Application to test the Integral Designs eVENT Rain Pants (Kenny B)

Please accept my application to test the Integral
Designs eVENT Rain Pants.
I have read in full ?The BackpackGearTest Survival
Guide, v. 1202? test requirements.  I agree to comply
with all direction stated in the document.  My
completed Tester Agreement is on file.

If elected to test the rain pants I would like to test
a black, XL.
Waist: 42 in (107 cm)
Hip: 44 in (112 cm)
Inseam: 31 in (79 cm)
Thigh: 28 in (71 cm)

Tester Biographical Information:

Name:   Ken Bigelow
Age:    27
Gender: Male
Height: 5? 9? (1.8 m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Waist: 42 in (107 cm)
Hip: 44 in (112 cm)
Inseam: 31 in (79 cm)
Thigh: 28 in (71 cm)
Email:  krb84108 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Date: September 15, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I was first dragged on a backpacking trip eight years
ago and have been addicted to it ever since.  My
adventures vary in length from a weekend to over two
weeks.  I am slowly shifting my backpacking style to a
lightweight approach.  I recently upgraded to a
hammock to reduce weight.  From spring through fall I
typically backpack in the mountains or desert, while
in winter I often go snowshoeing.  I typically see a
wide variety of climates ranging from 10 F (-12 C)
with snow to 90 F (32 C) and sunny with just about
everything in between.

Testing Location:

I plan on spending every weekend hiking or backpacking
this fall in either the desert of Southern Utah or the
mountains of Northern Utah.  With winter fast
approaching the weather will likely be erratic.  I
already plan on hitting Canyonlands National Park and
Zion National Park in late fall.  In the winter I go
snowshoeing at least twice a month somewhere in Utah.
In addition to by bimonthly trips I hope to go
snowshoeing in Bryce Canyon around the first of next
year.  The terrain will vary greatly and will include
wet and muddy corridors, slickrock, steep and rocky
terrain as well as plain old dirt paths.  Temperatures
should range from 15 F (-9 C) to 75 F (24 C).   I will
likely see all types of weather ranging from heavy
rain and snow to sunny.  The elevations experienced
should be between 4000 feet (1220 m) and 12000 feet
(3658m).


Testing Plan:

Over the course of the test period I intend to examine
several characteristics of the eVENT Rain Pants.

Performance ? The rain pants need to properly function
as rain pants or else they are junk in my opinion. 
This means they need to be both waterproof and
breathable.  Will the rain pants repel rain, snow and
possibly hail?  Will water penetrate through the
zippers or infiltrate through the cuffs?  Will excess
condensation buildup on the interior of the pants
after a long day of hiking or snowshoeing?  Will the
side venting zippers help my lower body and legs to
ventilate properly or will I end up feeling clammy
after exerting myself in the pants?  

Do the pants pack down to a small volume when not in
use?  Are the rain pants easy to put on and take off? 
Do the access zippers grant me quick and easy access
to items I store in clothes underneath the rain pants?
 The manufacturer claims that the pants can be pulled
on while wearing ?light shoes?.  Does this mean I can
only pull them on over my trail runners and not my
Hiking boots and snow boots?  Does the boot chord
adjust easily to fit different types of footwear?  Do
wearing the pants negate the need for wearing gaiters?
 Do the pants make a ton of noise when walking or in
high winds that will distract me from my backcountry
experience?

Comfort ? The rain pants need to fit comfortably so
that I can continue to hike without experiencing
severe discomfort.  Will the elasticized waist adjust
to fit me if I wear multiple layers or just the pants
alone?  Will it need constant re-adjusting as I
continue hiking throughout the day?  Will the gusseted
crotch and articulated knee allow for extended
mobility and easy movement?  Will chafing be a
problem?  Can the venting/access zippers be
comfortably used while wearing gloves?  Are the pants
comfortable to wear in general?  Will others
constantly ridicule me if I wear them around town?

Durability ? The rain pants are likely to be exposed
to some rough conditions and need to be durable so I
remain dry and warm while using them.  Are the rain
pants easy to wash?  Will their performance be
affected by washing them?  Will the zippers snag over
time?  Will the boot cord constantly come loose or
come off after a few months of testing?  Will the rain
pants rip, tear or in any other way be damaged by four
months of testing.  Will odor build up quickly on the
pants and have them walking around on their own?

I believe that if given the opportunity I would give
the Integral Designs event Rain Pants and fair and
thorough examination, as I will have numerous chances
to test it in the field. 

Previously Written Reviews:
All my reviews can be found at:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/twebb28

Dahlgren Backpacker Socks ? Full Test Series
Granite Gear Stratus FZ Pack ? Full Test Series
North Face Paramount Convertible Pants ? Owner Review
Princeton Tec Aurora LED Headlamp ? Owner Review

Currently Testing:

National Geographic TOPO! Streets & 3-D Views 
Expansion Pack ? LTR due 11/8

Integral Designs eVENT Shortie Gaiters ? LTR due 11/22

Integral Designs Silcoat Pack Cover ? LTR due 12/06

Keen Boulder Sandals ? LTR due 12/13

Speer SPE ? LTR due 1/3

Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Filter ? IR completed, FR &
LTR dates yet to be determined

Currently Monitoring:
Integral Designs eVENT Rain Jacket ? LTR due 11/22

Report wise I should be fine as I could handle three
or four more tests without compromising the quality of
my reports.  This is due to the fact that I have no
life (actually just plenty of spare time).  Most of my
current tests are in the long-term testing phase so an
additional test or two will not cause me to become
burned out.  Thank you for reviewing my application
Sincerely,
Kenny Bigelow



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