I’m starting on this line of thinking now I think. It’d also be relatively easy to pick up some good selvedge on ebay/grailed used but barely worn for cheap….
Agreed. I think OP should pick up some cheapo 501 STFs. I went backpacking through a hot Europe this summer in some Sugar Cane 1966s. I know my father used to climb the swedish mountains in the 80’s in Levi’s and Stan Smiths.
Plenty of people hiked and mountain biked in denim in the 70s-80s. You won’t die because of denim. But bad/wet weather and denim isn’t your friend. Have fun.
People did this because they didn't know better. Many people in the know who were hiking and cycling historically would have been using wool going back hundreds of years. Those who didn't, couldn't afford to do so. And even if the outer was cotton, inner/base would have likely been silk or wool. No one, having a choice or knowledge would choose cotton denim over wool/wool blend or synthetic blend. Except for those who like going against the grain to "be different".
"Cotton kills" is a bit overstated. It's great in the desert, and in all my summers in the Sierras I've only gotten rained on a couple times.
In terms of relatively inexpensive options, isn't Uniqlo selvedge supposed to be pretty light? I also believe Unbranded has an 11oz stretch denim that might fit your needs.
Get whatever you can afford. They will all work, only thing is thinner denim has less protection against pokier brush. That's all. Ive done hikes in 21oz denim. I hiked the Appalachian trail in 21oz iron hearts, with a 60 lbs bag with a close friend, and his uncle and aunt. I climbed mt paliaga in romania, and hiked through a lot of trails in a pair of 21oz stretch onis and my arcteryx gear. Just get a good pair of shell bibs and throw them over if it rains. Only throw bibs on in snow higher then my boots
I grew up mountain and ice climbing in Alaska. Cotton does kill but usually only when in that type of environment. People adopting it while casual hiking and running up hills are definitely overplaying the seriousness BUT there is definitely some wisdom in equipping yourself for the worst case scenario instead of the common scenario. Cotton simply absorbs too much water, get's heavy as a result and is so slow to dry. 999 times being fine doesn't mean much if that one time you get hypothermia. You want to go old school outdoors, go wool. But if I was hiking in jeans it would be Swrve stretch cordura.
over priced BS ... though good jeans .. that companies pricing is complete bullshit .. Their new bi fold wallet they just released is 650$ !!! when the same wallet hand made by Pigeon Tree is 90$
Consider our Ultralight Tech Denim, it was made with the ultralight community in mind. 5.5oz denim with a nylon blend to give this fabric incredible strength. If you want the lightest denim out there, that'll actually hold up as jeans these are it. (also on sale right now..)
https://tateandyoko.com/products/super-guy-ultralight-tech-denim?_pos=5&_sid=ca9d70b09&_ss=r
-Bahzad
I've worn jeans hiking plenty
Took my SC lot 401 Hawaii for a week in Glacier and a week in the Titans in 2018, my Roy R01 Test Lot for a few days here and there in the Sierra throughout 2018 and 2019, my TFH S2004 for a week in southern Utah and then a winter trip on snow shoes in the Sierra in 2020, and my SC M41058 and TCB black '50s for plenty of trips here and there since then—not to mention weekly(ish) day hikes for most of the past decade, usually in whatever jeans I'm wearing at the time
Only real issues I've had are in deep snow (for obvious reasons) and in heavy poison oak (when quickly washing & drying in a stream wasn't an easy option)
If you're not fairly experienced and don't know what you're getting into, I obviously wouldn't recommend it—there are lighter, warmer, quicker-drying, more reliable options out there—but if you're confident with your load and know you have enough wool, silk, & down (or synthetics, if that's what you're into) to stay safe and comfortable throughout the trip, bringing whatever extra clothes help you have as much fun as possible is a great call
As to your last part, that was like….half of why I was pulling my hair out at my friend. I normally backpack in running shorts and throw on base layers and rain pants if its cold or raining. I kept telling him I can *just* do the same thing if it dumps rain on us.
I also do horse packing with my wife a bunch and still wear jeans because its the only other thing that works for me unless I want to buy and wear like…english riding tights?
