Climbing with Workman! A thorough review of the 2020 Spring/Summer Featured Models ~Trekking Pants Edition~
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Workman's cheap gear reviews, familiar on this site, have quickly entered its fifth year. During this time, Workman was well known. (It's hard to believe since then) and now it is about to begin to become known as a "good" apparel brand, from being synonymous with "high-cost performance" apparel. I'm just saying that I don't know how far this rapid advance will last.
To reflect this momentum, Workman has also released a number of new releases and updates this season. Therefore, in order to discover items that could be used for low mountain hiking, light mountain climbing, trail running, etc., we have picked out products from the Spring/Summer 2020 models, and will start reviewing actual mountain climbing experiences again this year!
table of contents
Regarding reviews: Picked items and evaluation criteria
With regard to Workman's items, thanks to its popularity, while a lot of information has been collected recently, it seems that it is becoming difficult for readers to receive useful and practical information, such as "who and what" that is good (or bad). In this review, I would like to share my evaluation stance on this site in advance so that there are no strange misunderstandings, and I would like to share with you the site.
Unless otherwise specified, this review will provide you with a review of useful workman items from the perspective of how to use them mainly for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and trail running What you can use here is simply outdoor activities such as hiking and light mountain climbing. Conversely, even if the rating is low, there may be no problem if it is light outdoors such as camping or motorcycle touring, so please read this information again.
First, we have picked out the following three models of pants from the 2020 Spring/Summer model, from the perspective of "it looks like it can be used for hiking or mountain climbing." These three models are not made straight for mountain climbing, but are workwear that incorporates the characteristics of outdoor pants. However, we have selected this because we believe that there is a good chance that it can be used unless it is a harsh, serious mountain climbing.
- Aero Stretch climbing pants
- Aero Stretch Cargo Pants
- CORDURA EURO Dual Pants
Evaluation criteria
When evaluating, the following five items were set as rating indicators:
- Comfort: How to wear comfortably and stress-free
- Mobility: Can you concentrate on your activities without being obstructed?
- Functionality: Pockets and other features are rich in functionality, so whether it is practical
- Breathable and breathable...In the summer, you may be particularly concerned about stuffiness inside clothes
- Weight: Not only the actual weight, but also the weight of the actual use.
With the above five points in mind, I tested by actually walking and running along mountain paths. Each item was rated with 3 points: ◎◯△, and rated with 5 points as a recommendation for light climbing.
Review results & spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| Recommendation level | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Aero Stretchclimbing pants |  Aero StretchCargo Pants |  CORDURA EUROdual pants |
| This is ◎ |
|
|
|
| This is △ |
|
|
|
| Comfort | ◎ | ◯ | △ |
| Mobility | ◎ | △ | ◯ |
| Functionality | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Breathable and moisture permeable | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| weight | ◯ | ◎ | △ |
| Specs | |||
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥1,900 | ¥1,900 | ¥3,900 |
| Actual measured weight | 330g | 225g | 494g |
| Sizes available | S, M, L, LL, 3L, 4L | S, M, L, LL, 3L, 4L | S, M, L, LL, 3L |
| material | 89% polyester, 11% polyurethane | 100% polyester | Body: 65% polyester/35% cotton Knee: 100% CORDURA (nylon) |
|
|
| |
| Product number | CS003C | CS001D | CP005A |
Impressions of each model
Aero Stretch climbing pants mountain climbing recommendation level: ★★★★☆
Recommended points
- Stretchability
- High mobility with three-dimensional cutting
This is △
- It's even better if it's water repellent
The Aero Stretch climbing pants are a bestselling model that is also very popular in Workman's Field Core series. These versatile pants are highly mobility due to their three-dimensional cutting and stretchability, and sweat-absorbing and quick-drying. Basically, there have been no major changes, but the fact that only browns are now insect-repellent is a major topic. It may not be very important for serious mountain climbing at high altitudes, but it is a great experience for low mountain hiking and camping.
The fabric has 4-way stretches in all directions, so it does not interfere with operation despite its slim, tight fitting.
Highly stretchable, still stretchy even when bent your knees
The crotch part has a gusset so that it can be spread 180 degrees, and the knee part is cut to increase mobility without relying on the stretchability of the fabric.
Crotch is 180 degrees cut pattern
The fabric is slightly thinner, but the durability is not bad for Workman only. It has high ventilation, but on the other hand it is hardly windproof. It is not resistant to water such as water repellent, so it will seep and spread when water gets exposed to it, but it takes a while for it to dry. It also absorbs sweat and evaporates, not drying quickly.
It is not water repellent and absorbs immediately when water drops
The back of the fabric is uneven to prevent stickiness, so it is also breathable, making it more comfortable.
The lining is uneven and does not get sticky due to sweat
There are six pockets in total, three of which have zippers and two with snap buttons, making it difficult to drop things while you're on the move. All the pockets are made of mesh fabric, so here too, there are some tips to improve breathability.
All pockets are mesh fabric for better breathability
Currently available in six colors, one-color brown of which has been treated with insect repellent treatment since the 2020 season model , so it may be useful for camping in the coming season.
These pants are highly stretchable, breathable, and reasonably absorbent and quick-drying properties, making them worth more than they cost. It makes sense that this is a bestselling model. This highly versatile and highly recommended model can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities that move the lower body significantly, including hiking, mountain climbing, and climbing. If they provide water repellent properties in the next update, we should be able to compete with outdoor manufacturers.
