Trousers & Shorts

BERGHAUS W Paclite Pant (£100)

BERGHAUS W Paclite Pant (£100)

TGO Rating: 5

These have been my favourite overtrousers for years. Because they are so lightweight and compact, they are first choice for both expeditions and day walks (although there is now competition in the form of GoLite’s Tulamo!).

GOLITE Tumalo Storm Pant (£75)

GOLITE Tumalo Storm Pant (£75)

TGO Rating: 5

Unlike much of GoLite’s gear, these are featherweight. I mightn’t be so confident in prolonged foul weather but for the conditions encountered in testing (showers, short bursts of heavy rain) they worked well

KEELA Iona trousers (£110)

KEELA Iona trousers (£110)

TGO Rating: 4.5

Keela position these as ‘an extreme winter garment’ so year-round versatility isn’t a selling point. They feature Keela’s SDP system, where two membranes are separated by an air gap.

LOWE ALPINE Women’s Omega (£60)

LOWE ALPINE Women’s Omega (£60)

TGO Rating: 4

These are a simple, mesh-lined overtrouser with standard 2-layer performance. The mesh lining (solid below the knees to help feet slide through and stop moisture wicking up) reduces the clammy feeling associated with condensation.

MONTANE Women’s Venture Pants (£120)

MONTANE Women’s Venture Pants (£120)

TGO Rating: 4.5

Check out the size range: UK 6! Oddly, they sport a 77cm/30” leg length, so will suit very thin, rather tall women… In the size 12 tested, the cut has ample room at waist, thigh and crotch for layering.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Cohesion (£100)

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Cohesion (£100)

TGO Rating: 4.5

Cohesion have several points of difference. The waist has flat, wide elastication at the back in a horizontal panel, with a flat front featuring integral webbing belt, zip fly and stud.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH Palisade Pants (£45)

OUTDOOR RESEARCH Palisade Pants (£45)

TGO Rating: 4.5

I had to double check the price of these overtrousers: I know the fabric is unbranded but, even so, £45 is remarkable for a pant with design features including full side zips. The nylon coated fabric does develop condensation but with the side zips acting as vents dampness is kept to a minimum.

PÁRAMO Ladies Cascada Trousers (£115)

PÁRAMO Ladies Cascada Trousers (£115)

TGO Rating: 5

Páramo clothing is heavy and bulky but if you’re wearing it, not carrying it, nothing else will keep you as dry or comfortable. Nikwax Analogy provides weatherproofing without the need for the membranes, laminates or coatings that, no matter what manufacturers claim, create condensation.

PATAGONIA Rain Shadow Pants (£130)

PATAGONIA Rain Shadow Pants (£130)

TGO Rating: 4

Patagonia have changed their fabulous Rain Shadow Pant. Instead of wide gripper elastic and shockcord at the waist, it now has fabric-covered wide elastic at the back, a flat front with a fly zip and stud.

RAB Vidda Pant (£110)

RAB Vidda Pant (£110)

TGO Rating: 5

This is an impressive weight and price for a 3-layer overtrouser. I find eVent works well in waterproof pants: it feels supple, lightweight and reliable. Design details are simple but effective: a low-profile elasticated waist has a shockcord.

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