How to darn(repair) a Smartwool t-shirt (base layer)

I love my Smartwool microweight t-shirt.  So much so that I have worn it until it got some holes in it.  Its an older, well loved and worn shirt that I think I got my money's worth out of.

Now were this one of my gazillion cotton t-shirts I've collected over the years, I would have thrown it in my wash rag box in my garage.  But this is not one of my cotton t-shirts.  Its is my favorite technical t-shirt that, quite frankly, cost me some serious cash...for a t-shirt.  And while worth every penny (see my review here).  In fairness to the product, I have gotten a fair "lifetime of the product" out of this shirt and don't feel right sending it to Smartwool for a replacement.  I was not about to throw it away, or recycle it without a fight, so I decided to fix it.  

After Googling "how to repair a smartwool sock" I was introduced to the world of darning.  Now if you're not familiar with darning, here is a nice article that shows how to darn a thick, wool sock.  Needless-to-say, doing a thin micro, or even midweight Smartwool base layer piece took some modification to the process, so I decided to post a tutorial for those who live for the truly-tedious.  As a warning, this is something that takes much dexterity, and patience.  It's not something I would expect a lot of people to do, but I do know that outdoor gear junkies are some of the most MacGyver-like folk out there.  So, once your system has been detoxed of all caffeine, you're ready to get started.

STEP 1 - Get the right supplies (Figure 1).  To do this right, I recommend a small embroidery hoop, sharp scissors, a regular sewing needle, and good quality polyester thread.  I chose polyester because its a cheap alternative to wool tread (which is near impossible to find locally) and the polyester thread doesn't hold water like a cotton treaded weave might.  Depending on the weight/thickness of the piece you're repairing, determines the thickness of the thread.  For the micro weight t-shirt, I used standard spooled thread.  For a mid weight piece, I might find a tread/string that's a little thicker.

Figure 1- Note, I used a single-threaded needle technique.  Make sure you hold the short end of the thread when pulling, otherwise the thread will come out

STEP 2 - After securing your t-shirt in the embroidery hoop (don't over stretch the shirt, but make sure its not too loose either), start by taking some running stitches around the hole in the solid part of the fabric. (A running stitch is just "in, out, in, out" with the needle).  I know it may be hard to see in the pictures below since I'm using a tread color that matches the shirt, but if you look closely at the next three pictures, you can see how I encircled the hole with the running stitch.

STEP 3 - Run parallel stitches across the hole, about a needle or two thickness between the strings.  I like to do this along the shorter dimension of the hole.  Also, make sure that you start and stop each parallel stitch outside the running stitch you did in step 2.

STEP 4 - Once you've completed all your parallel rows, now begin to work perpendicular to those rows, weaving in and out of those parallel rows (Figure 2)... like weaving a paper basket, but on a much, much, smaller scale (Figure 3).

Figure 2 - Make sure to do your best job alternating over-and-under each row, but you don't have to be perfect.  You'll do enough weaves to make up for any missed stitches.

Figure 3 - Notice that the rows in this weave pattern is closer than the first set of rows you sewed in STEP 3.  

Figure 4 below shows what the completed weave looks like

Figure 4 - You can see the the weave looks more like a 'net' than a dense t-shirt weave

STEP 5 - Because you have a loose, net-like weave, double and triple back through your pattern (Figure 5) using the net-like weave to support your work.  Again, your over-and-under pattern does not have to be perfect because you'll do enough rows to make up for the occasional missed stitch.

Figure 5 - For added strength I reworked the weave in both directions, perpendicular to each other.  This part also goes much faster than STEP 2 and STEP 3 above as you are building up, and reinforcing the weave pattern.  Keep building up until you get a thickness consistent with the rest of the base layer.

And Voila!  Below is the finished repair.  While not perfect, if you pick the right color, you'll hardly see it, and for me, I didn't even feel it.  Also, if you build up the weave enough, its much stronger than the shirt itself.  I hope this is clear, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me or post them and I'll try to be more clear where I am not.  Good luck!

