Black Diamond Alpine Light Softshell Pants

We can just about pack these pants down to fit into one fist, so it’s no surprise we barely notice them when they’re on. The Alpine Lights’ nylon/elastane blend feels so thin that we wore them on an 80°F day in the Grand Canyon, when we wanted shorts but needed protection from thorny plants. Ample stretch was great when straining for toeholds. Nice touches: A DWR finish repelled light precip, and elastic cinches let you hike them up into capris.