Backside Line
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 pants are an ideal compromise between extra conventional, heavy-duty pants and light-weight joggers on our checklist of one of the best mountaineering pants for ladies. They’re snug, have respectable pockets, and are reasonably sturdy. Whereas testing these pants, we discovered that the softer materials and looser match make them about as snug to put on as a pair of sweatpants. We frequently put on them at residence and on the path as a result of they’re so cozy.
The Aphrodite pants have options that fall between extra technical and lighter-weight fashions. The pockets are extra usable than most joggers we tried, however there aren’t as a lot of them as conventional mountaineering pants normally have. The sturdiness is healthier than light-weight particular pants, although proof of piling and unfastened threads means they wouldn’t be our first alternative for off-trail excursions.
Fast Specs
Ladies’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
Greatest On a regular basis Climbing Pants
CleverHiker Ranking:
64.5/100
Value:
$80
Weight:
8.6 oz.
Match:
Straight-leg
Cloth:
95% nylon, 5% elastane
Execs
- Above-average consolation
- Cheaper
- Straightforward to regulate size with ankle cinch
- Stretchy cloth is straightforward to maneuver in
- Light-weight
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Minimal pockets
- Not as sturdy
Consolation & Mobility
The Aphrodite pants really feel nothing like every other mountaineering pants we’ve tried; they remind us extra of carrying sweatpants or scrubs as a result of they’re so snug. Whereas carrying these pants on backpacking journeys in southern Colorado, we discovered the fabric is softer than every other pair of pants we examined. The looser match additionally makes them straightforward to chill out in and reduces the quantity of resistance whereas mountaineering uphill. The excessive waist design isn’t our favourite, and the material attracts canine hair greater than every other pair of pants, so these are some issues to bear in mind. These pants make us really feel like we’re lounging on the sofa, even after we are mountaineering on the path.
Sturdiness
The North Face included a number of options that enhance the durability of those pants, however general, they could possibly be extra sturdy. We respect that most of the seams have three completely different threads holding them collectively, which provides to the pants’ power. Sadly, we discovered one spot the place a thread began to tug nearly instantly. As soon as we trimmed it, that thread didn’t run additional down the leg, nevertheless it nonetheless was not an ideal begin. Throughout our side-by-side comparability exams, the pants confirmed a bit of damage after being rubbed on a tough floor, however they did do properly when rubbed on a pokey stick. Within the discipline, we seen that after a number of journeys, some piling was on the rear of the pants beneath the place a backpack sits. General, the North Face fairly balanced final consolation and technical efficiency.
Breathability
The Aphrodite pants possess completely different strengths and weaknesses relating to breathability, however general, they aren’t our favourite. Once we examined these pants by soaking the underside of the legs and timing how lengthy they took to dry, they carried out in direction of the again of the pack. Within the discipline, we wore them on a stormy day beneath some rain pants whereas bushwhacking. The underside hems acquired moist by the day’s finish and stayed moist till we turned into different pants. We really feel that the looser match helps with airflow and, thus, breathability, however they aren’t our best choice in comparison with a few of the different pants we tried.
Options
Whereas we want that the Aphrodite had extra pockets, those it does have are helpful. This pair of pants has three pockets, all sufficiently big to hold a smartphone comfortably. There are two hip pockets, and inside the suitable pocket is a bonus zipper pocket that may match a cellphone. We respect the zipper because it makes objects like telephones safer throughout creek crossings, however we want the zipper was barely extra strong. It has some resistance when opening and shutting as a result of small dimension of the enamel. Different options that the Aphrodite pants embrace are a drawstring on the waist and ankle cinches. These options imply there may be extra flexibility in sizing and adjusting them for consolation on the path.
Climate Resistance
Whereas these pants supposedly have a DWR end, we didn’t discover them to be waterproof within the slightest. Throughout our side-by-side testing, we sprayed the pants with a light-weight mist from a squirt bottle, and the water soaked by way of to the pores and skin after simply two squirts. The material soaked the water up readily. Whereas out on the path, we seen that they get moist pretty shortly and really feel a bit heavier once they do get moist as a result of cloth. These pants are snug to put on beneath rain pants all day, which is a professional. The leg cinch means the bottoms of the pants may be adjusted to maintain them from getting moist when used this fashion.
Ought to You Purchase the North Face Aphrodite 2.0?
The Aphrodite pants supply good worth general. No pants actually do it finest in all circumstances and terrain, however these are an ideal compromise between two standard kinds of pants, and they’re cozy and wearable. Because of purposeful pockets, adjustability, and good mobility, the general high quality means these pants gained’t simply sit in your closet however be put to good use. That is very true for the one that desires these qualities in a pair of pants that may be worn at residence.
The North Face Aphrodite pants are a superb possibility for these searching for the consolation of a jogger however with higher pockets and extra sturdiness. Whereas these pants wouldn’t essentially be our first alternative for a brushier hike or off-trail adventures, they work properly for the common out of doors fanatic. The adjustable options are nice for individuals who need some flexibility of their clothes, and the pockets are a step up from the entire jogger-type pants we tried on. These searching for compromise between extra conventional mountaineering pants and a jogger-style pair for an ideal worth will respect the Aphrodite 2.0.
What Different Climbing Pants Ought to You Think about?
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Assessment: The Trekkie is one other very snug possibility with respectable pockets. It has extra pockets than the Aphrodite, although a few of them are a bit awkward. Additionally they have higher sturdiness however take for much longer to dry when moist. General, they provide some trade-offs that handle a few of the issues with the Aphrodite for these prepared to take care of completely different downsides.
REI Trailmade Assessment: For many who are both on a stricter finances or need a barely extra conventional pair of mountaineering pants, the REI Trailmade could also be possibility. These pants usually are not probably the most sturdy however are extra waterproof, dry sooner, and have higher pockets. The extra conventional look could also be interesting along with the extra reasonably priced price ticket. They don’t seem to be fairly as snug however are probably the most cozy of the “conventional” pants we’ve tried.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 Ankle Assessment: One other jogger-style pair of pants, the Dynama has fewer piling issues however is extra prone to a tear whereas on the path. They’re extremely snug and flattering to put on, making them one other of our high selections to be used outdoors of the backcountry. Whereas the pockets are much less usable than the Aphrodite, they do dry a bit sooner.