How to alter TNF eTip gloves

If you have recently tried on, or ordered a pair of TNF eTip gloves, unless your hands are exactly like the fit-model's, you've learned that there is not such thing as a Unisex-one-size-fits-all glove (or anything for that matter).  In my case, I have a wider hand with shorter fingers, so while the length of the fingers of eTIP (size small) are ok, the gloves are way too tight.  The problem with tight gloves is that they cut down on circulation, and thus result in cold hands.  However, while the palm and fingers of the eTIP (size large) is comfortable, the fingers are too long.  So while circulation is not restricted, the longer finger tips decrease dexterity, making simple tasks, like putting keys in your front door, difficult.  So, being a fairly "sewing machine proficient" person, I decided to buy a pair of large gloves and alter the fingers down to size.  The following pictures show the extra fabric that I had to take off.


Before I jump into this, I should note that this alteration is pretty tough.  From start to finish, it took me about 45 to 60 minutes to alter three fingers (the pinky, ring and middle finger) on one glove.  Also, I did not alter the index and thumb as those fingers have the silver fabric, so I didn't want to mess with that.  Also, they weren't too long, or at least as long as the other three fingers.  On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being easy and 5 being very hard, I would rate it as a 4, maybe even a 5.  That said, unless you are a pretty proficient sewer, I'm not sure that this is something you want to take on, but if you are good with a sewing machine, its definitely a doable alteration.

**Doing this will almost certainly void your warranty!

STEP 1 - What makes this a difficult alteration is that the fingertips consist of the four panels of fabric that have are sewn together, the top panel (fingernail side), the bottom panel (finger print side), and two side panels.  Using a seam cutter, cut the seams along the top panel, so it folds away from the side panels, as in Figure 1 below.  BE CAREFUL and don't cut the actual fabric, but the thread of the seam ONLY.


Figure 1 - cutting the glove tip open with seam ripper

Do this also with the bottom panel, but do not cut the seam that joins the two side panels at the very tip of the finger.  Figure 2 shows both top and bottom panels with the seams cut, and peeled back away from the side panels.

Figure 2 - Seams of top and bottom panel are cut, at this point you're done with the seam cutter.

STEP 2 - Turn the glove fingers inside out, as most sewing is done inside out.  First, you shorten the entire finger by resewing a new seam on the side panels (parallel to the old seam) to the new length you want your fingers (Figure 3).  I sewed it back about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, closer to 1/2 inch

Figure 3 - Shorten the finger by sewing the side seam.  I did two passes, one forward, and one backwards for added strength.

Next, cut the excess fabric, to the outside of the new seam (Figure 4).  You will be cutting off the old seam of course.

Figure 4 - cut off excess fabric on side panels

STEP 3 - Depending on how much you shorten your glove finger, cut off the excess fabric from the top  panel and bottom panels so that they match up with the new finger length (Figure 5).  Figure 6 shows the crescent like shape of the excess glove tip.

Figure 5 - the top and bottom panels have been resized and are ready to be sewn together.

Figure 6 - The excess fabric of the top and bottom panels

STEP 4 - Hand sewing.  This step is optional if you are really, really good with a sewing machine OR, this could be your last step if you are really good at hand sewing...but to be safe, I first hand stitched the top and bottom panels to the side panels with a needle and tread (Figure 7) using a single thread (not doubled up). This is essentially the same as "pinning" together two panels of fabric before sewing with a machine, but the area is way too small for pins to fit.

Figure 7 - The hand stitch will help keep the proper form of the finger when I sew with the machine.

STEP 5 - Resew, along the hand stitched seam with a sewing machine (Figure 8).  I'm not gonna say much as this is something that you have to figure out, as this tutorial assumes you're proficient with a sewing machine.  Also, if you don't have a sewing machine, and do a tight hand stitch in STEP 4, you could probably skip this step.  Figure 9 has shows the finished product.  Don't forget to snip all the extra string ends.

Figure 8 - Sew with the sewing machine.  This is actually what took me the longest as you're sewing tight curves in a small area, where 4 panels of fabric come together.

