Hi, winter is getting nearer, rain is getting heavier and my old waterproofs have ripped to bits, so... I need something new to replace them. I'm a fan of eVent, so looking for eVent trousers, I want something fully waterproof (obviously), as light as possible but also want them to be relatively durable of course, they will be used for walking, scrambling possibly climbing if I'm unlucky.. They need to be durable enough to withstand all that, I also seem to always get my inner legs covered in mud, so I must catch my feet on my legs a lot, so preferable something pretty tough here for when wearing crampons, will be under gaiters though. Rab have a good selection, all seem pretty similar though, Vidda and Bergen are more lightweight, Latok is medium and Iofoten seem to be the most hard core, though relatively heavy really at over 600g. Ifoten have a full length zip which seems rather odd, though handy I'm sure, especially with crampons! As far as I know the only other manufacturer using e-vent is Montane, so if anyone can recommend their trousers I will consider it. Thanks for your input
I have the Montane Venture jacket which is re-inforced in areas. The Venture pants use the same materials and as far as I can see are also re-inforced especially around the inner ankle area.
They were on sale at planet fear but not sure now.
Give Montane a ring direct to their shop and see if they have last years samples up for sale. May be worth a try.
You could have a look at Blacks' TechnicALS Event trousers. I wasn't entirely convinced by them (especially the mesh lining), but they might suit you better.
I just spent 3 days straight wearing Rab event trousers, over a pair of drytech Mammut softshell trousers. The Event just kept on working throughout continuous rain and snow, really can't fault them. I was also using Rab Event gaiters too.
My girlfriend was using Mammuts Drytech over trousers, which she was most pleased with.
What are the Montane Venture pants like? Heavy duty and e-vent sound pretty good really. Do they have belt loops though? AL these trousers have useless fastenings and waterproof trousers have a really annoying tendency to fall down on me. I tried tying a knot in the cord once, and spent 20 mins trying to undo it, in the cold it would have been impossible so I need a decent fastening.
I'm also thinking maybe Gore isn’t too bad on the legs as they tend to sweat less, or is it actually going to make a significant difference to my comfort?
Personally I don't use overtrousers unless it is absolutely pouring, in which case it doesn't make that much difference how breathable they are supposed to be because with water trickling continuously down the outside there's bound to be condensation on the inside.
I would concentrate on finding some that fit you well, have a good support system (either belt loops or braces), made of face-fabric that suits your purposes (light or tough) and have the right zip configuration if you plan to use them with crampons. If they happen to be eVent, all the better.... but if you set this as your first criterion, you'll have less choice in all other areas (including price!). I am quite happy with overtrousers I got from Helly Hansen's clearance outlet in Bicester - they cost me about 20-30 quid a pair (one heavy &reinforced, one lightweight). Both have belt loops, full length side zips and one came with removable braces. Both have been sufficiently waterproof (10-20m HH), and the light ones are breathable enough to be worn cycling over work trousers.
PRoblem solved, went into a local, saw he stocked e-vent stuff as he had the demo thing, and we got talking about event. Asked about trousers, he pulled out some montane XT Terra, but they didnt seem all tha durable and were going for 110 or so, then the bloke went and picked up a pair from a sale bin, the montane Spectra event pants for 80quid!! down from 140. Needless to say I tried them on, they were perfect and snapped them up instantly. Well chuffed!! There is only the one review of them on this site and they get top marks, anyone else hve any experience of these?
Full legth water resistant zip, event, reinforced stretch panels on knees and seat, elasticate waist, with a non-elasticated drawcord (thank god!, there is nothing worse then elasticated drawcords), and poppers to have them tight/llose orund the ankle. Other then that theyre very basic, keeping the weight down to 400g for durable pants. Theyre also rather large, so will accomadate a warmer trouser in winter, and they come up high so offer plents of protection even for the small of the back. I'm very pleased. Need to go for a test, I can see myself being pleased though
