Got my Grumman Pants today and wanted to provide detailed sizing info to hopefully help anyone else like me who might be between sizes.
Measurements:
6'3, 165-170 lbs, 31-32" waist. Size 11 boots Tall/lean/athletic build
What I'm wearing:
Mid-weight merino bottoms
Sitka Timberline pants w knee pads (32T)
One foot - Stormfront Gaiter + Kenetrek 400 (11)
Other foot - Schnee's Hunter II 16" (11)
Long sleeve T-shirt
Atom LT (M)
Grumman Jacket (L)
Grumman Pants (M)
Grumman Pant Fit:
I ordered a M based on my waist measurements relative to SGs size chart (which shows a M = 33"+). At 6'3, I'm used to puffy pants usually being a few inches too short in my typical waist size, and these are no different.The waist on the M Grumman pants is right on the money, perfect, and the fit is accommodating of layers and mobility (but not too baggy) down to about the knee. However, the fit is very trim from the knee down, almost skinny jean-esque. Pros: lighter weight, less material to snag/brush when moving, thermally efficient. Cons: can be a tight fit over late season footwear (see for over Schnee's Pac boot), can compress the down over the calf/ankle area and result in reduced insulation (this happened to some baffles over the Pac boot, and I have small calves/ankles to begin). However, I'll be sticking with the M, as the L would be 1) heavier, 2) likely too loose in the waist, 3) too much excess material in hip/thigh, 4) not lay as cleanly under the Grumman jacket, which has a narrow waist hem to begin.
I wanted to compare the Grumman fit (M) to my tried and true First Lite Uncompahgre pants (also M), which I've used extensively the past 4 years. I wasn't sure if the Grumman's were significantly slimmer than I was used to or not. From the fit standpoint, they are nearly identical. The Uncompahgre might even be a touch trimmer in the lower leg, as you can see how tight a fit it is over the Schnee's Pac boot. While both can zip completely off, zippers on the Uncompahgre are a bit smoother and manageable than the Grumman. The Velcro on the lower cuff of the Grumman was one extra step. One design flaw I noticed in the Grumman = no button fly. The Uncompahgre has this and it's so much easier to simply zip down the fly, zip legs up and slide the pants on/off right over boots. The Grumman you pretty much have to completely disconnect at least one side to take on/off. Not sure why SG opted for this design, as a simply button clasp would be a trivial weight addition but greatly improved the functionality. From a warmth perspective, I did not test both outside yet, but the Grumman feels a little warmer, and a bit lighter.
Last, I threw my Dewpoint rain gear (L jacket; LT pants) over all the layers to check fit, and pleased to say the layering was perfect. Plenty of mobility and no perceptible down compression.
In sum, I would say the pants run a bit trim but def pick the size that corresponds to your waist. Grumman jacket is somewhat trim too, but I sized up to L for added layering capability, and for the needed sleeve length for my arms - it was the right choice. The L jacket also "stacks" nicely over the M Grumman pants, and doesn't bunch up on top of them. Overall, definitely kinda delicate material, but a really warm, lightweight, and functional system overall. Hope this helps someone else in their decision process.
