Enlightened Equipment Men's Copperfield Wind Pants

These ultralight wind pants pack down super small and provide ample wind resistance, bug protection, and a tiny bit of warmth. They are a staple in my backpack for all my hiking trips.

 I like to wear shorts when I'm backpacking during warmer months. But sometimes my legs get chilly when I hike over a pass or when I stop for lunch or dinner at a mountain lake. When I saw these Enlightenment Equipment Copperfield wind pants, I had to try them. I'm glad I did!

I ordered the 10D nylon option (medium, 32-inch inseam). This size fits over my shorts well (I'm 6'0", 185 lbs).  EE customer service was helpful when picking out the right size.  Although these wind pants are minimalistic, they do have snaps by the ankle area to tighten that area up if need be. They also have a shock cord around the waist in case you want to cinch it up tighter.  They are light, so aside from nylon brushing my skin, I can't really tell I'm wearing them.

These wind pants won't win any fashion awards. They aren't pretty. However, you can pick various colors if you like to spice up your hiking wardrobe.  The nylon is very lightweight and could tear if you snag it on a sharp object. But they are tougher than they seem. I've used them for various hikes and they are holding up just fine after many miles. I wouldn't want to hike through thick prickly bushes with these, but for regular hiking they work just fine. 

I like how these wind pants not only protect my legs from chilly breezes, they also provide a tiny bit of warmth. When I get done hiking all day in shorts, sometimes I get chilly during my evening meal. I throw these wind pants on and it takes the chill away. Granted, they are not insulated and they don't provide much warmth, but wearing them is like having a very light sheet on your legs.  Another bonus I found out after wearing these pants is that mosquitoes can't/won't bite through them. Score! 

 Because these pants weigh less than two ounces and pack down super small, I bring these on all my hiking trips. I've not worn these to sleep before, but I thought I could if I wanted a little more warmth.  At the same time, while I don't mind nylon on my skin when I'm hiking, I'm not sure nylon on my legs all night would be super comfortable, especially if there's any dampness. 

 When I backpacked through the Sierras with my spouse last year, I let her wear these wind pants. She liked them so much I got her a pair as well. I am a gear minimalist and I'm a cheapskate, so I don't always get all the gear that people are talking about. But these pants are a piece of my kit that I find essential. They are worth every dime!

Background

I've used these wind pants for several hikes, including many miles through the Sierras, a section of the North Country Trail, and backpacking at a local State Park.