Figure 9 - Done sewing.  Just snip all the string ends before turning the fingers right-side-out.

STEP 6 - Turn the gloves fingers right side out, and try them on for size.  Hopefully got it right the first time...  Here's what the fingers look like after the alteration.

As for the fit?  Here is the before picture:

Here is the after picture:

Finally, all the steps above were for the middle and ring finger only.  When altering the pinky finger, it was much faster.  After turning the pinky finger inside out, I just sewed the tip across to the length I wanted and cut the extra fabric away.  

Smartwool T-Shirt (Microweight) Review

Worth every penny, if... you are a true outdoor enthusiast that does not mind spending some coin for great comfort.  Bottom line:  True to size for a form fitting base layer, but size up if you like a loose fit.  If you have sensitive skin and usually wear soft cotton you'll notice, but it is unparalleled in technical comfort.

Extended review:
First, the fit.  Smartwool's Microweight merino wool T-shirt is  trim, and body hugging, which is perfect for a base layer.  If you work out, like the guy modeling it in their website, it'll be flattering.  If you're like the other 99% of us, it'll show every bump and lump.

Next the feel.  This really is T-shirt weight and were it not for the label saying its 100% wool, you would never guess that.  While not the scratchy, itchy, wool from the sweater your grandma knitted you, this shirt isn't Egyptian cotton either.  To be fair, its wool, and comfortable next to the skin...for wool.  However, its not even close to being as soft as my graphic t-shirts from more fashion-oriented retailers (i.e - Express or Banana Republic).  Not being critical, just being real.

BUT, compared to my everyday graphic T's, this shirt trounces in technical performance.  Actually, there is no comparison.  I bought two of these (blue and green) over a year ago and have worn them as a base layer while boarding in Utah POW, and as T-shirt in Liberia Africa in their rainy season (still 90F+ with humidity like no other).  In both extreme contexts, this shirt performed amazing well.  In cold, wintry Utah, it was warm, and did its job wicking sweat away as I tromped through back country flats.  Never felt clammy.  In Africa, I slept in this, sweat in this, and got rained on in this.  It always felt cool, dried quickly, and never stank.  Amazing really.  In between trips, I wore this to the gym, layered under dress shirts for style (and comfort), etc, very versatile.

My only concern is durability.  As I said, I bought two shirts.  One shirt got a small run in it right by my belly button within a few months.  That one went back for warranty.  The other one, over the year, and with extended wear, got holes and runs in the arm pit area.  This one I'm not sending back because I really did wear it hard (because I loved it so much) and for sure got my money's worth for what I believe was a fair "lifetime of the product."  (I did darn the holes to extend the life a bit.)

I wish I could afford a dozen of these in as many colors as they make, but I can't.  That said, they are the perfect gift, for the outdoor enthusiast that has "everything" or at least thinks they have everything--until they get one of these.

Aglove Grip Touch (2012-13)

New for this 2012 season is the Aglove Grip Touch (Retail $29.99 at www.aglove.com) - The material is an acrylic/silver yarn combination with 15% silver/acrylic nylon blend.  Like the Sport model, the Aglove Grip Touch comes in black with silver speckles only.


Like its predecessors, the ENTIRE glove is made with the conductive material, so that means that you can use all 10 fingers on your device.  In look, and thickness of material, the Grip Touch seems nearly identical to my pair of Aglove Sports with the notable exception of small, rubber, grip dots on the palm and fingers, making the Grip Touch hand specific (right and left).


An important functional detail is that the grip dots are not on the upper third of fingers (ie - finger tip areas) giving a smooth, gliding touch to the screen.



Since my iphone has a case with a silicone rubber case (otterbox defender) I never really noticed how slippery the Aglove sport was when using just a "bare" iphone.  Its pretty slippery, and if you don't have a case, you'll really like the grip of the Grip Touch, and definitely worth the extra cash for the security of your $500 iphone (replacement cost) not slipping out of your hands.  Also, opening doors, holding the steering wheel, and any other smooth object is much...more secure feeling.

