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)