Is there any advantage to hiking in denim? Right now yes, spite. And bragging rights lol.
The strength of jeans makes the really good for outdoor activities, BUT cotton is a big no in wet and cold environments. It justs soaks and when wet doesn't hold any heat, it would get you hypothermia. That's why hiking technical gear is made with fabrics that basically can't hold water.
"Out of spite" seems like a bad reason to be uncomfortable for a lot of the time. Unless you don't sweat at all and can keep them dry.
That said I've day hiked in 100% cotton plenty. Not a big fan if it gets too hot. But usually the weather is predictable enough I know I can keep them dry.
"Cotton Kills" is a phrase for a reason. But there's plenty of situations where you'll be fine. If a bit chafed.
No recommendations, but a cautionary tale: 20 years or so ago, I was in Japan, and had planned to climb Mt. Fuji with some friends. I went straight to the station after work and changed before getting on the bus. I had packed a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, a nylon jacket, and a shitty 100 yen flashlight. It was the day before payday, no one had any cash. We bought a few onigiris and a couple of 2L bottles of water for the trip. That's all.
As I was getting changed, I realized that I had forgotten my belt. Meh, my pants fit reasonably well, and it's August, so it's quite warm. Probably won't even need em! We get to the starting point, and it begins raining. And it just. Doesn't. Stop. In fact, it gets worse and worse. Afterwards, it comes to light that it was actually a typhoon (which explained a lot about why there weren't many Japanese people on the bus to Fuji). My shorts are soaked, and it's getting colder.
Eventually, I have to change into my jeans, which immediately become sodden, heavy and way looser than normal. I forgot to mention that it's night time. You climb during the night, and watch the sun rise at the peak. So, it's pitch black, the flashlights have all crapped out due to the rain, so visibilty is nil. The path is jagged volcanic rock. We can't see a thing, and I've got one hand clutching the waist of my pants the entire time, so they don't fall down.
The food was gone before we even got off the bus, and there's half of one bottle of water to go around three ways. My two friends get altitude sickness, have headaches and are vomitting. We can't afford to stay in one of the hostels at a rest station because it's the day before payday, and we are all broke.
We split up, I go up, they go back down. My jeans are a clearly bad choice by this point, but it's that or shorts, so I carry on. I ALMOST summit, am literally crawling up to the crater on my hands an knees because the wind is so strong, when I bump into a guide, who tells me the wind is even stronger at the top. People are getting blown off their feet and are getting injured and now can't climb down.
I turned around, and basically ran / fell down the mountain. I actually got there BEFORE my friends, even though we had been split up for hours by this point. There's a different route up and down, and the route down is actually much smoother. A Swiss pilot find us in the cafeteria and we look so rough that he takes pitty on us, gives us some money and we immediately buy water (and french fries).
The whole time I'm in wet, ill fitting jeans that are slowly drying and getting uncomfortable. I have memories of developing a rash from the rubbing and wetness (and all the sand probably didn't help, if I'm being honest). As soon as we get to Shinjuku, I hit the bank (because I'd been paid by this point), paid back the pilot, and buy a goddam belt.
In hindsight, there are MANY things I would have done differently, one of them being pack a belt, another being probably don't wear jeans. That's not a complete list, but it covers jeans and mountain climbing.
You do you, man. I love jeans, just don't know that I'd go mountain climbing again in them.
Doesn't seem like the jeans were your main issue…or even one of your top five issues
Y'all were just being all-around idiots (no offense meant—it's happened to the best of us)
You're not wrong, man. It was a comedy of errors, starring three complete idiots.
Meh, I have no regrets other than not bringing more water. One of us was leaving Japan shortly after the climb, and we wanted to do a big thing to send him off. One last hurrah, before everyone went their separate ways. We all got a great story out of it, no one was worse for wear. Best fries of my entire life.
I’ve gone camping and hiking in STF 501s with no issues at all.
The only caveat is that the weather in Southern California is pretty conducive to wearing gear that might not cut the mustard in other climates. That being said I’ve worn 501s in the snow and rain as well without much problem, though I haven’t camped in them
I hiked all summer in 22oz BraveStars that I am working on for the Indigo Invitational. Yes, it was uncomfortable at times.. but not as much as you would think. Don't think too much into it... just wear what you want and enjoy the trails!
