Outdoor Research Tested by Juan - Contour Softshell Pants: Freedom of movement

June 21, 2010Outdoor Research Tested by Juan – Contour Softshell Pants: Freedom of movement

As soon as I put them on, I knew that the Outdoor Research Contour Pants and I were starting a long love story. They’re so comfortable. Although they’re really thin, you can still feel that they can take a beating. Thank you Cordura-based softshell. Not only that, but they are elastic as well, which makes them incredibly comfortable. It feels like you’re floating in them.

Me, wearing my rugged man face

Outdoor Research Men's Contour Pants

With two pockets at the front, one at the back and another on the right thigh, business is taken care of. Especially since each one has a subtle zipper. I also like the fact that the side pocket is discrete, which allows you to wear the pants in a wider variety of situations.

Sparkling white wine and OR's Contour: Most certainly

One thing I like a bit less is the finishing on the thigh pocket. It is laminated and it is very well laminated in fact. It’s just that I wish the finishing was a bit more refined. Yes, I’m aware I’m being difficult.

Finally, even if the articulated knees and gusseted crotch reveal a focus on climbing, I will admit that I have not done any climbing in them. Rather, I was wearing them when I wrestled in a park. I’ll let the experts debate the differences between the two sports and their relative pants-testing merits; all I know is that I put them through their paces in terms of movement and toughness. They passed with flying colors.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to film this testosterone-filled test. I’m sure you’ll understand that my arms were rather busy. It may be hard to hold a candle in the cold november rain but it’s even harder to hold a camera when you’re busy trying to hold a 210 pound man down.

You’ll be relieved to know that I was able to submit the Contour to another challenge: cycling. Indeed, riding a bike is actually a good test in that the legs flex a great deal. This test also allowed me to notice that the pants are pretty wind resistant. Basically, the Contour more than holds their own on a bike. Do join me by watching what is but a tiny portion of my challenges: a video of me riding to work.