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Royal Robbins Alpine Road Review

A true enigma, these pants look great whether you find yourself in the wilderness or at the office
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Royal Robbins Alpine Road Review (Comfort can be achieved through a combination of stretchy fabric, adjustability, and quality fit.)
Comfort can be achieved through a combination of stretchy fabric, adjustability, and quality fit.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   Royal Robbins
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2023
69
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 13
  • Comfort and Mobility - 35% 7.0
  • Venting and Breathability - 20% 5.5
  • Weather Resistance - 15% 7.5
  • Features - 15% 6.5
  • Versatility - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Royal Robbins Alpine Road pants are truly unlike any hiking pants that we have tested before. They are impressively versatile and adaptable for both front and backcountry use. They are made from thicker, wind and water-resistant material, making them a good choice for cool weather hikes. They also somehow pass muster as a pair that can be worn at the office. The fabric is somewhat stiff, so they aren't awesome for rock climbing or other high-mobility activities, but if you are the type of person who likes to knock out a few trail miles after work without stopping at home to change, these are a must-have for your collection. Check out how it compares to the competition in our article on the best hiking pants.
REASONS TO BUY
Look good
Don't stretch
Cinch cords in ankles
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff
Most pockets don't have zips
Editor's Note: This article was updated on November 13, 2023, to include additional information on and comparisons to other models in our lineup.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line An excellent choice for anyone going straight from their desk to the trailheadFor comfort and breathability, these pants can’t be beatThis stellar pant surprised us with its high performance at an affordable priceThe simplest hiking pant that also proved to be the most stylish for everyday wearThese pants are lightweight, but offer limited mobility and therefore limited versatility
Rating Categories Royal Robbins Alpin... Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... Prana Brion II Pants Columbia Silver Rid...
Comfort and Mobility (35%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.5
6.0
Venting and Breathability (20%)
5.5
8.5
6.5
7.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (15%)
7.5
6.5
7.0
5.5
6.5
Features (15%)
6.5
5.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
Versatility (15%)
8.0
7.5
7.5
8.0
5.0
Specs Royal Robbins Alpin... Outdoor Research Fe... Patagonia Quandary... Prana Brion II Pants Columbia Silver Rid...
Weight 13.8 oz 12.2 oz 9.7 oz 10.7 oz 10.4 oz
Material 66% nylon, 31% polyester, 3% spandex 86% nylon, 14% spandex; 90D stretch woven ripstop 94% nylon (62% recycled), 6% spandex 95% recycled nylon, 5% spandex 100% nylon Silver Ridge ripstop
Water Resistance DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish DWR finish No additional treatment
Sizing (Waist, Length Options) W: 30" - 46"
L: 30" - 34"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 30"- 36"
W: 28" - 40"
L: 30", 32", 34"
W: 28" - 42"
L: 28" - 36"
W: 28"- 44"
L: 28" - 36"
Sun Protection UPF 50+ UPF 50 UPF 40+ UPF 50 UPF 50
Pants/Shorts Convertibility No (but have ankle cinch cord) No (but have ankle cinch cord and fully convertible version available) No No Yes
Pockets 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip 2 hand, 2 back (1 zip), 1 thigh zip, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back, 1 coin 2 hand, 2 back velcro, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 velcro)
Waist Strap and Fastener Snap and zip with French fly Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, integrated elastic cord Button and zip fly Button and zip fly, full belt, elastic on hips
Other Features Gussetted crotch, tapered leg, cinch cord at cuff Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket Front and back knee articulation, gusseted crotch, slim straight fit Gusseted crotch, belt loops, mesh pockets Gusseted crotch, full belt, elastic waist

Our Analysis and Test Results

With a look all their own, this pair might not be what you would expect from hiking pants. For us, they are a pleasant surprise. They have an aesthetic that is much more formal than the typical model — we would characterize it as something like “outdoor professional” — but their weather resistance and versatility are solid. They are a durable pair and are great for going straight from work to the trail.

Performance Comparison


royal robbins alpine road - these pants are a top pick for their backcountry/frontcountry...
These pants are a top pick for their backcountry/frontcountry versatility.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Comfort and Mobility


Made of a 66% polyester, 31% nylon, and 3% spandex blend, these pants can feel a little stiff. There is a hint of stretch, but not much. They performed admirably during testing, but compared to other models with way more spandex, they just aren't quite in the top tier here. On the other hand, they do come with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees to help with mobility. However, we wouldn't recommend taking these pants to places that require high-stepping or scrambling through boulder fields.


With that in mind, one of the advantages of this model is that it is less susceptible to stretching out. If you have found on any multi-day trip that your pants or shorts start to loosen up and slide down, these could be a good option. You can't tighten the waist (without a belt) if you lose some inches, but they won't let you down by falling down either. There is no integrated belt (which, honestly, would just be out of character for these pants), but they do come with standard belt loops. They also have a felted liner on the inside of the waist to minimize chafing.

