Reviewing the Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants - tested on the John Muir Trail

[@dphimes]

I have a pair of Underarmour Storm 3 rain pants, and one thing I like about them is that they had zippered pockets. I say "had" because I took some scissors and cut off the pocket part of the pockets, converting them into slits I can use to access my regular hiking pants' pockets without taking off my rain pants. Very useful.

[@AudreyAdventures]

That’s brilliant! Though personally I’d keep the pockets because a lot of women’s clothing don’t have pockets so it would be nice to be guaranteed them at least while wearing the rain pants haha

[@susietopspin]

It’s so crazy you posted this as I’ve been looking at getting pants and Zpacks are on my list because they are so lightweight. They do look and sound very thin which concerns me. At that price they should last a long while, for sure. Great review. Thanks. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@AudreyAdventures]

Ha! What great timing! I couldn’t find any decent reviews when I was looking at buying these before the JMT so I decided I needed to fill that gap! They ripped even a little bit more on the Wonderland Trail. Still totally usable but I wouldn’t spend the money again tbh. They’re just so obviously not gonna last very long.

[@verdelljackson8557]

Thanks, I was really considering those pants but I think I may have to keep looking. Great review.

[@AudreyAdventures]

You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@mtadams2009]

I own a pair of those pants. I am about 5.8 and 155-160 and I wear a medium. I put a similar hole in mine, but I fell during a stream crossing. Other than that they have been fine but to be honest I am pretty gentle on them. Also have the matching jacket. I think for what they weigh durability is not going to be one of their strengths. I rarely wear rain pants so the fact that they are so light is a big plus. My other rain pants were Marmot’s and while much more durable they were certainly much heavier. Let us know what Zpacks says. That would be interesting. Take care

[@AudreyAdventures]

Yeah I didn’t expect these to be suuuuper durable at that weight but getting holes in the first couple days while not being rough on them at all is pretty disappointing, especially at that price point ☹️

[@rolfdenver]

Thanks for this review. I was wondering about some Zpacks or Montbell UL rain pants but if they’re that delicate maybe I’ll stick with my Frogg Toggs pants at less than a fifth the cost. The Toggs tear pretty easily so they’re almost a one-and-done consumable.

[@AudreyAdventures]

You’re welcome! Yeah the weight is great but I just don’t think they’re worth the money being so delicate.

[@richardross7219]

Good Luck with the warrantee. Rick

[@AudreyAdventures]

Thanks, Rick! 😊

[@terryhikes]

did you have any luck with warranty claim? I just got my jacket and pants then saw your review.. considering returning...

[@AudreyAdventures]

@@terryhikes I looked into it and they don’t have any sort of warranty on clothing unfortunately

[@mountaincat8]

I own a Vertice jacket and it is very delicate. I would not wear it while hiking through any brush. I think there is a trade-off going on here where you get a lightweight rain jacket but it is not durable. This is just food for thought....

[@AudreyAdventures]

I agree with you, but I have been so easy on these pants (definitely no brush!) and they have gotten several holes already so I definitely think that’s concerning at that price point