Seasonality:<\/b> do you want to buy one pair of waterproof trousers that you can wear all year round? Then bear in mind that some trousers designed for use in harsh winter conditions may be heavy and hot to wear in summer. On the other hand, lightweight trousers may be better suited to summer walking than regular, arduous winter hikes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

Waterproof fabric<\/b> is of course vital \u2013 more in the box below.<\/span><\/li>\n

Breathability<\/b> \u2013\u00a0especially useful in summer, breathable fabrics allow air to pass through your fabric, helping to keep your legs cool.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

Ankle zips<\/b> are essential to allow you to take trousers off without removing your hiking boots. Some budget options omit these zips \u2013 you\u2019ll regret it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

Vents<\/b> \u2013 many waterproof trousers have zipped vents running up the side. These too are very useful in keeping legs cool \u2013 allowing you to wear your waterproof trousers all day, even when showers alternate with warm sunshine.\u00a0 When a storm comes in, just zip up your vents to stay dry. The most breathable fabrics sometimes omit long vents (but good pairs always retain ankle zips).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

Light weight<\/b> \u2013 especially valuable in summer, lighter fabrics help you forget you are wearing an extra layer on your legs. That means you can bring them with you just in case \u2013 they won\u2019t add much weight to your pack. And of course lightweight options are always a bonus for backpackers, to reduce your burden on the trail.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n

Durability<\/strong> \u2013 ultra lightweight fabrics sometimes don\u2019t last as long and weaken or tear with repeated use. If you are out frequently in harsh weather, consider a heavier weight fabric.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Berghaus Paclite Overtrousers<\/h3>\n
$\""Berghaus\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
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With super-light, pocket-sized packability, these are your perfect \u2018just in case\u2019 pants. Gore-Tex says its products all score \u201cover 28K\u201d for waterproofing, and these trousers have an impressive RET of under six (highly breathable), so you can trust them to keep you dry. The Gore-Tex membrane is bonded directly to an outer shell material on one side, and covered by a durable protective layer made of an anti-oil substance and carbon on the inner. Two-way, three-quarter-length side zips and an elasticated-drawcord waist give easy on-off, plus allow good venting. The simple, pocketless, unrestrictive pants with poppered hems contain blue sign-approved fabrics and come in lots of sizes and lengths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Weight: 238g (men\u2019s large), 233g<\/span><\/li>\n
Material: two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
Best for: being featherlight friends<\/strong><\/p>\n
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