Keith Lusher   01.05.26
Disclosure: These Kings XKG Ridge Pants have been offered to me for area testing and evaluation.
Fast Take
The Kings XKG Ridge Pant is a light-weight, early to mid-season performer that dealt with each Louisiana warmth and a chilly December hunt higher than anticipated. Constructed with a four-way stretch polyester mix, Polygiene odor management, and DWR therapy, the Ridge Pants strike a uncommon steadiness between breathability and sturdiness.
I examined them on two five-hour scouting journeys within the excessive 80s and a seven-hour deer hunt within the mid-40s, they usually stayed quiet, comfy, and difficult sufficient to push by means of thorns and not using a mark. They match completely out of the bag with no belt wanted and shortly grew to become my go-to looking pants this season.
XKG Ridge Pant Specs
Weight: About 18.7 oz for a medium. Gentle sufficient for lengthy walks however substantial sufficient to really feel sturdy.
Material: Polyester and spandex four-way stretch with Polygiene odor management and DWR water resistance.
Match: Athletic reduce with articulated knees and a diamond crotch gusset for mobility.
Waist Sizes: Roughly 30 by means of 44, relying on retailer, with common and tall inseams.
Colours: Darkish Forest, Darkish Khaki, Charcoal, XK7 camo, Desert Shadow, and others.
Pockets: Thigh zip pocket, streamlined cargo pockets, strengthened knife clip pocket, and coated rear pockets.
Extras: Grip strip waistband to maintain shirts tucked, snap loops to roll pant legs, and blood-resistant end.
Upkeep: Machine wash chilly and tumble or hold dry.
What Is Lacking: No insulated choice is constructed into this mannequin, so base layers are wanted for deep winter hunts.
Check Strategies and Situations
I examined the Ridge Pants on two heat scouting journeys round Abita Springs, Louisiana. I wished to check out a number of slug pictures, primarily the Remington Accutip Sabot. Each days climbed into the higher 80s with humidity pushing strongly, which is common for November right here in Louisiana. Terrain included pine, water oak, cypress, and thick brush.
The ultimate take a look at was a December deer hunt utilizing a rifle. Temperatures stayed within the low to mid-40s, and I wore solely a single base shirt with no thermal bottoms. All outings concerned a number of hours of strolling, standing, climbing, and sitting.
Preliminary Prep and First Match
Score: 9/10
Proper out of the bag, the pants regarded and felt like high quality. I all the time get nervous ordering looking pants as a result of the match may be hit and miss. At 34/30, the Darkish Forest pants buttoned completely with no belt wanted. The athletic reduce was comfy with out being tight, and the waistband grip strip instantly stood out.
There was no chemical odor, no stiffness, and the stretch was noticeable from the primary squat and bend. They felt prepared for a protracted day with zero break in wanted.
Efficiency within the Discipline
Score: 9/10
The largest shock got here from the breathability. These pants dealt with two lengthy scouting days in excessive warmth with out build up sweat or clinging to my legs. Even with regular strolling, there was no rubbing or irritation. The articulated knees and diamond crotch allowed clear motion when climbing into the stand, stepping over logs, or crouching.
Noise management was spectacular. On one scouting session, a doe walked by and finally turned to go away. I made a decision to see how carefully I might comply with her. I made seven steps earlier than she heard me and bolted. That silent efficiency issues.
In December temperatures within the 40s, the pants stayed heat sufficient for a full day sitting and not using a base layer. For a light-weight pant, that’s saying one thing.
Sturdiness and Building
Score: 9/10
On my second scouting journey, I pushed by means of a patch of thorns and immediately thought I had destroyed the pants. Once I stepped out and regarded down, there was not a single tear, scratch, or unfastened thread. That was the second I noticed these pants have been constructed to final.
After a number of journeys, there isn’t any pilling, no stitching points, and no put on on the knife clip reinforcement. Mud washed out shortly and fully. The DWR therapy stored the dew from soaking in for lengthy. Total, they really feel more durable than their weight would counsel.
Match, Mobility ,and Wearability
Score: 9/10
The XKG Ridge Pants transfer naturally whether or not you’re climbing, sitting, strolling, or driving in a truck. There have been no hotspots, no sagging, and no chafing throughout any of my outings. The thigh zip pocket held my cellphone securely with out bouncing, and nothing dug into my legs when sitting.
The grip strip waistband is perhaps my favourite characteristic. My undershirt stayed tucked the complete day. For a cheapskate coming from discount pants, this felt like stepping as much as an actual technical looking piece.
Comparisons and Options
In opposition to Magellan Ripstop pants: The Ridge Pant is an enormous improve in match, breathability, sturdiness, and calmness.
In opposition to Sitka Ascent or Kuiu Attack: The Ridge Pant delivers comparable mobility and luxury at a cheaper price, although Sitka and Kuiu provide extra sizing choices.
In opposition to First Lite Obsidian: The Ridge Pant breathes higher in warmth however lacks the pure merino odor management of wool-based pants.
In opposition to Wrangler outdoor pants: The Ridge is way extra purpose-built with higher stretch, quieter cloth, and stronger reinforcement.
Who It Is For / Who Ought to Skip It
Purchase this if:
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You hunt scorching, humid early seasons
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You need pants that keep heat sufficient for delicate winter hunts
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You worth quiet cloth and powerful mobility
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You need a sturdy pair of pants that handles brush and thorns
Skip this if:
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You want insulation for deep winter (20 levels or beneath)
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You require a unfastened, relaxed match somewhat than athletic
Worth and Value to Efficiency
Score: 9/10
For a pant within the 130 to 160 greenback vary, the Ridge Pant delivers critical efficiency. They breathe like light-weight scouting pants however put on like one thing more durable. After a number of journeys, there isn’t any signal of early put on, and the consolation degree is excessive sufficient that I’ve worn them on fishing journeys as effectively.
They outperform their value level and compete with costlier technical looking pants.
Professionals and Cons
Professionals:
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Glorious breathability in warmth
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Heat sufficient for 40-degree hunts and not using a base layer
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4-way stretch with clear mobility
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Quiet cloth that deer don’t detect simply
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Grip strip waistband retains shirts tucked
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The thigh zip pocket is ideal for a cellphone
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Sturdy sufficient to tear by means of thorns unhurt
Cons:
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Not insulated for deep winter
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Athletic match would possibly really feel comfortable for hunters preferring relaxed cuts
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No devoted air flow zips for excessive warmth
FAQs
Q: Do they match true to measurement?
A: Sure. My typical 34/30 match completely with no belt wanted.
Q: Can they deal with scorching climate?
A: Completely. They stayed breathable and comfy within the excessive 80s.
Q: Are they quiet sufficient for bow or rifle looking?
A: Sure. I adopted a deer for seven steps earlier than she heard me.
Q: Do they want a base layer in winter?
A: For harsh chilly, sure. For temperatures within the 40s, I stayed heat with out one.
Care, Upkeep ,and Longevity Ideas
Score: 8/10
Machine wash chilly and hold dry when potential. Brush off mud earlier than washing to guard the material. Examine knees, cuffs, and seat areas each few months. Reapply DWR spray after heavy use in moist grass. Retailer them dry and flat to keep up the stretch cloth over time.
The Verdict
The Kings XKG Ridge Pant is likely one of the most balanced looking pants I’ve worn. It breathes in Louisiana warmth, stays heat in delicate winter chilly, strikes quietly by means of pines and hardwoods, and shrugs off thorn patches that will wreck cheaper pants. The proper match and grip strip waistband make it a premium pant in my e-book.
Total Score: 9/10
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