The gusseted crotch (the strip of fabric in the middle) gives these...
The gusseted crotch (the strip of fabric in the middle) gives these pant a little breathing room.
The soft liner around the inside of the waist reduces rub when...
The soft liner around the inside of the waist reduces rub when you're on the move.
The gusseted crotch and felt-lined waistband add some comfort to these less-stretchy hiking pants.

Venting and Breathability


The thickness of the fabric means that breathability is more limited than in other models. Our testers got rather warm rather quickly on sunny spring days. The difference is pretty evident just by a quick feel test between this model and thinner pairs. If you hold the fabric up to the light, it is also clear that these pants are more tightly woven than most.


Venting options are also limited. The front and side pockets are mesh-lined, so there is a bit of a benefit there. The primary feature for dispersing heat rapidly, though, is the cinch cord in the ankles. The pants are tapered enough at the cuff that they stay rolled up for semi-stationary activities like belaying, but the toggle is great if you need them to stay up on the move. The upshot is that they can be rolled up in a pinch, but they aren't ideally suited for hot climates.

royal robbins alpine road - the elastic cord in the ankle allows you to roll up the pants and...
The elastic cord in the ankle allows you to roll up the pants and cool down faster.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


This model stands up to the wind and rain. The DWR coating ensures that water beads thoroughly, and the thicker material provides an extra layer of protection from water seeping through to the skin. During the spray test, even when the outside of the pants saturated, our testers stayed dry underneath. Despite their bulk, they also dry relatively quickly. In addition, we found that they provide excellent wind resistance, presumably because of the more tightly woven fabric. Another plus is that they have a UPF 50+ rating, meaning that they provide significant protection from UV rays.


These pants are best suited to cool-weather hiking. Their thickness and density, which are liabilities in warmer climates actually make them a solid option for nasty weather if it's not quite necessary to take fully waterproof rain pants, and the adjustable ankle cords make for a quick and dirty gaiter replacement when secured around a hiking boot. We also think that the construction is solid and their durability will prove itself season after season.

royal robbins alpine road - rain beads well on this thicker fabric.
Rain beads well on this thicker fabric.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Features


These pants have a modest feature set, but it is well-executed. There are two front handwarmer pockets that are slightly deeper than average, as well as a coin pocket, two rear pockets, and a horizontal zipper pocket on the right leg. The zipper on this pocket is thoughtfully angled to make it easier to open and close with one hand. It is large enough to stash a granola bar or a large smartphone.


These pants have standard belt loops that match the pair's more formal styling. In addition to the ankle cinch cord and felt waist, a standard snap closure at the front as well as a French fly, round out the rest of the basic features. We find the additional French fly button to be superfluous; during testing, we didn't really need to secure it. However, it does, in theory, reduce the stress on the main snap, reducing the likelihood that it pops open. We also appreciate that the fly is appropriately positioned and makes it easy to take care of business when nature calls. The fabric is also Bluesign-approved, meaning that its materials and production meet or exceed rigorous standards for environmental protection and consumer safety.

royal robbins alpine road - the french fly (green button) on the inside of the pants keeps the...
The french fly (green button) on the inside of the pants keeps the main snap from popping open during activity.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Versatility


These pants shine in the style department. They are almost like dress pants that happen to be water-resistant (along with some other hiking-specific features). Save for the subtle stitching around the back of the knees, and the zipper pocket on the right leg, they are not discernably different from slacks at first glance. The side pocket is even thoughtfully incorporated on the inside of the pants as opposed to having it slapped on the outside “cargo-style.”


We think that the ability to take them from work to the trail or vice versa is a huge plus. They dress up or down really well, and they would make a great addition to almost any wardrobe. Though they don't do awesomely in activities that require high leg lifting, they are functional for most hiking, canoeing, fishing, and commuter bike riding.

royal robbins alpine road - in addition to their functionality on trail, these pants are a great...
In addition to their functionality on trail, these pants are a great casual option.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Should You Buy the Royal Robbins Alpine Road?


For the right user, these pants offer exceptional value. Because of their dual front and backcountry utility, it truly is like having two pairs of pants in one. If you work in a setting where a nice pair of slacks is part of the dress code, then these pants are worth strong consideration. They aren't a bargain, but their durability and adaptability make them well worth the investment.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?


For those looking for a little style in their hiking pants, the Arc'teryx Gamma is another sleek pair worth checking out, as is the Prana Brion II. For a pair with similar performance that looks a little more outdoorsy, the Patagonia Quandary is a nice option, as are the Outdoor Research Ferrosi.

royal robbins alpine road - this pair is an award winner for its ability to dress down and...
This pair is an award winner for its ability to dress down and handle the outdoors or dress up for town life.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Ben Applebaum-Bauch