Too many pants to choose from...

[Megastink]

need a new pair of hunting pants. The market is flooded with options, some built for performance, not budget, and some that are budget friendly and SAY they perform... I need some help sifting...

Here’s what I need:
-lightweight and flexible as I still hunt a lot and it requires stepping over logs/rocks
-briar proof, tons and tons of briars on the ground here in SE PA.
-water proof, I like to hunt after a rain when it’s quiet and am willing to crawl through brush to get to some spots
-wind proof if possible
-leg pockets, leave the backpack in the truck and pack light

These will be my outer layer from early season-mid season, and my mid layer during late season. Would like to spend less than $150. Thanks you all!

 

[Steel head]

 

[spife7980]

Super stretchy, pretty impermeable, water proof(you could lay in the water all day), wind proof, pockets

 

[alfmoonspace]

Kuiu, first lite, Sitka

or the outfits above

 

[M4guru]

-lightweight and flexible as I still hunt a lot and it requires stepping over logs/rocks

Easy enough, dozens of them out there

-briar proof, tons and tons of briars on the ground here in SE PA.

Possible, given the above there are a couple decent ones. They're louder FWIW.

-water proof, I like to hunt after a rain when it’s quiet and am willing to crawl through brush to get to some spots

If you want briar-proof and waterproof you give up your other criteria because they're a high maintenance waxed material. Alternately, chaps.

Waterproofness is achieved in cheap shit by rubber or coated nylon, which would be impermeable. In performance fabrics it's a PTFE (or similar) membrane laminated to a face fabric. It is as durable on its own as a hefty trash bag. The durability comes from a face fabric. generally, the more durable the face fabric is, the more you're compromising on weight, flexibility, and breathability. In your price range, that is certainly the case. Any penetration of the face fabric pierces the membrane and that spot is no longer waterproof. Gaiters can help with this.

Highly water resistant via raw materials and DWR coating can get you pretty close, those materials are out there. Couple them with gaiters for water resistance and durability below the knees and that is probably your best compromise when it isn't legit pouring outside. There is something to be said for fast drying and slow-wetting versus waterproof and slow-drying once compromised.

-wind proof if possible

If they're waterproof they'll be windproof. Most soft shells with a base layer are close enough. Waterproof gear is loud unless it's got a napped face fabric which helps but doesn't eliminate the rub noise and crinkling. It's also way less durable that other face fabrics.

-leg pockets, leave the backpack in the truck and pack light

Closest thing for all your criteria is Sitka Timberline pants or the First Lite, Kuiu, whatever brand equivalent with a set of good gaiters. You're around $250 there, stuff goes on sale though. I have been working or consulting in technical clothing for over 10 years now and materials are improving every year, but nothing does everything. You need to build a system for bad weather that is the best compromise for you, becasue nothing is perfect.

TL;DR: What you're asking for doesn't exist, especially under $150.

 

[M4guru]

Building Layering Systems with SITKA Gear - John Barklow and Jay Mathews

John Barklow and Jay Mathews from SITKA Gear are on and we walk through each layer and how they benefit the user.

sportsmensnation.com

This is a good listen, John Barklow has written articles about it also. "Waterproof" does not always equate to "best in wet conditions".

He ran the Navy's misery school on Kodiak for a couple decades, probably the single greatest resource on cold and wet in the world.

 

[carbonbased]

Briar proof? These come highly recommended. Never used them. Usa made.

edit: I see you wanted leg pockets. I would think those would get caught up in briars, but you could get the bibs and use the chest pocket. I called one day and they do make custom orders.

Briarproof Hunting Pants and Bibs | Dan's Hunting Gear in Ohio

Briarproof Hunting Pants and Bibs are made by Dan's Hunting Gear in Ohio. American made hunting bibs, frogger bibs are chest waders and will fight briars.

danshuntinggear.com

 

[Bb214]

I’ve been using kuiu attack pants recently I really like a lot. They’re holding up really well. I also enjoy that they have zippered vents that open to help cool you off.

 

[PDXGS]

Seriously, get some upland pants as described and some decent overpants for when it gets wet.
If you're moving, you'll produce enough heat to drive off most moisture- unless it's pouring down rain.
I used to work K9 SAR in western (wet) Oregon.
In summer I wore Mascot work pants and in winter Orvis waterproof upland hunting pants ($245) for the blackberries we have here.

Men’s PRO ToughShell Pants

Briar-resistant and rugged, our Men's PRO ToughShell Pants are the ones you need for the nastiest thickets.

www.orvis.com

If it's pouring rain, I run British surplus ECWS GoreTex pants from Sportsmans Guide with a full side zip over upland pants. They're easy to put on over my upland pants.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/british-military-surplus-heavyweight-gore-tex-mtp-over-pants-new?a=2213479

And when I need minimal protection, snake proof gaters.

Upland Hunting Gear, Vests & Pants

Find the best gear for hunting upland game at Orvis. Our upland hunting jackets, shooting shirts, briar pants, and boots are engineered for tough conditions.

www.orvis.com

 

[Gee Kay]

View attachment 7544465

i'd bring her along to a hunt, saves me carrying shit

 

[CrabsandFootball]

Lightweight and flexible so you can walk from truck to deer stand where you wait for a deer to walk by?

I would be more concerned with Warm and comfortable. A good brush pant is not going to be waterproof and a good waterproof pant will become swiss cheese in briars and thorns.

This is why you buy multiple layers or just do like all the rednecks in the area do, carhart waterproof bibs and a jacket.

 

[Megastink]

Lightweight and flexible so you can walk from truck to deer stand where you wait for a deer to walk by?

No. Light and flexible/briarproof so I can still hunt through briars. I’m not a stand hunter. I have a set of insulated outerwear.

 

[FisherT&C]

Stone Glacier

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

I use my ripstop dpm from army, or 5.11 Stryker pants. They've been decent.
Not really fussed by getting wet.
If my core is warm, it's usually all good, I run hot anyway.
I've got the Arktis smock as a top cover, if it's pissing down, and quiet on the move.
Static shooting isn't my thing.
Rain on a tent fly.....magic!

 

[MtnGhost]

The Fjallraven Vita Pro are bombproof

 

[TheGerman]

Custom Crye pants made to look like an Adidas track suit.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Grundens