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We’re already into the the throws of cold weather, so it’s time for a look at some fashionable and functional winter wear from Royal Robbins. You may seen our review this past summer of their Diablo shirt and Convoy shorts, and Royal Robbins was generous to offer us our pick of some cold weather items and offer them a fair review. We chose the Fireside wool 1/4 zip sweater and their Convoy pants. Let’s take a look at the features and talk about what we think.
Fireside wool 1/4 zip sweater
- 80% Wool, 20% nylon blend
- Reverse jersey body with 2×2 rib running down sleeve
- Straight hem
- Tonal stitching
- Contemporary Fit
- MSRP: $75, $45-57 on amazon
Men’s Convoy Pants
- 67% Polyester, 21% cotton, 12% Nylon
- UPF 50+
- Quick Dry
- Wrinkle resistant
- Multiple inseams
- Sandwashed finish
- Drop-in cell pocket
- Tonal stitching details
- Zip-secured right back pocket
- Hook & loop secured left back pocket
- Hidden zip-secured right front pocket
- MSRP: $70, $58 on Amazon
Testing
We’ve been using these items for a few months already, testing them in the city, at work, and of course outdoors.
What do we think?
What we were looking for with these items was something that could handle light winter outdoor activities, as well as dress up for casual events and nights out. When we look for gear, we ask the following:
- Is it versatile?
- Does it look good?
- Will we wear it often?
- Is it going to last?
- Is it worth the price?
The Fireside Wool 1/4 Zip Sweater
The first item we want to look at is the Fireside wool 1/4 zip sweater. We chose the Petrified Oak color in medium. This great wool/polyester combo is classic in its styling, but with a contemporary fit.
This sweater is great for the fireside as I found out at the end of October at a fall birthday party. Although not Merino, the wool is comfortable, not itchy. The fit is very comfortable. The sleeves are long enough and the torso length is enough to handle movement without exposing your middle to cold weather.
The collar is nice and high and provides great protection from the cold, without being uncomfortable. I think this has slipped into the dryer more often than not (lay flat to dry), so there’s a bit of pilling after several months, but it still looks and feels great.
We keep coming back to this sweater. There are a lot of situations where an athletic sweater or fleece just don’t suit. This simple, classic sweater is a perfect balance of style and outdoors ready. It’s not built for backpacking, but it’ll handle the backyard and more…
Men’s Convoy Pants
These aren’t winter pants, but they’d do a great job all year round. In winter they perform well with a set of base layers underneath.
First off, look at the stitching. That’s right, the pants are mix of double and triple stitching for strength. The fabric is a lightweight, breathable, quick drying poly-cotton-nylon blend. They provide some stretch, without looking like a pair of yoga pants.
There’s just the right balance of pockets. Two Front, two rear (one velcro, one zip), one hidden front pocket and a cell phone pocket.
We’re huge fans of the Convoy Pants. They fabric is very soft, and the fit is perfect for active and formal settings. These are our favourite pair of pants at the moment. They look good, and they’re incredibly versatile.
In Conclusion
When we’re invited out with friends, this combo is our first choice, especially with the Diablo Shirt underneath to complete the combo. We’ve been really pleased with Royal Robbins as a comfortable, outdoors ready brand. Check them out and let us know what you think.
