Best pants for summer....?

I received my three pair of Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants about 10 days ago. The first thing I noticed when I opened the package on the first set, was a tag stating the pants have an "Infinite Warranty", to whit: "We believe so strongly in the quality of the apparel and gear we make that if our product fails to meet your needs at any time, we are happy to replace it. Our products are guaranteed forever, and your total satisfaction with our product is our goal."

Being me, my first thought was "Sheesh I bought two more pair of these than I needed!" ;-)

The pants fit great, really low profile seams, belt loops and pockets. They're designed to be worn under a saddle and if sized correctly, really don't need a belt. The range of motion is outstanding. I just wish my body had the range of motion that these pants will allow! The fabric has sort of a crepe texture. The pants have adjustable bungee bands at the bottom cuffs, which allow you to tighten them over the tops of your boots. You can also pull them up above your knees and tighten the bungees to convert them into shorts, which I'll probably do when I'm wading on waterfronts pruning mangroves.

I spent a day climbing in the Ferrosis, with nothing but good things to say about them. They wick extremely well. In conjunction with a Gildan Anti Microbial Performance long sleeved polyester t-shirt, Exofficio Give & Go Boxer Briefs, and Wigwam men's merino wool comfort hiker socks, I've never been more comfortable working in hot humid weather. I spotted short sleeved Adidias polyester performance T's at Costco for $10, and popped the collar of one over my head, then pulled it back up to catch all my hair, tucked the short sleeves down the front of the neck of my long sleeved T-shirt, and let the rest of the short sleeved one fall down from my helmet to cover my neck and back like a shawl. It was a super $10 solution to a wicking skullcap headband and neck shade, and moved moisture away from my head very effectively. The slightest breeze starts drying out all the fabric, cooling you in the process. My face was the only part of me holding any perspiration.

I dragged brush on a site the following day and had several instances where broken twig ends gouged into the fabric. No rips snags or tears. Light rain and dirt slides right off of them, and after a day of climbing or ground work, they wash up and look new. I'm entirely comfortable wearing them while doing consulting work.

All told, $357.08 got me 3 pair of climbing pants, 6 pair of socks, 5 long sleeved safety green performance T's, 1 short sleeved performance T, and 4 pair of boxer briefs.
 
I'm gonna check those pants out. But I can offer a wholehearted endorsement of the Exofficio undies. They are incredible. My wife got me some as a joke, knowing I would be opening the present in front of my parents. (Also as payback for a mother's day gift I got her just before a camping trip- a pee jug WITH a female adaptor. I know.... awesome).

But back to the topic at hand- male underwear. They fit perfectly, as I believe they are a polyester/spandex blend. Elasticky but breathable. They dry super fast and resist odor.

As for "support".... fugeddaboudit. I couldn't be more supported if I was on crutches at an AA meeting.

So the joke's on my wife. I luv em. As with all good things, they aren't cheap. About 20 bucks apiece.
 
I wish they had a pair of pants that had the lower part of the legs made of mesh or breathable in some way so my legs could vent more but still keep the saw dust out of my socks.
It probably would look like something some silly goth kid would wear.
 
cerviarborist...

Glad to hear those pants worked out well. I researched for awhile to find those and now I'll try them out. For the price (after buying my 2nd pair of AW Ascenders) they can't be beat, huh? I guess now we just have see how well they last. But all in all, I would think that arboriculture and rock climbing have some similar needs in clothing.

So, do the Ferrosi pants run a little small like AW Canopy and Ascenders?

Badger Ts - per suggestions on TreeBuzz I got a big batch of these and got them Logo'ed. I'm not sure I like them as much as everybody else. 100% poly does dry out well but they're so tight in the neck area and too plastic feeling. I have since found that TriBlend shirts (poly, cotton, rayon) have a much better feel and dry out well.

Give these a try.. Next Level Tri-Blend Crew

Amazon has them for cheaper price usually.
 
Treelogic, since the ferrosis have a lifetime warranty against failure, how well they wear wouldn't seem to be such a huge problem. I figure with 3 pair, if one gets trashed, I'll still have 2 pair to rotate while 1 is off for warranty replacement.

So far, I like the Gildan T's I bought on Amazon. They're 100% polyester, but they're anti microbially treated to negate the stank factor.

I can't vouch for the size on the ferrosis vs arborwear as I've never bought or worn AW products. I'm a 38 waist, and that's what I bought, they fit great. snug everywhere you want snugness and loose and flexible everywhere else.

I'm also very pleased with the Adidas CLIMALITE short sleeved T that I'm using as a doo-rag. I'm going to pick up a couple more of those.
 
AW Canopy and Ascenders....I said they run small but I meant to say BIG. I typically wear 32X32 but do better in 30X32 with the Arborwear.

One thing I noticed with the Badger T's is that, once they were screenprinted, they came back with a burnt smell to them. I haven't had much luck getting rid of that smell either. But as far as them just holding a stinky sweaty smell, that hasn't been a problem. But the neck feels like it strangles me all day.

Good point on the Ferrosi pants warranty. Buy three pair and they'll last you a lifetime. Hope we don't run the company out of business though (:
 
As I said in the chainsaw pants arena, the best pants for this summer are no pants at all....no pants....no shorts...no nothin......just swimming....there are no good pants in this heat. Save your money for an air conditioner or a pool.
 
Remember though, if you're operating a chainsaw on the ground, you at least need to wear chaps!
crazy.gif
 
I just put in an order for a new pair of canopy pants to be worn for my wedding in August.
Better than a tux.
I like the sound of that ferosi lifetime guarantee. How about you arborwear?
Jon
 
Have been climbing in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants for two weeks. It has been hot and humid and I love these pants. Very light and strong.
 
I agree zale, I've had days where those pants were absolutely soaked with perspiration. I was dry as toast inside though. They really make a difference!

Since they don't get dried in the dryer, stains don't really set. I had a stain that didn't wash out one day. The next day, I just spot treated it with laundry detergent and scrubbed it for a minute with a fingernail brush. The stain lifted right out and they look brand new.
 
I sorta like leaving stains in my work clothes. Kind of a patina. It makes me look like I actually do something too!

My AW Tech Pants are getting some non-tree patina over the years. Paint and glue from shopwork.
 
I got a pair of the ferrosi pants too and they work great! My new favorite, but they're so thin I can't see them being as durable as my Canopy pants. I think it's a reasonable compromise so far though.
 
I got a pair of the Ferossi's too and compared to AW Canopy Pants they're definitely thin. When you can see there's a 1975 quarter in your pocket, that's thin.
But, they dry out well, they're cool in the heat, and are surprisingly tough despite their thin fabric. I'd buy 'em again.
 
Update on the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants. I've been using and abusing these pants and they are starting to show some wear. I've worn them for all aspects of climbing, pruning, removals etc. The knee area is starting to show wear. For those hot and humid days, these pants are great. I don't think they would last a full season as a everyday pant.

I didn't pay full price for these pants so I am not that bothered by the wear. I am also testing out pants by Columbia, Mountain Hardwear and Prana. I'll keep you posted.
 
Thought I would revisit this... rei is running a pretty good sale right now for anyone that is interested ... I just picked up some endeavor pants for $54. I've been wearing their light weight convertible pants all summer and like them a lot ... the grey doesn't show dirt as bad as some other pants I've had; wish they made the 34" inseam in olive oh well. Got an osprey viper at a pretty good price as well.
 
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