Prana Sutra Knicker Pants : All Around Comfort

Yoga practices. Climbing. Lounging. Sleeping. Barbequing on the beach...

I have to be honest; most of the outdoor or fitness apparel I buy ends up playing multiple roles in my wardrobe. For example, I'm not much of a hardcore rock climber. I'll hit the indoor climbing gyms a few times per year and only occasionally do some outdoor bouldering. For me, climbing isn't a lifestyle. But I do love the gear and clothing.

The versatility of the designs from top manufacturers is remarkable. Some of the best climbing pants look as good at a backyard barbeque or in the gym as they do on a 5.13a difficulty pitch.

Take the Prana Sutra Knickers, for example. Out of the box, the pants impressed me with the attention to detail that has become a hallmark of Prana's designs. But it wasn't clear to me whether this particular pair was designed for yoga or climbing (Prana's heritage is built upon these activities), so I decided to put the pants to the test with a number of different uses.

I broke them in at a yoga class. If I had any reservations about wearing knickers (I'm a fairly traditional guy when it comes to my pant length), they were quickly set aside when I made it a point to notice the pants other guys in the class were wearing. No fewer than four men were wearing knickers, which makes sense given the range of motion afforded by the cut. The Sutra Knickers responded well, with no clumsy belts or zippers to restrict movement, and a hemp-based fabric blend that breathed well and didn't contribute to excessive sweating (despite the yoga instructor's intentions!).

Over at the rock gym, the pants really had a chance to shine. Freedom of movement is critical in climbing sports, and the loose leg openings and generous cut (more on the baggy side) didn't impinge on my ability to get a foot on the next hold.

Still, I wanted some feedback from friends. At a backyard party, I received many compliments on my new knickers and several guys asked where they could pick up a pair. I don't dress to impress, but the positive feedback told me that Prana was on the right track.

At the risk of entering the "too much information" zone, I've even worn the pants to bed on a few chilly evenings. Comfortable? You betcha.

If you're concerned with issues such as sustainable farming practices, you'll take no small amount of comfort in knowing that Prana bases its entire philosophy on supporting ecological causes, including the increased use of organic cotton. It's a company with an eye toward improving the land while still building a quality garment.

Bottom Line:  Guys, get past the idea that knickers are for golfers, kids, or women, and you'll find a winner in the Prana Sutra Knicker pant, which is suitable for a vast variety of activities and leisure pursuits.-G.P. (May '06)

Price: $56

Manufacturer's Site: www.prana.com

Buy Online: Prana Sutra Knickers