Prior to departing for an open-ended jaunt around Europe, I realized that my backpack lacked a pair of pants suitable for my intended adventure. If hiking the Pacific Crest Trail had taught me anything it was that just because you can bring something with you, it doesn’t mean you should (that, and how to poop in the woods).
With only three days until my departure, and only jeans (incredibly bulky and heavy) or convertible hiking pants (incredibly hideous and old-man-touristy) at my disposal, I frantically searched the interwebs for a solution.
I needed a pair of pants that was lightweight, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, casual but dress-up-able, and most of all comfortable. Really, I just wanted the perfect pants (and I don’t think that’s asking for much). This is when I discovered Bluffworks.
Overview
Here’s the deal: I spent nearly three months gallivanting around Europe with only these pants.
I brought one pair of cargo shorts for what I knew would be an intense hiking stint along the GR4, but 95% of the time (excluding the many times I opted to go pantsless) I was wearing my Bluffworks Original Pants.
In other words: I tested the hell out of these things.
I wore them whilst walking, biking, hiking, hitchhiking, car riding, food eating, beer drinking, and even sleeping. They withstood it all (washing took place occasionally although I only made the effort when it was incredibly convenient to do so).
The Specs
- 100% technical, breathable quick-dry polyester, nylon pockets
- Zippered front hidden internal security pocket to deter pickpockets (large enough to hold your passport)
- Rear zippered pocket-sized for an oversized travel wallet
- Discrete side pocket phone storage to keep you from sitting on it
- Hidden loop to clip keys or a security badge inside your front pocket
- Nickle-free jean tack closure
- Interior pocket images made to inspire
- Designed and manufactured in New York City, of imported fabric from Taiwan
- Machine washable – line or tumble dry
- Waists: 28-42″
- Lengths: 28-40″
- Colors: Khaki, Brown, Grey, Charcoal, Navy, Black
- Price: $98
The Good
THE FIT | I was skeptical – Bluffwork’s Original Pants seemed too good to be true. Experience dictated that the pants would either be uncomfortable (in the bulge) or limit my range of motion (no squatting, high-kicking, or pliés); when I tried them on, I was pleased with the results. My ever-shifting waistline remained within the pants’ circumference, the legs hung comfortably, and I retained my full range of motion (10/10, would try on again).
THE VERSATILITY | Not only are Bluffworks comfortable whilst being active, but they are also comfortable being boring and formal as well. Throw on some decent-looking shoes, and a collared shirt, and presto, you’re ready for a day of slaving away at your 9-5 (or for a night of unsuccessful matchmaking at your local dive bar?). The dual nature of the pants makes Bluffworks an ideal choice for travelers (because less is more, people).
THE FEATURES | Bluffworks features two zipper pockets (one in the back, and one hidden inside of a front pocket) and a side pocket for storing your cellular telephone. All three excel at their jobs (excellent holders of things), and I have had zero problems with the zippers (fly included). The pants also feature seven, count ’em, seven, loops for holding up a belt to hold up the pants (“I don’t know what’s happening down there – who is the real hero?” -Mitch Hedberg).
THE WRINKLE-FREENESS | It is genuinely impossible to wrinkle these things. The fabric springs back into shape whether you leave it bundled up on the ground (the default position for most of my clothing) or stuffed into a backpack. I have yet to try ironing wrinkles into the pants, but I would venture to say that the pants are resilient enough to resist even this level of determination.
THE PACKABILITY | Bluffworks uses some sort of magical wizard-enhanced fabric that not only fails to wrinkle but is also lightweight and extremely packable. In terms of packing, the addition of a pair of Bluffworks to your bag is on par with the addition of a pair of boxers or two (far superior to the task of packing a pair of jeans or cargo pants). And the weight? Only 14 ounces for a size 33/32 (for reference, a pair of jeans the same size weighed in at 26 ounces).
THE SMELL FACTOR | As alluded to before, I made no effort to wash my pants (or any of my clothes for that matter) on a regular basis. Occasionally the time would come that I would need to do some washing (that time being when you are asked to leave somewhere due to your stink), but I can assure you that said time was never a result of my Bluffworks. Like any good pair of pants, they require minimal washing attention (and they don’t smell).
The Okay
THE PRICE: I would love to buy a pair of Bluffworks in every color (perhaps even two?), but at $98 the price tag is a bit steep (for me, a homeless backpacker). However, Bluffworks are manufactured in the US and can literally replace multiple pairs of your other (and inferior) bottom-covering clothes.
The Bad
UPDATE: The colors have since been expanded since I wrote this review and Bluffworks now offers women’s pants as well.
THE LIMITED COLORS | Although I have already expressed my willingness (but inability) to purchase pants in every color, I would be excited to see more colors introduced in the future. They could stay conservative and go with a navy (perhaps a pinstripe?), or maybe get a little edgy and throw some green or orange into the mix (orange pants are cool, right?). Regardless of the color, I’ll buy them.
THE BOYS ONLY CLUB | Unfortunately, due to the small scale of Bluffworks, they currently only manufacture men’s pants. Not being a lady, I don’t know how exactly this transfers (do some women buy and wear men’s pants? Is there a sizing conversion chart? Are they really all the same?), but for time being the Works of Bluff are limited to those wishing to sport the “casual male” look.
Conclusion
In case you haven’t gotten the picture yet, I love these pants.
For anyone that needs a comfortable, lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, versatile pair of pants, Bluffworks are the solution. Hopefully, once their operation grows they will have more to offer in terms of colors, styles, and gender options, but since I fit their current demographic, I will continue to invest in and wear their products.
Check out the Bluffworks Original Pants.
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