Outdoors & Fitness · Head-to-head
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant vs Arc'teryx Gamma Pant
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Hiking Pants: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Ferrosi covers stretch, UPF 50+ and zip pockets at a mid-range tier. The Gamma is the better weather pant for those who will pay for a named DWR and a gusseted fit.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant
Buy itThe easy default: a stretchy nylon pant with a UPF 50+ claim and a zippered security pocket.
- The bluesign approved blend (46% recycled nylon, 40% nylon, 14% spandex) is listed with movement-mirroring stretch and quick-dry performance.
- UPF 50+ is stated on the spec list, which most pants in this field do not match.
- A right hip security zip mesh pocket and a back right zip pocket protect small items, with inseam options of 30, 32 and 34 inches on the sizing chart.
- The maker says water resistant but does not name a DWR finish, so treat it as a light-shower pant.
- No gusseted crotch is listed in the spec features, only articulated knees.
- It has no conversion zippers, so there is no shorts mode for hot days.
Arc'teryx Gamma Pant
Buy itA softshell trail pant with a real DWR, a gusseted crotch and three zippered pockets.
- The Fortius 2.0 face fabric is 88% nylon and 12% elastane, with a warp knit mesh lining listed.
- The maker lists a FC0 DWR finish, a laminated hem and a drawcord at the cuff, which helps against light rain and debris.
- Two zippered hand pockets plus a zippered thigh pocket keep a phone and keys secure, and the crotch is gusseted.
- The page gives no UPF claim, so sun protection is not something the maker promises.
- It is sold as climbing-focused, and the lining and weight (12.5 oz) make it a cool-weather pant more than a July one.
- It is the priciest pair here by a wide margin.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant Our pick | Arc'teryx Gamma Pant | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Most hikers who want a single three-season trail pant with sun protection at a fair tier. | Hikers who want one durable, weather-resistant pant for shoulder seasons, scrambling and harness use. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
| Fabric blend | 46% recycled nylon, 40% nylon, 14% spandex | 88% nylon, 12% elastane |
| Stated stretch | Movement-mirroring stretch | Softshell, four-way stretch category |
| DWR claim | Water resistant, DWR not named | FC0 DWR named |
| UPF claim | UPF 50+ | None on page |
| Pockets | Hand, hip, 2 back | 2 hand, 1 thigh |
| Zip security | Hip and back right zip | All 3 zippered |
| Gusset | Not listed | Gusseted crotch |
| Stated inseam options | 30, 32, 34 in | Short, regular, tall (33 in regular) |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant if
most hikers who want a single three-season trail pant with sun protection at a fair tier.
Know before buying: the maker says water resistant but does not name a DWR finish, so treat it as a light-shower pant.
Pick the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant if
hikers who want one durable, weather-resistant pant for shoulder seasons, scrambling and harness use.
Know before buying: the page gives no UPF claim, so sun protection is not something the maker promises.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant - The easy default: a stretchy nylon pant with a UPF 50+ claim and a zippered security pocket. Choose the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant instead if hikers who want one durable, weather-resistant pant for shoulder seasons, scrambling and harness use.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Hiking Pants: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).