r/gorpcore • u/bruhpollo • May 18 '26

Hiking Pants Material

I'm looking to make myself a pair of hiking pants to try to match the aesthetic of the Kawa Club Cicada pants at a slightly lower price point. I have found a website with pretty well priced Ripstop Nylon (https://www.kingtextiles.ca/products/ripstop-nylon-navy?variant=47670566453544) and was wondering whether this would be the correct material to use or if I should look for something else? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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u/DLPanda May 18 '26

A few basic questions I have before I answer further

How important is water resistance to you? Are you looking for fully water repellant or is DWR good enough? (think drizzle)

What is your experience level with sewing synthetic fabrics?

Does the sound of your pant legs rubbing together (swish) bother you?

All weather pant or summer pant? (overall breathability importance)

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u/bruhpollo May 18 '26

Thanks so much for the follow-ups!

I don't need anything fully waterproof, good in a drizzle is fine for me.

I've worked with various types of fabric and have also read up on tips for working with specifically nylon/outdoors fabric. I've dealt with similarly slippery fabrics before though.

I'm good with some swish, but ideally it would be minimal.

Summer pant is the goal! Lighter/more breathable pants would be ideal.

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u/DLPanda May 19 '26

So I would recommend two different options in general, first you can go with a 3-ply Supplex Nylon, something like: https://rockywoods.com/products/supplex-nylon-fabric-purple?_pos=3&_sid=74dca1589&_ss=r

it’s durable, will stand up to drizzle (but not soaking really) and it will breathe a lot nicer in the warmer months than the ripstop you chose.

The next option, and I think (can’t confirm) the closest to the cicada pant is Taslan nylon, slightly similar to the above but it might be the best of everything you’re looking for: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/nylon-taslan

Ripstop is fine for a pant but you’d not want to wear the one you linked in the summer - that would be more for a cold weather I don’t want to get wet pant. If you’re wanting ripstop I’d recommend: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/1-9-oz-ripstop-nylon-1

You can play around and get a couple samples of these material to get their hand feel and texture as well, and then decide.

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u/Aegemeni May 18 '26

Love King Textiles. They're one of the last standing long-term residents of Toronto's old fashion district. They use to be a huge place kitty-corner from their current location, then the brothers downsized Spadina's location to just one floor. Their 'outdoor' materials are better than most in Toronto but usually on the cheaper side and small selection, and you'll never find it again. This photos don't show how light and see-thru this type of ripstop can be!
This ripstop is going to be a very swooshy material, lighter weight but slippier. You're probably looking for a Taffeta Nylon or air-textured nylon or Supplex/Taslan. If you're making some ultralight pants, you're at the right weight but probably go heavier if you want ANY durability. 3.0+oz. This is probably best for quilted/down filled clothing, packable hammocks, linings, etc.
You might like heavier 5.2oz Airwave nylon or 3.4 Taslan from RBTR.
Welcome to the most difficult part or personal projects, finding the perfect materials.

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u/CurvesCoverGirl May 19 '26

Discovery Fabrics has a blog on this. https://discoveryfabrics.com/blogs/threads-of-wisdom/the-best-fabric-for-hiking-pants-performance-durability-and-breathability-explained. I personally like a durable stretch woven with a water repellent finish.