Discussion: Where to get stuff: O'Pants & Dynadisc...

In ONA, there was a discussion of just how uncool I've grown accustomed to looking in my O' suit. I've got some tops that I think are okay, but I have generally destroyed the matching pants, and am not wearing highly uncool non-matching, striped pants...

As for O' Pants, I've seen some stylish people wear thin black tights, but as it gets warmer, I think that's a bit of a competitive disadvantage.

I think the best compromise may be solid black nylon O' pants, so you can stay reasonably cool (or running shorts for those in Wyoming, or those elsewhere that that don't mind loss of blood.)

Any idea where I can buy solid black O' pants? A quick look at A&E & Gale's Orienteering look shows listings for those beautiful multicolor vertically striped pants and I didn't see solid black as an option.

Also, I just read again about Mr. Hawkins Dynadisc for his ankles. I suspect I could buy something like that online somehow, or perhaps make one, but my first thought of a slightly inflated water balloon probably isn't a good idea for a living room floor 'dynadisc'... Any make-my-own or buy-one-online suggestions?

GHO and a few other Canadian clubs are now going with Cool max shirts custom made in Canada by Axis Gear (www.axisgear.ca). They sponsored the GLOF sprint and custom made shirts for the US and Cdn teams there. They also carry light weight tight. You can get long or short-sleeve shirts. Shirts are only $40 CAD ($30 US). With tights the otal cost for both is only ~$80 Cdn. - and they can be used for a lot of other sports too. There are a few pictures of them on the GHO web site (www.dontgetlost.ca/gho). If you order shirts, ask for Norm.

Black O-pants can certainly be had from Compass Needle, if you like the material that Jeanne uses. I have a pair that's black with a red stripe that I'll probably wear at the Billygoat this weekend.

Personally, I usually just wear a t-shirt on top.

You've also got plenty of choices in black nylon O pants from Silva at the Compass Point online store - two versions with prominent logos and two plain, including one type with mesh backs to the legs.

The MAPsport in New Zealand also claims to have plenty of black pants but, FYI, their supplier is SportVogl and the pants are ultimately mades by Aries sportswear. I ordered a pair last year and was astonished at how heavy the fabric was. Presumably good for durability but I prefer my Trimtex O pants.

I had fun this Sunday in shorts. Everyone should join the Syd-and-Vlad club (sponsored by USMA). You, John, have got to be so uncool in those Tyrving pants...

I always run in shorts when woods permit :) I guess I am only partially in the Syd-and-Vlad club though :( Have to work more on that to join the club!

Yep, shorts are great, but they don't work everywhere. (Syd seems to disagree, but then, he bleeds a lot at some meets.)

And the original adherent to the shorts principle (or considerably less, in one notorious episode) is Bob Lux.

At the 2000 Sierra O-Fest I started off with pants and ended with shorts. The draw string broke on my old shredded pants. After doing 2 controls with one hand holding them up, I stopped and tore them off rather than waste time taking my shoes off. Pavlina came by just then with a *very* puzzled look on her face...

Back to the original question: where to get black o-pants? The US Team will be offering Trim Tex team uniforms and team supporter suits again this year, courtesy of Scarborough Orienteering. Details should be out soon, but will include warmups and racing pants, with and without drawstrings below the knee. These are black. I bought a team supporter set last year and am really happy with the quality.