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denalipants
Integral Designs Denali Pants
November 4, 2003
Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
ljoATmidmaine(dot)com
Southwestern Maine
41 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lbs. (68 kg)
Product Information
Manufacturer: Integral
Designs
Year of Manufacture: 2003
http://www.integraldesigns.com
Advertised weight: 1 lb 3 oz (535 g)
Actual weight 1 lb 3 oz (535 g),
Size: Large
Color: Black
The pants arrived by in a cardboard box along with another
test item and a catalog. The pants fit well, and all zippers are in working
order. They fit the description of the web site very well.
The pants are insulated with a single layer of Primaloft,
with a Pertex outer layer and lining. The two leg zippers, located on the
outside of the leg, are fully separating. The pants are roomy enough to fit
over a pair of jeans and still be comfortable. The waist is elasticized with
side velcro adjustments and a center front draw cord. The front also has
a fly zipper. I have not had the opportunity to wear these pants during
any outside activity. Our temperatures are falling, so it won’t be long!
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 even have converted to using a hammock while camping.
Test Plan:
During the
test period, I will be participating in numerous backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing
and cross-country skiing trips. The trips will range from single day to four
day trips. All will be in western Maine, and northern New Hampshire and Vermont.
After the first of the year ice fishing season begins, and I will spend many
weekends walking on frozen lakes checking fish traps with my children.
Over
the next 6 months our weather conditions will range from the current day
temperatures of 30 - 40 F to -20 F (0 - 11 C to -29 C) with rain and snow.
Most of my outings are done at elevations below 3000 ft. (914 M) on various
types of terrain. Hikes in this part of Maine include some rocky climbing.
How will I actually test the Denali Pants? Primarily,
they will serve as an outer layer; one that is easy to take off or put on
as needed. Weather conditions change frequently during the winter here in
Maine. One use will be to wear them in the early morning when out snow shoeing,
once I warmed up, I could stow them in my pack until I either stopped for
a break, or the weather turned cooler. Many times, while out hiking, snow
shoeing, cross-country skiing or ice fishing with kids, there is a lot of
time spent standing around, either waiting for someone to catch up, or to
finish whatever the activity is. While waiting, I tend to cool down too
much, then it is difficult to warm back up. Wearing the Denalis as an easily
removable layer, may allow for less overheating, thus leading to less cooling
to uncomfortable levels. As with most items, the pants would be tested looking
at comfort, durability and usability. Obviously, if they don’t
fit comfortably, they won’t get worn much. I will want the pants to allow
free movement without restriction. The ability to put the pants on and
take them off without the removal of footwear is an important feature. How
well the pants block the wind and shed rain is also an extremely important
function.
I plan on sleeping in my hammock throughout as much of
the winter as possible. The Denali pants will also be tested as ‘sleepwear’.
I am curious as the the companies claim that it can be used in conjunction
with a primaliner and bivy as part of a light weight sleep system.
Read more reviews of Integral Designs gear
Read more gear reviews by Leesa Joiner
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