As for usability, the Grip Touch excels.  For this year, I've added a new usability test (see Touchscreen glove shootout).  In order to the test the sensitivity of the Grip Touch when compared to bare fingers (and other gloves) I did the following with my iphone.  From the home screen:

Hit 'clock' icon > start stopwatch at 0:00 > hit 'home' button > hit 'notepad' icon > type the entire Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme > hit 'home' button > Hit 'clock' icon > stop the stopwatch

Multiple trials were done and the times averaged.  Here are the results, from best to worst:

- With bare fingers (using thumbs only) was an average time of 1 min and 6 seconds.
- With the Grip Touch (using thumbs only) was an average time of 1 min and 12 seconds.  (Note: times with the year old Aglove Sport were nearly identical to the brand new Grip Touch showing very little, if any degradation from time and wear).
- With brand new TNF eTip gloves (using thumbs only) was an average time of 1 min and 20 seconds.
- With year old iTap gloves was an average time of 1 min and 40 seconds (Note:  I suspect that brand new iTap gloves would have scored better as there is a noticeable decrease in sensitivity of these gloves.)

Bottom line:  Like all the other Aglove products, the Grip Touch has excellent fit, and touch screen sensitivity.  While pushing the $30 mark, the added Grip Touch make these gloves much more functional, without compromising touch screen sensitivity, making the added cost, in my opinion worth it.

Touchscreen Gloves Shootout

INTRODUCTION
As a self proclaimed outdoor gear AND techie addict, it was only a matter of time before these two passions crossed paths in a review... via keeping my digits warm...in winter...when outside...using my touch screen smart phone.  Most of my friends simply dismiss this as an unhealthy obsession to all-things-iphone, and recommend I wait until I'm back indoors to use it.  However, with the busyness of life on the run, coupled with all the "information" packed on my iphone, with an occasional trip to the ski slopes, I find it an absolute necessity to have a glove I can use my iphone with in the dead of winter.

"Things have changed" - When I first purchased the The North Face's eTip glove back in 2009, it was one of the few (if not only) glove on the market for the iPhone.  Now, if you do an ebay search on 'iphone gloves' you get 1,309 hits (as of 9/27/12) with prices starting at $1.29.  So, as a limiting factor, I googled 'iphone gloves' and the three top product hits are the iTap gloves (www.itapgloves.com), the Aglove gloves (www.aglove.com), and The North Face eTip gloves (www.thenorthface.com).  The contenders have been chosen.

TEST 1 - FIT, FEEL, AND CONSTRUCTION.
Aglove and iTap right out of the box look very similar as standard yarn knit gloves.  Both have a snug fit, and a relatively soft feel.  Not as soft as fleece, cashmere, or flannel, but my wife tried them both on and said they felt just fine. The relatively soft rating is due to the materials they are made of:

AGLOVE (Retail $25.99) - The material is an acrylic/silver yarn combination.  Depending on the type of glove, determines the amount of silver.  The more silver the more conductivity.  That said, the standard Aglove comes with a 7% silver/acrylic nylon blend, the white Bamboo comes with 15% silver/acrylic nylon blend, and the Aglove Sport comes with 15% silver/acrylic nylon blend.  (note:  on two pairs of the Aglove Sport, the tag says 20% silver/acrylic nylon blend...hmmm...mislabeled or unintended upgrade?).  An important point to make is that the ENTIRE glove is made with the conductive material, so that means that (1) you can use all 10 fingers on your device, and (2) the website claims that this conductive material transfers all your bio-electric energy in your hands, to your finger tips...which...I would need to see lab test results to believe this.  This review will be on Aglove Sport only, with mention of the other Aglove products.

