It’s the dead of winter here in the Pacific Northwest, and for most of us, that typically means layering up if we want to stay active in the off-season.  With a relaxed upper body, tapered ankle fit, six pocket compartments, and synthetic material providing plenty of mechanical stretches accommodating most body types, the Killam PX Pant from Path Projects is a piece that is quite versatile, or is it trying to do too much?  Let’s find out.

Up until this review, I’ve worn exclusively running tights in the wintertime.  I am accustomed to the warmth, snug articulation, and minimal feel that tights provide, but after spending the past couple of months running, hiking, cross-training, and lounging in them, I can certainly see the appeal of having these as another option. 

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, PATH Projects is a California-based run specific apparel company that focuses on designing shorts and liners separately with customization and interchangeability in mind.

 

Packaging:

  • The first thing I noticed upon receiving the product was the level of detail they put in the packaging.  Some may argue the focus should solely be on the product, but I really appreciate when companies choose higher quality ziplock bags and corrugated envelopes, packaging that encourages durability and reusability.    

           

Path Projects Packaging encourages durability and reusability.

 

Fit:

  • At 5’8” with a size 30 waist, size small fits me well.
  • With most pants I wear, I’m accustomed to pants falling past my ankle, so I’m curious if the design intent is to run the inseams slightly shorter for performance and or styling purposes.
  • The drawcord allows for a secure fit, especially when the zipper pockets are loaded, but the waistband alone feels durable and stable enough without additional tightening.
  • As I got deeper into some of my runs, I noticed these pants restricted my calves more than my ankle or quads.  Whereas a pair of tights will have a more predictable fit.  Obviously, the application for tights and pants does vary, but that is something I noticed.

 

The tapered fit around the ankle is nice. I rode my bike around town in them, and never once did I feel like it would get caught in the gearing.

 

Form:

  • I like the roominess these pants provide in the pelvic region without making the fit too sloppy when I’m on the go.  After all, this is a performance piece intended for running both road and trail miles.
  • The tapered fit around the ankle is nice.  I rode my bike around town in them, and never once did I feel like it would get caught in the gearing.
  • And perhaps this is a personal preference, but I like my pants without zippers around the ankle.  It’s another potential point of failure, and with the elasticity of the fabric, most users should be able to pull their feet through with ease.  I would’ve preferred a low-profile elastic cuff instead. 

 

Killam PX $82.00

 

Function:

  • Five zippered pockets are amazing.  This is by far my favorite feature of these pants.  The main back compartment can fit most smartphones with its case.  I’ve put quite a few miles on these pants, and even with the three back compartments loaded with gels, gloves, headlamp, etc., it’s performed with limited bouncing.
  • The two front hand pockets took some getting used to because I’m used to zipping up my pockets for a closed position like you would for any jacket; so that seems slightly counterintuitive, but certainly not a deal breaker.
  • With weather ranging between 25-40 degrees F here in Portland and even colder in the mountains, these pants kept me warm without additional lining; especially when you’re on the move.  The fact these pants do have a forgiving fit allows layering over your tights without being restrictive.
  • Although not listed on the website as its intended use, both front zipper pockets are spacious enough to double as self stowing which is always nice for packing purposes.

           

Both front zipper pockets are spacious enough to double as self-stowing,

 

Overall Impressions:

  • Developing a relaxing yet performance-fit bottom is a tough needle to thread, but I believe Path Projects have done a nice job striking a good balance.
  • At $82.00, it’s not an unreasonable price point considering other pants in this category can and do hover closer to the $100.00 range.
  • The biggest selling point of these pants, in my view, is the functionality.  With five zipper pockets, self-stowing ability, and accommodating fit, I see this best used in ultra-running adventures where you can quickly throw these on over your existing layers when you’re tired, and temperatures begin to drop. 
  • I still intend to wear running tights for a more precise fit, but the Killam pants certainly provide a lot of options for people who want a bottom that is highly versatile.
  • I do foresee myself continuing to wear these pants well past the winter for both running and non-running pursuits.

 

Has anyone else tried these pants on?  Are there other options you prefer?  Leave a comment below.