Kate Agathon

You don’t have to wait for winter to put the Smartwool Smartloft Pants to work.

New this season, the regular fit pants provide warmth on the coldest of shoulder season days. These versatile pants keep your legs toasty warm whether you’re out hiking with the dogs or, as I recently discovered, mountain biking.

 

I live in a mountain town where shoulder season weather conditions can quickly change from one day to the next. For example, last week we literally had measurable snow, sun, rain, and sun. Crazy, right?

While my original intention for the Smartwool Smartloft Pants was to wait until we received some substantial snowfall so that I could wear them nordic skiing, I found myself wearing them mountain biking on a late fall day whose weather deviated from the original, mild forecast.

 

As soon as I stepped out of the house, I knew that I would regret wearing my shorts. I needed something, but what? I didn’t have any pants that could accommodate my chamois liner, and I didn’t want to be riding technical sections without some padding to reduce friction or chafing.

What was I going to do? I didn’t want to miss out on the potentially last reasonably decent mountain biking day of the season up here in the high country.

Then I remembered that I had the Smartwool Smartloft Pants! I ran upstairs and put them on. Thanks to the adjustable waist, they slipped easily over my chamois liner. I was also pleased to discover that they also happened to be just the right length and the jogger-type cuffs stopped right above my shoes. Perfect!

 

Performance

As the day went on, I was dismayed that the weather deviated from the original forecast.

It progressed from somewhat windy and cold to blowing wind followed by precipitation that turned to snow by the time we were done and just putting our bikes on the bike rack.

 

The entire time, I was very pleased with how the Smartwool Smartloft Pants performed.

First of all, they stayed in place and didn’t slip down. Secondly, the regular fit didn’t provide any additional bulk so it gave me room to easily pedal up and down terrain without constricting movement. Thirdly, the well placed insulation zones (60g and 40g) ensured that I didn’t get uncomfortable hot spots.

 

Although the drizzle-turned-snow wasn’t a super soaker, my legs were kept dry thanks to the DWR coated recycled nylon.

 

I also liked the fact that the non-itchy (i.e. no chafing going on) 50 percent recycled merino wool lined insulation provided plenty of warmth. I’m just not a fan of wearing base layers underneath pants while I ride a bike (I did this often when I first began bike commuting).

 

The one feature I practically overlooked were the two zippered hand pockets. So discreetly placed, they are nearly invisible. My one suggestion is that the functionality of the small zippers would be enhanced if they had zipper pulls that make accessibility so much easier with gloved hands.

The pockets were deep enough that I could place my hands in them for warmth. But the openings were not wide enough to accommodate my cell phone. For future use, I’ll just use them to stash my keys, some chapstick and maybe a spare hand warmer packet.

 

Look

Overall, the regular Smartwool Smartloft Pants looked fine. They may look a little wider on me due to my short stature, but I didn’t think they were too wide. I’m not going for style points, I’m going for functionality. Keep in mind that I’m 5’0”. They may look entirely different on someone slimmer and taller.

 

One thing that I really like about Smartwool is that so many of their pieces can be mixed and matched, even if they are from different collections. These pants can be paired with any of their base or midlayers.

 

Overall Impression

I am delighted with the versatile Smartwool Smartloft Pants and know that I will get a lot of mileage out of them. I have already worn them around town, taking the dogs out on the local trails, and mountain biking. I have never been disappointed with Smartwool and I am excited to wear them nordic skiing this winter.

Those who get cold easily (like me) will likely be wearing these for three out of the four seasons. People who tend to get hot easily may likely only wear them in winter. Regardless, they are well designed and surprisingly versatile. I’m so glad Smartwool introduced them to their Fall/Winter 2024 line.

 

Whether you use them for running, fat biking, nordic skiing, or just doing errands, the Smartwool Smartloft Pants are a nice all around shoulder season and winter pants for outdoor recreating.

 

The all new Smartwool Smartloft Pants are available in five sizes (XS to XL) and two colors (Black, Twilight Blue).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.