Prior to being introduced to Guidefitter, I was using military issue trousers on my backcountry hunts. These are made of polyester and cotton, which quickly became wet and heavy and stayed that way. My primary local hunting grounds are in the Appalachian region of east Tennessee, which consists of mature hardwood forest that can be extremely dense. Travel to my hunting sites commonly includes very steep grades, traversing creeks, impossibly thick mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and thorn bushes that like to snag into your pant material. I've put these Badlands Algus pants to the test during the late winter season with some public land scouting to place trail cameras and investigate deer/turkey sign in the snowpack. I was a bit concerned that these pants wouldn't hold up to the terrain I deal with (in particular the gnarly thorn bushes) but they are much more resilient than feeling the fabric after getting them in the mail led me to believe. I still bought some Badlands Master Leg Gaiters for protection when the hunting season reopens this fall when I get serious, but I give these Algus pants credit for their durability and comfort. The C6 DWR and CoolTouch fabric in these pants do exactly what they're marketed to do - they keep the funk down compared to my previous gear after a long trek 2,000 to 3,000' in elevation increase on the trail and into the mountain while keeping me cool and drying more quickly. They are very quiet as well, which my old military trousers were most definitely not. I bought the Algus system thinking I'd base layer under it and only need one clothing system year round for my area, which is doable. In more harsh climates not quite as temperate as the South where I live, though, it's clear I'll need to invest into the Calor or Pyre system. I can only add so many base layers before my movement and comfort is restricted to the point it affects my hunt negatively. If I'm up in a tree posted up waiting for a cruising animal, that's one thing, but on a still hunt glassing out west for elk I can see the need for a true cold weather system. I do recommend these in Southern states similar in climates to my area that can be a cost-effective year-round option with proper base layering for the budget-minded hunter. Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised and satisfied with Badlands products given the price tag and warranty program offered compared to other brands that would run 2-3 times the cost or more.
One of the locations I've scouted using the Badlands Algus system this post-season.
An example of a trail sectioning through the thick foliage I tend to deal with. Many times, I simply can't get through it or I have to get on all fours and crawl on my hands/knees to follow a deer/bear trail along a ridge line.