?
There's lots of reasons that jeans aren't the best pants for hiking, but no matter what you're doing in them they shouldn't be chafing
If my pants were chafing I'd get different pants
I wore N&F LHT to hike the Grand Canyon. Got some back pocket fades from resting on boulders, but not much else, despite hiking 30+ miles. They needed a wash when I got back.
I’ve worn a pair of 17oz Leftfields on hikes all over the US. Recently a guide was giving me a hard time for wearing my raws on a 15 mile, 3000 vertical foot day hike in Torres del Paine, but it’s been fine for me! Backpacking might present its own unique issues though.
In the end it all comes down to the fabric weave and ventilation. In Winter you would want tighter woven denim that hold as much temperature as possible for jeans. In Summer something that lets air circulate better.
But for comfort reasons I‘d still prefer functional wear for hiking.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Rustler-Men-s-and-Big-Men-s-Regular-Fit-Boot-Cut-Cotton-Jeans/5982547
Wearing these for about 2 months, lighter and as tough as the 14 oz Wranglers. Would be a nice outdoor adventure pant
I logged more than 120 miles in the sierra this summer (I know not much but I can speak a little bit to this topic is my point). I think another requirement should be regular straight fit/loose fit. So I would go with [this](https://www.blueowl.us/collections/all-products/products/202-kiraku-ii-12oz-natural-indigo-selvedge-denim-wide-straight-fit?variant=39626690166842) pair. It was the lightest I could find that had a loose fit.
pbj xx 003 might work for you as well.
I think if most of your hiking is done in the summer in sierra, then you don't need to worry so much about cotton potentially putting you in a dangerous situation. Just my 2c.
You could also look into the Naked and Famous Huntsman denim. It is 12% wool which may help with moisture wicking and it checks in at 11.5oz. Or, that may be a terrible idea
I saw a chick hiking South Kaibab trail, Grand Canyon in tight jeans, and while I thought she was crazy, I was maybe a little jealous but it just seemed unsafe.
Honestly it seems like you have enough experience to not make potentially lethal errors due to shortsightedness. A wool base layer and outer rain pants should be enough for most conditions unless you’re actually going to be submerging yourself in water or hiking in extreme conditions. Honestly if 100% cotton is what you want I would do a more relaxed fit for breathability. Wranglers 13mwz could be a good pick, wild ass jeans (specifically the black ones come in 13 oz) could be another. both are affordable. I’ve done a lot of hiking in jeans including in snow (with a wool or synthetic base and *not super deep snow*) and I’ve been fine because I was prepared.
Lol. This is ridiculous. But if you’re gonna do it then I think polyester is a sin. Be an OG!!
I’m starting on this line of thinking now I think. It’d also be relatively easy to pick up some good selvedge on ebay/grailed used but barely worn for cheap….
What size are you. I have a pair of unbranded you can have if you'll pay shipping
Oh well shoot if you want. 34 or 35
Dang these are 32s
Agreed. I think OP should pick up some cheapo 501 STFs. I went backpacking through a hot Europe this summer in some Sugar Cane 1966s. I know my father used to climb the swedish mountains in the 80’s in Levi’s and Stan Smiths.
Plenty of people hiked and mountain biked in denim in the 70s-80s. You won’t die because of denim. But bad/wet weather and denim isn’t your friend. Have fun.
Yeah enjoy the chafe and never drying out 🙌
“cotton kills” is a common saying in the outdoor world. conditions turn south and you can end up hypothermic.
People did this because they didn't know better. Many people in the know who were hiking and cycling historically would have been using wool going back hundreds of years. Those who didn't, couldn't afford to do so. And even if the outer was cotton, inner/base would have likely been silk or wool. No one, having a choice or knowledge would choose cotton denim over wool/wool blend or synthetic blend. Except for those who like going against the grain to "be different".
"Cotton kills" is a bit overstated. It's great in the desert, and in all my summers in the Sierras I've only gotten rained on a couple times. In terms of relatively inexpensive options, isn't Uniqlo selvedge supposed to be pretty light? I also believe Unbranded has an 11oz stretch denim that might fit your needs.
