Product Review By Mike Watts
Outdoor pants have to meet my many stringent requirements if I am going to be bragging on them. They need to be rugged, loose, and stretchable, yet lightweight, allowing for easy movement. Since I’ll be hiking to a river, bending, squatting, climbing, and occasionally wet wading, they must dry quickly.
Recently, I purchased a pair of Free Fly’s South Fork Guide pants and thought I’d give them a trial run. On their first fly fishing trip, I was impressed at how they fit and performed.
Free Fly advertises that “the assortment of pockets keeps all your essentials easily accessible. Two front thigh pockets offer quick and convenient storage, two secure pockets at the rear (one zip, one snap) safely hold can’t-lose valuables, plus two front hand pockets stash the rest of your gear.” I really liked these deep pockets, and the back ones were very secure. I didn’t have to dig inside the bottom of my waders for my wallet or car keys at the end of the day.
I continued to abuse these pants. From waders to wet wading, and hiking, which included climbing under and through brush. These pants are tough.
Many pants claim to be stretchy, but they tend to pull rather than stretch when worn. I am very rough on my outdoor “fishing” clothes. The freedom of movement was excellent, especially with the articulated knees. I wasn’t disappointed. Being double-stitched along the outside seam meant these pants would be durable and last through many trips.
Here’s part of their website description: “Guide-tested. Guide-approved. Built to excel in transitional temps, this midweight fishing pant is cut from a quick-dry, double-woven fabric infused with 4-way stretch. Articulated double knee panels allow for unencumbered movement. A PFAS-free DWR finish keeps water at bay—without contaminating your favorite fishing hole with forever chemicals.”
A high-quality pair of outdoor pants that won’t let you down. Whether you’re hiking, wading through a mountain river, or relaxing around a saltwater marsh, these pants will hold up. I’ll be ordering a few more pairs.
I’ll gladly give 5 Stars on this product!!
