|

I like the versatility that high-tech
fabric offers, but I also still have an
affinity for plain old cotton.
Unfortunately, cotton is not always a
good choice for outdoor adventure
apparel. But cotton still has it place,
and when cotton apparel makes sense,
then I wear it.
One of my favorite pair of cotton
pants are from The North Face: the A5
Cargo Pants. Made out of 100% pre-washed
cotton canvas, these pants are tough,
comfortable, and have a classic look.
Here's what makes them world class:
- The A5 Cargo pants have a
relaxed-fit design that allows a lot
of body movement without placing any
strain on the fabric. While the
pants offer a lot of room, they are
not excessively baggy. Personally, I
hate baggy pants.
- The tough cotton fabric is very
durable, providing great protection
for your legs. The pants should last
you a very long time.
- The includes two front pockets,
two rear pockets (with zippers), two
side cargo pockets with Velcro
closures, standard belt loops, and a
zip front fly. They also include leg
tabs so that you can secure your
pants when they are rolled up for
that occasional stream crossing.
- Because they are made out of
cotton, and very breathable, they
are comfortable in cool, warm, and
hot weather. In hot sticky weather,
they can be a little uncomfortable.
- The A5 Cargo's are machine
washable and dryable, and if you get
them out of the dryer quickly, then
don't need any ironing.
- Their casual look is at home on
the trail, at home, about town, at
school, and even at work.
I recommend these pants for climbing,
walking, hiking, trekking, adventure
travel, and for casual pants you can
wear just about anywhere. Because they
are made out of cotton, you would not
want to wear them in wet or cold
weather.
Using the
North Face A5 Cargo Pants in the Real
World
I have found myself wearing these
pants for travel, work, and around the
house. They are very comfortable and fit
very well.
I avoid wearing them whenever the
weather is humid, or if I expect any
precipitation. I find that cotton just
does not work well under these
conditions. In humid weather, the pants
don't breath as well, and can become
sticky ovens. In wet weather, the pants
get very wet very fast, and take a long
time to dry. In cold, windy weather, the
cold air cuts right through them. But in
dry, warm to hot weather, the pants work
out great. And when traveling, the
pockets are very handy. In addition,
they look good, even after wearing them
for several days of heavy travel.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a quality pair
of durable, all-purpose cotton pants, the
A5 Cargo pants are hard to beat.
Product
Notes
The North Face A5 Cargo Pants are
available in men's waist sizes of 30",
32", 34", 38", 40", with short, regular,
and tall inseams. They are available in
Classic Khaki, New Taupe (olive green),
and Graphite Grey.
The MSRP is $40.00. |
|