ProView – Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Crux Pant
When adventuring in the outdoors, it is necessary to have the proper gear to handle any terrain you come across. I spend the majority of my time on the rough terrain of rocks, climbing and canyoneering, and I had the opportunity to test the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Crux Pants doing both of these activities. Clothing typically experiences a lot of rough forces while taking on these outdoor adventures, whether it be scraping along the rocks of the canyon walls, getting snagged on branches during the approach, or withstanding the friction of gear and rock faces while climbing.
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Crux Pants
Product Name: Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Crux Pants
Product Description: A unique Ferrosi bottom that's specific for outdoor rock climbing featuring Cordura® paneling at the knees for added toughness. Plus, an updated eco-friendly fabric that is 46% recycled nylon with improved stretch and recovery for multi-day use.
Offer price: MSRP: $99.00
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Quality
(5)
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Features
(4)
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Fit
(3)
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Durability
(5)
Summary
Overall, I really like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Crux Pants. My favorite features are the rear zipper pocket, lightweight yet durable fabric, flexibility of fabric, and wind/water resistant properties. My biggest complaint would be the fit, as the non-negotiable 32 inch inseam does not accommodate people outside that size range. Bottom line, I would highly recommend taking these pants on your next outdoor adventure.
Overall
4.3Pros
- Super stretchy allowing freedom of movement
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- 32in inseam for all sizes.
- The drawcord cuff adjustment felt clumsy
First Impressions / Features
Since I got these pants, I’ve been wearing them frequently. They are extremely comfortable. Of the many pairs of climbing pants that I’ve owned, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Crux Pants are the thinnest and lightest. Made with quality materials that have great stretch allowing for unrestricted movement. An elastic waistband provides a comfortable relaxed fit. A rear zippered pocket allows for a secure location to store your phone or a climbing permit without a fear of losing it mid pitch.
Towards the end of my testing period, I took an unexpected spill across some rough rock. I knew that I had left a good scrape across my backside. It was dark out, but when I got back into the light I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Crux pants held up. There were no tears or snags. It is not uncommon for me to wear a hole through a pair of pants when descending a single canyon, due to the need to slide down along the sandstone walls at times. However, I was able to successfully descend the canyon without any signs of wear on the pants. When it comes to pants for outdoor activity, I like to test the durability with canyoneering, but the flexibility of the material with climbing. While climbing in these pants, I was impressed with the flexibility of the material, being able to perform every high step and spanned-out foot move without feeling any limitations in movement from the pants. Lastly, not only were these pants able to meet my need for canyoneering and climbing, they are also comfortable!
Durability
At first I was skeptical about durability when I saw how thin the fabric was. So far, they have shown no sign of wear and tear, even against the abrasive forces that come with canyoneering and climbing. Featuring a high quality fabric with reinforced knee panels helps maintain a solid durability rating holding up to anything you throw at them. Whether that be rough sandstone, or a simple gym climbing. I do wish that they added some more reinforcement in the rear though as this is a common spot of clothing breakdown in the sports I enjoy.
Specs
Made with 46% recycled nylon these pants are eco friendly without sacrificing features. Wind resistant, water resistant, and quick drying for when you get that unexpected spurt of bad weather in the backcountry. The material is also breathable with a UPF rating of 50+ for those nice sunny summer days. Unfortunately all sizes come with a 32in inseam which is super annoying unless you fit in a 32in inseam. They do feature a drawcord cuff adjustment, but it doesn’t want to stay tight, and is hard to adjust.
The Final Word
Overall, I really like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Crux Pants. My favorite features are the rear zipper pocket, lightweight yet durable fabric, flexibility of fabric, and wind/water resistant properties. My biggest complaint would be the fit, as the non-negotiable 32 inch inseam does not accommodate people outside that size range. Bottom line, I would highly recommend taking these pants on your next outdoor adventure.
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About the Gear Tester
Matt Hutchins
Matt Hutchins is the senior Instructor in charge of training for Venture Off and a route setter for Spring Climbing Center. He specializes in canyoneering and rock climbing. He has been working in the outdoor industry for five years. You can follow his most recent exploits @matthutchins0515
Would these be suitable for a week long woodland adventure? Lots of rucking and crawling around in the North Carolina heat.