Royal Robbins

To give you a taste of what Royal Robbins apparel is all about we’re going to look at the iconic Billy Goat 5-Pocket Pant which helped launch the company, the Convoy Utility Short, Desert Pucker Long Sleeve, Cool Mesh Linen Plaid Long Sleeve, San Juan Short Sleeve and the Upward Variations Tee. Let's dive right in shall we?

Price: $72
Colours: Khaki
Sizes: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42
Inseam: 30, 32, 34”

A classic 5-pocket pant in a rugged Billy Goat Cotton Canvas, inspired by the rock walls of Yosemite. This comfortable cotton is durable for any outdoor adventure with gusseted crotch for increased range of motion, reinforced bartacks, and a drop in cell phone pocket.

• Ultra-durable Billy Goat fabric.
• Reinforced bartacks at stress points for increased durability.
• Drop in cell phone pocket at right thigh.
• Gusseted crotch for increased range of motion.

Billy Goat Cotton Canvas - 9.7 oz. 100% Cotton

Price: $60
Colours: Deep Blue, Desert, Light Olive
Sizes: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42

The Convoy Utility Short combines the lightweight, highly comfortable Convoy fabric with full length gussets and a side entry zip thigh pocket for added performance and mobility. With a UPF 50+ protection and quick dry fabric that’s wrinkle resistance, these shorts were just made for travel.

• Full-length gusset for increased range of motion.
• Full-length zipper for side entry cell phone pocket at right thigh.
• Reinforced bartacks at high-stress points for increased durability.
• 2 back drop-in pockets
• 2 drop in entry points
• Secure zip

Convoy Blend - 4.7 oz. 63% Biconstituent Fibre (82% Polyester, 18% Nylon), 20% Cotton, 17% Polyester

Price: $60
Colours: Graystone, Obsidian, Fox, Dark Olive, Desert Palm, Navy, Balsam Green
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL

A stylish shirt for the office or the trail, the Royal Robbins Desert Pucker shirt is now available in a long-sleeve version. It has a soft hand and easy drape similar to the San Juan Short Sleeve Shirt but uses slightly less Modal and more polyester in a heavier weight. The Modal fabric is made from beechwood wood pulp and is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant.

• Relaxed Fit.
• UPF 27+.
• Single Chest Pocket.
• Shirt Tail Hem.

Desert Pucker Modal - 5 oz. 80% Modal, 20% Polyester

Price: $60
Colour: Soapstone, Blue Jay
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Natural fibres like cotton and linen make up the Cool Mesh fabric used on this long sleeve plaid shirt. They are soft to the touch and naturally breathable and have a unique open weave which increases airflow even more, making this shirt ideal for hot steamy environments. Secure sleeve tabs keep the sleeves from slipping down and allow you to turn the Cool Mesh Linen Plaid Long Sleeve into a short sleeve. It not only looks good but will keep you cool too.

• Cool Mesh open weave.
• Lightweight linen has a natural breathability.
• Ideal shirt for high heat and humidity.
• Secure tabs to keep rolled-up sleeves from slipping.

Cool Mesh Linen Blend Plaid - 55% Linen, 45% Cotton

Price: $55
Colours: Marmalade, Bowden, Quartz, Prune, Oceania, Obsidian, Light Pewter
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL

When the days get too warm the San Juan short-sleeve shirt is a good light-weight alternative to the Desert Pucker we spoke of above. It’s easy care, wrinkle resistance fabric is breathable and quick to dry which makes it an easy choice for hikes and world travel. It’s a casual shirt that can do double duty on the trail and at the cafe.

• Made with eco-conscious Modal fibres.
• Luxuriously soft.
• Pen slot in the chest pocket.
• Straight hem with side vents for easy untucked styling.

San Juan Plaid Modal - 4.5 oz. 89% Modal, 11% Polyester

Price: $28
Colour: Cordwood
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL

There is more to the Royal Robbins Upward Variations Tee than meets the eye. Sure it may look like just another Tee but a portion of the proceeds of each sale is donated to the Yosemite Conservancy to improve and conserve the Park. In addition to that the 50/50 Polyester and cotton blend is comfy, moisture wicking and quick drying which is a must for any adventure. The graphic features Royal Robbins' favourite camping/climbing kit, the Billy Goat shorts, climbing boots, a record player and a bottle of wine. 

• Poly/cotton blend for increased performance on the road.
• Soft hand of cotton and is quick to dry.
• A portion of the proceeds benefits the Yosemite Conservancy.
• Dri-Comfort Jersey.

Dri-Comfort Jersey - 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester

Royal Robbins clothing is comparable to other lifestyle brands such as Mountain Khakis and Kuhl. What sets Royal Robbins apart in this non-technical clothing space is that they started the company 48 years ago out of necessity, as there was no such thing as outdoor apparel brands at that time. This long history in the industry has given their products a timeless sensibility. The overall look is rugged and functional, with the ability to wear their clothes to the office and out to the crag.

I find the fabric choices for Royal Robbins apparel to alway be fashionable and durable with an incredible soft hand. Not that everyone wants to feel their clothing, but to me it’s important. From the Convoy Utility Short to the Desert pucker long sleeve, you can tell that the feel of the fabric was important to the designers and it conveys a sense of quality.

On the functionality side there are not many bells and whistles to talk about, but articulation would be nice in the Billy Goat 5-Pocket Pant—but I also understand that this is one of Royal Robbins classic pieces that built the brand, so you just don’t mess with it. The integration of the cell phone pocket is a nice touch however but I do find that I don’t trust the security of it with out a sewn in lip to ensure it doesn’t come out when you are inverted or laying on an angle,… hey, it happens.

Overall, Royal Robbins clothes are fairly priced, well made and speak to the outdoor enthusiast who wants apparel that won’t make them look like a gear geek in everything they do. If you like the styling of those other brands I mentioned at the beginning of this review then give Royal Robbins a look-see, you’ll be glad you did.