Chickfly sent me some of their leggings to check out, and they are certainly making a unique product. When you’re out on a long hike (or even short hikes for us peri/menopausal women!), at some point you’re probably going to have to pee. And guys definitely have the advantage on that one; while we frantically search for a bush to hide behind, or fumble with our pee funnel.
But Chickfly is offering pants (and shorts) that create a practical solution: a patented fly that uses zipperless, overlapping stretch fabric panels in the crotch area that you simply pull apart when nature calls. The fly goes from front to back, allowing you to open it however much is needed. The fabric then snaps back into place when released.
The signature, patented fly is innovative and allows you to squat and pee a bit more discreetly, but there is a learning curve involved. It means you can more conveniently relieve yourself during outdoor activities without having to remove your pants. However, you should definitely practice this in a controlled environment, such as your shower. It’s not something you want to tackle for the first time on the side of a trail!
My biggest question was: can I still wear underwear, or do I have to go commando? As long as your underwear is stretchy enough, you can pull them to the side at the same time, no problem. That worked for me. However, if you wear boy shorts or longer-style underwear, it may be more challenging. Again, try it in your shower first!
The Chickfly pants offer an innovative solution for outdoor enthusiasts, combining comfort with practical functionality. Upon first impression, these pants stand out with their incredibly soft, yoga-pant-style fabric that offers both comfort and flexibility. (Chickfly says they make them with a bamboo fabric.)
The design features a thoughtful dual-hem system, enabling customizable length adjustments by simply cutting away the excess fabric. However, anyone else under 5 feet tall, like I am, might find even the shorter hem option not short enough! .
One of the standout features, besides the zipperless fly, is the pockets. The pants come with a deep pocket on each leg, perfect for carrying essentials like phones, wallets, and trail snacks. The waistband design is unique, featuring a fold-over style that extends relatively high when unfolded (almost to my chest!). The fold-over design adds an extra layer of versatility because you can wear the pants high-waisted or sitting more on your hips. It also features two additional hidden pockets that are accessible when the waistband is folded over.
Despite having a fly that stretches front to back, when properly fitted, the pants provide complete coverage. You can wear them confidently for various activities, from hiking to traveling. The material, similar to traditional leggings or yoga fabric but with a more relaxed fit, offers excellent flexibility and accommodates various body types, which is nice.
Long-term, I’d have some concerns about the durability of the elastic components of the specialized fly. After you pull the fly apart, it springs right back into place, providing coverage without any gaps. Most people would never know you’re wearing special pants. But I wonder if using the fly frequently would loosen its structure and prevent it from providing full coverage.
Be sure to order true to size, as the special fly feature requires everything to fit just right. Overall, if you’re looking for comfy hiking or travel pants with the added benefit of being able to go when you really need to go, Chickfly has some nice options to consider.
