Bottom Line
The Janji Transit Tech Pant is a piece of high-quality activewear and makes our list of the best men’s hiking pants. These jogger-style pants are extremely lightweight and breathable and are a great fit for warmer weather and higher-output activities.
These pants are so lightweight and breathable, we even tested them on a few runs and are impressed with how well they breathe and shed sweat. The Transit Tech Pants feature three zippered pockets, quick-drying materials, and are extremely flexible. This makes the Transit Tech Pant a great choice for hikers looking for comfortable and functional pants.
While this pair may not be as durable as others on the market, we found that they are a great option for hikes on wide, well-maintained trails. Hikers with shorter inseams will fit these pants better, and those who prefer elastic-cuffed, jogger-style pants will feel right at home in the Janji Transit Tech Pant.
Quick Specs
Janji Transit Tech Pants
Highly Breathable Hiking Jogger
CleverHiker Rating: 74.3/100
Price: $94
Weight: 7.1 oz.
Fit: Standard, tapered
Fabric: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- Stretchy & comfortable material
- Many colorways
- Versatile for running & other athletics
Cons
- Baggy fit through the crotch that inhibits some movements
- Jogger-style pants may not be for everyone
- Not as durable as some
Comfort & Mobility
The Janji Transit Tech Pant is incredibly comfortable, so much so that we found ourselves lounging in them post-hike as well. The pants feature a jogger style with a relaxed fit in the waist and crotch that tapers down to snug elastic cuffs around the ankles.
We found that the crotch design of these pants is slightly baggy and had a noticeable effect on bigger steps or wide stance movements. The crotch often felt restrictive which in turn pulled up the cuffs of the pants above the ankle.
While jogger pants are designed to fit a pair of shorts underneath, we found that this cut inhibited some of the bigger movements needed for off-trail hiking. You can still easily wear shorts under these pants but this added versatility comes at the cost of the pants’ overall mobility.
Breathability
The Janji Transit Tech Pant is among the most breathable models we tested. At 7.1 ounces, these are the lightest pants in our lineup. They feel light and breezy on the legs and we were unencumbered during high-output activities by any feelings of moisture or claminess.
During our testing, we took these pants on multiple hikes and even for a few runs to compare their performance across different activities. This is where these pants shone brightest. When going from a hike to a run, and back to a hike again, they felt equally at home in both activities. When running, the pants quickly wicked moisture and were light and airy, but when slowing back down to a hike, they dried out and were a comfortable temperature at a lower pace.
Weather Resistance
Although highly breathable, the Transit Tech Pant is not the right choice for inclement weather. While they come equipped with a DWR finish for light precipitation, these pants are not resistant to heavy rain.
While light and breathable enough to be worn as sun protection in hot weather, these pants are not our first choice when venturing into cool and wet places. For those looking for an option for mild and warmer climates without much exposure to rain, the Janji Transit Tech Pant is a great choice.
Durability
In the ongoing balance between lightweight and durable, the Transit Tech Pant tips towards the lightweight side of the scale while sacrificing some durability. After moderate use and a few wash cycles, we found that some of the stitches were coming undone and there were a few snags on the thighs from scrapes and vegetation.
These pants are most at home on day hikes on clear trails and excel as a lightweight option for light adventures.
Features
The three zippered pockets on the Janji Transit Tech Pant lend themselves to the needs of hikers carrying light items. The key loop in the front right pocket is a handy feature for keeping keys secure. The third pocket on the right hip is perfectly designed to fit a phone snuggly against the body. Although this third pocket’s zipper was stiff and we initially struggled to open it past halfway, this eased with more use.
These pants may not be the best choice for hikers looking to carry heavier items or stuff their pockets full. When heavily loaded, they felt weighed down and the drawstring waist struggled to keep the pants comfortably in place. However, if you’re only carrying a phone and keys, the Transit Tech Pant will keep your items stowed and secure comfortably.
Should You Buy the Janji Transit Tech Pants?
The Janji Transit Tech Pant is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a highly breathable pant with a relaxed yet performance-oriented cut. Individuals with shorter inseams will fit these jogger-style pants better than those with longer legs. These pants may not be ideal for inclement weather, or situations involving heavy contact with the ground or terrain, but their high degree of breathability and lightweight materials make them a great option for on-trail day hikes in warmer weather.
What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?
REI Trailmade Review: Accessibly priced and suitably lightweight, these pants are a valuable option for price-conscious hikers wanting lighter pants.
Mammut Runbold Review: This is a similarly athletic cut pant with more robust features for backcountry adventures.
Rab Incline Light Review: Another lightweight pant we’ve reviewed, the Rab Incline Light provides solid hiking performance in a lightweight platform.