HELLY HANSEN VERGLAS TUR PANTS
TEST SERIES BY MIKE MOSACK
LONG-TERM REPORT
April 25, 2021
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TESTER INFORMATION
NAME:
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Mike Mosack
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EMAIL:
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mosack(at)earthlink(dot)net
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AGE:
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57
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LOCATION:
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San Diego, CA
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GENDER:
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M
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HEIGHT:
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6' 1" (1.90 m)
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WEIGHT:
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240 lb (109.00 kg)
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I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing day trips, weekenders & week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates & seasons, from desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in the Midwest or National Parks. I am a veteran and retired criminal investigator, also trained Firefighter/EMT & in search & rescue, I still rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and quality, reliability, and weight are paramount to me over price.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Helly Hansen AS, Oslo, Norway | Image from MFG website |
Year of Manufacture: 2020 Manufacturer's Website: www.hellyhansen.com MSRP: US $250.00 Listed Weight: There is no listed weight for this product. Measured Weight: 21.8 oz (618 g) Other details: Available sizes: Men's sizes available in S - XXL and Women's sizes available in XS - XL. Note that the manufacturer provides a unique sizing guide link to Fit Finder on its website. I am testing the Men's 2XL size.
Features: Durable poly/cotton mix main fabric with mechanical stretch PFC-free DWR Durable 4-way stretch softshell panels at knees, seat and crotch gusset Oekotex certified fabric Flexible hem boot lock construction with hook and ladder system 7/8 side zip with 2-way zip for ventilation 4 zipped secure pockets Boot hooks, three-position, at front leg hem Reinforced insteps at hem Integrated Adjustable waist with fastener YKK® zippers Articulated pattern, pre-shaped pants into an active fit Tested Color: Slate. Also available in Lav Green (pictured right). Women's version also available in Pinot Rose and Slate. Waist, measured: 41 in (97 cm) Inseam, measured: 34 in (84 cm) Outseam, measured: 45 in (109 cm) Fiber Content: 94% Polyamide, 6% Elastane Product is made in Vietnam while the manufacturer is in Oslo, Norway Warranty: 90 day free-return policy if unused and in original condition.
| Three-snap fastener |
CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICE
I used the website's sizing link questionnaire to determine the correct size to order. I believe I was honest with myself when answering the questions but the size I ordered was too small. I contacted Customer Service by phone and set it up to return the pants I had and they agreed to send me the next larger size which is what I asked for. The conversation with Customer Service was very easy and quite pleasant. They provided me a shipping return label via email and they immediately sent out my replacement pants before receiving the pair I was returning. The switch couldn't have gone more smoothly and I received my correct size without any further issues.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
My first impression came from the very unique sizing guide on the manufacturer's website. There are a series of questions to assist in identifying the proper size to order. This includes diagrams/pictures of body shapes which I found more difficult to use than simply using a tape measure to get actual measurements but having gotten through it once, I am confident in how to navigate the guide for future purchases.
I first noticed how lightweight these pants are. The pant material feels smooth and strong. There are elastic areas in the rear and front shins if both legs. The pants feel and appear to be manufactured quite well with all seams sewn very professionally. There are numerous zippers to include full-length leg zippers for venting.
| Front right pocket |
There are zippers at both the top of the leg and near the bottom so venting can be adjusted from either end. There are two Left front pockets with zip closures and matching Right front pockets as well. There are no rear pockets. The pants secure closed via three snap fasteners and a front fly-zipper.
| Vent zip stored |
There are belt loops along with an internal hook and pile type cinch belt that I can adjust while wearing if I choose to not wear an optional belt.
| Boot zip & hook adjustment |
Wearing the pants I found that they are very comfortable. The ease of movement is very noticeable with their addition of the 4-way stretch fabric in the seat and knees/shins. All zippers work flawlessly while wearing the pants.
The pockets are placed well for ease of use and are large and deep enough that they are a welcome feature. I kind of miss the rear pockets I have in all of my other pants but am confident already that I'll quickly get used to the pocket placement on these. Just being able to sit comfortably without anything in a rear pocket is immediately noticeable.
READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The only instructions came in the way of washing instructions on a sewn tag multi-language group inside the pants. Essentially, wash with like colors, warm setting, use no bleach, tumble dry on low heat and do not iron.
FIELD REPORT
FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
These pants have been part of my normal daily rotation of clothing throughout this test period. I have worn them throughout a variety of tasks. I wore these during very long days of sitting while driving across the country and back (12-15 hour stretches), hikes, chores around the house, loading, unloading household furniture, golfing, cycling, and more.
