Backside Line
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 pants are a fantastic compromise between extra conventional, heavy-duty pants and light-weight joggers on our checklist of the perfect climbing pants for girls. 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 regularly 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 lots of them as conventional climbing pants often have. The sturdiness is healthier than light-weight particular pants, although proof of piling and unfastened threads means they wouldn’t be our first selection for off-trail excursions.
Fast Specs
Ladies’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
Greatest On a regular basis Mountaineering Pants
CleverHiker Ranking:
64.5/100
Value:
$80
Weight:
8.6 oz.
Match:
Straight-leg
Cloth:
95% nylon, 5% elastane
Execs
- Above-average consolation
- Inexpensive
- Straightforward to regulate size with ankle cinch
- Stretchy material 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 climbing pants we’ve got 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 calm down in and reduces the quantity of resistance whereas climbing 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 climbing on the path.
Sturdiness
The North Face included a couple of options that improve the durability of those pants, however general, they might be extra sturdy. We recognize that most of the seams have three totally different threads holding them collectively, which provides to the pants’ power. Sadly, we discovered one spot the place a thread began to tug virtually instantly. As soon as we trimmed it, that thread didn’t run additional down the leg, nevertheless it nonetheless was not a fantastic begin. Throughout our side-by-side comparability assessments, the pants confirmed a bit of damage after being rubbed on a tough floor, however they did do nicely when rubbed on a pokey stick. Within the discipline, we observed that after a couple of journeys, some piling was on the rear of the pants beneath the place a backpack sits. General, the North Face moderately balanced final consolation and technical efficiency.
Breathability
The Aphrodite pants possess totally different strengths and weaknesses relating to breathability, however general, they aren’t our favourite. After we examined these pants by soaking the underside of the legs and timing how lengthy they took to dry, they carried out in the 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 obtained 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 appropriate pocket is a bonus zipper pocket that may match a telephone. We recognize the zipper because it makes gadgets like telephones safer throughout creek crossings, however we want the zipper was barely extra sturdy. It has some resistance when opening and shutting as a result of small measurement of the tooth. Different options that the Aphrodite pants embrace are a drawstring on the waist and ankle cinches. These options imply there’s 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 water resistant 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 means of to the pores and skin after simply two squirts. The material soaked the water up readily. Whereas out on the path, we observed that they get moist pretty rapidly and really feel a bit heavier once they do get moist as a result of material. 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 might 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 situations and terrain, however these are a fantastic compromise between two common 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 needs these qualities in a pair of pants that may be worn at residence.
The North Face Aphrodite pants are a wonderful choice for these on the lookout for the consolation of a jogger however with higher pockets and extra sturdiness. Whereas these pants wouldn’t essentially be our first selection for a brushier hike or off-trail adventures, they work nicely for the typical outside fanatic. The adjustable options are nice for individuals who need some flexibility of their clothes, and the pockets are a step up from all the jogger-type pants we tried on. These on the lookout for an excellent compromise between extra conventional climbing pants and a jogger-style pair for a fantastic worth will recognize the Aphrodite 2.0.
What Different Mountaineering Pants Ought to You Think about?
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Assessment: The Trekkie is one other very snug choice 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 cope with totally different downsides.
REI Trailmade Assessment: For many who are both on a stricter finances or desire a barely extra conventional pair of climbing pants, the REI Trailmade could also be an excellent choice. These pants aren’t probably the most sturdy however are extra water resistant, dry sooner, and have higher pockets. The extra conventional look could also be interesting along with the extra reasonably priced price ticket. They aren’t fairly as snug however are probably the most cozy of the “conventional” pants we’ve got tried.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 Ankle Assessment: One other jogger-style pair of pants, the Dynama has fewer piling issues however is extra liable 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 exterior of the backcountry. Whereas the pockets are much less usable than the Aphrodite, they do dry a bit sooner.
