Sometimes, the most effective gear for your outdoor escapades isn’t found in specialized outdoor stores, but in the most unexpected places. Think outside the box – or outside the outdoor gear catalog, and you might be surprised.
For years, savvy outdoor enthusiasts on a budget have repurposed military surplus items. Boonie hats offer sun protection, wool gloves provide warmth, and even a simple thrift store dress shirt can become your best friend against bugs and harsh sunlight. Need a lightweight water bottle? A sports drink bottle does the trick without breaking the bank. Resourceful adventurers have even fashioned stoves from cat food cans and cooking pots from thrift store finds. The spirit of ingenuity thrives in the outdoors.
Now, let’s add another unlikely item to this list of budget-friendly outdoor gear: warm up pants designed for dancing. Yes, you read that right. While “Dancing Panties” might conjure images of delicate lingerie, we’re talking about the surprisingly robust and practical pants worn for dance warm-ups.
The inspiration for this discovery comes from a thread on Backpackinglight.com, a community known for its ultralight backpacking wisdom. My own journey with these pants began when my trusty Montbell UL pants, after eight years of faithful service, finally succumbed to wear and tear in the rugged landscapes of New Mexico. Duct tape, the outdoor adventurer’s best friend, was no match for the extensive damage.
Faced with the need for new wind pants and a reluctance to spend a fortune on replacements, I turned to a less conventional solution: dance supply stores. This is where I discovered these unassuming warm-up pants.
Crafted from a material noticeably sturdier than typical warm-up pants, these dance-inspired trousers proved to be a revelation. They exhibited unexpected water resistance, impressive breathability, and performed admirably when layered over thermal underwear in cold, wet conditions. It’s crucial to note they aren’t waterproof, but for high-output activities where breathability is paramount, they excel. Personally, I prioritize breathability over complete waterproofing, especially when generating significant body heat during strenuous activity.
Although marketed with women in mind, the sizing appears to be unisex. A size large, for instance, comfortably fits a 33″-34″ waist according to the website’s sizing chart.
Beyond their suitability for general outdoor use, these pants are remarkably lightweight and packable. A size large weighs a mere 3.5 ounces and compresses to a tiny size, making them incredibly space-efficient in a backpack. Compared to my previous Montbell UL pants, which weighed just over 3 ounces, the weight difference is negligible.
The real game-changer, however, is the price. At a mere $18 including shipping and handling, these pants are an absolute steal. This affordability factor makes them an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious hikers and backpackers.
Many others have also discovered the merits of these pants. The online outdoor community is buzzing with positive experiences.
Lightweight ripstop dancing pants paired with ultralight footwear in a vibrant pink hue.
BOTTOM LINE
For just $18 and approximately 3.5 ounces, these lightweight, durable, and budget-friendly pants are an unbeatable value. Their breathability and impressive water resistance have quickly established them as essential gear for my outdoor pursuits. If you are looking for affordable and effective outdoor legwear, consider stepping outside the traditional outdoor gear stores and exploring the world of dance apparel. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Explore these dance-inspired outdoor pants today!
(Dance shoes, while optional, are not required for optimal outdoor performance!)
Update: It’s been over four years since my initial purchase, and these pants remain a staple in my gear collection. Their lightweight nature, durability, and overall effectiveness continue to impress. Functionally, I genuinely can’t discern any significant difference between their performance and that of my higher-priced Montbell pants. Some users suggest applying a DWR wash to enhance their water resistance further. While I haven’t personally tried this, it might be a worthwhile experiment for those who frequently encounter drizzly conditions on their backpacking trips.
