The Gore H5 Windstopper Hybrid Pant ($280) is a technical hiking pant that repels chilly wind, snow, sleet and rain for the die-hard hiker who doesn’t let inclement weather stop her,
What’s to Love
Windproof and Breathable
The Gore H5 Windstopper Hybrid pant is made with GORE® WINDSTOPPER®. This ultra-thin membrane blocks chilly wind and repels water while still allowing for good breathability. There’s a science behind this that is detailed and complicated. But the gist is that the membrane structure is made up of micropores that are 900 times larger than water vapor molecules to allow sweat to pass through unhindered.
Tough and Technical but with a Soft and Gentle Side
Don’t let the water- and wind-resistant membrane and abrasion-resistant inner leg fabric scare you into thinking that these hiking pants are stiff and heavy. They are the antithesis of stiff and heavy. The truth is they’re about a soft as yoga pants with nearly the same amount of flexibility and give.
Gore bills them as pants for “fast hiking”. Fast hiking” has nothing to do with running from a wild animal to the safety of the nearest tree. It is simply moving quickly for long distances or over technical terrain, rather than a stroll in the woods with birdwatching binoculars.
On all my hikes with the Gore H5 Windstopper Hybrid pants I encountered zero restriction on movement, both at the birdwatching pace and a fast pace. I also managed to climb a tree and maneuver boulders.
Imagine what I could do if I had encountered a bear and had to hike really fast.
Fit
The H5 Windstopper Hybrid pants are “form fitted” meaning they’re not skinny-body-hugging-painted-on-your-underwear-line-will-show pants but they aren’t gang-style baggy either. Gore provided me with a size small for this review. In numbered sizing I wear a size 4 and the Gore size small was a perfect and comfortable fit.
When I added a pair of lightweight baselayers, the fit was a bit more snug but not so snug that I experienced any mobility restriction. If you want the option of wearing midweight or heavier baselayers, or if you’re in between sizes consider going one size up.
Versatile
The H5 Windstopper Hybrid pants are without a doubt versatile. I have hiked in them in cold weather with a lightweight merino wool baselayer. I have even used these for xc skiing and snowshoeing.
Winter cycling, at least for me, may not be in the cards unless I drop 10lbs. Adding a long chamois made these a lot more snug. Why do I bring all this up? Because at $300, these are not inexpensive hiking pants. In fact for many buyers, $300 is like taking a bullet. If you spend that kind of money on them, you will want more options in wearing them all year round and for multiple purposes.
Very Packable
When rolled up, they are the size of a GSI 720 Mircrolite Flip waterbottle and take up very little space in a backpack.
Thoughtful Touches for Hikers
Aside from the usual zippered pockets and belt loop that all hikers need, the Gore H5 Windstopper Hybrid pants offer something really cool and unique: a stretchy waistband with a comfortable silicone grip (no hikers crack when bending over to tie a bootlace) a bootlace hook at the ankle hem to keep things in place. When they’re not in use, they tuck neatly up into a little “garage”.
In addition, I love how the material on the thighs is reinforced with waterproof material and taped seams because the thighs are where the rain drops from the jacket.
What could be Better
There is nothing about these pants that could be better. Not a thing. I can’t even ding Gore on the price tag because I believe it’s a fair price for what they have to offer the cold-weather hiker.
Final Thoughts
So, another Gore product tested that did not disappoint. They are well made, durable, and highly versatile. The only thing to keep in mind when buying your own pair is the sizing. Because they’re so versatile—they can work for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing—take some time to think about how you want to use these pants and then size accordingly for the best fit.
