Simon Wyndham
Reviewed: 05 May 2010
One of the best overtrousers you can buy. Just be careful of the sizing.
VERY breathable, extremely waterproof, lightweight, very easy to put on even with large boots and gaitors, very easy venting from the 3/4 length side zips.
The price, not enough variety in sizing.
I bought a pair of these a few years ago and they were the best overtrousers I have ever come across. My only gripe is that they are cut a little short for me in the small size. I have a 29" waist, but a 32" inside leg, but the Bergens small size is only a 30" inside leg so I always got wet feet unless I wore gaitors.
I recently decided to get a pair of the new 2010 versions of the Bergen pants, but this time I decided to get them in the medium size since the leg length is better for me, and I can use the waist draw cord to adjust the waist size easily.
There are a few differences between the 2010 Bergens and the original 2005 version. The 2005 version is cut much closer and much more fitted in style, something that a lot of people liked about them. The 2010 versions are cut more generously, even accounting for the fact I bought one size up than before.
A big change to the 2010 Bergen is the addition of a toughened knee area. The 2005 versions use lightweight material throughout, but the 2010 ones use a toughened material (cordura?) on the knee. While this does add a small bit of weight it also means that the 2010 Bergens will be much more durable for activities such as scrambling and climbing.
The Bergens have a slightly soft outer that gets even softer with use and after washing a few times, so they aren't anywhere near as noisy or crinkly as most over trousers. You could wear them on their own on a wet summer day without turning any heads.