The Aglove Sport comes in black with silver speckles only.  Also, the Aglove has their logo right in the middle of the back of the hand, though you can reverse the glove so the logo is on the palm, giving the glove a classier, nondescript look.  The Aglove gloves also have doubled over fabric in the wrist to help keep the gloves on.

iTAP (Retail $20) -   The material is made from merino wool, one of the softest wool blends on the market, second only to cashmere.  However, not all merino wool blends are equal.  For comparison sake, the wool on the iTap while soft, is not as soft as my Express merino wool sweater, or my smartwool base layers.  The wool in iTap is also piling slightly giving it a more casual look and feel.  To allow for conductivity, there is silver thread weaved into the fabric at the tips of the thumb, index finger and middle finger, which amounts to two less fingers than the Aglove.  However, the silver is weaved into both sides of the tips so the gloves are symmetric and reversible in use as well.

The iTap has more fabric and a snugger feel at the wrist.  In terms of look, the iTap looks more casual and 'everyday' as something you would wear with a different outfit if you're one to accessorize    The iTap comes in 4 colors (2011 colors).  The Bark is a lighter brown and looks more brown then the website picture.  I also got a pair of gloves in Brick, which actually looks more like a brick red than the bright red on the website

**Key point - Both gloves are symmetric, in that there is no designated right or left hand based on construction.  However, the Aglove Sports does have a logo on the back of the hand OR palm of the hand, depending on how you wear them.  Though, when you wear them with the logo on the palm, you can feel the inside stitching.  iTap has no indication of which hand to wear them.

eTIP (Retail $45) - The North Face eTip gloves are much more technical looking.  On close inspection, I noticed that the eTip gloves are made from at least 10 different panels (per hand) of fabric sewn together, allowing for articulation in the index finger and thumb.  These gloves are made from a four-way stretch fleece.  The exterior is smooth, non-snagging, and abrasion resistant.  These are NOT windproof, or even wind resistant. The interior is brushed fleece with a very soft hand.  Besides the stitched  TNF logo and eTIP logo, the palm and palm side fingers have a silicone rubber pattern to give grip, which is nice.  To allow for conductivity at the finger tips, a silver blended fabric used at the tips of the index and thumb only... giving them an ET 'glowing finger' look...'ET phone home'... For those keeping count, there are three less usable fingers than Aglove, and one less than iTap.  There is a designated Right and Left hand.

TNF eTIP also have a snug fit, maybe a little looser than the other two.  The inside of the glove is a brushed fleece, so its the softest feeling of the three, BUT you can also feel all the inside seams where the panels were sewn together.

BOTTOM LINE:  All three couldn't be anymore different in material used for construction.  However, for their respective materials, they all seem to be of relatively high quality.  Maybe not industry leading quality materials, but none of it feels cheap either.  All three gloves are comfortable to me, and will be to most people.  If you're sensitive and don't like feeling seams you might not like The North Face eTips.  If you don't like the feel of wool, avoid the iTap gloves.

TEST 2 - USABILITY
For Usability Ratings, I tested three categories of touch screen use:  (1) Basic Navigation (hitting apps and icons, swiping the screen sideways, and scrolling down a webpage), (2) Detailed Navigation (hitting hyperlinks in webpages, back/forward arrows, and phone numbers), and (3) Fine Motor Skills (typing a text message, email, or using a calculator).

For comparison purposes I am going to use a 10 point scale, with bare fingers in all three categories being a baseline 10.  A zero would be total uselessness, as if wearing regular ski gloves.

AGLOVE - The Agloves work really well in touch screen responsiveness and accuracy.  In general, I found the Agloves to be the best of all three gloves in this review.  I tested four different pairs (three Aglove sports, and one pair of Aglove Bamboo) and found the Usability for all four gloves to be consistent and nearly identical.
  
(1) Basic Functions, Score 9 or 10.  The Agloves were consistent and nearly perfect in this category.  The only reason for a score of 9 would be that with the Aglove, you did have to put a little bit more pressure than bare fingered.  But just a little.
(2) Detailed Navigation, Score 9.  Even hitting specific hyperlinks or phone numbers, the Agloves performed extremely well.  The only issues I had was when clicking on a link that was in list of links, or menu of links where I sometimes inadvertently hit the link above or below.
(3) Fine Motor Skills, Score 8 or 9.  This was the one category that I noticed a difference from using bare fingers.  When typing a text or email, or hitting numbers on a calculator I had to work a little more slowly, and had a few more mistakes when compared to using bare fingers.  However, I found that these gloves worked great, and once you get used to them, you don't even notice them.