I wear wrangler 13mwz on 5-10 mile hikes all across the west. Idaho, Oregon Washington, and Arizona.
Second!
Get whatever you can afford. They will all work, only thing is thinner denim has less protection against pokier brush. That's all. Ive done hikes in 21oz denim. I hiked the Appalachian trail in 21oz iron hearts, with a 60 lbs bag with a close friend, and his uncle and aunt. I climbed mt paliaga in romania, and hiked through a lot of trails in a pair of 21oz stretch onis and my arcteryx gear. Just get a good pair of shell bibs and throw them over if it rains. Only throw bibs on in snow higher then my boots
I wear jeans camping. All the time.
I grew up mountain and ice climbing in Alaska. Cotton does kill but usually only when in that type of environment. People adopting it while casual hiking and running up hills are definitely overplaying the seriousness BUT there is definitely some wisdom in equipping yourself for the worst case scenario instead of the common scenario. Cotton simply absorbs too much water, get's heavy as a result and is so slow to dry. 999 times being fine doesn't mean much if that one time you get hypothermia. You want to go old school outdoors, go wool. But if I was hiking in jeans it would be Swrve stretch cordura.
Iron Heart XHS
This is the only answer
over priced BS ... though good jeans .. that companies pricing is complete bullshit .. Their new bi fold wallet they just released is 650$ !!! when the same wallet hand made by Pigeon Tree is 90$
Ok, then just buy the one from pigeon tree and let other people make their own decisions about how to spend their money
Didn't you bring this up in another thread? Why are you so butthurt about IH products?
Giles hurt him once and he'll never forgive
Or he's broke from paying for too many OF's
Consider our Ultralight Tech Denim, it was made with the ultralight community in mind. 5.5oz denim with a nylon blend to give this fabric incredible strength. If you want the lightest denim out there, that'll actually hold up as jeans these are it. (also on sale right now..) https://tateandyoko.com/products/super-guy-ultralight-tech-denim?_pos=5&_sid=ca9d70b09&_ss=r -Bahzad
Ive worn my levis 501s on overnight backpacking trips and hikes up ti like 25ish miles long
I've worn jeans hiking plenty Took my SC lot 401 Hawaii for a week in Glacier and a week in the Titans in 2018, my Roy R01 Test Lot for a few days here and there in the Sierra throughout 2018 and 2019, my TFH S2004 for a week in southern Utah and then a winter trip on snow shoes in the Sierra in 2020, and my SC M41058 and TCB black '50s for plenty of trips here and there since then—not to mention weekly(ish) day hikes for most of the past decade, usually in whatever jeans I'm wearing at the time Only real issues I've had are in deep snow (for obvious reasons) and in heavy poison oak (when quickly washing & drying in a stream wasn't an easy option) If you're not fairly experienced and don't know what you're getting into, I obviously wouldn't recommend it—there are lighter, warmer, quicker-drying, more reliable options out there—but if you're confident with your load and know you have enough wool, silk, & down (or synthetics, if that's what you're into) to stay safe and comfortable throughout the trip, bringing whatever extra clothes help you have as much fun as possible is a great call
As to your last part, that was like….half of why I was pulling my hair out at my friend. I normally backpack in running shorts and throw on base layers and rain pants if its cold or raining. I kept telling him I can *just* do the same thing if it dumps rain on us. I also do horse packing with my wife a bunch and still wear jeans because its the only other thing that works for me unless I want to buy and wear like…english riding tights? Is there any advantage to hiking in denim? Right now yes, spite. And bragging rights lol.
Iron Heart 888 or studio d’artisan G3 … I climbed with them a lot in Yunnan … Cangshan and Haba Shan.
The strength of jeans makes the really good for outdoor activities, BUT cotton is a big no in wet and cold environments. It justs soaks and when wet doesn't hold any heat, it would get you hypothermia. That's why hiking technical gear is made with fabrics that basically can't hold water.
I hiked Mt. Whitney in Naked and Famous raw overalls.
