Field Report

Integral Designs Denali Pants Field Report
January 6, 2004

Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
ljoATmidmaine(dot)com
Southwestern Maine
41 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lb (68 kg)

Background:

   My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes, to 2-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about 6 years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. During cold weather, I backpack, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, go ice fishing and winter camp with friends and family. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to ‘lighten up’ and have even converted to using a hammock while camping.   I find that I spend almost as much time outside during the long Maine winters as I do during the summers.

Product Information:

Color: Black
Size: Large
Manufacturer: Integral Designs
www.integraldesigns.com

Field Information:
    The Denali pants have traveled with me on 4 backpacking trips- 2 overnighters and 2 day trips. It has also been used while traveling and on daily walks.
    Trip one:   I accompanied 6 Webelos along with their parents on an overnight backpacking campout. It was fairly warm during the day- about 50 F (10 C), the night temperature fell to 35 F (1 C). We hiked to a cabin and spent the evening practicing some skills. On this first overnight trip, I wore the pants while outside in the evening and also slept in the Denali pants. They were very comfortable and definitely provided enough warmth. While sleeping, I wore them over a pair of lightweight, stretch pants.
    Trip two: My kids and I traveled to a 'rustic' cabin to spend the night. The cabin had only a fireplace, picnic table and a built up area for sleeping. We had to carry in everything we needed for the weekend. When we arrived late Friday afternoon, we immediately started to heat water using my Brasslite stove. This trip was a little cooler, 42 F (5 C) during the day and 30 F (-1 C) at night. I found that on this trip I only needed the pants at night- they again were comfortable and provided plenty of warmth.
Day trips: The Denali pants have really proven themselves as our temperatures have dropped to -20 F (-29 C) in the last week, with the windchill factor bringing the temperatures down even more. While walking the dog, the pants are easy and quick to put on. Because we walk early in the morning, when the temperatures are at their coldest, these pants have helped keep me motivated to walk. Being able to put on and take off the Denali pants over my work clothes without removing my boots is a definite time saver. I have worn the winter pants while snowshoeing. They allow for full range of motion, with no restrictions. Snow does not cling to the pants, cutting down on wetness. I find the the pants keep me warm enough while active, without any overheating.

Continued Test Plan:

    I have a couple more weekend snowshoeing trips planned, as well as a weekend trip camping with my two sons' Boy Scout troop during their Klondike Derby. I will also be going to Vermont for a long weekend mid-January. Our temperatures will fluctuate between -10 and 30 F (-23 and -1 C) over the next few months. I will continue to look at how well the pant keeps me warm, as well as how they hold up to continuous use. At this point they looks brand new. The pants have not needed to be laundered. The zippers and shock cords work without problem.
    I really like the way the Denali pants fit, providing warmth without restricting movement. I am curious to see how the pants work if they do get wet on the outer layer. I'd like to see whether the water soaks through to the inner layer.

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Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Integral Designs Denali Pants > Leesa Joiner > Field Report

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