I suppose it’s just a fact of nature that climbers like comfortable clothing. In the outdoors, function always takes priority over appearance and very often that bleeds through into daily city life. A pant like the Mountain Hardwear Loafer offers the same up-for-anything flexibility, but with more attention to the form side of things.
Mountain Hardwear Loafer 2 Features:
- Cotton-poly-spandex blend is easily packed
- Easy to wash and wear
- Two back pockets
- Extra-wide, soft waistband
- Inseam: 30,32,34
- Standard fit
- Weight: 1 lb 1 oz / 470 g
- Price: $70
Travel anywhere, climb everywhere
In many respects, the Loafers are an ideal traveling pant. They have a moderate fit which is neither too baggy nor too slim, plenty of pockets and a comfortable feel which is ideal for traveling. I’ve been testing the Loafers primarily at my local climbing gym and they’ve made forays into downtown Spokane, too.
I will clarify at the beginning that I am 5’11”, 185lbs and tested a 32″ waist line with the Loafer 2. The waist was spot on and the fabric has a little bit of stretch, so it loosens up over time. The pants are a good match for my body, with a moderate fit throughout.
The foundation of the Loafer 2 is a comfortable, soft fabric with an attractive grain to it. It’s primarily a cotton blend with a little bit of spandex woven in to give it that coveted stretch. Cotton is a summertime classic, of course, and it’s a nice material to wear if the temperatures are in the 90’s and you want to hop into a lake and then be wet for a long time. Otherwise, though, remember that this cotton blend won’t quickly like synthetics well. As I write this, of course, it’s February – I’m thinking of the long, hot summer days ahead.
The Loafer 2’s pocket design is unapologetically straightforward: two front pockets (one of which with a separate knife sleeve) and two back pockets don’t provide a ton of extra security for the traveler, but it’s certainly a time-tested design. Mountain Hardwear supplemented this with a zippered pocket on the right thigh for a little extra security for your valuables.
In general, Mountain Hardwear seems to be displaying their logo a little more prominently on their Spring 2015 products and the Loafers features a stitched-on flap right next to the right butt pocket – but, fortunately, it’s done in a subtle grey fabric.
If you plan on purchasing the Loafer 2’s for a climbing pant, take note that they’re a trifle baggier than a dedicated climbing pant. Every now and then I found myself shaking my leg to get a better view of a foothold; these pants are striking the balance between travel and sport, so keep that in mind.
The Good
- Comfortable fit with stretch waistband
- Fabric has a nice handle, pleasant stretch
- Zippered security pocket is a great touch
The Bad
- Perhaps a little baggier than suits my taste
The Bottom Line: Loafer 2 Pants
The Loafer 2 really are an excellent traveling pant and their stretchy base fabric has made them enjoyable for climbing and bouldering. The zippered security pocket is a nice touch, but overall the relaxed and comfortable fit is what one me over to the Loafers.
Buy Now: Available from Moosejaw.com
