After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than an hour or two of well earned leisure around the campfire. You know the feeling. The sun dips below the ridge line. An icy wind can be heard in the shaking pines before it darts across a lake and straight to your campsite. Yet before you is the fabled campfire. Warm and bright, it shines as a beacon of Man’s original triumph in his battle with nature to not die. Stretching your legs out and gazing up at the stars, you join thousands of years of your ancestors in enjoying the gift of fire.
Except for one thing: YOU CAN’T HAVE A FIRE! At least, not anymore in many parts of the U.S.. Smokey the Bear first suggested it and now that half of the Sierras have burned down, the federal government mandates it. If you plan on backpacking in most national parks or virtually anywhere in California, you can expect actual federal charges if you want to break that rule. You need a different way to keep warm – enter the ultralight, ultra packable Torrid Jacket and Pants from Enlightened Equipment that features Climashield Apex.
Basically anytime you are in cold conditions and you stop hiking, you are going to get cold quick. Whether it’s a matter of life and death or simply a matter of enjoyment vs. needless suffering, having a 5oz pair of super warm pants that fit over everything is clutch for outdoor enthusiasts.
On this particular trip on the High Sierra Trail (70 miles from Sequoia National Park to Mount Whitney), I not only wore them in the evenings after backpacking, but as part of my night clothes. This solved at least 3 backcountry conundrums: 1) How to stretch my legs outside my sleeping bag without getting cold when I got antsy 2) How to get up to pee in the middle of the night without getting cold and 3) How to quickly get up and pack up camp without getting cold. In case you didn’t notice, the common theme here is basically one of all backpacking, which is how to – insert basic daily task – without getting cold? The theme: comfort.
Here’s why we choose the Torrid jacket and pants with APEX and not another warm lower body layer – really comes down to these variables:
Weight
The Torrid Apex Pants are about 5-6 oz depending on size. For reference this is about half the weight of most hiking pants. It’s actually about the same weight as a pair of Under Armour tights. But what about down pants? Technically, down has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation, but there are a few more things to consider. First, the shell that holds the insulation is where most of the weight is. A 10-20D fabric is typical for ultralight insulated pants and IS NOT DURABLE. The good news is that with Climashield Apex, snags and small tears in the outer shell don’t compromise the insulation. This is because Apex insulation is all linked together in a sheet form. The same is not true for down, which of course is just a bunch of loose feathers. Thus, a small tear in the fabric can bleed all those precious feathers … which you will then have to pick up because #Leavenotrace.
Cost
Climashield Apex tends to be cheaper than ethical, high-quality down. The Torrid Apex Pants we wore retail for $140, which I think is a steal for such a useful outdoor piece. Equivalently warm down garments are typically $200+! But what about Amazon/Temu down knock-off pants for less than $100? Personally I avoid funding sketchy business and human labor practices as much as possible. If you need to go even cheaper, you can actually buy Apex material itself and learn how to DIY your own insulated gear!
Versatility
Climashield Apex material is better than down at insulating when wet due to precipitation, dew, and, though often overlooked, sweat. When in the backcountry, I find it’s very easy to get my legs wet because there is always some kind of tall grass or bush, and I inadvertently brush up against it in the early morning when everything is covered in dew. Or I sit on something wet. Or it’s just raining sideways and there is no way to not get my legs wet. In all these cases, I like knowing my legs will still be warm even when wet.
Warmth
Picture this: It’s time for bed after a long day on the trail, and you’ve zipped yourself into your sleeping bag with all the confidence of a burrito ready for its time in the microwave. But instead of warm bliss, you’re greeted by a drafty chill throughout your body.Adding the ultralight Torrid Pants to your nighttime attire is like gifting your sleeping bag with a thermal upgrade that also doubles as warm pants for around camp. With Climashield Apex insulation, they can easily add 10 degrees of extra warmth, so now instead of counting how many layers of socks you’ll need, you can rest easy knowing that your legs (the greatest heat losers in your body) are covered and cozy.
Efficiency
If there’s one piece of gear you should invest in for lower body warmth, it’s the Torrid Apex Pants. They check all the boxes. They’re light enough for summer alpine nights, packable enough for through-hikes, and warm enough for cold mornings when the world feels like it’s stuck in a refrigerator. Forget stuffing extra layers into your pack or trying to double up on thin, sweaty leggings. With the Apex Pants, you get reliable, all-in-one insulation without the bulk. Whether you’re resting at base camp, stretching after a hike, or sleeping under the stars, these pants do it all.
Reliability
You could go with other brands or materials for insulated pants – maybe you’re eyeing those fancy down pants with a price tag that makes your wallet tremble. Or you’re tempted by the dubious deals from sketchy online retailers, where reviews are as unpredictable as the weather in the Rockies. But the Torrid Apex Pants offer something those competitors don’t—reliability in unpredictable environments. When it’s wet, Apex insulation keeps you warm, unlike down, which clumps into soggy disappointment. And if you snag the fabric on a branch, it won’t leak insulation like a ripped down alternative. Factor in the ethical production and the sub-$150 price point, and it’s hard to argue against the Torrid Apex Pants being the clear choice for any outdoor adventurer.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, when you’re out in the wilderness, comfort and warmth are key to enjoying the experience. The Torrid Apex Pants may not win any fashion shows, but they’ll win over anyone who values staying warm, dry, and comfortable in unpredictable conditions. Whether you’re sitting around a camp without a fire or packing up on a cold, wet morning, these pants have your back—and your legs. For those who prioritize function over form, and value ethical production and durability, the Torrid Apex Pants are a must-have addition to your outdoor gear lineup.
