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Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Stonewear Designs Liberty Tight Capri > Test Report by Gail Staisil

Stonewear Designs Liberty Tight Capri
Test Series by: Gail Staisil, Marquette, Michigan


Initial Report - September 6, 2016
Initial Report:
September 6, 2016

Tester Information

Name: Gail Staisil
Age: 64
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 160 lb (73 kg)
Location: Marquette, Michigan USA
Email: woodswoman 2001 AT yahoo DOT com

For the last 20 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan. My pack weight varies considerably but my base weight is below 18 lb (8 kg). I am primarily a tarp camper who averages more than 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and sub-zero temps.

Product Information

Manufacturer
 Great Trango Holdings, Inc
Website http://www.stoneweardesigns.com
Model Liberty Tight Capri
Manufacturer  Weight  NA
Tested Weight  10.8 oz (306 g)
MSRP


$78. USA
Made in the USA of imported fabric

Initial Impressions and Product Description 


I received the Liberty Tight Capri in the color of Black and the size of XL as requested. They are also available in the color of Heather Gray and sizes XS to XL. The manufacturer designed them for climbing, yoga, running, hiking and travel. The style is also available in a full-length version. My first impression is that they are definitely a substantial capri tight. The fabric is thicker than many and they appear to be made to last. They weigh 10.8 oz (306 g).Liberty Tight Capri -manufacturer's photo

Liberty Capri Tights

The Liberty Tight Capri is fabricated with 88 percent polyester and 12 percent spandex. The latter makes the capri fit nicely feeling stretchy but supportive. I requested the size of XL which is about right for my preferred fit. Likely I could have worn a size smaller but I like the fit as I don't prefer super compression-type tights. The size chart indicates a waist of 34-36 in (86-91 cm) and the hips are 44 (112 cm) which are larger than my measurements by a couple inches (5 cm) since technically I am a L by the manufacturer's chart. The picture of the capri at right is by the manufacturer.

The capri has a high rise topped by a compression 4 in (10.16 cm) wide waistband. The center back of the waistband has a top edge opening that measures 3.75 in (9.53 cm). The edges are finished and this opening forms a pocket 3.5 in (8.9 cm) deep. It might be suitable for a car key or other small item. Will have to see if this is a comfortable place to have a pocket. The waistband is contoured and made with two sections of fabric. The outer layer has seams offset from the inner layer likely so that they would lie flatter and not be too bulky. The waistband has an embroidered manufacturer's logo in the color gray on one side

The Liberty Capri Tights are touted to be breathable and they feel soft next to my skin.  All seams are visible flat-lock seams except for the top and bottom edges which are double stitched.

The bottom of the capri is larger than other capris I have worn, meaning that they are not tapered much at the bottom edge. Instead they do not cling to the circumference of my leg. I suppose this would depend on a person's build but I believe they are made to fit that way. It makes them more appealing to be worn beyond exercise; perhaps paired with a tunic.

The inseam of the capri measures about 22.5 in (58 cm) and includes the gusset with the side seam at 33 in (84 cm). As aforementioned the capri does have a gusset which adds to the comfort.


Summary

The Liberty Capri is a heavy weight legging with a wide comfortable waist. The material is very soft and supportive. I am looking forward to wearing the capri for a variety of activities including backpacking, dayhikes, mountain biking and trail running. I anticipate also wearing them with a skirt.

    
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Field Report:
November 18, 2016

USA Locations and Conditions

During the field test period I have spent 19 days backpacking. All trips were in Michigan and Minnesota. Trip locations included lakeshore to boreal forest.  Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (183 m) to almost 2,000 ft (610 m).
 
Location of Trip #1: Isle Royale National Park 
Length of Trip: 4 days, 3 nights backpacking (Sept 10-13), plus 8 more days of day hikes and adventures in Minnesota) 
Pack Weight: 26 lb (11.8 kg)
Distance: 31 mi (50 km) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Sun, clouds and rainstorms
Precipitation: Rain (probably 2+ in/5+ cm)
Temperature Range: 42 F to 77 F (6 C to 25 C) 

Location of Trip #2: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Hike-in Rustic Cabin Trip: 4 days, 3 nights (Sept 30 - Oct 3) 
Pack Weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg)
Distance: 12 mi (19 km) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Partly sunny and sunny, a bit of rain
Precipitation: Very light rain
Temperature Range: 35 F to 58 F (2 C to 14 C) 

Location of Trip #3: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Trip: 4 days, 3 nights (October 5-8)

Pack Weight: 27 lb (12 kg) Lakeshore at Pictured Rocks
Distance: 29 mi (47 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Sunny, cloudy and rain
Precipitation: Rain
Temperature Range: 33 F to 57 F (1 C to 14 C )
     
Location of Trip #4: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Trip: 3 days, 2 nights backpacking (October 28-30)
Pack Weight: 25 lb (11 kg) 
Distance: 12 mi (19 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Cloudy, sunny 
Precipitation: Light rain
Temperature Range: 39 F to 56 F (4 C to 13 C)
 