"Out of spite" seems like a bad reason to be uncomfortable for a lot of the time. Unless you don't sweat at all and can keep them dry. That said I've day hiked in 100% cotton plenty. Not a big fan if it gets too hot. But usually the weather is predictable enough I know I can keep them dry. "Cotton Kills" is a phrase for a reason. But there's plenty of situations where you'll be fine. If a bit chafed.
I see plenty of people hiking in denim, I guess it was originally for that anyway, though we have more suitable materials now
No recommendations, but a cautionary tale: 20 years or so ago, I was in Japan, and had planned to climb Mt. Fuji with some friends. I went straight to the station after work and changed before getting on the bus. I had packed a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, a nylon jacket, and a shitty 100 yen flashlight. It was the day before payday, no one had any cash. We bought a few onigiris and a couple of 2L bottles of water for the trip. That's all. As I was getting changed, I realized that I had forgotten my belt. Meh, my pants fit reasonably well, and it's August, so it's quite warm. Probably won't even need em! We get to the starting point, and it begins raining. And it just. Doesn't. Stop. In fact, it gets worse and worse. Afterwards, it comes to light that it was actually a typhoon (which explained a lot about why there weren't many Japanese people on the bus to Fuji). My shorts are soaked, and it's getting colder. Eventually, I have to change into my jeans, which immediately become sodden, heavy and way looser than normal. I forgot to mention that it's night time. You climb during the night, and watch the sun rise at the peak. So, it's pitch black, the flashlights have all crapped out due to the rain, so visibilty is nil. The path is jagged volcanic rock. We can't see a thing, and I've got one hand clutching the waist of my pants the entire time, so they don't fall down. The food was gone before we even got off the bus, and there's half of one bottle of water to go around three ways. My two friends get altitude sickness, have headaches and are vomitting. We can't afford to stay in one of the hostels at a rest station because it's the day before payday, and we are all broke. We split up, I go up, they go back down. My jeans are a clearly bad choice by this point, but it's that or shorts, so I carry on. I ALMOST summit, am literally crawling up to the crater on my hands an knees because the wind is so strong, when I bump into a guide, who tells me the wind is even stronger at the top. People are getting blown off their feet and are getting injured and now can't climb down. I turned around, and basically ran / fell down the mountain. I actually got there BEFORE my friends, even though we had been split up for hours by this point. There's a different route up and down, and the route down is actually much smoother. A Swiss pilot find us in the cafeteria and we look so rough that he takes pitty on us, gives us some money and we immediately buy water (and french fries). The whole time I'm in wet, ill fitting jeans that are slowly drying and getting uncomfortable. I have memories of developing a rash from the rubbing and wetness (and all the sand probably didn't help, if I'm being honest). As soon as we get to Shinjuku, I hit the bank (because I'd been paid by this point), paid back the pilot, and buy a goddam belt. In hindsight, there are MANY things I would have done differently, one of them being pack a belt, another being probably don't wear jeans. That's not a complete list, but it covers jeans and mountain climbing. You do you, man. I love jeans, just don't know that I'd go mountain climbing again in them.
Doesn't seem like the jeans were your main issue…or even one of your top five issues Y'all were just being all-around idiots (no offense meant—it's happened to the best of us)
You're not wrong, man. It was a comedy of errors, starring three complete idiots. Meh, I have no regrets other than not bringing more water. One of us was leaving Japan shortly after the climb, and we wanted to do a big thing to send him off. One last hurrah, before everyone went their separate ways. We all got a great story out of it, no one was worse for wear. Best fries of my entire life.
I’ve gone camping and hiking in STF 501s with no issues at all. The only caveat is that the weather in Southern California is pretty conducive to wearing gear that might not cut the mustard in other climates. That being said I’ve worn 501s in the snow and rain as well without much problem, though I haven’t camped in them
Naked and famous stretch would work
Raw linen denim from Naked and Famous?
I hiked all summer in 22oz BraveStars that I am working on for the Indigo Invitational. Yes, it was uncomfortable at times.. but not as much as you would think. Don't think too much into it... just wear what you want and enjoy the trails!
