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Super Speedy Summary Review
These are a superbly well made and quality pair of cargo pants that are just as great for hanging out in a bar or town as they are for hiking or bushwhacking through dense woods and over rocks. They have HUGE cargo pockets on the leg that fold down small when not in use and the adjustable Topo red tabs on the waist are a nice touch too.
Purchase $119In Depth Review
Cargo pants were first worn in 1938 by British military personnel. These cargo pants were part of their Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). The original cargo pants style featured one pocket on the side thigh and one on the front hip. Cargo pants were first worn in the United States on military uniforms in the 1940s. The side cargo pockets initially were only on paratroopers’ uniforms, providing them with easy access to ammunition and radios. These days we tend to use them when we are out hiking or walking because of the hard wearing fabric and useful pockets.
Pockets
These Pants have some SERIOUS pockets. I mean HUGE pockets. They have a pleat on them that means when they aren’t being used they sit flat against your leg, but once you open them up or stuff things in them the pleats unfold and the pockets on the thighs are huge. You could easily stuff a lightweight jacket or extra layer in them as well as the usual things like snacks etc. When I first wore these I actually said I thought these could almost be called ‘Backpack Pants’ they can store so much gear in them.
There are also the usual pockets on the sides for your hands and keys etc and 2 pockets on the rear with buttons to also stow away other items too.
Material
The cargo pants are made from a hard wearing cotton and ripstop nylon blend. They feel just like 100% cotton, but the ripstop makes them a bit more hardwearing when pushing through thorns and undergrowth and scuffing over rocks as well as making them more breathable too on hot days. I’ve given them a few washes and they have worn well and if hung up or tumbled dried don’t need ironing which is great.
The seat is also reinforced which is useful because I have a tendency to sit on anything when I’m out hiking and its often the seat of pants that are the first places to get tears or scuffs.
Fit
I’m not a fan of Cargo Pants that are too baggy. I’m quite short and baggy Cargo Pants make me look really stumpy. These Cargo Pants have a tapered leg and aren’t too baggy but are not too tight so they don’t make me look dumpy !
The length in the leg is generous. Id say that they probably measure 32inch on the leg on a size medium ( I’m probably a 30 inch leg and 34 inch waist). I found a little it of extra material wasn’t an issue on the Pant leg and in fact when you take into account the sort of hiking boots or army boots you might wear with these I would say they need to be on the generous side for leg length anyway.
Gripes
I’m not a huge fan of the red draw straps round the ankle area. They aren’t quite long enough to tie properly and are a bit fiddly. I think I would prefer if they were simply a draw cord instead.
There are only two color options for these pants, Olive and Camo Green. I think it would be nice to see a black and possibly also a Khaki option for the Summer.
Verdict
These are a superbly well made and quality pair of cargo pants that are just as great for hanging out in a bar or town as they are for hiking or bushwhacking through dense woods and over rocks. They have HUGE cargo pockets on the leg that fold down small when not in use and the adjustable topo red tabs on the waist are a nice touch too.
Purchase $119Features
- Relaxed fit with tapered leg opening
- Gusseted cargo pockets
- Flap pocket closure back pockets
- Waist adjustments with metal tension lock
- Hidden adjustable drawcord hem
- Double layered seat
- Articulated knee
- Belt loops
- Oversized BDU buttons
- Button fly
Specs
Materials: 68% cotton, 32% nylon ripstop (nyco)
Fit Style: Relaxed fit
About Topo Designs
Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen had always been interested in not only spending time outside, but also in the gear needed to get out. They found themselves wishing there was a company offering a lineup a bit more like the gear they grew up using—classic styling, functionality, durability and a clear connection with the brand behind the product. So in 2008, Jedd bought a sewing machine and began concepting, designing, and sewing packs in his Fort Collins basement, while Mark set out around Denver and the front range looking for resources and partners needed to build those designs.
They were lucky enough to find local Colorado folks that were just getting started like them and were willing to build companies together, and worked with them to produce Topo Designs’ initial offering of products, continuing to work with them to this day.
