 Hi All, I'm looking for a decent set of trousers to get me through various situations. At present i'm making do with some cheap entry level Crag Hoppers, and if its cold sticking some long johns underneath. There quite quick to dry, but they get soaking wet in seconds and are quite cold when they are. I'm looking for something a little warmer and water resistant. I'll be hiking around the peaks with some scrambling/bouldering. Any suggestions upto the £120 ish or so?
|
 |
 I use Montane Equilibrium for most walking, there a bit thicker than the Terra pants. If i need proper water resistance i then stick Bergahaus Paclite waterproofs over the top. I struggle to see past Montane when it comes to walking pants.
|
 |
 Nice one thanks, Just had a look at the web and they seem just the trick. Will have to look into them a little more
|
 |
The Montane Equilibrium's are no longer part of the Montane range and though they show up in a variety of web searches I didn't discover anywhere that actually had any. Nor could any stockists get hold of a pair, not in size medium at any rate. If anyone finds anywhere that actually has stock I'd be interested to hear. Thanks.
|
 |
 I haven't got any experience of the higher end trousers by Mammut/Montane etc. but these are worlds better than Craghoppers for about the same price:
http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Outdoor_Clothing/Walking_Trousers/HS_Outerwear_Mens_Khaki_Stretch_Trekking_Trousers.html
This seems to be the only place to buy online, but some well respected independent shops stock them (including Rathbones of Keswick and another in Brecon where I bought mine). The quality is excellent and the fabric is top-class stuff, water repellen, durable and stretchy.
Simon
|
 |
 Got more than a few pairs of Montane Terra's and love em! Terra Equilibriums are wicked, altho you cant get them anymore as they are discontinued (look around you may get lucky). Terra converts are good too (best of both worlds) but my favorites are the Montane Dynamic Stretch pants. Im a Montane freek by the way 
|
 |
 I've tried my Berghaus Statis this week-end in the Lakes, lots of walking, some scrambling, clambering in heather...perfect. Really pleased with them!
|
 |

I'm looking for something a little warmer and water resistant.
.... a little warmer would be Paramo Velez trouser.... However... I'll be hiking around the peaks with some scrambling/bouldering.
.... Paramo Cascadas are tougher and easier to fit/remove but warmer. You'll need to be fairly chilly situations, but we're approaching that now. I see Pertex Equilibrium is not available, but there are Pertex Microlight such as Montane Featherlite. They will reduce the degree of water absorption so make it a little warmer and a little more resistant, but not actually waterproof. I carry to boost non-waterproof trousers underneath, and pack to nothing and dry quickly, theydo agood job to slowwater inplaces like the calf but the thigh is easily defeated. Note also, there on sale, but sizes are odd now as the sales been running for a while as they shift stock, Alpkit Jeanius. They are "waterproof" but that's eventually defeated, but meets the toughness. You can layer over with the above mentioned Featherlites to get close to your demands. I bought a pair some months back and reserved them for this impending winter. Good for "down the pub" type situations when you can secretly have some waterproof features.
|
 |
Have you had a look at the haglofs rugged mountain, i've got a pair which i love though they are a bit long for me, gonna try and get a pair of the short length ones and think they'd be perfect.
|
 |
I would definately consider some softshell pants durable/stretchy & fairly weatherproof. Lots of makes to consider and various prices. Have a look at Mountain Equipment/Mammut/Lowe Alpine & Arcteryx. You should find something within their ranges that meets your requirements and fits you.
|
 |
 I have the Mountain Equipment Ibex and Liskamm, both good if they fit IMO. Pretty resistant to rain and dry very quickly if they get wet.
|
 |
Mountain Equipment's whole range of trousers is excellent; many of the trousers are similar designs - stretchy, available in more than one leg length, zipped ventilated pockets, designed to walk or climb in etc - but in different fabrics, from lighter weight summer to beefier softshell/winter, so you can just take your pick. Rohan Striders are very nice too.
|
| Edited: 23/10/10 19:12 |
For a Budget alternative have a look at the Regatta stretch Soft Shell Trousers. They appear to be made of similar fabric to the Company's soft shell jackets and have a thin fleece lining so may not be best for warmer conditions. They appear to come in 3 leg length and Go Outdoors have them for circa £35.
|
 |
|
|
 |
 Montane XT pants  all seasons except summer.
|
 |
 "Montane XT pants all seasons except summer."
Me too - got mine here
http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN84022
|
 |
 Weren't they XT 2.0's last winter? I guess they must have found that too silly.... Anyhow, budget leaves tons of choice (almost anything really) so if possible do try and find something which fits well.
|
 |
 "Weren't they XT 2.0's last winter? I guess they must have found that too silly...."
"Anyhow, budget leaves tons of choice (almost anything really) so if possible do try and find something which fits well."
Yes they were XT 2.0's last year - very nice trousers though - hard wearing and warm enough for most winter days - I've also got Paramo Torres trousers which are great in severe cold but not really a general purpose winter trouser. Also have the ubiquitous Paramo Cascada trousers.
Only quible with Montane is that (for me) the waist is cut a bit low but they are still my favourite winter trousers.
At the moment I'm going to work wearing Craghopper Ridge trousers which are a lot cheaper but well made - the clue there is I go to work in them - wouldn't go out walking in variable weather wearing them - I'd use the Montane's.
I don't do 'serious' outdoor stuff but I do like to get out on every day I can - when I started walking a shower would keep me indoors but I've found that spending money on the correct (often expensive) clothing does really make a difference.
|
 |
 Down the budget range somewhat, Ronhill Tracksters or fleece tights (warmer and more expensive). They dry much, much quicker than baggy trews because the warm skin is right next to them. They're relatively cheap, tough and provide reference quality freedom of movement. Pete.
|
 |
Rab Powerstretch or super comfy Rab Vapour-rise. both good with Montane featherlights over top for 90% of situations. But take my Berghaus pac-lites if I go to the Lakes, but still keep my montanes underneath if really cold as they breath so well
|
 |