Best Hunting Pants · #7
De Havilland Pant
Stone Glacier
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Sheep-hunt weight with the best ventilation zips of any technical hunting pant.
Pros
- Exceptional full-length ventilation zips for temperature regulation
- Excellent mobility and comfort for strenuous climbs
- Lightweight and packable, ideal for backcountry hunts
- Quick-drying fabric for variable weather conditions
- Durable enough for rugged alpine environments
Cons
- Limited insulation, not suited for cold static hunting without layering
- Premium price point may be a barrier for some hunters
- DWR is effective for light moisture but not a substitute for rain gear
Best uses
- Steep mountain hunts
- Early to mid-season scouting
- High-output activity
- Backcountry expeditions
Specifications
- Maker
- Stone Glacier
- Model
- De Havilland Pant
- Weight
- Lightweight Technical
- Material
- DWR-treated Polyester
- Ventilation
- Full-length side zips
Pricing
Manufacturer list price · checked Jul 14, 2026
Prices move with sales and stock — confirm the live offer at the retailer below.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Steep mountain hunts, Early to mid-season scouting, High-output activity, Backcountry expeditions
Where to buy the De Havilland Pant
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The Stone Glacier De Havilland Pant lands at number 7 on our list, a solid choice for hunters who prioritize weight savings and effective ventilation in their technical hunting apparel. Stone Glacier has a reputation for building gear that can withstand the rigors of serious backcountry expeditions, and the De Havilland is no exception. This pant is designed with a discerning user in mind: someone who frequently tackles steep terrain, often in variable conditions, and needs to manage their body temperature effectively without adding unnecessary bulk. It’s not the cheapest pant on the market, but its construction and feature set justify the price point for those who spend significant time above the tree line or on extended, demanding hunts. While it excels in specific scenarios, understanding its limitations is key to determining if it’s the right fit for your hunting style and environment. This isn't a do-it-all pant, but what it does, it does very well.
Construction and Materials
Stone Glacier opts for a durable, yet lightweight polyester fabric treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This blend strikes a good balance, offering enough abrasion resistance for scrambling over rocks and through brush without feeling overly heavy or stiff. The internal stitching and seam integrity are what you'd expect from a premium brand—no loose threads or weak points. It's clear the design focused on minimizing bulk while maintaining a high level of functional durability for its intended use. The fabric itself has a decent amount of stretch, which is critical for unrestricted movement during strenuous climbs and difficult maneuvers in rough terrain, contributing significantly to overall comfort and performance.
Real-World Performance
Where the De Havilland truly shines is in its ventilation. The full-length side zips are not just a nice feature; they are a game-changer for regulating body temperature during high-output activities. When you're busting uphill with a heavy pack, being able to dump heat rapidly without having to stop and strip layers is invaluable. The lightweight fabric dries quickly, which is a significant advantage when you encounter intermittent rain or work up a sweat. Mobility is excellent, with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch allowing for full range of motion. The pant feels like it moves with you, rather than constricting, even in steep and demanding terrain. This focus on heat management and unrestricted movement makes a real difference in comfort over long days.
Weight and Packability
One of the primary selling points of this pant is its minimal weight. For backcountry hunters, every ounce matters, and the De Havilland makes a strong case for its place in a lightweight system. It packs down relatively small, easily fitting into a backpack without consuming excessive space. This makes it a great option as a primary pant for hunts where weight is a critical factor, or as a dedicated top-layer for cold mornings that can be shed and stowed when the sun warms things up. While not ultralight, it strikes an optimal balance between weight and necessary features, avoiding superfluous elements that would only add bulk and mass to an already demanding pack-out.
Durability and Longevity
Despite its lightweight construction, the De Havilland holds up well to typical hunting abuse. It’s not indestructible, but the fabric is surprisingly resilient against minor snags and abrasions. We’ve put these through thick timber and rocky alpine environments, and they’ve emerged with only superficial wear. The DWR coating performs adequately, shedding light rain and dew, but it will eventually wet out in sustained downpours—it’s not a rain pant. With proper care and occasional re-treatment of the DWR, you can expect multiple seasons of hard use from these pants. The zippers are robust and show no signs of failure even after repeated use, which is critical for reliability in the field.
Trade-offs and Alternatives
The primary trade-off with the De Havilland is its limited insulation. These are not pants for static, cold-weather hunting unless layered appropriately. For extended glassing sessions in frigid temperatures, you'll need a warm base layer or an outer insulated shell. Price is another consideration; these are a premium item. Alternatives at this price point, like the Sitka Ascent or Kuiu Attack, offer similar lightweight technical performance, often with slightly different fabric blends or pocket configurations. Your choice might come down to fit preference and specific feature emphasis. The De Havilland stands out particularly for its superior ventilation system, which often tips the scales for high-exertion hunters.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hunting pants that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
De Havilland Pant — frequently asked questions
- Is the De Havilland Pant worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Hunting Pants. Sheep-hunt weight with the best ventilation zips of any technical hunting pant.
- What is the De Havilland Pant best for?
- Best for steep mountain hunts, early to mid-season scouting, high-output activity and backcountry expeditions. Standouts: exceptional full-length ventilation zips for temperature regulation and excellent mobility and comfort for strenuous climbs.
- What are the downsides of the De Havilland Pant?
- Limited insulation, not suited for cold static hunting without layering, Premium price point may be a barrier for some hunters and DWR is effective for light moisture but not a substitute for rain gear.
- What are the key specs of the De Havilland Pant?
- Maker: Stone Glacier · Model: De Havilland Pant · Weight: Lightweight Technical · Material: DWR-treated Polyester · Ventilation: Full-length side zips
- Construction and Materials — what should I know about the De Havilland Pant?
- Stone Glacier opts for a durable, yet lightweight polyester fabric treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This blend strikes a good balance, offering enough abrasion resistance for scrambling over rocks and through brush without feeling overly heavy or stiff.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the De Havilland Pant?
- Where the De Havilland truly shines is in its ventilation. The full-length side zips are not just a nice feature; they are a game-changer for regulating body temperature during high-output activities.
Compare side by side
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