     OVERALL USABILITY SCORE for AGLOVE = 8.5 with 10 being bare fingers

iTAP - This rating is a bit more difficulty to score because I tested two different pairs, that performed very differently.  One pair scored very high.  The second pair was practically unusable.  This variance in quality across products is troubling, but giving them the benefit of the doubt, my review reflects the good pair only

(1) Basic Functions, Score 8 or 9.  The iTap were consistent and excellent in this category.  Slightly less responsive than the Aglove, but very, very functional.  Like the Aglove, you did have to put a little bit more pressure than bare fingered.  But just a little.
(2) Detailed Navigation, Score 8.  Again, just a little lower in score than the Aglove with the same issues above, but with less accuracy.  However, still very functional in this area.
(3) Fine Motor Skills, Score 7.  Like the Aglove, there was a noticeable difference from bare fingers.  Unlike the Aglove, I never really got used to texting.  They are ok for short texts, but longer texts and emails were a bit cumbersome.  For longer texts I would probably take the gloves off.

     OVERALL USABILITY SCORE for iTAP = 7.5 with 10 being bare fingers (note - after one season of use, this overall score dropped to a 6 as the sensitivity seemed to decrease.

TNF eTip - Overall, eTip glove had good, accurate, electromagnetic response, but bulkier tips of the eTIP glove made the glove seem less responsiveness than the others.

(1) Basic Functions, Score 9.  The eTip gloves were quite good in the basic function category.  Things like answering the phone, dialing numbers (if numbers were big), clicking on icons, etc was just fine.  Though the bulkier tip may be an issue if you have a protective case (I have an Otterbox) when hitting icons near the edge of screen.
(2) Detailed Navigation, Score 8.  Due to the bulkier tip, definitely lower in score than the other two with the same issues above, but with less accuracy when clicking on hyperlinks or phone numbers.  However, still functional in this area.  Just not as accurate.
(3) Fine Motor Skills, Score 7.  Short, necessary texts only.  Anything else, I would probably take the gloves off.

     OVERALL USABILITY SCORE for iTAP = 7.5 with 10 being bare fingers.

TEST 3 - WARMTH AND DURABILITY
Ok, compared to my Primaloft lined RAB gloves, none of these gloves compare.  But in fairness to each of these products, that's not what they are about anyway.  Since the Aglove and iTap use a yarn knit fabric (acrylic and wool respectively) they have little to no wind resistant.  So, in a cold car, or when the wind isn't blowing, they work ok.  However, on a gusty day, the wind cuts through them like a warm knife thru butter.  As for the North Face gloves, there was a different issue, the cut of the gloves was tight around the fingers, restricting blood flow, resulting in chilly finger tips.  However, I did use all three gloves as glove liners under my RAB eVent mitten shells, and all of the were just fine as an insulation layer.  But while running around town by themselves on a cold winter afternoon, they all helped, but don't expect total and complete warmth.

After one whole season, all three gloves wore fairly well.  By the end of the season, the Agloves looked great, except for some wear and light browning of silver on the finger tips, but function just as well as when I first got them.  The wool iTaps had started to pile slightly giving them a natural rustic look.  The functionality decreased slightly, but still very usable.  The North Face gloves looked great, except, the silver tips had some significant wear, decreasing their effectiveness to almost useless.  However, the gloves were an early generation of the glove and The North Face stood by their product and replaced them under warranty.  With realistic expectations for warmth and durability, you shouldn't be too disappointed.

BOTTEM LINE
Well, there is not a clear winner hear.  If consistent usability is your thing, than you can't beat the Aglove.  It has a contemporary look and feel, and black goes with just about everything.  If usability with a casual look is your thing, you have to love the merino wool iTap.  Also, as a reminder, merino wool as a natural technical insulating fabric is second-to-none.  If technical look is your thing, go with the North Face eTip.