Location of Trip #5: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Length of Trip: 2 days, 1 night backpacking (November 4-5)
Pack Weight: 24.5 lb (11 kg)
Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Unseasonably warm, sunny
Precipitation: None
Temperature Range: 36 F to 65 F (2 C to 18 C)

Location of Trip #6: Hiawatha National Forest
Length of Trip: 2 days, 1 night backpacking (November 13-14)
Pack Weight: 25 lb (11 kg)
Distance: 9 mi (14.5 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Unseasonably warm, super moon
Temperature Range: 37 F to 54 F (3 C to 12 C) 
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Trip Talk
   Tester dayhiking in capri
Since receiving the Stonewear Designs Capri, I have worn them extensively. I did wonder how long I would be able to wear capri-length tights into the fall but it has been unseasonably warm even on the last two trips during the month of November. Even times that were cooler weren't a problem as the length of the capris are quite long and my gaiters or socks easily cover any bare skin if needed. In fact, I doubt that I will have an issue wearing them into early winter. One thing that I noticed about the capri is that they are of a heavier weight than many of my tights or capris. This is a bit of a disadvantage when it is warmer than 60 F (16 C) as they can be hot to wear. Of course this is during aerobic exercise. The double thickness waistband also is hot but not uncomfortable when it is damp. I often wear the capri in conjuTester runnction with a hiking skirt and they layer well.

I do like the fit of the capri and I have had zero problem with it riding down even while backpacking. I have also worn them often for day hiking and trail running. They also look nice enough to wear for casual wear although I prefer to wear a skirt over them.

I haven't used the hidden back pocket for anything. I usually have worn a vest or shirt that had a more convenient pocket so it hasn't been necessary to stow a key in the capri.

I have worn them up to four days in a row on backpacking trips without them stretching out or accumulating an odor (at least I can't smell them). I have even slept in them a few times without issue. I have probably washed them at least two dozen times, probably more. Care has been easy so far. I just put them in my regular wash with other dark clothing and then put them on the drying rack. Because they are heavier than many similar products they do take a fair amount of time to dry especially the double thickness waistband. The manufacturer's tag suggests to machine wash in cold water with like colors and to line dry...exactly what I have been doing. No bleach of course!

 

 
 
 
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Long Term Report:
January 17, 2017

USA Locations and Conditions

During the long term test period I snowshoed in to a rustic cabin where I spent five days. I also wore the capri for many day outings during the last two months for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Trip locations included lakeshore to boreal forest.  Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (183 m) to almost 2,000 ft (610 m).
 
Location of Trip #7: Hiawatha National Forest
Length of Trip: 5 days, 4 nights (Dec 30 - Jan 3)
Sled Weight: Heavy (probably 45 lb/20.4 kg)
Distance: Backcountry skied and snowshoed an undetermined distance
Sky and Air Conditions: Snowing with some sunshine 
Temperature Range: 18 F to 34 F (-8 C to 1 C) 
 
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Trip Talk
  
During the long term period I have been wearing the capri as mostly a base layer under my lightweight cross country ski pants. The capri make an awesome base layer especially during the single-digit weather that I have experienced many times this winter. They seem to be the most comfortable underneath pants when the temps are 20 F (-7 C) or lower. Otherwise the thickness and warmth of them is too much for me during aerobic activity. The capri layers well with other pants and I have also worn them with my quilted skirt over them when the temps are 20 F (-7 C) or above. During warmer winter days around freezing temps, I have worn mid-height and sometimes full-length knee socks with them to cover the bare skin from the bottom of the capri to my feet (Picture at right was taken immediately after a two-hour ski). Most of my outings have been about two hours in length except for backcountry skiing where the outings are normally four/five or more hours.

During the rustic cabin trip I also wore them inside the cabin and sometimes for sleeping. Daily excursions from the cabin were on snowshoes or backcountry skis.

I continue to like the fit and comfort of the capri as they give support but are not too tight. For me, the hidden pocket hasn't had much use as I rarely needed to put anything in it as I had more convenient pockets on other garments I was wearing.

I have continued to wash them regularly with my regular laundry and then put them on a drying rack in my basement. Because winter air conditions are very dry here, they have dried more quickly than they did in the late summer/fall months.
 
Overall the capri has been a good choice for many outdoor activities as well as casual wear. I will definitely continue to wear them as long as they stay comfortable.
 

Pros
  • Nice fit
  • Comfortable waistband
  • Versatile for exercise or travel
Cons
  • Expensive but well made
  • Can be hot to wear during aerobic activity if over 60 F (16 C)
 




Thanks to Great Trango Holdings, Inc and BackpackGearTest.org for this opportunity to test the Liberty Tight Capri. This concludes my Long Term Report and the test series. 

 
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