Im not really a shorts guy. Ive known this a long time, and I think its due to dressing formally for 10 years while working as a photographer in the Caribbean. If you can wear pants in tropical 90 degrees while photographing an inauguration ceremony, you can wear pants anywhere.

　　And if you wear pants in hot weather, you need to try the First Lite Trace Pants. They are, in a word, phenomenal.

　　The author wearing the First Lite Trace Pants; (photo/Sean McCoy) In short: The First Lite Trace Pants are light and airy, yet protective. They have excellent pockets and built-in ventilation, and they look good enough for many workplace settings. Theyre the best hot-weather pants Ive used, period.

　　First Lite Trace Pants

　　Specs Fabric KineticGrid Fit True to size DWR No Scent control Yes, HeiQ Pure Odor Control Technology Pros Super-breathable Fast-drying Excellent, ample pockets Knife pocket Cons Built-in belts buckle prone to damage Sean McCoy First Lite Trace Pants Review I received the Trace pants this spring while researching the best hunting pants on the market. And as soon as the temps started to rise, they worked into a very regular rotation among my clothing.

　　Now that summer is here, theyre my go-to daily pants — so much so that Im considering a second pair. Thats because they have a very unique fabric that is so cool and breathable, while still durable, that they fit any active lifestyle that includes time in the outdoors and travel. More on this later.

　　In testing, I used the First Lite Trace 5-Pocket Pants during an early-season turkey hunt, an epic camping trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a 2-week trip to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland, wild boar hunting in Texas, and on countless daily errands around Denver.

　　These pants are awesome.

　　(Photo/Sean McCoy) Now, the fabric. First launched in 2023, the KineticGrid fabric is created in a unique way using melt-yarn technology. Basically, a thread is woven into the fabric during production but later melted away. This method creates a porous material that allows air to flow through the garment while retaining its structural integrity and durability.

　　It works great. Wearing the pants in everything from 95-degree heat while boar hunting to 100-degree garden weeding in Denver, Ive never felt that the pants were much warmer than shorts. The fabric is wonderfully light, much like linen in its breathability.

　　However, unlike linen, this synthetic fabric dries wildly fast and wicks moisture well. It is also odor-resistant, a fact I appreciated when I used them as sleeping pants while staying in refuges in the Alps.

　　Next, lets talk pockets.

　　First Lite Trace Pants: Pockets and Vents The Trace Pant has excellent pockets. Both front hip pockets are roomy enough for a cell phone and wallet. Theyre deep enough to be secure. But given the rowdy hunting world, two button-down thigh pockets provide excellent security for items you simply cannot lose.

　　Finally, you get two back zippered pockets. These work well, too.

　　Next, you have two vent zippers for each leg. These zippers further open the already breathable fabric and allow great airflow to your legs.

　　Heres a funny thing: While they arent considered pockets, these zippered recesses make fabulous pockets, too. I used them to secure my phone while riding in an open-door helicopter so as not to lose it. I also used them to carry my passport during a full day of travel from Colorado to Munich.

　　Are they officially pockets? Maybe not, but they sure do work well. Just remember to remove the items stored there before using them as vents.

　　Add a built-in belt, and you have one fine pair of pants. My only ding against them is that the plastic buckle on the belt lost a tiny bit of plastic, so the belt doesnt lock as tightly as when they were new. Its a small deal, and if the buckle gets worse, Ill probably just ditch this belt and add my own.

　　These arent cheap pants at $150. But theyve proven durable so far and are incredibly comfortable. They look good, too. For those looking for hot-weather hunting pants, these are a no-brainer.

　　But the bonus point is that they make some of the best travel pants Ive worn. The pockets work great on airplanes to hold a passport and other small items. Theyre secure yet cozy and nice enough to wear to a fancy restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland.

　　(Photo/Sean McCoy) Versatile in warm weather and comfortable, with secure pockets and anti-odor treatment, the First Lite Trace Pants check many boxes. Theyre one of the best technical pants Ive worn for summertime.

　　Rain Gear for Your Feet: First Lite Brambler Gaiter ReviewFrom repelling morning dew to post-holing in the snow, If you want to keep your feet dry in moist environments, waterproof gaiters are a vital part of your hunting kit. First Lite’s Brambler gaiters keep you dry even after they take a beating. Read more

　　Sean McCoy