The Craghoppers Men’s NosiLife Stretch Trousers boasts a trifecta of protective awesomeness: NosiLife® technology wards off bugs, UPF 40 fends off harsh UV rays, and streamlined stretch construction offers optimum agility when you’re scrambling over rocks or ‘packing the Long Trail.
On NosiLife Performance…
Several years ago I headed into the Yosemite Wilderness with group of friends. It was late summer amidst untouched nature and indescribable raw beauty. When we finally reached our destination, we set up camp only to be swarmed by hoards of hungry mosquitos. The invasion was so pervasive, that we cut our trip short and hiked out with a new perspective on the biblical plagues of ancient Egypt.
Developed by Craghoppers, NosiLife is the worlds first and only permanent insect repellant clothing range. You can learn more about the technical details of NosiLife here, but really all you need to know is that it is a virtual force field of protection against biting bugs, insuring that you’ll never have to suffer through an experience similar to my mosquito-poloza experience in Yosemite.
To test the effectiveness of the NosiLife treatment, I spent several long nights in the mosquito laden Santa Cruz Mountains. Usually such an outing would find me back at home, applying home remedies to the bites in an effort to eradicate the incessant itching. However, with the NosiLife Stretch Trousers, the only bites that I suffered were on my arms and around the unprotected portion of my ankles.
Of course the only thing that’s better than that kind of protection is the knowledge that it will last as long as the garment. Unlike other insect repellant clothing that washes out after sixty or seventy washes, NosiLife never washes out, making it the perfect option whether you’re traveling through marshlands, doing humanitarian work in malarial zones, or trekking Tuolumne Meadows.
On Design and Durability…
In terms of fit, the Craghoppers design team brought Men’s NosiLife Stretch Trousers closer to the body for a cleaner fit, but don’t worry, you won’t sacrifice any mobility with these pants. The NosiLife polyamide elastane fabric ensures maximum mobility that moves with you from rock scrambles to precarious creek crossings.
And as always, with Craghoppers the difference is in the details. If you don’t make it across that water hazard, SmartDry fabric finish allows the pants to dry quickly, and the material also repels water if you get caught out in the rain. Zippered side pocket with a security clip keep your passport, cash, and other valuables safe from would-be thieves.
Amidst all of the comfort and technology offered by these pants, two the favorite features turned out to be relatively simple yet well thought out details. For added durability around the hem of the pants, the Craghoppers design team included heel tape. As the perfect antidote for dirty lenses on the trail, they even included a Microfiber patch in the side pocket for cleaning your sunglasses. Two small features that both make a big difference over hours on the trail.
The only minor qualm that we had with the pants, was the fact that the nylon belt shrank significantly in the washing machine. Then again, it’s our own fault for leaving it on through the was process.
Bottom Line…
Repel mosquitos, water and harsh UV rays all while embracing the adventure at hand. The Craghoppers NosiLife Stretch Trousers are ready for any journey.
*Gumption Gear Review received the item featured in this review from Craghoppers at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.