Ex Officio Barocade Pant : Rainy Days and Mondays

I like to get around on foot, but that becomes a problem when it rains all winter. I don't want to wear my trail gear around town, and I don't want to arrive at my destinations in wet blue jeans. Ex Officio's Barocade Pant gives me some nice options.

Available in men's and women's sizes, these weatherproof pants do a great job of shedding water. They're made out of a stretchy fabric (96% nylon, 4% spandex) that's soft and fleecy against my skin and has a water-and stain-resistant coating on the surface. I noticed the softness right away because I usually don't like the feel of synthetic materials.

The Barocade pant is so good at repelling water that my boyfriend poured a glass of water in my lap at a dinner party (to the shock of everyone at the table) and the water just rolled off. Cool. I've worn my black Barocade pant to dinner parties, to meetings, and to the Picasso exhibit. In fact, I walked in the rain for an hour to get to the art museum, and arrived completely dry and looking great. It's such a treat to be able to keep my "street" clothes on if I want to go for a walk or hike and then back to my day without changing clothes. I've worn these pants in temperatures from 55 degrees down to freezing and felt comfortable.

As a rule I don't like travel pants because they look like travel pants. The Barocade pant is more attractive and more subtle, and still performs well. The front pocket design is unique and helps the pockets lay flat. There's a small hidden pocket on one seam that's handy for stashing money. I'm very grateful for the belt loops on this pant (there are six on the women's pant I tested) because I don't get gaps or a bunched waistband when I wear a belt. Nice.

I was also surprised that I liked the rise on the Barocade pant. I'm a fan of low-rise pants, but the medium rise on this pant is a nice compromise for an active pant. They're not high, but provide very modest coverage, hitting well about my hips but also a few inches below my belly button. At 6' tall, the pants are too short for me, so I let out the hem (which has a drawstring in it so you can cinch it around a boot in blustery weather).

I think most people will love the Barocade pant's versatility and water protection. If I could change one thing about the pant (besides having it available in 34" inseam) I'd request less stretch. The women's pant runs big and stretches with wear, so it can get loose. This was only a problem for me on a day I ended up basically jogging in them for almost an hour because I was very late for an appointment. Because the pair I tested was a bit big on me, I did feel a tiny bit of chafing in the thighs. Still, for daily wear and travel, I've really enjoyed this pant.

Available in men's sizes 30-40 and women's sizes 4-16, colors: black, tan. (I tested a women's size 8, which is a size smaller than I usually wear.)

Bottom Line: An all-around great pant for travel, urban life, and outdoor activities in inclement weather.--E.D. (Dec '10)

BUY ONLINE : $88 (now on sale for $65.91). Click to shop.

Manufacturer: www.exoffico.com

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