PATAGONIA Simple Guide (£90)

PATAGONIA Simple Guide (£90)

By Chris Townsend

April 01 2010

TGO Rating 4 stars


The Simple Guide Pants are just that: basic soft shell trousers with minimal features. The recycled fabric is thin with a smooth outer and a more open weave inner for quick transport of moisture. It’s wind resistant but not windproof and only resists rain for a short while so overtrousers are needed in storms.

They, or long underwear, are needed in cold weather too. The cut isn’t loose but there is room for long johns. Overall though these are designed for spring to autumn rather than winter. There’s a crotch panel and shaped knees which, along with the stretchy fabric, gives good freedom of movement. The pockets are okay though they could be larger. Plain hems mean it’s much easier to shorten the length compared with trousers with zips and patches, and the recycled fabric is a plus point, showing that functional good quality outdoor trousers don’t have to be made out of new fabrics. The weight, the lowest of the trousers tested, makes these more suitable for carrying in a rucksack than most soft shell trousers.

Technical Spec

Fabric: 92% recycled polyester/ 9% spandex
Pockets: 2 zip front, 1 zip rear, 1 zip thigh
Waist: elastic, belt loops
Ankle: plain
Vents: no
Weight: 379g
Sizes: men S-XXL, women XS-XL
Likes: recycled fabric, light weight, plain hems
Dislikes: not very windproof

Patagonia
0800 0260055
www.patagonia.com/europe

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