Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Paradox Jenny Base Layer Pants > Owner Review by Theresa Lawrence

PARADOX JENNY PANTS
By Theresa Lawrence
OWNER REVIEW

December 30, 2013

TESTER INFORMATION

I have more than 15 years of backpacking experience. Day hikes and 2-3 day backpacking trips take place on most weekends throughout the year while longer trips are only occasional. I backpack predominantly in mountain terrain (Coast Range, Cascades and Canadian Rockies) with the goal of summiting peaks. Activities I use my gear with include mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing, kayaking, biking, trail running, Search and Rescue and overseas travel. I like my gear to be reasonably light, convenient and simple to use though I would not claim to be a lightweight hiker.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Image courtesy of Paradox

Manufacturer: Paradox Inc.
Manufacturer's Website: http://paradoxoutdoor.com
Year of Manufacture: 2012
MSRP: unavailable
Made In: Thailand
Listed Weight: none given
Measured Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
Measured Waist: 27.5 in (70 cm)
Measured Inseam: 30 cm (76 cm)
Fabrics: 84% polyester, 11% merino wool, 5% spandex
Color Options: Black, dark grey and light grey
Colors Reviewed: black and dark grey
Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL
Size Reviewed: Small

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Paradox Jenny pants are a thermal base layer intended for active use. The manufacturer states that they are designed to regulate temperature with the use of their own DRIRELEASE merino blend. It dries four times faster than cotton and wicks away moisture keeping the individual dry. Other features include FRESHGUARD, which prevents odor-causing bacteria from adhering to the fabric. Construction with flatlock seams allows a seamless feel for comfort.

FIELD USE

FIELD CONDITIONS:

The Paradox Jenny pants have been used for every outdoor excursion requiring a thermal base layer bottom in the past year. Therefore mainly, the winter and shoulder seasons and sometimes at night in the summer at higher elevations. Locations mainly took place in the Canadian Rocky Mountains at higher elevations and temperatures between -29 C (-25 F) and 32 C (90 F). Activities where they were needed included skiing, snow shoeing, search and rescue, whitewater kayaking, hiking and camping. While this region isn't particularly humid, I have used them in very humid situations including underneath my swift water rescue dry suit, as well as my whitewater kayaking dry suit, where the breathability of the suit was almost nil and the temperature outside was 29+ C (84+ F).

COMFORT AND FIT:

These Jenny pants are incredibly comfortable. They fit well and move with me for the activity I'm doing. I find the soft material never feels scratchy, dries fast and wicks well. They are thin and light and fit comfortably underneath any of my hiking pants or other item I'm wearing like ski pants or a mid-layer thermal when well below freezing. The waistband doesn't feel compressing. They are the first pair of base layer pants that I have owned that actually have a comfortable waistline. For example, when backpacking with layers upon layers, a build-up of waistbands can be an uncomfortable problem underneath the waistbelt of a heavy backpack. These pants have a nice flat, nonrestrictive, seamless appearance, they barely feel there.

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD:

As a thermal base layer they work amazingly well to keep me warm without overheating. They are quick to dry even if they do get wet and I've never had a problem with odor control. On their own I find they accommodate temperatures to about freezing, but as the temperature drops even lower I find a mid-layer thermal required over top. In these freezing conditions with moderate activity I have experienced their ability to wick and draw sweat away from me and up into the mid-layer, which I believe is exactly how they should work.

DURABILITY:

I have used and abused these thermals over and over again without any compromise to the system. They continue to perform like new and I have thrown them in the washing machine dozens and dozens of times. I should say, however, that I have never put them in the dryer. Since they dry so quickly, it was easier just to hang them. The integrity of the material remains intact. I would definitely recommend this garment.

SUMMARY

The Paradox Jenny pants are my go-to thermal bottoms. They are part of every thermal base requiring activity. I first bought them because of the price, a fraction of their merino blend counterparts and I was skeptical at first because they seemed too well priced to perform and yet they have never disappointed me. The fit and performance have been second to none and I have stopped looking for thermal layers and have not stopped loading up on these, I now have three pairs.

LIKES
- Seamless fit, especially at the waist
- Soft, not scratchy
- Breathable, wicking, dries quickly
- Warm and dry
- Reliable thermal regulation during high intensity activities

DISLIKES
- Nothing

Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Paradox Jenny Base Layer Pants > Owner Review by Theresa Lawrence