I have the AD1 pants but not Dariens. Can't compare them but will give my
AD1 review.
Nothing is perfect, but I think I'll get my money's worth out of these. Have had them for about 8 months. Used for commuting as an overpant and touring as a top layer.
My pant size is 32" waist, 34" inseam. After the consulting the Aerostitch sizing tool, I got the AD1s in 34 Long. They fit well over slacks with a belt and are loose, as expected, with only a thin base layer. You can't have it both ways with one pant. I wear the AD1s with suspenders and the included money belt. The money belt is a goofy idea, but the belt itself and the buckle are decent. I haven't noticed abnormal wear from the belt zipper but can see how that could happen.
One of the things I like about the AD1 is the minimal use of Velcro. I get that hook and loop provides a great shortcut in fastener design and construction, but my general disdain for it runs high. The hook side is often ruinous and the pulling pressure when unfastening it eventually breaks the glue or stitching used to locate it. At least in this regard, AD1s are better than most competitors but suffers velcro failing nonetheless. More on this later.
Main
reasons for buying: 1. quality reputation, 2. heavy fabric, 3. high water resistance (Goretex), 4. design features (belt loops, pockets arrangement), minimal velcro
Given my south-westerly location, I don't get much rain action. I can put up with stopping to don a rain jacket, but having to take my boots off and on to don rain pants irks me. In the few rain showers I've encountered, mild to heavy but short duration, the pants and material live up to their water-proof claim. If anyone can find an apparels limitations, it's Sail2xxs. These pants will meet my less-demanding needs.
Highlights:
Pockets! Decent, useful pockets. The fit is good for me. Full leg zipper, won't buy pants without that feature. The leg zips can work from both top and bottom, so you can fashion some ventilation. They've been surprisingly comfortable in hot weather, though I switch to my Olympia Airglide pants for very hot weather. Suspenders make for a sharp dressed man
Lowlights:
Velcro - Specifically the knee pad pouches. The pouches are a thin, nylon material that gets pulled down from the top of the pouch by gravity and knee flexing, both of which are unavoidable. This pulling down action exposes the hook side Velcro, which wore a hole through my base layer pant and rubbed my skin raw. I've fiddled with it a few different ways but have yet to find a solution. I'll probably end up sacrificing an elastic knee band to protect my base layer. Seems counterproductive to give up the pads. I have a few wear spots on the inside from exposed Velcro on my commuting boots. Damned Velcro! At least those spots won't cause a leakage problem.
Optional:
Thigh map pocket - I bought this because it seemed like a neat idea and I'm a sucker for gadgets. The implementation is stupid. It mounts over the left thigh pocket, which has a horizontal flap, thus rendering the pocket inaccessible unless you rip the map pouch off. Why didn't they put the map pouch over the right pocket with the vertical zipper, then you could have both at the same time.
Hip Pads - I bought some MSR D3O generic hip pads that stick to the provided loop-side fastener in the pants. These work perfectly. Maybe I should try to replace the knee pads in a similar fashion?
Overall I'm happy with these pants. They require some break-in, but in my book, that's a good thing.
Boondocker
