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Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Norrona fjora INFINIUM pants > Owner Review by Richard LyonNORRONA
FJORA INFINIUM PANTS
Owner Review by Richard Lyon May 10, 2020 PERSONAL DETAILS and
BACKPACKING BACKGROUND
Male, 73 years old Height: 6' 3" [1.91 m] Weight: 210 lb [(93 kg]) Waist: 38 in [97 cm] Inseam: 34 in [87 cm] Email address: Montana DOT angler AT gmail DOT com Home: Outside Bozeman, Montana USA, in the Bridger Mountains I've been backpacking for more than half a century, most often in the Rockies. I do at least one weeklong trip every summer, and often take three-day trips. I'm usually camping in alpine terrain, at altitudes 5000 to 10000 ft (1500 - 3000 m). I prefer base camp backpacking, a long hike in with day trips from camp. Though always looking for ways to reduce my pack weight, I still tend to include my favorite camp conveniences. I always sleep in a floored tent and like hot meals. Winter backcountry trips are often planned around skiing opportunities. THE PRODUCT Manufacturer: Norrona A/S, norrona.com Size: XL Also available in S, M, L. Be aware that Norrona's sizes tend to run small. Color: Olympian Blue with Navy trim. At this writing available only in Caviar Black and Olive Night/Olive Drab. Gender: Men's Related products: The fjora line includes similar pants made of different fabrics, and several of the other lines include waterproof-breathable pants in various fabrics including GORE-TEX. Fabrics: GORE-TEX INFINIUM, flex1 trim Weight, listed [no size specified], and measured [size XL]: 400 g [14.1 oz] Dimensions, measured: Waist, 38 in/97 cm; inseam, 35 in/89 cm; outseam, 41 in/104 cm Warranty: Five years against defects in workmanship and materials. This is extended to seven years for "loyalty members," customers who maintain an online account with Norrona. From the website it appears that a user can return the product through a Norrona retail store, of which there are two in the United States. The independent retailer who carries Norrona products in my area has assured me that he will process any requested warranty or repair. Norrona's website has a Find Store tab for locating a place to purchase products. Year purchased: 2020 MSRP: $299 US Listed features, with my commentary in brackets, are:
Each cuff has a seventeen-inch [43 cm] zipper to allow putting the pants on or taking them off without having to remove boots. A liner about four inches [10 cm] up from the cuff has an elastic band to prevent snow and grit from creeping up the leg. A Velcro tab, similar to those at the waist but smaller, allows cinching up each leg at the cuff. Each pocket, the cuffs, and
the pants' fly are secured by stout tape-backed zippers, and
each zipper has a small pull that allows operation when wearing
mittens. A hangtag from GORE that
accompanied this product describes INFINIUM in four languages as
"water resistant, totally windproof, and extremely
breathable." The fabric employs GORE's Windstopper
technology, something I am familiar with from other products -
and another reason I purchased these pants. Patches of flex1,
the navy-colored fabric at the waist and backs of the knees, add
some stretch. FIELD CONDITIONS GORE's hangtag advises that the fabric is intended for use "when performance is a priority and waterproofness isn't." For me that means below-freezing conditions, which in the Northern Rockies happen regularly from November through April, often in the shoulder seasons, and possibly on any day of the year. My use so far has been in winter and spring, at temperatures from 0 to 50 F [-17 to 10 C], during periods of sunshine, overcast, snow flurries, and full-on snowstorms. In all use the pants have been worn over lightweight merino long johns. Most of my use has been cross-country skiing, with a healthy dose of snowshoe and cleat-aided hiking. OBSERVATIONS I like the fit. The
manufacturer calls it a "technical fit;" I'd call it athletic.
While not skintight, they are considerably trimmer than a
standard pair of civilian trousers - more like stretchy jeans
than grey flannels. Certainly they are much less baggy than my
other winter athletic pants or my rain pants. This was a big
part of the fjora's appeal. Slim-fitting clothing suits Nordic
skiing, whether classic kick-and-glide or skating style. It's
more aerobic but requires less body articulation than alpine or
telemark skiing, more like hiking or skating with skis on one's
feet. For this same reason the pants are comfortable when
hiking, with or without snowshoes. The flex1 patches behind the
knees provide some articulation, enough to keep the fit from
bunching or constricting.The rise of size XL give me a good fit
in the seat - somewhat tight but not constraining. The
fjora's design and features exemplify my decade-long use of
assorted Norrona clothing. I can't recall any other manufacturer
that pays so much attention to cut, features, and functionality.
As with my other Norrona garments, there are few features that I
don't use. All features are carefully designed to achieve their
intended purpose. All the features on these pants work as
advertised, though as noted I do have some minor issues with the
handwarmer pockets. [Those are, however, very useful for
storage.] This goes for items large and small. The waist system
allows easy minor adjustment to accommodate different midlayer
weights and eliminates the need for a belt or braces. Length is
perfect when wearing my Nordic boots, a bit long when it's
low-cut hiking boots. The liners behind the vents are inspired -
who wants snow and ice splashing directly on bare skin or a base
layer? There is sufficient pocket capacity for items needed
ready to hand. The handy extra material in the rear to keep
upper layers stowed. Wind protection was the other
big reason I chose these pants, and here they excel. Much of my
cross-country skiing this winter has been at the local Nordic center,
which has a world-class trail system that includes several
exposed ridges. The pants block - completely block - cold winds.
The stitching between the fabrics does not mean a weak spot.
When I have the vents open I can feel the breeze on my legs but
not when they are zipped up. For me GORE Windstopper is as good
as it gets. As is true with every GORE-TEX product I have used -
and there have been many - the pants are quite breathable. Heat
doesn't build up inside when I'm zipped up. I was caught in a rain/sleet
squall on a hike a couple of weeks ago, giving me a chance to
evaluate water resistance. Results were promising. The water
beaded and rolled off the surface, and nothing seeped through
the zippers. The surface dried very quickly once the
precipitation stopped. Cleaning is on the agenda for
this spring. A tag in the pants and
instructions on Norrona's website direct washing at 40 C [104 F]
without bleach or fabric softener, spraying with a water
repellent spray, and drying in the dryer on low or ironing at
low heat, in that order. Per Norrona, adding the spray even if
not strictly needed helps water run off the product's
surface. [An aside - Norrona's website lists a
waterproofing spray, though it's not clear whether that product
is available in North America.] INFINIUM's DWR treatment has
helped shed briars and debris from contact with rocks and trees.
It doesn't do as well with accumulated dirt and grunge on my
car's tailgate. Certainly there's been no deterioration of the
fabric after a few months' regular use. SUMMARY My first purchase from the
fjora line has been a solid winner. These are great multi-use
winter outdoor pants. They are so lightweight and comfortable
that I'm going to try them out for shoulder-season backpacking.
I especially like the comfortable yet athletic fit. I'd like
slightly larger handwarmer pockets.
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