Gramicci Qwik Dry Pant
By Steve Mann

Gramicci is famous for their cotton line of pants and shorts. For example, GearReview.com has previously reviewed the Gramicci Jam, a fantastic 100% cotton short at www.gearreview.com/grmjam.asp.

But Gramicci isn't a one-fabric company. The company also offers several styles of shirts and pants in synthetic fabrics, such as nylons and polyesters. One such product is the Gramicci Qwik Dry Pant.

Constructed of 3.5 oz, 2-ply sanded Supplex (soft-feeling nylon), these pants are lightweight and comfortable. I have worn them on the trail, around camp as an 'after-sport' pant, and at home as a pant for just lounging. In every one of these situations, the pants perform admirably.

From rough sandstone hiking around Moab, Utah, to fall mountain hiking above 10,00 feet, to winter desert hiking, and in rainy weather the pants have worked well. The thin Supplex makes them easy to move in--one of our reviewers sport climbed in the Qwik Drys with good results.

The one situation we have not liked the pants is in hot weather. Unlike cotton, the nylon is not very breathable, so in hotter, or more humid weather, you tend to start sweating earlier and longer. Of course, once wet the pants dry much, much more quickly than cotton, especially in the sun or wind. The trade-off for quick drying is less breathability.

If your hiking, adventure traveling, or backpacking involves water, say crossing streams, a dip in the surf, swimming a plunge pool, or an afternoon rain shower, then the Qwik Dry pant is at its best. Once out of the water you'll be dry again in no time--or at least your pants will be.

Unlike some other manufacturers' quick-drying pants, the Gramiccis do not come with a mesh interior "brief" lining. Our reviewers liked this in the Gramicci pant, as they chose to remove the lining from other similar pants.

Like most Gramicci pants, the Qwik Dry comes with an elastic waist and a trademark "logo-tipped" belt and patented gusseted crotch--Gramicci staples. The pockets are mesh lined so that water drains out, and air flow dries the pocket (and its contents). Our reviewers appreciated the rear patch pocket's full velcro closure. This ensures that whatever you place in the pocket isn't going to fall out even when the going gets tough.

As for fit, for our reviewers, getting the right waist size meant they had to go with pants that were too long. Our guess is that this ensures a given size is long enough for everyone. It may mean that you'll be cutting yours off, hemming them, or rolling them up. One reviewer also mentioned that he felt the pants "pooched" out in the front at the waist.

One other cavaet. One of our reviewers found that the pant's dye bleed through on to his base layer clothing. He has washed them several times, but it continues to happen. Others have not noticed the same problem. We also found no problem with the Qwik Dry shorts after the first washing.

These pants are also well suited to travel. The are relatively wrinkle free, very lightweight, and the colors and cut make them stylish. The pant's versatility means that you'll be able to wear them out to a restaurant, around the pool with the children, on the plane, or sightseeing around town, as well as in more active pursuits like hiking and packing.

Gramicci offers the pants in sizes XS, S, M, LG, XL, and XXL. Colors vary from season to season, but they are usually offer in three or four colors. Khaki and a shade of blue are usually on that short color list. Retail price $46

Summary: A great hiking, backpacking, and travel pant, especially when there is likely to be water involved. The pants have a stylish appearance, excellent comfort and, although lightweigtht, offer rugged durability. Grammicci has priced the pants very competitively--most other nylon outdoor pants range from $60 to $75.

Steve Mann is a contributing editor for GearReview.com

For more information, contact:
Gramicci
1620 Emerson Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93033
(800) 814-5000
gramicci@gramicci.com