Aero Stretch Cargo Pants Mountain climbing recommendation level: ★★★☆☆
Recommended points
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- pocketable
This is △
- Stretchability
The Aero Stretch cargo pants are thin cargo pants with a measured weight of 240g and are lightweight and stretchy. The stretch is 2 ways, only the side, and the stretchability is not that high. However, the knees are cut into three-dimensional shapes, so it is easy to move around to some extent, but it seems difficult to deal with dynamic movements like climbing.
The 2-way stretch gives you a sense of tension in the dynamic movement
The fabric itself is thin, so it is highly breathable. The back of the fabric has unevenness, and the design has been designed to reduce stickiness even when you sweat, making it comfortable to wear even during this season.
The lining is uneven and does not get sticky due to sweat
It is slender, straight, and the buttons are painted like metal, so it doesn't look strange even when you wear it on a regular basis.
The metal-looking paint creates a luxurious feel
The waist has silicone anti-slip at regular intervals to prevent clothes from slipping.
Four non-slip inside the waist
The lower knees can be rolled up.
Roll-up design for convenient when it gets hot and stuffy
It's only available in cargo pants, and has 6 pockets for excellent storage. The back right pocket has a zipper, making it a pocketable design that allows you to store your pocket and pants.
If you put it in your pocket, it's compact and easy to carry
It is lightweight and pocketable, making it easy to carry, and stretchability and mobility due to its three-dimensional cutting are sufficient for trekking. It is thin and breathable, so it will be useful for trekking in the coming season. It would also be a good idea to keep it in your bag as a factor in changing clothes when hiking with accommodation.
CORDURA EURO Dual Pants Mountain climbing recommendation：★★☆☆☆
Recommended points
- High durability
- I'm concerned about the feel of the seams
- Two-way design that can also be used as short pants
This is △
- It's both heavy weight and comfortable to wear
- There are many functions that are not often used when climbing
The final one is CORDURA EURO dual pants. The CORDURA, which comes from the name of the pants, uses abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric, so the duals are two-way designs, with a zipper opening and closing that can also be used as soft shorts. Its durability and functionality makes it seem like it will be useful outdoors, but what do you think?
First of all, as mentioned above, Cordura is of course used in the fabric, but in fact, only the knees are used, not the entire pants. However, other than the knees, we use durable ripstop fabric. The fabric is thinner than the bulky look, making it more comfortable than I expected, but it is not very breathable due to the dense braiding to increase durability.
Low breathability thanks to dense weaving
Perhaps to compensate for this low breathability, the back of the knee is made of stretchy mesh fabric to prevent stuffiness.
The back of the knee is stretchy mesh fabric
The knee part is basically the same fabric as the rest of the parts, but Cordura is used to cover the knee, making it look like a pocket. And there's a thin padding inside the pocket, which is thought to be EVA material. This pad is designed to absorb shock, so I think it can be used outdoors. It is removable.
Cordura pockets on the knees contain shock absorbing pads
There are many other features that come with it, and it is highly functional. First of all, there are a total of seven pockets, four of which are not sewn into the fabric to prevent movement from becoming cramped even when you put things in them.
Unsewn pockets do not interfere with movement
The back pocket on the left has a band so you can hang towels and other items.
The left back pocket has a band that can be used to hook towels and other items.
The rest is to open the zipper below the knee to create shorts. It is not breathable, so if you remove it when it's hot, it can be used well even in the hot summer.
Open the zipper and get a short pants
The overall silhouette looks like a loose design, but when you actually wear it, it's not that loose and a bit tight. It's not suitable for those looking for loose pants.
The fabric is highly durable and highly functional (often), but I doubt whether these functions can be utilized outdoors... Pockets that are not sewn to the fabric are easy to move around, but fluttering outwards, can get caught or get in the way. I can't imagine using the gimmicks that hang towel tools. It would be very useful if I had simpler pants using this fabric...
summary
This time, we tested the 2020 spring/summer model pants from the Workman Field Core series to see if they can be used for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain climbing.
Aero stretch climbing pants and aero stretch cargo pants will be perfect for outdoor use. Climbing pants in particular are versatile and can be used for any outdoor activity, making them a great value that goes beyond the price. Dual pants made from Cordura, a highly durable material, are both highly durable and functional, but it is hard to believe whether their functionality can be utilized in outdoor activities. However, as mentioned at the beginning, the evaluation is only for mountain climbing and hiking, so please don't think this is an absolute evaluation of this item. You may be able to find a place to be useful in camps that do not involve mountain climbing.
In any case, Workman is still astounding as ever, as you can get pants of this performance at this price. Of course, this is not enough, but rather that it is only necessary to limit the use of introductory or light routes such as low mountains and day trips, but it is of sufficient quality as an entrance to deep outdoor equipment. If you've felt that mountain climbing is a high hurdle because of the high tools, why not try and get into a diverse world of outdoor activities?
In addition, since fall 2019, this website has been providing tools that reviewers have been interested in as a Workman Ambassador. However, the content of the review article is created in accordance with the regular review policy of this site, and we have not checked it in advance, and we have not received any financial compensation other than providing goods.
