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When I’m not out backpacking, I’m canoeing, fishing or working in the garage. That’s when I rely on clothing of a different performance. I look for clothes that can hold up to a beating while meeting the performance needs of the climate. That’s what I like about Duluth Trading Co.’s “Dry on the fly” cargo pants and Armachillo Long Sleeve shirt.
Duluth Trading Co. offered to send me pants and top, and since I had such great success with the Armachillo Sun Cape hat on the John Muir Trail, I figured I’d give them another try. Take a look at both of these products in this double feature.
Duluth Dry on the Fly Cargo Pants
Features:
- quick-drying 100% nylon
- 5.6 oz. weight fabric
- Brushed for comfort
- Crouch Gusset for greater range of motion
- UPF 40 sun protection
- Soft tricot-lined elastic waist
- Removable web belt
- Cargo pockets with quick-draw side zips for access when sitting
- Deep side pockets – one with zip security pocket – and large rear pockets with flap hook-and-loop closure
- Double-stitched seams
- MSRP: $69.50
I’ve had the pleasure of testing these pants through wet and dry, in the shop, on the lake, on the trail and even at my desk job. I continue to go to these pants when work gets serious.
When I first saw these pants, I expected them to be much heavier than they are. The quick dry nylon felt more like a comfortable cotton than a quick dry fabric, showing that Duluth cares as much about comfort as it does about function. Their light weight and quick dry feature means these are great for those adventures where you expect to get a bit wet and need something that won’t absorb a lot of water. The tricot-lined elastic waist means these are incredibly comfortable to wear, especially when touting a pack, or simply when active in hot weather.
These pants are very durable. I don’t mind doing bushwacking, throwing a canoe on my back, working in the shop, or pulling the cedar hedging out of the front yard in these because I know they’ll stand up to the task. If they don’t, I know they have an excellent warranty program as well.
Ok, these pants have more pockets then I know what to do with… ok so maybe I do know what to do with them. They can comfortably fit larger smartphones, tape measures, fishing kits, first aid kits, multi-tools, pretty much anything you can throw in them. The dual access pocket zips means that you won’t be struggling to get into them when sitting down in your canoe either!
The included (and removable) belt is a great feature that they’ve included. It’s lightweight, but really durable. Just what I need!
Overall I’m impressed with the Dry on the Fly pants. I tend to blow through pants quickly, especially when I work in the garage and outdoors with them. These have stood up to a lot of abuse and they look to be ready for another round next year.
Duluth Armachillo Patterned Long Sleeve Shirt
Features:
- Ultra light 2.5-oz. 50% nylon/50% polyester
- Made-in-the-Jade™ fabric technology makes shirt feel cool to the touch
- Bellowed pockets with pencil sleeve in the left, phone sleeve in the right
- Back locker loop
- Cut slightly smaller than our Tradesman Fit for improved wicking performance
- MSRP: $64.50
I’ve tested these shirts in the sweltering heat of Utah Summers, the bug filled North (Canada) and lots of summer in between.
The shirt is light, comfortable and packable. The Made in the Jade fabric does make the shirt feel cool. I’m not sure how much is science and how much is psychology, but it’s definitely a top choice for hot summer days. There’s plenty of breathability, especially with venting on the back. It comes with sleeve cuff holders so you can button up the rolled sleeves when you’re hard at work. Oh and it dries really quickly.
I’m a bigger fan of the blue patterned top than the green one you see in the photos, but it does pair well with the Duluth Cargo Pants. It dresses up for slightly more formal ocassions, but still performs like a technical shirt. I think the price is a bit high for a shirt, but you are rewarded with the Duluth No-nonsense Warranty. Check out the shirt here.
