Review: Quechua Forclaz 900 Black Trek Pant

Tested for its use in high-altitude trekking during a Search and Rescue (SAR) course at India's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, the Forclaz 900 trek pant is lightweight, bi-stretch, and quick-drying.

The temperamental weather, training and terrain during my Search and Rescue course in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India provided the best situation to test the Forclaz 900 trek pant. I did my whole 21-day course in this trek pant and went from 4,300ft to 12,700ft, trekking about 40 kilometers to the base camp and back.

Its bi-stretch fabric, semi-elastic waist allows for freedom of movement. It made me feel comfortable while climbing and didn't hinder my stretching exercises. This trouser is made from 85% polyamide and 15% elastane. Polyamide fabric makes it strong, resilient, elastic and abrasion resistant while the elastane helps it to recover from stretches.

It rained while we trekked up into the mountains and there was constant snowfall on our base camp. Sunlight was intermittent so drying clothes was a problem. The Equarea technology used in the making of this trouser helps it to dry quickly and wicks away perspiration and moisture. I never had to put it out to dry in the sun. It's also comfortable enough to wear inside a sleeping bag.

It has two hand pockets, one side pocket and one back pocket. All the pockets are zipped which keep your small accessories safe and handy during a trek. It comes with a removable belt. My knees got scraped against the rocks and ground a lot of times during exercise or climbing. The preformed ripstop knee inserts makes it resistant to wear-and-tear during mountain hikes. Its ripstop is made from 86% polyamide and 14% elastane. It has an adjustable elastic cord at the bottom which can be adjusted according to requirements. I kept it tight to prevent snow and slush from getting inside my shoes.

Temperatures plummeted to -8C during the course. The fabric dries quickly but doesn't keep one protected from windchill or cold. It is not water-repellent. Also, a preformed ripstop at the back of the trouser would be a helpful addition as it tends to get worn and torn after prolong use.

Pros: Lightweight, durable, quick-drying.

Cons: Doesn't protect much from windchill or cold, not water-repellent.

Specifications:

• Bi-stretch and quick-dry fabric
• Zipped pockets
• Light-weight and durable

Price: Rs. 3,999

Place: Decathlon