Article by Dominique Winebaum
Mammut Runbold IV Pants ($120)
The Runbold IV Pants are my second pair of Runbold hiking pants; I tested and reviewed my first pair hiking the Via Jacobi from Lake Constance to Romont in 2019 – 200 miles in 13 days. Then, I wore them hiking my second half of the NH 48 4000 footers, which I completed in September 2020.
My friend Annie would comment on why I was wearing pants when I could be hiking in a skirt or shorts. Simply because they are so comfortable, lightweight, dry quickly, and provide some protection against the elements, including mosquitoes, in addition to being stylish and slim fitting! Sun protection is another benefit when hiking all day under the sun.
They are still in pretty good shape showing little wear but for the color “Galaxi” which is a bit faded. As a reviewer for RTR, I “switch” gears every hiking season with new testers,, yet I always pack my Runbold pants when going on a trek, like last year on Tour du Queyras in France.
The Runbold IV Pants
My first pair of Runbold was a size 8 (medium) and I was surprised that I could fit comfortably in this latest edition (IV) in a size 6 (small). In fact, the 4 way stretch in the fabric has been enhanced and the waistband is now adjustable via a velcro strap creating a comfortable fit,that is more expandable than with the prior model. Slim fitting pants with 4 way stretch fabric that are designed for hiking in total comfort, along with being versatile and stylish.
The 4 discrete zippered pockets keep valuable secure on the trail, in town, and during travel. I store my phone in zippered leg pocket.
According to Mammut sizing chart, and based on the width of my hips, I am a size 6. Therefore I would recommend sizing according to your regular size. They are available in many sizes, from size 2 to size 16, and in 3 different lengths, short, medium, and long. As a size 6, I cannot comment on a pair of Runbold IV Pants in a size 16, other than the material is stretchy while the legs are fairly narrow.
A best seller item in their hiking collection, the Runbold IV Pants are truly versatile and I would agree with the high rating on the Mammut website, 5 out 6 for breathability; lightweight; quick drying; and stretch. I would even rate durability higher than a 4 out 6 given my experience with my first pair of Runbold – despite the fabric being fairly thin, it is very resilient. They also have a UPF rating of 50+.
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I am very pleased with my new pair of Runbold Pants in their color, marine, and the fit and stretch have been improved in comparison to my first pair dating from 2019.
I have gotten plenty of wear since I received them, and not just for hiking. I will be wearing them on our upcoming Tour des Combins in early September to protect my legs against the elements: wind, light rain, and sun. I will also bring my heavier pair of Mammut Zinal pants in my backpack just to be prepared if it snows and/or gets really cold.
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
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