Style and comfort are rarely synonymous, yet both are so necessary to the trendy traveller. I have been through my fair share of “do-it-all” travel pants with varying results. Imagine my surprise when the Herringbone Discovery Strider Pant from Royal Robbins shows up on my doorstep and changes the game.
It’s been a hot and humid summer here in New England, meaning these pants have yet to be a major player in a hike. However, they did make an excellent layering piece for the cooler temps at the summit of Mt. Washington. As we sat up around 6,288 feet, I was pleased to have a nice lightweight fabric sheltering my legs from the cooler winds and blaring sun.
Read more on the ascent of Mt. Washington in my next post!
My new Royal Robbins have also been out on the town and lounged around in and let me say: comfy! Flattering in the bum region, the Strider certainly put a bounce in my stride (*wink, wink). Performance wise, the herringbone fabric offers a UPF of 50+ as well a wrinkle resistant and quick-drying properties: winner.
☀ What I love:
- Lightweight, four-way stretch fabric that not only moves with your body but also breathes.
- Low bulk that makes for easy packing.
- Subtle, neutral colors that are easily paired with other items of clothing. I got mine in Everglade (notice how they match the lichen covered stones perfectly?).
- A fit that works for my body and even accommodates my skier thighs: at 5’3″ and 140lbs, the size 8 fits like a glove. It is perhaps a size bigger than I am accustomed to ordering (forget vanity here), but it is true to the Royal Robbins chart
- Good sized mesh pockets that are in keeping with the lightweight, quick-drying nature of the garment.
☁ Not so much:
- Though I no longer wear super low riders, the Strider sits a little higher than I would prefer; the waistband reaches just below my navel. That being said, it will certainly come in handy when scaling a mountain side: no one needs to see that crack.
I paired my Royal Robbins Herringbone Discovery Strider Pant with my trusty Exofficio undies and my bright Lowa shoes for the ultimate in hiking comfort and performance. Try them out and see for yourself!
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Winter is coming,
K
In the spirit of full transparency, please note that my Herringbone Discovery Strider Pant was provided by the lovely folks at Royal Robbins. Nonetheless, this post is the true and honest product of my personal experiences and adventures.