Mammut Runbold Pants Review

Bottom Line

The Mammut Runbold is a slim-cut, highly breathable pant that fits slender frames well and performs exceptionally in high-output activities. After extensive backcountry and off-trail testing in the alpine of Alaska’s Talkeetna Range, we have found it to be one of our top scorers in our guide to the best hiking pants for men.

We love these pants for their breathability, quick-drying abilities, and refined features. Four zippered pockets keep your items secure, and velcro waist tabs allow you to dial in your fit on the fly.

While the slim fit of these pants might not be for those with thicker legs or those preferring a looser fit, the Runbold is the perfect pair of pants for the slimmer hiker searching for a lightweight and durable pant.

Comfort & Mobility

The Mammut Runbold easily facilitated high stepping, scrambling, and other dynamic movements. With a polyamide and elastic blend fabric, the materials are exceptionally stretchy and mobile. We found scrambling over boulders and other awkward movements a breeze in these pants. The elastic material creates a snug and stretchable fit through the legs and seat that helps them avoid slipping down even with a pack on.

The slim fit of these pants may not be the best fit for all, but those who prefer a trimmer leg line will feel right at home without limitation. Articulated knees and a well-designed crotch allow uninhibited movement. Although secure, the button waist closure has a larger backing on it that can press on the stomach.

Breathability

The Mammut Runbold shines in high-output activities thanks to its exceptional breathability. When powering up a steep hill, or pounding out miles down the trail, it’s immediately evident that these pants are made to breathe. With no accompanying clammy or sweaty sensation, the  Runbolds shed excess moisture and heat quickly.

Even after heavy sweating, these pants dry out quickly. While the Runbold does not come equipped with any vents, we found that leaving the pockets unzipped aided in airflow thanks to their mesh lining. These pants will excel in warmer climates due to their high degree of breathability but their slim fit still retains enough body heat to not feel airy or drafty.  

Weather Resistance

The combination of lightweight and weather resistant is the Holy Grail of outdoor apparel. While these pants are lightweight, they do not quite reach the highest mark for weather resistance due to how quickly they wetted through. We found that these pants were soaked quickly in anything above a light rain. The hems were often saturated when walking through wet or dewy grass and rain drips from a jacket penetrated the material at the thighs. While not very weather resistant on their own, the Mammut Runbolds are thin, stretchable, and comfortable enough to layer under rain pants easily.

Although wetted through easily, this problem is somewhat ameliorated by their exceptional drying and breathing abilities. After taking these pants through several rain storms, we were pleasantly surprised at how quickly they dried out almost immediately afterward. These may not be the first pants to bring out in inclement weather, but they are valuable when the rain is intermittent.

Durability

For lightweight pants, this pair punches above its weight class for durability. Too often, lightweight is synonymous with paper thin and delicate. That is not the case with the Runbold. After scraping against boulders, kneeling in dirt and gravel, and otherwise trying to find the limit of these pants, we are pleased that they have held up exceptionally well. After heavy use and a few wash cycles, they still look like new with no snags, rips, or pills. While we may not be reaching for these pants for a thick bushwhack, or heavy tactical use, the Mammut Runbold is sure to please the light and fast crowd looking for a durable option.

Features

The fit of these pants leans more towards the European or slimmer side of the sizing spectrum compared to other models in the lineup. The legs taper down to a trim cuff that minimizes excess material and creates a slimmer fit than some may be looking for. For those with thicker legs or desiring a looser fit, these pants may run too slender.

With four zippered pockets (two front, one thigh, and one seat), your items are guaranteed to stay secure. We were particularly impressed with the zippered thigh pocket that perfectly fits a phone or folded paper map. Thanks in part to the slender sizing, items in the pockets don’t swing around while walking.

Dialing in the fit of these pants is simple and easy to do on the fly thanks to velcro tabs on the waist. These well-designed waist tabs have a low profile that easily and comfortably fits under a backpack waist strap and negates the need for an awkward or uncomfortable belt.

Should You Buy the Mammut Runbold Pants?

Anyone with a slim frame who is after a lightweight pant will love the Mammut Runbold. Their tapered legs and trim cuffs fit slender bodies well without compromising flexibility and comfort. With high breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities, these are great for high-output activities. Hikers looking for a roomier cut or needing to fit thicker legs may find the Mammut Runbold to be too slim. Those needing a lightweight and fast-drying yet surprisingly durable pant will enjoy the Mammut Runbold for many miles.

What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?

Rab Incline Light Review: A lightweight pant with a slightly roomier fit than the Mammut Runbold, the Rab Incline Light inhabits a similar niche with a slightly different feel.

REI Trailmade Review: At an accessible price point, the Trailmade is the perfect option for an attainably priced pant while still fitting the lightweight bill.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Review: With a more relaxed fit yet still extremely breathable and mobile, the Ferrosi is a comparable option and ranks as one of our favorites.