New developments coming this summer

[Untamed]

Mine showed up yesterday. Pants are super comfy. Top is great also. Ordered a large and XL glad I did because the L is tight! Going to test them in a few days.

 

[Timplant]

got my pants today! two pairs 32/30 or everyday and 33/30 for long john/winter usage. unbelievable feeling! love the stretch but the static waist band is insane.

fit is PERFECT for me.

 

[NDHUNTER24]

Recieved my 34/32 pants. First impressions are fit and feel are great. I'm a big fan of built in belts. Time will tell with durability but currently very happy with the pants.

 

[learl]

@Mark at EXO or anyone else who’s worn both; how do the pants fit compared to the Sitka Ascent? Especially interested in the fit through the thigh.

 

[Ferrulewax]

When I first put on the pants, I was very a little skeptical about the lack of elastic and loose waistline (although I knew that was the case) however as I tightened the belt I forgot that elastic ever existed- the fit with the belt is superb. I do wish the belt buckle was thinner, but that’s likely impossible with a locking buckle.

 

[jonnyviceroy]

@Mark at EXO or anyone else who’s worn both; how do the pants fit compared to the Sitka Ascent? Especially interested in the fit through the thigh.

I’ve worn both and found the ascent has a tad more room in my thigh. Just a very slightly more tapered fit on the OV.

 

[Ajsomp]

The initial take from the pants and fleece - spot on. Pants were the probably the right size with dialing the belt in a little - which gives me room to layer too. I dropped some lbs in the offseason so I’m under my usual 34 waist, but the built in belt makes that easy to fix.

I appreciate a tall version for the long torso in the fleece. I need to put my normal wool base layers underneath to see how it fits. I’m not sure I would run it by itself personally - I tend to run hot, but could be fine if I’m still hunting.

I plan to get out this week/weekend for some white tail hunting to compare.

Looking forward to the puffy jacket

 

[Macintosh]

6’2” 195, 34x34, 16x36 shirt. L/tall midlayer fit is exactly what I need. Length is great both sleeves and torso, long enough to move without bunching or pulling out of a hip belt, but not excessive. Body is slim for sure, but very stretchy, and fits me perfectly—its not stretched at all wearing it but not a ton of extra fabric there. Its actually easier on/off than my size xl first lite navigator due to the stretch, and Id say should be better under a hip belt. If you are expecting a “layering piece” fit over a baselayer then it seems true to size, if you want a “sweatshirt” fit or you have particularly well-developed chest/lats or dad-bod, then sizing up is a decent option.
Been shopping for an active insulation top for a while, tried a few now. I would buy this one again. Make me one without a hood and I’ll buy three!

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I have to say I’m extremely hard to please and the fleece and pants are shockingly good. I thought the fit and materials would be good, but it’s nice to get something that’s really quite dialed. Also nice to have some odd waist sizes for the pants. The belt is well done, they are trim without being skin tight and not too baggy, restrained on “features” and the weight is good. The fleece is certainly a closer fitting mid layer. It really cuts in tight at your lower back where the mapping is, which is both good to prevent bunching under the pack, and illustrates where more gym work is needed, ha. Compared to the original ambient hoody (which WAS a favorite) it’s more dialed for fit for sure. My favorite fit with this type of piece compared to others I’ve tried (go hunt’s being the worst….)

Getting the stuff into the field immediately this weekend will be much more enlightening than first impressions, but for brand new pieces, wanted to pile on some high praises.

 

[ezwy]

Really like the pants. A few observations. Mesh pockets, not my favorite. But, innocent until proven guilty. Hopefully they last longer than the mech in some of my other pants. Fit on a 32 30 for a 5’5” guy is really perfect. Like the length and taper. After wearing on a short grouse hunt with kids, a day at work, some cross-canyon shooting with setting up targets, including some bike riding, I have found they are extremely comfortable and versatile. Closest material I can relate is the stretch panel pocket on my exo pack. Some burs do stick to them.
One spot already has some threads pulling. (Maybe from brushing a slivery picnic table)
All of these things are maybe nit picky. If I was writing a review on their site it would still be five stars and they may still turn out to be my favorite pants.

 

[flyfisher117]

Definitely glad I upsized the fleece. I’m right between a M and L on almost all tops. The L fits me like most of my mediums. Other than it does have excellent lengths.

 

[2Stamp]

Mine arrived yesterday, elk hunt starts in two days. Initial thoughts, pant may need to be next size up, but I'll use them and see. I don't think I'd wear some long base layers under them, but I'll see. Fleece seems right. More to follow.

 

[snuzzo29]

Hearing the fit on the fleece is making me wonder if I should have ordered an XL instead of a L. I wear XL tshirts normally but L in most jackets or mid layers.

I got my pants today though and really like the fit. I will be testing them out tomorrow on an elk hunt.

 

[camp_86]

Received my pants yesterday. I am 5'9" 165 and the 32"x32" fit is perfect. Loose enough for a base layer but not baggy either. As others have mentioned, my only suggestion would be to make the pockets deeper on the front, and the mesh is still up for debate. Overall I am impressed and glad I made the purchase, will put to use later this year.

Still waiting for my fleece, I missed out on the first pre-order.

 

[Untamed]

The fit and feel of the pants are amazing! Most comfortable pants I have ever tried on. Belt is spot on.

 

[dcopher]

@Mark at EXO or anyone else who’s worn both; how do the pants fit compared to the Sitka Ascent? Especially interested in the fit through the thigh.

I have both and I agree with jonnyviceroy, the Ascent pants have slightly more room in the hips and thighs and a slightly less tapered leg. I will be wearing both in the next 2 weeks for elk in Montana, so I will see how the OV pants compare to Ascents over the hunt.

 

[evergreenfrenzy]

I got the pants and fleece Monday and have worn them around the house a bunch. They are both super comfortable like everyone has said, and have a good athletic fit based on my usual sizes (36x30, and XL). The fleece is surprisingly breathable but also warm, excited to test it out more later this season.

In the pants, I've got big thighs and usually wear a 36x30 or 38x30 depending on the brand. I ordered both and the 36x30 fits snugly but with the stretch of the fabric it's still a good, comfortable fit and not too tight. The 38x30 is a little too loose, having to snug up the built-in belt more than I'd like (going to return these).

I wore them today and had a bunch of these little fabric pulls as shown in the picture.

I wore the pants for a short hunt this morning and also had this happen in a few spots near my ankle. I've got to say, I'm pretty disappointed that after 1 outing I have this occurring. I had heard multiple reports on the Exo podcast of people thinking the fabric was too light and wouldn't hold up, only to be proven wrong after a season of hunting. But the fabric pulling like this so soon definitely doesn't instill confidence. I'm curious if any of the people who tested previously had this issue?

 

[evergreenfrenzy]

This is what I'm hoping for as well, I'd use the internal belt when I have a pack on but would like to still be able to use a stiff carry belt (when not wearing a pack) when carrying a pistol OWB.

For anyone interested: I've now tested these pants with a stiff carry belt (Nexbelt) carrying both strong side OWB and appendix IWB, and while not the best option it's definitely doable and much better than my Prana Zion/Brion pants.

With appendix carry (due to the holster being in the same spot where the built-in belt is), I have to loosen the built-in belt the entire way and fold it backwards in order to get it to sit well underneath my Nexbelt. If I was permanently removing the built-in belt it wouldn't be an issue at all. But I'm mostly going to be using the built-in belt (while carrying a pack) and just wanted the ability to carry IWB/OWB when going to/from the trailhead and around town.