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Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant
Initial Report – April 5, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Waist: 36”/ 91 cm
Inseam: 28”/ 71 cm
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, WA, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington!
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Red Ledge
Model: Elite Full Zip Pant
Size: Large (received), also available in XS - XXL
Color: Obsidian
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: www.redledge.com
Listed weight: None Listed
Measured weight: 12 oz/ 340 g
**Disclaimer: The closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces.**
Fabric Content:
Lamination: T-Core LX® 2.5 layer waterproof breathable with wicking/protective raised microprint
Seams: 100% taped
Shell: Diamond shadow ripstop nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish
MSRP: $74.99 U.S.
Country of Manufacture: China
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Product Description:
The Red Ledge Elite Full Zip Pant are a simply designed pair of rain pants. I feel that they have enough features to make them user friendly while still keeping weight down. Features listed from the hang tag/website include: “Elasticized waistband with adjustable Velcro side tabs, Front zip fly and waist closure, two front zip pockets, back zip pocket, Full side zips with interior and exterior storm flaps, Cuffs with adjustable drawcord and Velcro tabs, articulated knees for ease of movement, Packable into back pocket.” The pants feel comfortable and make a slight crinkling noise when walking.
Red Ledge says the following about their 2.5 layer series clothing: “Combination of an outer shell fabric w/ a DWR, one of our exclusive waterproof/breathable T-Core laminate barriers and a microprint half layer that wicks away moisture.” The inner material feels similar to the outer material and I cannot detect any microprint that would wick away moisture. All seams are taped and in good condition.
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Initial Impression/Use:
I am not much of rain pants type of guy. I normally only wear them in the worst conditions or while skiing. I am excited though about these pants because they are so light and are supposed to be breathable.
I immediately tried the pants on once they arrived. They fit well without me adjusting anything. However, I want to note that the pants seem to be very adjustable. In addition to the elastic waist band, there is a 4” (10 cm) strip of Velcro on each side. There is also a snap at each end of the Velcro strip for extra security. I measure the inseam to be 31 ½” (79 cm) long. This is definitely long for me, but there is an elastic pull to close the cuff around my shoes so I don’t walk all over them.
There are several neat features to these pants. The first is a full length zipper on each pant leg. The zipper slides very smoothly and does not catch on the zipper cover. There are two zippered pockets on the front of the pants. These are not on the side like most pants, but on the very front of the pants. I am not sure what all I will be able to carry in them but will report on this more in the field report. There is also a back zippered pocket. I tried placing my wallet in there and it fell all the way down to the middle of my hamstring, based on this quick test I don’t think I will carry anything in this pocket since I cannot stand anything swinging against my legs.
Red Ledge recommends machine washing the pants on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent, no bleach, line dry, no heat, do not iron, and do not dry clean.
Improvements:
None at the moment.
Expected Field Conditions:
Average temperatures range from highs in the 50’s F to 60’s F and lows in the 20’s F to 40’s F (10 C – 16 C highs and -7 C to 4 C lows). The average precipitation in April, May June and July for the Seattle area is 3+ inches per month (8 cm) and will take all forms, rain, snow, and sleet. Most of my trips during this time frame will be in the Mount Baker and Snoqualmie National Forest. Specifically in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 20 minutes from my house. Elevation may vary from sea level to 14,000 ft (4267 m), although Mt Rainier will probably not be on the agenda until mid June. My normal outdoor routine consists of at least two day hikes a month, and no less than 2 nights of backpacking a month.
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Test Plan:
I will examine the Red Ledge Pants on the following characteristics through the duration of the test.
Durable:
- How durable is the Red Ledge proprietary 2.5 layer fabric in the pants?
- I tend to lean against whatever is available when resting be it a rock or tree. Do I need to worry about easily tearing or puncturing the fabric?
- Do I need to be overly concerned with off trail hiking?
Usefulness:
- It can be extremely wet here and rain for days on end. Are these pants able to take rain day after day?
- How breathable is the gear?
- Can I hike uphill without getting drenched in sweat?
Pants Specific Questions:
- How adjustable are the pants?
- I am right on the lower edge of the waist size, but like to have room to wear layers underneath. Can I comfortably wear the pants with and without layers?
- The pants have three pockets, two in the front and one in the back. How useful are these pockets?
- What can I comfortably fit in them?
- How well am I able to vent the pants with the full length zips?
- Will the zips let in any water? |
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Thanks to BackpackGearTest and Red Ledge for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Red Ledge gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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