Woman’s Kiwi Pro Convertible Trousers
No exaggeration here but from the moment I laid my hands on the ‘Kiwi Pro Conve rtible trousers’ I feel like I haven’t taken them off. Firstly I took them on a full-on weekend of camping putting them through rain showers, wind and plenty of knee action. This is when I decided these trousers are a keeper! The fit and feel was one of the best I have experienced from a low budget range of woman’s walking trouser.
I have worn them on mountain walks and scrambles; they were very comfortable even when worn with a harness. When it came to battling the elements they weren’t as good. When out walking, I got caught in a heavy rain shower and got soaked through; didn’t notice the ‘SmartDry technology’ kicking in and the trousers took about 20 minutes before they started drying a little. I ended up wet and cold so decided to change them.
They were great in strong sunshine, well as strong as you get in the UK – didn’t get any sunburn, so the ‘SolarShield’ fabric worked well. The zip off trouser legs were excellent, being quick and easy to adjust on the go. The shorts looked good, although a very fitted look!
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I’m 5’5ft and the regular length was perfect, I would say I’m on the small side of a size 12 and the fit was just right. The cut was neat and flattering with the pro stretch material making them extra comfortable during walking, scrambling, biking, canoeing and travelling.
PROS
- Comfortable, flattering fit due to the stretch material
- Surprise removable sunglasses wipe in the pocket
- Zip off trousers turning them in to shorts worked very easily and quickly
- Solar shield material protection from UPF 40+ UV rays stopped sunburn
CONS
- Only available in Navy and Cocoa – more variety would be good such as Black and Grey
- Not very good in heavy rain, but they are not waterproof trousers after all
- Would say the sizes are a bit on the small side
SUMMARY
A quality product which I loved the fit and feel of – a great pair of woman’s trousers suitable for all outdoor activities and travel in my opinion. Will definitely be purchasing another pair!
Manufacturer’s Website: www.craghoppers.com
MSRP: $85 US or £50.00
Listed Weight: 360g
Materials: Polyamide elastane, Solar Shield – sun protective fabric. Smart Dry – reliable water repellent
Size/Model tested: Size 12, Regular length
Warranty info: 14 days full refund
Colors Available: Navy or Cocoa
Arlisa Lightweight Jacket – (Deep indigo)
I have put the Arlisa Lightweight Jacket through wind, gales, showers and heavy cold rain while out walking and climbing in the mountains of Snowdonia, Wales.
When climbing in heavy rain I didn’t feel like it was very breathable and felt really sweaty. It held off the heavy rain well and the hood was a real comfortable fit and stayed in place well assisted by the inner collar and chin guard. The zips were waterproof lined and felt strong and have a good quality feel.
It performed well on windy walks, keeping me warm.
PROS
- Appearance and bright colors were quite stylish
- Very lightweight, to carry in your bag or travel with ease
- Hood can roll away to fix out the way
- Large pockets are really accessible and can hold maps folded
CONS
- Doesn’t feel very breathable and you sweat quite easy in it
- Not very fitted for a woman’s jacket
- Not a true size 12 – felt bigger
SUMMARY
A good-looking bright colored lightweight jacket – but not for me! The fit was on the large side for a size 12 and not as fitted as I thought it would be for a stylish woman’s outdoor jacket, I found it quite loose around hips and had to tuck under more than any other jacket – but I think this is just the style of the jacket as has a inner drawstring hem.
Very lightweight and easy to pack away for traveling with, protects well in the wind and rain with a good hood.
Manufacturer’s Website: www.craghoppers.com
MSRP: $90 or £75.00
Listed Weight: 450g
Materials: AquaDry Membrane polyester with water resistant finish
Dimensions: 27’ jacket length
Size/Model tested: UK size 12
Warranty info: All products come with a lifetime guarantee
Colors Available: Deep Indigo, Bright Turquoise and Canary.
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