and therefore hypothermic. These are for dry weather only day-outings, or for around the campfire at night.
The main features of these pants are the integrated design details that contribute to durability and comfort while hiking and playing outside. The pant ends have reinforced stitch work that greatly reduces the worry of fraying from ground contact or stepping on the ends of them. The articulated knees help with mobility, and with eight pockets (two front, two cargo, two back and two security pockets embedded in the back pockets), they offer more storage options than any other pair in our review. We had no issues with storing the essentials while out for the day, and the cargo pockets are perfect for carrying your phone in an accessible spot that is not annoying.
We weren't wild about the waistband securing snap. If the pants fit you at all tight, then it will pop open on you every time you squat down. There is also no internal drawstring to help keep things tighter, and the cotton material tends to loosen up throughout the day. When we first bought a pair of these pants we purchased them in our usual size, and they felt tight in the morning and popped open on us, but quickly loosened up. For this review, we sized up and had no issue with the snap popping open, but by the end of the day they ride fairly low, and we need a belt to keep them up. Which is preferable?
The Kuhl Splash Roll Up Pant are best for hiking and climbing in the spring and fall where high temperatures are unlikely and only when you are not expecting rain. There's room for layers underneath, and they are casual enough to wear into town at the end of the day. If you're looking for a pair of comfy cargos for camping out in, these pants are a great choice.
At $85, these pants strike us as a little expensive considering they are not that “technical” or have many distinguishing features. For technical outdoor layers, a price range of $80-$90 is typically well-justified by durable construction, functionality, and versatility. The Splash hits the durability mark, but not the others, and feels overpriced.
