REI Co-op Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants Review

Every year as summer changes into fall, I struggle to find a pair of pants to keep me warm and dry while I’m hiking or backpacking. The Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants do just that and have become a staple in my cooler-weather wardrobe. A cross between joggers and leggings, these pants are the best of both worlds for any runner or hiker looking for a comfortable pair of pants that can handle rough weather.

REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants At a Glance

• MSRP: $79.95
• Fabric: Front: 90% polyester/10% spandex (bluesign® approved); back: 71% polyester/29% spandex
• Moisture Wicking: Yes
• Quick Drying: Yes
• Pants Rise: Mid
• Pant Fit: Slim
• Pant Leg Style: Tapered
• Inseam (in.) (Women’s): 27.5 inches

Features

Wind- and Water-Resistant: This is a feature not always found in running or hiking pants. I took these pants out hiking and running in the cold, rainy weather of Oregon last fall and really appreciated these features. It kept my forever cold butt warm, and water mostly beaded off of them and dried quickly.

Comfy Waistband with Drawcord: The waistband on these doesn’t dig into your skin but stays up at the same time. The drawcord is a huge plus and makes the fit extremely adjustable.

Pockets: These have so many pockets, and big ones! There are two pockets on the back, one zipped and one small key pocket. Even better: there are two huge hand pockets. Women out there know the pocket struggles, and I was able to hike and run for miles with my phone in the hand pocket. It never came close to falling out or getting in my way.

Reflective Trim: Reflective trim can always be a useful feature at night, whether you’re out backpacking or running through the neighborhood.

Bluesign Certified: As an avid outdoor adventurer, I’m always looking for ways to reduce my environmental impact. I love to see products that are more sustainable and use fewer resources, and Bluesign Certified products achieve just that. Read more about Bluesign Certification and how it’s more sustainable here.

Intended Use & Circumstance of Review

These pants are intended to be worn for running, particularly in cooler weather and rain. These pants have been my ride-or-dies this fall and winter in rainy Portland, Oregon. They’ve been on an overnight backpacking trip, multiple day hikes, and countless neighborhood jogs. I’ve worn them in rain and temperatures as low as 34℉. The bottom line is that if I’m stepping outside this winter, I’m wearing these.

Fit & Comfort

The fit of these pants combines the best features of joggers and leggings. They fit tight enough to your body that they stay where you want them, but they have some give to the fit and pockets like joggers or pants. Did I mention the pockets? In regards to size, I found them true to size, if not a tad large. I am often between a Women’s Medium and Large, and the Medium fit perfectly in these.

There’s also a drawstring in the waistband to keep them from falling down. These have never ridden up or down, no matter what activity I’m doing. As far as comfort goes, I could wear these all day.

Warmth and Weather Resistance

Finding a pair of water and wind-resistant pants for hiking seems like the jackpot. My bottom half tends to run cold when I go hiking in fall and winter, and these keep me warmer. I’ve taken them out to the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon with wind gusts up to 35mph, and these did the job.

I’ve also seen rain just bead right off of them. What does eventually soak in (after all, they’re water-resistant, not waterproof) dries extremely quickly. I was impressed by this feature. They don’t have much extra insulation, so they won’t keep you as warm as a base layer, perhaps, but I find these enough for up to freezing temperatures.

Durability

I can see these pants being a staple in my outdoor wardrobe for a long time. They’re not showing a sign of wear despite wearing and washing them multiple times per week. They also can stand to be worn a few times before washing and don’t hold smell even after getting really sweaty. I wouldn’t hesitate to take them on a thru hike, although they might be a little warm for summer weather.

Pros

• Wind and Water Resistant: These weather-resistant pants are great for fall or winter running and hiking and do a great job of keeping you warm and cozy
• Comfort: The fit on these is great and designed for comfort. A drawstring helps to really keep them in place and adjust fit as needed.
• Pockets: These have so many pockets! Two small pockets on the back, one zippered and one not, and two huge hand pockets. You can carry keys without worry they’ll go anywhere. The hand pocket fits a phone no problem, and it stays in place fine while running or hiking.
• Durability: I can see these pants holding up for a long time; they’ll take anything you throw at them.

Cons

• Warm for summer: While comfortable and maybe a good night layer, these pants would be too warm to be active in during the warmer months.
• Cost: They’re a bit pricey at $80. However, I do think they’re worth the cost.

Overall

The REI Swiftland Hybrid pants are a great pair of hiking or running pants for shoulder season and beyond. They offer a ton of functionality, including pockets, a drawstring, and weather resistance. While they may be a bit much for summer, they’ll keep you dry and warm as it gets colder. The fit and style offer a lot of comfort as well.

I’ve used these consistently in all kinds of conditions since I received them and would highly recommend them for any activity ranging from a walk in the neighborhood to trail running to backpacking.

Shop the REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants

Comparable Pants

Prana Halle Joggers

• MSRP: $95
• Materials: 95% recycled nylon/5% elastane

REI Flash Hybrid Tights

• MSRP: $75
• Materials: Front and back: 88% nylon/12% spandex (bluesign® approved); sides, waist and ankles: 85% polyester/15% spandex (bluesign® approved)

The REI Swiftland Hybrid pant was donated for purpose of review.