Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsGood pants, could be improved. Rid the washing overload of wrinkles, back pocket closure please.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 20, 2016
About this time I normally think of replacing worn khakis and dress slacks. This time I started to thinking why can't there be a more rugged outdoor pants that might fill in for a few of my khakis. I understand that it will not replace dressier slacks but I can make it work to and be okay at dressing it down as long as it is not too much a jean look. Nice to know others were seeking or wanting the same, something more versatile, a little more rugged for weekend casual or travel. Made a trip to REI besides reading up on outdoor and work wear pants. It basically came down to Kuhl and Prana. I like the fit of both, Kuhl fit actually somewhat better, but felt like it was almost too much material and stuff going on for my aim. Prana seemed simplier and a little more understated while having the same high quality. Decided to go with Prana. I have to admit I didn't try on the Prana Bronson but tried on the stretch Zion. I don't mind the poly blend pants, however the thin lightweight fabric didn't totally suit me overall for work unless it is strictly for warm weather wear. Honestly this is issue that even a mild winter this pants seem too thin to me. I suppose for outdoor hiking or climbing, base layer solves all that, but who is going to do all that going to work or on outings? Maybe it is me too that the amount of polyester strikes me as a bit odd, I know the advances and the blend are so much different and do make for a very comfortable fit and slacks.. but after awhile wearing them, that polyester I tend to start noticing. Noo..it is not the swish stuff..you know that stiff polyester of the 90's,..the fad like matching running pants and jackets. I kinda thought that had passed. Not saying these new blends are anything like that but I guess I prefer cotton or at least a bit more of it in the slacks.
After seeing this Bronson and the price on Amazon I decided to go ahead and give this a try. Overall I would say I am pleased with the quality of the material, however there are some things I was either surprised and not quite as pleased. Some things could be improved, but the pants and the styling, basic idea has a lot of potential. Wrinkles - a lot of them, here again I understand this is suggested more outdoor gear wear but I was shocked at how wrinkled it was coming out in the wash. If you think your jeans come out with wrinkles, triple that with these pants. Maybe they just show more cause of the styling I don't know..why. Solution is to iron, which might be a no biggee for some but for me that is not what is going to be happening, so it will go to the cleaners periodically, again disappointed. This is not an issue I would say if you are camping maybe but tooling around even on weekends poses a problem. I am not into looking like I slept in these pants...and who does?? Some of these wrinkles do smooth out, I am imagining cause of the stretch fabric but the calf and cuffs after a day now of wearing have not left. Again be prepared to iron.
Other suggested improvements. I am hoping Prana may read some of these reviews or explain. I admit I did not think to look for it in these slacks. However I just assumed there would be back pocket closures. There is none...why? Seems any hint of outdoor, usually any form of hiking pants they come with them, velcro, snap or buttons. I assume if you are going to be hanging upside down on some cliff, anything in your back pockets might be vulnerable to falling out. The front pockets are wonderfully deep and full. Back pockets not so, my wallet fits but barely. Short where is the Velcro?? Just slightly disappointed is all and seems a simple add for the price-- I just think it should be there. Unfortunately I will be getting some alteration to fix this soon.
Pewter color is solid green..not grey or silver grey. I ordered the pewter, given the size I needed and availability. Plus was not set on any one color, but I did imagine a different hue or shade than what was delivered. The pewter is green, bottom line. I think of pewter as in metal, a silver grey maybe. I thought first this was a shipping order mistake but sure enough the tag said it was pewter. True color in daylight has a very slight bluish grey tint. But indoors I see definitely green, close to a forrest green or even a fatigue army green quite honestly. Can't say much about the other color choices--but be aware if you order pewter, it will be green!
Sizing was pretty much on track, I almost hesitated about some comments about running small. I did not find that. In fact it ran a bit larger than my typical 31 fit. Thus the washing to shrink a bit. I probably would have done better ordering a 30 waist even, looking back.
Good points, good materials, the slight stretch does feel right. Moving, bending, sitting you do notice more comfort. Waist seems slightly odd, maybe I will get use to it, I know each pants comes out slightly differently, just not sure that if it does not sit high enough above the hips, seems to sink a bit after sitting. Reason I bring this up I think keeping tucked a dress shirt could be a problem. Haven't tested this out fully but will know soon. Of course any other like a t-shirt or otherwise, not an issue. I like the reinforced areas, triple stitching and flex area, such as in the crotch. It does help in moving and not feeling that pinch. Back cuff reinforcing I hope helps it wear longer, tired of khakis fraying in this one spot alone. Good points, all the reinforcing, cut is close to slender but not skinny, with my build relaxed fit just looks baggy and skinny is too much for where I am with style. Prana has it right the in between look, fits tight enough but not overdo. Yeah to the cell phone pocket! I am not sure why some object to this, especially with front deep pockets, fishing them out is going to be even more awkward, the side pocket is great no matter what. I do notice it as detracting in any way, it is functional. Avoids putting your phone with your keys in pockets..plain an simple. I am hopeful these pants will last a bit longer than most of the and appears to be more versatile.
Let's put some wrinkle guard in or some amount of polyester and my preference a back pocket loops or button, and we got something then!! Is there a 3 1/2 star rating...would be higher miss this two things.
