Chuck Cross owns the very first pair of Weatherpants we ever made. That’s dating us and Chuck, who is also co-founder of Polar Cruises, which was named by Condé Nast Traveler as a “Top Travel Specialist for Antarctica.”  Yeah, Chuck has glacier ice running through his veins, but he also has a big, toasty heart. Moreover, he’s a bit of a gadget and apparel freak. Here’s his practically uncensored  (no f bombs allowed, Chuck! ) review of our popular Versatac Pants:

“I raced into the house and stripped off my wonderful  Early Winters  Smith Rock 100% cotton pants that I love and have maybe 6 or 8 pairs since they have  discontinued them. Pulled on the Versatac pants over my Patagonia Active Classic boxers, and nearly fell down due to the weight of the fabric and features. Had to take the pants back off to figure out how to get my wallet into the “pickpocket proof” rear pocket. I considered cutting the buttons off at that time!

Next I loaded my Garmin GPSMAP 60C/60CS into one cargo pocket! Then my ARC RES+FLX into another pocket, I pulled out my Iridium 9505A SAT phone (my wife Lynn has the new smaller model 9555)! Then added my little LG cell phone!. Blackberry is way too complicated. I only call and answee, No “Twittering” for me!  Another Versatac pocket became home to my Oregon Leatherman Multi-tool Model Juice Xe6 (18 tools in one and color is “thunder” purple). I added my passport to the zipper side pocket just for effect. Can’t imagine trying to go through airport security with this system. Oops, I almost  forgot my Apple I-Pod and Sennheiser PXC-250 sound cancelling headphones (I can’t stand the little ear buds).

In order for this all to work, I pulled out my Duluth Trading Heavy Duty Side Clip suspenders, and attached them to the sides of the Versatac Pants. Fortunately, they are heavy-duty clasps. I guess I will have to put my custom Vuarnet prescription aviator sunglasses in a vest, as well as my Canon Powershot S80 camera.

For daily dog walks, I will hang my 80146 Muzzle Dog  repellant sprayer on a Velcro strap attached to the black nylon Special Ops shoulder harness for my Sig Sauer 229 9mm pistol with 2 extra clips of 9 rounds.

I think that is all. I will test these pants the rest of the week, and report back. I just got all hot and sweaty just getting ready, Can’t you make these in 100% cotton?

S–t! I forgot my Swarovski EL 10×32 WB traveler binoculars. I’ll just hang those off my special OP/TECH strap.

More later. I need time!”