Review of Outdoor Research Plateau Pants
By Matt Smith

Canyoneering is a horrible environment for everything. Canyons thrash packs, tear clothes, break headlamps, and provide an immense amount of satisfaction to wierdos like me. One of the most important concepts for outdoor life, whether trail hiking or picking your way through a slot in a dry suit, is comfort.

The Plateau Pants are perhaps the most comfortable pants I have ever worn. The unidirectional stretch (fabric stretches along the leg and through the crotch, but not around the leg) allows a full range of unrestricted motion.

The fabric (Ispira Tactel Nylon) feels soft to the touch, and initially didn't seem that durable. However, much to my surprise, the Plateu Pants were very abrasion resistant, more so than other similar nylon or polyester pants.

The ergonomic front zip pockets are great for keeping track of keys, candy wrappers, permits, oh yeah, and rocks your kids want to take home. I recommend trying on a pair before you by. My experience has been that OR pants tend to run a little small on the sizes.

Summary: I repeat, the Plateau Pant is awesome. It is comfortable, durable, and at 11 oz. you can take them on any hike. Quality doesn't come cheap though, so expect to pay round $100.

For more information contact:
Outdoor Research
www.outdoorresearch.com
Seattle, Washington 98134
888-4-ORGEAR (467-4327)
info@orgear.com

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and frequently sets up tents in the dark.