WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE 6 DAY LINE
As you read in the title, this article is about two different pants. They have enough similarities that I wanted to keep them in the same article, but also enough differences worth noting. The 6-Day pants are part of NF’s HRDC (Hike, Ride, Dig, Camp) line. These goodies are meant to be a companion on any adventure you can think up.
THE 6-DAY PRO | The Ride NF 6-Day Pro is offered in 5 colors, and sizes XS to 4XL – one of the most extensive size ranges we have seen. NF has offered an X-Tall option for a few of the sizes in the past, but currently this is not shown on their website. I do hope they continue to produce that option in the future. The material used for these is the same as found on the DP5 pant, Zrilix™4. This is a blend of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex, with a PFC-Free DWR finish. The material on the 6-Day Pro feels slightly thicker than the DP5’s, but just like the DP5’s, they offer a fair amount of breathability and plenty of stretch. This pant is in its second generation of material and design, something we hope NF does not change for a long time.
Just like their dedicated MTB pants, the 6-Day Pro uses NF’s elastic waistband. This is an ultra-comfortable option, but still gives you belt loops should you want to size up for a baggier fit. Conversely, the elastic band has enough stretch that allows you to size down for a slimmer fit. There is even a dedicated mini loop for your keys on each front pocket.
Speaking of pockets, the coolest thing about these pants is the front thigh pockets. These feature a large main compartment, with a smaller dedicated pocket knife style section. For reference, you can fit an iPhone both horizontally and vertically in the pockets; they are BIG! Of course, you also have the rear pockets. It may be worth noting that none of the pockets have a zipper.
6-DAY LITE | As the name suggests, the NF 6-Day Lite pant features the same design as the 6-Day Pro, but uses the lighter weight Zrilix™2 material found in their Liteweight Trail Pant. This version is new to the line-up of daily driver clothing from Ride NF. The Lite has a different blend of material, using 88% Nylon and 12% Spandex. This additional 2% in spandex offers a touch more stretch, without sacrificing much when it comes to durability. These also feature the same PFC-Free DWR finish. In true NF fashion, the 6-Day Lite pants also feature the elastic waistband.
The Lite pants still retain the same pocket structure as the Pro model, which is a very good thing. The material is thinner, so stuffing the pockets full does not have the same secure feeling as the Pro, but more on that later. They are only offered in two colors at the time of writing this article, but I am sure more will be available in the future. NF has also reduced the 4XL size offering down to 2XL for this model.
THE DIRT
I was lucky enough to visit the NF headquarters back in May on the way up to Vancouver Island. It was super cool to see how everything comes together in person. There are so many moving pieces as a consumer that you never think about. Travis is one of the most welcoming and down-to-earth dudes out there. I was already a fan of the brand prior to this, but this visit solidified my brand crush. We were not paid for any of this content – in fact I purchased the 6-Day Lites out my own pocket – so do not take my words as any sort of bias. This NF products are just that good.
While the name might only be the 6-Day Pro, I am pretty sure I wore them for about 10 days straight. I only broke this streak after getting brake fluid on them. The 6-Day Pro is a fantastic shoulder season pant, with enough thickness to keep you warm down to around freezing if you are not moving fast. They breathed well enough for warmer days, but it was the Lite pant that offered the perfect summer pant for all sorts of activities.
They did not have any of the Pro Extra Tall’s in stock for my gangly long legs, but offer extensions and shortening at a small surcharge if desired. Travis was able to whip up some extensions to the standard mediums I was taking with me, giving me a little more comfort. While the normal lengths worked fine, I wanted the option to be able to roll the cuff up like all the cool kids are doing. I ordered my Lite pant in the standard medium size, and rocked them just fine. If I do roll the cuff, they are on the short side, but I generally just wear them as is. My partner, Emma, says they look fine rolled up, but they do feel a bit too short for my liking.
My favourite aspect about both NF 6-Day pant models are the large front thigh pockets. Once you have them, and then wear a pant that doesn’t have them, you’re given a stark reminder of how handy they are. Whether it’s tossing your keys in at the grocery store, shock spacers, or screws for the fence you are building, they offer a unique storage option that I love. The dedicated pocket knife slot is handy, and helped me keep mine from growing legs. It also worked well as a spot for my construction pencil, or for holding my T-Handle allen wrenches when working on bikes.
They are not perfect, but nothing ever is. It would be nice to have at least 1 zippered pocket to obtain that extra sense of security for a card or keys. The size medium Lite I have are a bit larger around the waist than the Pro, but not enough to warrant a belt. For reference, I am usually between a 30”-31” waist, and often opt for a 32 in bike gear just to be safe. The material is slightly on the louder side when compared to jeans, but it won’t be an issue unless you find yourself constantly trying to sneak up on something, or someone.
I have worn the NF 6-Day Pro pant for pretty much everything I do: trail building, fence building, couch lounging, and traveling. They are a perfect do-anything companion. While they are not my first choice for a riding pant, you can by all means shred in these. If I was still the dirt jumper I used to be, you could for sure find me in a XXL pair seshin’ the local jumps. Being someone that prefers pants, having the Lite option for summer is awesome. I can now easily just pack two pants on trips, and be totally covered for all weather occasions. Even rain showers, thanks to the DWR coating.
The Wolf’s Last Word
I’ll put myself out on a limb and say that if you’re in the market for some active lifestyle wear, then you should considering buying the NF 6-Day Pro or Lite pant. They are sick, and I don’t foresee anyone being disappointed. 
Price: $155 – $171
Website: Ridenf.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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