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Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Elite Pants > James Triplett > Initial ReportInitial Test Report: Red Ledge
Elite Full Zip Pant  by James E. Triplett April 4, 2006
Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background: I am an experienced hiker, backpacker, and camper, and am gaining more experience with winter camping every year. I hike every day, and backpack when possible, which leads to many weekends backpacking and camping each year. I try and take at least one annual week-long backpacking trip in addition to many one to three-night weekend trips. My style can best be described as lightweight, but not at the cost of giving up too much comfort. I generally sleep in a tent, and seem to be collecting quite a few of them to choose from.
Manufacturer Information:
Product Information:
Additional
Product information: Fabric:
Features:
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and Sizes:
 REVIEW: Upon Arrival: The Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant arrived with the Red Ledge Elite Parka which is being reported on in a separate test. The premise is that the same testers will test the Elite Parka and Full Zip Pant together, as the two pieces of clothing work as a pair, and the conditions where one would be used would likely be the same conditions where the other one would be used. The reports will be dedicated to an individual piece of gear, however, so if you want to read about the pant you can read this report, and if you want to read about the parka, you can jump over to the Red Ledge Elite Parka folder. Accompanying the Elite Full Zip Pant was, actually, nothing. There was no packing slip or invoice, or anything except a three page hang-tag on the garment. One page speaks to the Elite Pant having sealed seams, (taped, glued, or welded seams), and the others list the features of the pant as well as the warranty information. All Red Ledge products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship, to the original owner, and Red Ledge will replace or repair such items at their discretion.  Image showing the Elite Pant inside-out Construction: The Elite Full Zip Pant is from the "2.5 Layer Technology" product line offered by Red Ledge. The two and a half layers consist of the first layer being an outer shell, the second layer being a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) T-Core laminate barrier, and the third layer being a micro print "half layer" that wicks away moisture. The T-Core laminate barrier is advertised as being breathable and waterproof. Simply stated, the three layers are the Shell, Laminate, and Micro Print. All seams are taped, and the waist has elastic sewn in. The knees of the pant are "articulated", which means that they are slightly bent in their free state. The waist and cuffs have Velcro closures. There are draw-cords at the cuffs. The Elite Full Zip Pant has two front pockets and one rear pocket... and they have a fly!  The interior Micro Print layer Materials: I am a little confused by the 2.5 Layer Technology, as for all intents and purposes, the pant appears to only have one layer. I thought the micro print "half layer" (that wicks away moisture) might be more like a lining and therefore separate from the other layers. The material, in fact, is laminated and coated such that there is only one layer detectable upon inspection. That being said, the inside of the pant is white micro print with little Red Ledge logos all over it, and the outside is black rip-stop, so there is indeed more than one layer. It is just that they are laminated together forming one thicker layer.  Inside-out view showing the Cord Lock and keeper at the pant leg Initial Inspection: The Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant appears to be pretty much what I expected. The Elite Full Zip Pant can be purchased in any color, as long as it is black! That being said, the black is a little on the grey side, but no harm done there. The website has drawings of the gear rather than pictures, and the pictures show the pant as black as coal. As a general rule, I don't like when websites or catalogs use drawings, but on a positive note, the Red Ledge website is now working after being under construction for quite some time. The three pockets on the pant all have zippers which are approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long. The waist of the pant has a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) elastic hem, and the cuffs of the legs have a 1 inch (2.54 cm) hem. The leg openings measure about 10 inches (25 cm) across when the pant is flat on the floor. The waist measurement is 33 inches (84 cm) in circumference when the elastic is not stretched and the snaps are in expanded position. The inseam measures 31.25 inches (79 cm), and the outseam measures 43.5 inches (110 cm). The "full zips" also measure 43.5 inches (110 cm) as the run the entire length of the outseam. The ends of the "full zips" are covered by flaps of fabric which are held in place with snaps. Inside the back pocket I discovered a little loop, which it eventually occurred to me is for hanging the pant by the loop when it is folded and stored inside the back pocket. I have owned several items which were packable into one of the pockets, although I have never successfully done this.  Two zippered front pockets, and a fly! Initial Fit: I couldn't find a size chart on the Red Ledge website, and there are no dimensions listed for the Elite Full Zip Pant, so I selected extra large hoping that the waist would be small enough, and the length would be long enough. The pant is close. The waist fits loose with the adjustable snaps in the expanded position, and pretty well with the snaps in the reduced circumference position. Moving the snaps does seem to bind the top of the full-zip zippers and Velcro covering a bit, but I haven't formed an opinion yet as to whether this is significant. The length is slightly shorter than I would like. When I put the rain pants on over my typical hiking pants, there was about an inch (2.54 cm) of my pants extending below the Red Ledge pant legs. I will see whether or not this presents a problem. Over all, I believe the fit is acceptable and the appropriate size given the choices. A large-tall option would be ideal. Test Plan: I will be using the Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant for all my wet weather hiking, backpacking, and camping needs throughout the test period. Additionally, I will experiment with different layer techniques depending on the temperature and weather conditions present when I am wearing the pants. The timing of this test is perfect for assuring some spring showers here in Eastern Iowa. The elevation here is around 860 feet (262 meters) and the temperature and precipitation data can be found in the table below. My primary concerns for the Elite Full Zip Pants are weather resistance, ventilation, breathability, durability, and of course comfort and warmth.
 Summary: The Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant feels nice in my hands and appears to be well designed and free from any defects. There are an abundance of pockets, all nicely covered with zippers and rain flaps. The "full zips" along the outside allow for a multitude of adjustments, and offer the ability to remove the pants with my boots on. I am looking forward to getting out in some serious rain with this piece of gear. Respectfully submitted, -James T.
Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear Read more gear reviews by James E. Triplett Reviews > Rain Gear > Jackets and Pants > Red Ledge Elite Pants > James Triplett > Initial Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||