Location #1 - Pacific Crest Trail section in Laguna Mountain region of Southern California, USA Conditions: Foot trails and forest access dirt roads. Temperatures ranging from 45 to 65 F (7 to 18 C) Duration: Three days, two nights
Location #2 - Occotia Wells and Anza-Borrega Springs, California, USA Conditions: Typical desert including rocky, sandy, and dry terrain. Temperatures ranging from approximately 48 to over 70 F (9 to over 21 C). Duration: Four days, three nights.
Location #3 - Conejos Creek Trail, Lakeside, California. Conditions: Rocky and sandy worn foot trail in and around scrub desert brush; clear and dry with temperature approximately 75 F (24 C) Elevation: Approximately 750 - 1300 ft (230 - 400 m) Duration: Day hike
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
These pants fit great. They were an obvious departure from any other pants I've previously worn and very soon after putting them on I noticed how comfortable they truly were. In this first part of my test period I found that these pants were very durable. I am impressed by the material and how it seems to just accept any abuse it goes through. I have also noticed that they quickly show water stains but those have, so far, washed out without any issues at all.
When putting on the pants I've found that the interior seam at the ankle opening easily and repeatedly catches my toes. Trying to remember to curl my toes under to keep that from happening should be easy but in my experience, I have laughingly struggled with such a simple task.
In the photo below, the discoloration seen of the material is not present in real life. I think the image color was affected by the setting sun. There is no color fading of the material.
I'm not missing having pockets on the rear of the pants. It did take a bit to get used to them not being there but walking or sitting for any amount of time is more comfortable without them. The front upper pockets have an angle that is lower to the rear or outer edge. This causes small items, like coins, seeds, keys, etc to collect in that area. It proves to sometimes be a little obnoxious to have to dig deep into the little interior corner to get everything out. Losing maybe 1/2 inch (13 mm) in that corner would be well worth it to stop small items from being caught there.
The built-in stretch is awesome. The freedom of movement I get wearing these pants is incredibly refreshing and such a departure from so many pants typically designed or branded as hiking pants, yet are very restrictive and tight in the bendable areas.
LONG-TERM REPORT
LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Location #1 - El Capitan Mountain area, Eastern San Diego County in Southern California, USA Conditions: Foot trails and rocky outcroppings. Temperatures ranging from 43 to 75 F (6 to 24 C). Duration: One overnight trip
Location #2 - Salton Sea area of California State Parks and Recreation located near Thermal, California. Conditions: Foot trails, open desert areas (sandy / rocky). Temperatures 68 to 90 F (20 to 32 C). Elevation: -227 feet (-69 m) below sea level Duration: One trip, 3 days, two nights.
Location #3 - Big Sur area, southeast of Andrew Molera State Park, California Conditions: The terrain consisted of foot trails, rocky outcroppings, sandy beaches, and paved roadways. Temperatures approximately 48 to 59 F (9 to 15 C). Elevation: Sea level to approximately 400 ft (122 m) Duration: Three days, two nights
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I have worn these pants much more than any other pants I own during my daily clothing rotation and my trips where they were my primary option. They are still very comfortable and have held up better than I anticipated. At the beginning, my unqualified belief of this product came from my experiences with other hiking pants, not the Helly Hansens. Typically, I have seen other hiking pants having elastic or stretch fabrics, to often split or separate especially at the seams - but not this time. These pants have come through extremely well. I have not found any areas where the seams have separated or suffered any broken stitching.
The ability to open up the bottom of the leg is appreciated. I have large feet and ankles and the fad of late for manufacturers to mostly offer pants with skinny leg openings often makes it annoyingly difficult to get my feet through. These Helly Hansens really cater to the possibility that people come in different sizes and shapes. In the below image I'm showing the bottom of the legs where the webbing securement attaches and detaches. The ability to open the zipper allows for varying widths and ventilation at the ankle areas.
The pandemic lock downs have been tough. Not getting outside as much as I would've liked and instead spending entirely too much time sitting around and eating, I was nervous that I might grow out of my pants. I'm not going to lie, it got way too close! These pants allowed enough give to remain comfortable and easy to wear, despite my (hopefully temporary) weight gain.
SUMMARY
Likes - The freedom of movement that comes from the built-in stretch fabric Very surprisingly, the lack of rear pockets Internal waist belt adjustment The ability to open up the leg zippers for ventilation The ability to open up the zippers at the ankle areas for added width and ventilation The quality of these pants are top-notch Like less - The inside hem at the ankle that catches on my toes when putting on the pants The design of the front upper pockets that angle down to the rear or outside of the pocket and collects small items that are difficult to retrieve The pant material shows stains but so far, those have washed right out The price is a definite consideration
I would like to thank Helly Hansen and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the Verglas Tur Pants. This concludes this test series.
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.
Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.
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