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2009 Patagonia Primo Flash Pants | Reviewed On: January 8, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Pants>>Waterproof>>Patagonia Primo Flash PantsPRODUCT SUMMARY
By powderjunky
THE GOOD
Usually, I read the press release for a product and it's full of a bunch of fluffy BS. However, I completely agree 100% with what Patagonia has to say about the Primo Flash Pants. Read here:
These fully dialed hard-shell pants have a stretch shell to provide key lower-body mobility. The stretch-woven fabric is lightweight and durable, with plenty of give for dicey recoveries. A waterproof/breathable H2NoŽ barrier and a DelugeŽ DWR (durable water repellent) treatment provide complete foul-weather security. Inside, skin-friendly brushed tricot smoothes the waist and controls moisture. Welded seam construction increases weather-resistance and allows an especially soft and compressible design. Heavy-duty edge guards protect the lower legs; gaiters, with gripper elastic, form a tight bond with boots. Details include articulated knees, a drop-seat design, removable suspenders, two handwarmer pockets and thigh pockets.
These are pretty much the most perfectly functional pants I have ever worn for backcountry skiing. WATCH THE VIDEO- these pants are 100% waterproof. They are also extremely comfortable, fairly lightweight and have minimal, but thoughtful features. One of my favorite things about these pants is that they are comfortable to wear without any baselayers aka in the nude. This is crucial for warm, spring days skiing the backcountry.
THE BAD
My primary complaint with most Patagonia products is how they fit. Usually, their products seem to be intended for the tall and lanky type and look like "skinny leg jeans" on an average body. I consistently wear a size 34, so I ordered a size 36 to give myself some breathing room. Good thing I did! They fit perfectly, but I wouldn't want them any tighter. If I cared about style, I might even want a little more room in the legs. Other improvements that I think Patagonia should consider:
1) Storm flaps over the zippers.
2) Full side zip for quick changes in mountain weather.
3) More color options.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Patagonia got it right. The Primo Flash pants are the best backcountry skiing pants that I have ever worn. They are waterproof, comfortable, vent well and are constructed to withstand my abuse. You won't be disappointed.
By powderjunky
THE GOOD
Usually, I read the press release for a product and it's full of a bunch of fluffy BS. However, I completely agree 100% with what Patagonia has to say about the Primo Flash Pants. Read here:
These fully dialed hard-shell pants have a stretch shell to provide key lower-body mobility. The stretch-woven fabric is lightweight and durable, with plenty of give for dicey recoveries. A waterproof/breathable H2NoŽ barrier and a DelugeŽ DWR (durable water repellent) treatment provide complete foul-weather security. Inside, skin-friendly brushed tricot smoothes the waist and controls moisture. Welded seam construction increases weather-resistance and allows an especially soft and compressible design. Heavy-duty edge guards protect the lower legs; gaiters, with gripper elastic, form a tight bond with boots. Details include articulated knees, a drop-seat design, removable suspenders, two handwarmer pockets and thigh pockets.
These are pretty much the most perfectly functional pants I have ever worn for backcountry skiing. WATCH THE VIDEO- these pants are 100% waterproof. They are also extremely comfortable, fairly lightweight and have minimal, but thoughtful features. One of my favorite things about these pants is that they are comfortable to wear without any baselayers aka in the nude. This is crucial for warm, spring days skiing the backcountry.
THE BAD
My primary complaint with most Patagonia products is how they fit. Usually, their products seem to be intended for the tall and lanky type and look like "skinny leg jeans" on an average body. I consistently wear a size 34, so I ordered a size 36 to give myself some breathing room. Good thing I did! They fit perfectly, but I wouldn't want them any tighter. If I cared about style, I might even want a little more room in the legs. Other improvements that I think Patagonia should consider:
1) Storm flaps over the zippers.
2) Full side zip for quick changes in mountain weather.
3) More color options.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Patagonia got it right. The Primo Flash pants are the best backcountry skiing pants that I have ever worn. They are waterproof, comfortable, vent well and are constructed to withstand my abuse. You won't be disappointed.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Best in Test
AVG USER ADVICE
n/a
| VALUE | 4/5, Even at this hefty price I recommend the Primo Flash pants |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 4/5, Order a size larger than you normally would. |
| MITTEN TEST | 3/5, Zipper pulls are a little small when wearing mittens, but worked well with gloves. |
| WATERPROOF | 5/5, watch the video. |
| FUNCTIONALITY | 5/5, It's obvious that Patagonia spent a lot of effort designing and testing these pants. |
| TESTING LOCATION | Central Oregon Cascades |
Gear Reviews>>Pants>>Waterproof>>Patagonia Primo Flash Pants
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $350.00 |
|---|---|
| MATERIALS | 3-layer 5.1-oz 80-denier stretch-woven nylon, Soft brushed tricot lining |
| WEIGHT | 765 grams (27 ounces) |
| INSULATION | None |
| REINFORCEMENTS | Knee/Shin, Heel, Backside |
| REINFORCEMENT MATERIALS | 8.4-oz 70-denier |
| GAITERS? | Yes, fully-featured gaiters with gripper elastic, adjustable cam buckles and integrated drawcord |
| PASS LANYARD? | Yes |
| AVAILABLE SIZES | Men's 28-38, even sizes |
| AVAILABLE COLORS | Black, Fog |
| VENTING? | Yes, drop-seat design with zip to knees |
| FULL SIDE ZIPS? | No |
| WATERPROOF? | Yes, H2No barrier and Deluge DWR coating |
| SEAM TAPED? | Yes, welded seams |
| WAIST | Internal hook-and-loop waist tabs, wide belt loops, removable suspenders |
| POCKETS | 2 handwarmer (lined with brushed mesh), 2 thigh (left one is a top loader, right one zips on the side |
| BEST USE | Backcountry Skiing |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
 |
EXUM PANTS | Best in Test | $349.95 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
MAYA | Solid | $140.00 |
 |
XENON | Solid | $250.00 |
 |
SHELT ER PANTS | Solid | $218.00 |
 |
TRINI TY BADLA NDS HARDS HELL PANTS | Solid | $150.00 |
