review by Tony Lourens
For South African conditions, whether you’re hiking, scrambling, peak bagging or rock climbing, the TNF Explorer Trousers do a really outstanding job.
Constructed from a lightweight stretch fabric, you actually hardly feel that you are wearing any trousers at all. They lightly hug your waist, bum and thighs and taper loosely down to your ankles for a really comfy fit all round. And the gusset coupled with the stretch, gives an excellent range of movement.
Although light, the fabric is durable and water repellent against light moisture, and also dries really quickly if it gets saturated. Besides two regular pockets and a zipped back pocket, the Explorer also has two zipped cargo pockets, which is handy for stashing phones, maps, snack bars, etc. and easily accessible when wearing a climbing harness.
The bottoms of the legs can be rolled up a few turns and secured to give a little lower leg ventilation if required, but to be honest, I thought the button tie offs are a little fiddley – a small press-stud would’ve made fastening much easier. But in the greater scheme of things, this is rather negligible.
The Explorer Trousers are also available in the popular convertible version, where the lower legs can be zipped off, giving you a pair of shorts in warmer conditions.
Specifications
• Diagonal grosgrain belt loops, back belt tunnel and snap button fly zip closure
• Two open hand mesh-lined pockets and two mesh-lined zip closure leg pockets
• Roll up system external button on calf
Fabric: Elasticated nylon FlashDry fabric with DWR finish
RRP: R1899
Available at: www.capeunionmart.co.za
