Klim Switchback cargo pant in asphalt

The new-for-2023 Switchback pant is similar in concept to its predecessor, but different to it in its detailing.

The Switchback wears fairly loose, in the way that you would expect of an adventure/off-road trouser. With two large pockets on the thighs it is what many would term a ‘cargo pant, but for us the defining feature is that it is not equipped with a membrane, meaning that it is going to work particularly well in hot weather. By contrast, the Switchback will be useless in the rain, so you will need to carry a set of waterproofs with you. And in our world that means a set of Scotts.

The new Switchback pant feels quite a bit more robust than the old version. It is made from a mix of cotton and Cordura which, these days, doesn’t feel particularly exotic, but nonetheless they meet the AA standard under EN17092; and that’s not unimpressive for an off-road pant.

The armour comes courtesy of D3O, and it’s the latest, flat Ghost armour. Now that is going to contribute towards the pant’s comfort, but we have to say that we are not always fans of Ghost in an off-road oriented pant; there is a case for having more fitted knee armour on a pant like this. The hip armour is also Ghost. It is all Level 1.

You get two jean-style pockets at the front, and two more in the seat. But the most obvious ones are the large cargo pockets on the thighs. Down the sides of the thigh pockets run vent zips. Air is going to flow through the chassis of these pants, as they are single layer, but the large vents will allow them to be even more breathable. 

At the hem of the pants you get zips that will allow the legs to be worn over most adventure boots, although probably not over the biggest, plastic off-road boots. One thing we do like, however, is the poppered and elasticated adjuster strap that allows you to cinch the hem around the shaft of a boot.

We like the Switchbacks a lot. They are not smart. You wouldn’t wear them into the  office. And they’re not going to be as easy to wear, or as comfortable, as a pair of single-layer jeans, but if you are after a highly protective, adventure pant that you can ride off-road in, or tour in in the very hottest conditions, then the Switchbacks might be exactly what you are looking for.