Lived Up to My Expecs

By spychica Ranked #548 - Women's Pants December 15, 2009

I needed a waterproof pant for running -daily - often through waist high grasses, stream crossings, and every kind of precip - from sprinkles to downpours. However, most waterproof material is loud, stiff, and uncomfortable, so I opted for TNF's Apex line of water/wind resistent softshells. When I read other reviews that said the fabric is thin, having only experienced Mountain Hardwares' Alchemy Jacket (thick, fleece lined, and gore-tex enhanced), my heart sank with the realization that these pants would need liners to work below 45 degrees. It's b/c they're so thin that I'm keeping them. They're light, fluid, and silent, so much so I can hardly tell I'm wearing anything. I have used mid (smartwool), heavy (Patigonias Capilene 3) and lightweight (TNF bamboo) liners and all have stayed put and been unbinding under these. Order up if you plan to use them all year round b/c the drawstring waist tightens past what the waist snap will do. Color matches most of what I have, but would prefer 2 front, slant zip pockets, not just the tiny front lip zip. The downpour day was 60 minutes total (30 running, 30 dog walking), and my knees were wet after. BUT, every other time, through streams, tall soaked fields, and on one blustery 19 degree day, these softshells get it done and do so in comfort and slightly flattering fit. I might get a second pair just cuz these are already always in the hamper.

View Details: The North Face Prolix Pant - Women's

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