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The
North Face Paramount Cargo Shorts Owner Review
Personal
Information:
Name: Andrew
Richard
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Height: 5'7" (1.6 m)
Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
Email address: Liarsacademy8588@yahoo.com
City, State, Country: Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Date: June 19th, 2004
Backpacking Background: I have been a day hiker for the past 4 years and in the
last year I have begun to take up backpacking. I carry an average weight pack
because I enjoy having certain luxuries while I'm outdoors. My hiking usually
takes place in the desert, but I have adventured into higher elevations a few
times. In the future I hope to accomplish much more difficult terrain including
thru-hiking some of the nation's longer trails (i.e. Continental Divide Trail,
Sea to Sea Trail, etc.)
Product Information:
The North Face Paramount Cargo Shorts
URL: http://www.thenorthface.com
Materials: 100% Nylon
Suggested Retail: $42.00
Manufactured: Bangladesh
Specifications: (All measurements are for size medium)
Inseam: 10" (254 mm)
Waist: 32"-34" (813mm - 864mm)
Color(s): New Taupe, Fossil Ivory, Asphalt Gray, Classic Khaki
There are a total of 6 pockets; two in the rear with
Velcro closure, two in the front, and two side cargo pockets.
The two Velcro pockets in the back and the two cargo pockets will
securely hold items, but the two pockets in the front, sans Velcro, won’t
reliably hold things in if I have them upside down. All of the pockets are
positioned conveniently; it is easy to grab my GPS or a Power Bar while I’m on
the move. They have an elastic waist along with a built-in belt.
Review:
Locale(s): The Sonoran Desert (elev. 2,000 - 4,000 ft / 610 m – 1219 m) and
the Grand Canyon. Temperatures have varied from 40 F (4 C) all the way to the
115 F (46 C); used both in sun and light desert sprinkles.
I purchased these shorts over two years ago from REI. Before these my experience
with hiking shorts was limited only to blue jean shorts. I originally bought
these shorts for use in day hikes, but they have proved equally as worthy for
backpacking. The North Face also has a pant model of this version, and a
pant/short convertible version.
Durability:
After two years of pretty average use, these shorts are still in great
condition. There are no signs of wear on the seat, or rips and tears of any
sort. These shorts have been on numerous day hikes in difficult, rocky terrain
where clothes can be easily ripped by many different factors. They have brushed
against every kind of cactus available (unfortunately) and have faired very well
(all of the blood has washed out). They've also been down the Grand Canyon twice
and on other minor backpacking trips. I've washed them under normal care among
other clothes such as jeans, etc. and show no signs of abuse. There are only
minor stains on the bottom, but they are undetectable except under close
inspection.
Fitting:
On a recent backpacking trip I wore them for over 72 hours straight, from start
to finish (including several trips into a creek) and I never experienced any
kind of irritation or chafing. The elastic waistband allows for a range of
sizes, and the built in belt keeps them securely at my hips. However the built
in belt is not compatible for carrying pouches for things such as pocketknives,
cell phones etc. The 10" inseam is short enough for a free range of motion
for steep inclines, yet is long enough to be seen in the city without screaming
outdoors geek. They also fit comfortably under a larger pack hipbelt without any
rubbing or chafing.
Water use:
They proved to have reasonable water-resistance during a few desert showers,
they could last a few minutes in a list mist before water penetrated the fabric.
They are also quick to dry after a use as swimming suit, or any other sort of
complete soaking, needing less then a half an hour to dry (a half an hour of
sitting and preparing lunch, not walking on a trail). The pockets are lined with
mesh to drain easily after any river/creek crossing.
Weaknesses:
My only problem with these shorts was their price tag; at over $40 they are
quite pricey, yet over the years they have proven well worth it.
Overall:
Overall, these shorts are great for the outdoors. They have proved durable and
comfortable, everything good hiking shorts should be. After being coated in red
rock dust from along the Bright Angel Trail they required no washing, after
being soaked in water and with a little bit of rubbing with my thumb the dirt
disappeared. The shorts ventilate well, which is a necessity for hot weather
hiking. I plan on buying another pair of these shorts when (if?) they wear out.
THE GOOD:
Durable
Water-resistant
Comfortable
THE BAD:
Price
Read more reviews of The North Face gear
Read more gear reviews by Andrew Richard
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