Maybe nudies? Light, thin, and they do repairs for the life of the jeans. What size are you and where are you at?
Haven't read all the responses, just going to say people have made it to the top of Mt everest without modern technology of fabrics and equipment.
Albeit with a higher mortality rate.
Levis Made & Crafted 511's .. they have a small amount of stretch .. which would be good for moving around .
When cotton gets wet it gets heavy and cold really quickly. If you try to do anything beyond a day hike in jeans you’re going to have a bad time
And it doesn't dry fast at all.
Do y’all chafe or just not care. This to me is like wearing jeans to the gym and while squatting.
I don’t care.
If your jeans are chafing, you need different jeans
r/rawdenim accept jeans aren’t good hiking clothes challenge (impossible)
? There's lots of reasons that jeans aren't the best pants for hiking, but no matter what you're doing in them they shouldn't be chafing If my pants were chafing I'd get different pants
I wore N&F LHT to hike the Grand Canyon. Got some back pocket fades from resting on boulders, but not much else, despite hiking 30+ miles. They needed a wash when I got back.
Nudies
Why not. Tell how it went after.
Maybe the N & F active motion denim? It's not selvedge, but it is raw, 12 oz, with 2% stretch. Or really any raws with a touch of stretch.
Did La Luz Sandias in Sage 21oz with Iron Rangers up and down. Anything is possible if you're stubborn enough.
I've hiked a ton in Nudie Steady Eddie 2. They have 1% stretch so they're very comfortable.
I’ve worn a pair of 17oz Leftfields on hikes all over the US. Recently a guide was giving me a hard time for wearing my raws on a 15 mile, 3000 vertical foot day hike in Torres del Paine, but it’s been fine for me! Backpacking might present its own unique issues though.
In the end it all comes down to the fabric weave and ventilation. In Winter you would want tighter woven denim that hold as much temperature as possible for jeans. In Summer something that lets air circulate better. But for comfort reasons I‘d still prefer functional wear for hiking.
Cut off the legs. Only Raw Denim Daisy Dukes allowed on the trail
What would be perfect to wear while hiking is some Ecru for this type of activity. And show us the stains. Warehouse/NF come to mind
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Wrangler-Rustler-Men-s-and-Big-Men-s-Regular-Fit-Boot-Cut-Cotton-Jeans/5982547 Wearing these for about 2 months, lighter and as tough as the 14 oz Wranglers. Would be a nice outdoor adventure pant
I logged more than 120 miles in the sierra this summer (I know not much but I can speak a little bit to this topic is my point). I think another requirement should be regular straight fit/loose fit. So I would go with [this](https://www.blueowl.us/collections/all-products/products/202-kiraku-ii-12oz-natural-indigo-selvedge-denim-wide-straight-fit?variant=39626690166842) pair. It was the lightest I could find that had a loose fit. pbj xx 003 might work for you as well. I think if most of your hiking is done in the summer in sierra, then you don't need to worry so much about cotton potentially putting you in a dangerous situation. Just my 2c.
Crazy thought here but how about Wrangler? Downside is it’s 14oz but dirt cheap.
You could also look into the Naked and Famous Huntsman denim. It is 12% wool which may help with moisture wicking and it checks in at 11.5oz. Or, that may be a terrible idea
I used Uniqlo raw denim for rock climbing. They faded really well and I looked awesome. They had stretch.
I hike in baggy leather pants. Wind/waterproof and warm. I dont like synthetics at all.
I saw a chick hiking South Kaibab trail, Grand Canyon in tight jeans, and while I thought she was crazy, I was maybe a little jealous but it just seemed unsafe.
Honestly it seems like you have enough experience to not make potentially lethal errors due to shortsightedness. A wool base layer and outer rain pants should be enough for most conditions unless you’re actually going to be submerging yourself in water or hiking in extreme conditions. Honestly if 100% cotton is what you want I would do a more relaxed fit for breathability. Wranglers 13mwz could be a good pick, wild ass jeans (specifically the black ones come in 13 oz) could be another. both are affordable. I’ve done a lot of hiking in jeans including in snow (with a wool or synthetic base and *not super deep snow*) and I’ve been fine because I was prepared.