Although I have been referring to them in my raw field notes as the Arborwear Stretch Tech Pants they are now known as the Ascender Pant but everything else is still the same which is to say, outstanding.  I love them. 

A good pair of pants is like a great dog, a beautiful woman or a chilled shot of Crown. Whoa, nevermind, there is no way I can pull that one off without getting in some kind of trouble with somebody.  Anyway, everybody gotta wear pants out there right, butt (pun intended), oddly enough, really good ones are hard to find.

I have already awarded Arborwear a GGR for their Original Tree Climbers’ Pant. They replaced my cotton canvas Carhartts because they were more comfortable, cut better and just plain easier to move in. However, I am a huge fan of Tweave type synthetic fabrics in pants because they are ultra tough, water resistant, stretchy, light and breathable which just happens to be the same reasons I like the Arborwear Ascender Pants.

The Ascender Pants fka Stretch Tech Pants have become my go to field pants for almost everything. I have used them in the snow, triple digit heat and everything in between for weeks at a time without any babying whatsoever. They are tough as nails yet comfy as yoga pants or as comfortable as I think yoga pants would be if I actually owned any.

The pocket set on these is outstanding.  At first I was irritated that there was only one BDU style thigh cargo pocket but I have grown to like the little pocket on my right leg because it fits my iPhone perfectly.  The lower legs have zippers and velcro cinch straps which is great when you are sitting slash laying on the ground and trying to keep the creepy crawlies out.  The Ascender Pants have internal suspender loops in addition to sturdy belt loops.  They also have a protective fabric covering over the knees that doesn’t seem to make them any warmer even when I am working hard or the weather is hot. 

Like I said, these pants are very comfortable, super durable and my favorite field pants.  My only gripe is that Arborwear isn’t offering them in a coyote tan or foliage green…yet.

UPDATE – I just wanted to link something I said in a recent RAW NOTES FROM THE FIELD post with this GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION which should reiterate to you what I think of this product. 

“…i am absolutely sure that these are the best outdoor pants on the market for 85% of what i do (and i have tried dozens of others).  extremely comfortable and easy to move in because of both the cut and stretch capability of the fabric.  they breathe very well but they also do a nice job of cutting the wind and sluffing light precip.  and the pocket set is perfect.  the right leg tool pocket is ideal for my iphone, the left leg is a well designed, highly functional bdu style velcro secured pocket on top of a vertical zippered one.  the standard trouser hand pockets are deep, large and never ride up or spill their contents when i am sitting.  i never use the back wallet pockets and don’t think they are necessary on work pants but these are the best i have seen because they are sewn down flat and have a thin fabric top that is held down by velcro for security.  i am telling you, these are exceptional pants for everything except heavy precipitation and thorns, briars, sticker patches etc (which is what the arborwear original tree climbers are for).”

I would however, request that Arborwear give us a couple other colors to choose from say olive and coyote and seriously consider a bib version for use with a climbing harness and or backpacking hip belt.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
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