Note:  For the iTap, their customer service was non-existent.  While their online store processed my order just fine, when I got one pair that was too big, and didn't work, they never returned one of my three emails.  Good thing at least one pair fit and worked great, but the other was a waste of $20.  As for TNF and Aglove, both have outstanding customer service as I have contacted both on different occasions for different reasons.  And as a gear junkie, good customer service is something you just have to expect in the outdoor apparel industry.

Westcomb Recon Cargo Pants Review - Mens

Originally submitted at REI

The Westcomb Recon Cargo pants are not only highly technical, but very comfortable and durable. These all-season, all-weather soft-shell pants are designed for the all-around outdoor enthusiast.

Westcomb Recon Cargo Pants - Men's

Coolest pants ever!

By pwyu from West Michigan on 3/4/2012

5out of 5

Waist: Feels true to size
Length: Feels true to length
Pros: Breathable, Comfortable, High-Quality Material and Stitching, Lightweight
Best Uses: Backpacking, Work, Hiking, Camping, Casual Wear, Travel
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Was this a gift?: No

I got my Recon Cargos (www.westcomb.com) last spring. Regarding fit, its a fairly trim fit in the waist and hips and more relaxed through thighs and legs. I normally wear a 29-30W/29-30L jean, bought a Men's small, and they fit great except they were long.  Having some sewing/altering experience, I shortened the inseam for a perfect fit, but be warned, this is a very, very hard alteration. 

The Schoeller dynamic fabric stretches incredibly. Combined with articulated knees and gusseted crotch, you won't feel any binding or tightness. So far I've gone wall climbing in them and it was nice pull the cinch cord at ankles so the pant bottoms didn't snag. I've also worn them to the gym and did a full workout (squats and spinning) and hardly felt them on.  I also wear these to work, like a casual Khaki pants.  The fabric is breathable, very durable and abrasion resistant.  In weight, it’s a little lighter, but close to denim, so I see them as three season pants.  Spring and Fall wear them by themselves, Winter they should be golden with a light base layer.  If you have a cool climate summer, they would be good too, but too hot and humid for them where I live.

NanoSphere technology really make these a bargin.  From what I understand, the Nanosphere isn't really a DWR coating like Graingers, but actually has to do with the surface structure of the fabric, using nanotechnology, that makes it repel water, mud, coffee, etc...  For kicks I tried the Ketchup test and it worked. Blotched some on, sprayed off with water, and wiped dry. Amazing!

I’m a huge fan of Westcomb because of their detail in construction, and stylish design yet super technical-functional.  How stylish and functional?  True story.  Last spring I walked into the gym wearing my Recon Cargos (and Chilko down sweater) and the gal behind the desk said, “Where are you going all dressed up?”  My reply.  “To work out.”

(legalese)

Westcomb Skeena Hoodie Jacket Review - Mens

Originally submitted at REI

The Westcomb Skeena hooded soft-shell jacket features a progressive design with a serious technical edge. It blocks the wind, and has high breathability and thermal warmth.

Westcomb Skeena Hoodie Jacket - Men's

Versitile go-to jacket

By pwyu from West Michigan on 3/4/2012

5out of 5

Fit: Feels true to size
Sleeve Length: Feels true to length
Chest Size: Feels true to size
Pros: Comfortable, Stylish, Durable, Breathable
Best Uses: Casual Wear, Hiking and Camping, Skiing/Snowboarding, Cold Weather
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
Was this a gift?: No

One of my favorite Westcomb pieces. eVent hood, sleeves, and shoulder are waterproof, but its not seam sealed. So, its not really a rain shell, but the eVent will keep you dry enough (for quite a while) if you get caught in a rain or wet snow. Schoeller dryskin breathes incredibly, and on a windy day, you'll feel it, which is perfect if you're doing high aerobic activities, or are warm blooded. On really windy and cold days, I layer with my down jacket and that makes the system windproof. Merino wool lining rocks. Very comfortable as I'll wear this jacket in the spring and fall with short sleeve shirts and its perfect. Attention to detail in construction is amazing.

(legalese)