How heavy are Indy Pants?

[COWBOY]

I have always worn heavy denim jeans and can not bare the thought of wearing skimpy dress slacks for expeditions. On the other hand, it would be nice to have less weight for hiking in the summer. Question: How heavy are the replica Indy pants by Wested or others? Are they light like a dress pants?Also, why are they so expensive other than the fact that they are movie props?

[GCR]

I can't speak for the Wested pants, as I don't own a pair. I opted for a pair of the Taupe colored Chinos from LL Bean. Let me just say, while they might not be as rugged as a pair of denim jeans, they ain't no skimpy dress slacks. I've worn mine out camping, hiking, etc. and they have held up great. If you're after a pair of decent Indy pants that will stand up to real world use, they're worth a look, if you can find a pair (I was lucky enough to snag mine at an outlet shop in Maine).

As for the Wested (and other Indy replica pants), I think the price has to do with the quality of the wool twill the pants are made from (The Bean pants are cotton). The Indy pants were inspired by WWII Era officers trousers, (usually referred to as "Pinks" from the pinkish hue of the Khaki) made from cavalry wool twill. They are also not "skimpy dress pants", though replicas of these pants from certain vendors have been accused of being "too dressy".

My personal philosophy is if you're compiling costume pieces for a static collection or for a costume to wear to conventions or whatever, then spring for the nice cavalry twill pants from a source like Wested, Noel Howard, Magnoli or Parris (That is what PLATON is calling his pants, right?). Some of these pants might even stand up quite well to rugged use, but if by chance they don't, you're out quite a bit of dough. But if you're like me and you want a good pair of pants that have that Indy look and will stand up to real world use in the great outdoors (and cost a lot less!), go with a good pair of "close-enough" pants from a company like LL Bean. They've still got plenty of options that should fit the bill (some more dressy than others). Just my take, hope this helps.

-GCR

[COWBOY]

So noted. Thanks.

[winstonwolf359]

Going from memory I think the LL Bean dress chinos are around a 7oz weight. The Magnoli pants are around 10oz, and I think the Wested or Noel Howard pants are around 11 or 12oz fabric. I think most jean denim is around 10 oz as well, so I'd imagine the cavalry twill pants (Wested or Howard) should be pretty durable.

[Steve]

I've worn Magnoli's pants; they are a no-no for outdoors. For real-life expeditions, I recommend a pair of huntsman chinos or even jeanos from Cabelas. Sturdy fabric and structure, good cut.