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Speedy Review Summary

Super soft inside and really good wicking to keep the sweat away these pants are great on cold Winter days for Hiking and Running. They have huge useful pockets and a great snug fit round the leg and ankle so they don’t flap about when you are outside. Lose the weird belt and they are fantastic. You’ll buy them for the trails but wear them most on the sofa!

Buy the Topo Mountain Sweatpants direct from Topo here

Full Review

Let me tell you what separates good outdoor clothing from great outdoor gear clothing.

It involves sofas.

I test and use a lot of outdoor gear. Before I tested these Sweatpants I tried them on and then spent the next few days wearing them round the house. I don’t usually do that before I test gear. It was as I sat watching a movie on the sofa that I realised that my ‘sofa’ test is the real test.

The best outdoor gear is not only functional outdoors but so comfy you want to wear them to watch a movie a home.

I’ve been looking for some thick warm leggings/ pants to wear when its super cold in the winter and I’m out hiking / running so I took the Topo Design Mountain Sweatpants out for 14 miles on the Paugussett Trail in Connecticut on a cold snowy icy day to see if they are as good as Topo claim.

Fleecy Goodness

Hard-faced fleece provides protection from the elements while the moisture-wicking soft fleece interior keeps you cozy and dry. I’m many brands worst nightmare outdoors. I tested these on a cold snowy winter day in New England, sliding gleefully down icy rocks on my bum, pushing through thorny woods and clambering over rocks. The outer coating seemed to resist moisture and snow really well and didn’t have a scratch on them after 14 miles of abuse.

Fittyness

There is something about the tailoring on decent quality clothing. If you look closely they have been tailored to be flattering, and the ankle and lower leg is relatively closer fitting which is great because you don’t get excess material flap about or catch on boots or running shoes.

Pocketyness

These pants have massive deep front pockets for both hands. I keep my phone in them, even though they dont have zippers they are so deep I didnt worry about my cell phone falling out.

There is also a rear poppered pocket that will also easily fit your wallet, keys, cellphone or all three.

Moany Bit

Sooooooooooooooo. Lets talk about the quick release red belt built in. Its got a bit at the back for your chalk bag. The thing is If I’m climbing it usually means something has gone very wrong on a trail run. I didn’t like the red belt even though the color is really striking. The clasp is weird and hard to use and the belt restricts how stretchy the waist can be. Hopefully Jedd and Mark at Topo will forgive me but I’ll be snipping the belt off my Mountain Pants and weeing a bit more easily on trail from now on.

Record Setting Pants

I wore these pants for 9 days on a 365 mile record Fastest Known Time on the Leatherman Loop recently and they were fantastic. Not only the warmth but the huge pockets came in handy for my gear so many times.

About Topo

Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen had always been interested in not only spending time outside, but also in the gear needed to get out. They found themselves wishing there was a company offering a lineup a bit more like the gear they grew up using—classic styling, functionality, durability and a clear connection with the brand behind the product. So in 2008, Jedd bought a sewing machine and began concepting, designing, and sewing packs in his Fort Collins basement, while Mark set out around Denver and the front range looking for resources and partners needed to build those designs.

What I like about the Topo range is much of the gear is designed for clever and smart backpacking and travel abroad ( like the nifty loops in the clothes to help roll them into a tight ball so they don’t take up much space in a back). I’ve found their gear is great for the outdoors but smart enough to wear to a restaurant or work but best of all being comfy enough for my sofa.

Verdict

Super soft inside and really good wicking to keep the sweat away these pants are great on cold Winter days for Hiking and Running. They have huge useful pockets and a great snug fit round the leg and ankle so they don’t flap about when you are outside. Lose the weird belt and they are fantastic. You’ll buy them for the trails but wear them most on the sofa!

Want to Buy it ?

These Mountain Sweatpants are currently on sale at time of writing for $64.

Appreciate the review? Use the links above to purchase through my affiliate program. You get an awesome pair of pants and I get a few bucks to help support this site and maybe even enough for a refreshing post-adventure beer! Thanks!

Features

• Tailored fit
• Hard-faced fleece fabric offers wind protection
• Soft fleece interior with moisture-wicking properties
• Gusseted crotch

• Adjustable quick release T-Lock belt with chalk bag loop
• Side zippered front pockets
• Snap back pocket
• Ankle cuffs

Specs

Materials: 100% polyester melange fleece

Fit Style: Tailored fitS

Made in Canada