Waterproof Trousers

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

Paramo Cascada trousers. Comfortable enough to be worn as ordinary
trousers plus, they're breathable and waterproof. Definitely not like
your crackly Goretex. 80 quid from The Mountain Factor on the web,
based at Ambleside.

HTH

John D.
--
John Dawson at home in Kendal, Cumbria.
Lake District Walks Web Pages http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/
Sicilian Volcanoes at http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/sicily/
Pyrenees trek at http://www.lakedistrictwalks.com/pyrenees

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

You've got two avenues, walking trousers which are waterproof in
themselves, or overtrousers. OTs have the advantage of not carrying
around the waterproofing when you don't need it (in most cases that
means reduced breathability, an exception are Paramo Cascadas which are
very breathable but OTOH heavier, hotter and bulkier than alternatives),
but they're a faff to take on and off and generally not the nicest
things to walk in. if you go down the OT route then consider whether
you'll ever need to put them on over crampons or skis, and if you might
then a full side zip becomes useful, but if not a gusseted half zip will
be lighter, cheaper and more waterproof.

Usual suspects for basically waterproof trousers would be Paramo
Cascadas and Rohan Dry Goas though I'll leave good first hand
performance reports to others. I use ME Drilite Plus OTs, which I like
for taking up very little space and not weighing much when I'm not using
them. I sometimes use them with skis and crampons so got the full zip
model.

As always, it's good to try things on rather than just order over the
web, as your owbn particular shape will conform better to some
manufacturers' tailors' dummies than others.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

John Dawson wrote

Quoted message said:

Paramo Cascada trousers.

Seconded, thirded and fourthed.

Chris

In message <[email hidden]>

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

I've not tried enough to recommend anything, but when considering, are
you likely to use them often? If you just occasionally get caught out
in the rain, but don't often bother if the weather looks bad, then
it's probably not worth spending all the money on the Paramo Cascadas.
Mind you, I bring on the wrath of some people around here by usually
wearing jeans and just chucking overtrousers on when required. Not
good for a whole day in the rain, but I don't go out on such days.

--
Simon Challands

Peter Clinch said:

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

Quoted message said:

You've got two avenues, walking trousers which are waterproof in
themselves, or overtrousers. OTs have the advantage of not carrying
around the waterproofing when you don't need it (in most cases that
means reduced breathability, an exception are Paramo Cascadas which are
very breathable but OTOH heavier, hotter and bulkier than alternatives),
but they're a faff to take on and off and generally not the nicest
things to walk in. if you go down the OT route then consider whether
you'll ever need to put them on over crampons or skis, and if you might
then a full side zip becomes useful, but if not a gusseted half zip will
be lighter, cheaper and more waterproof.

Quoted message said:

Usual suspects for basically waterproof trousers would be Paramo
Cascadas and Rohan Dry Goas though I'll leave good first hand
performance reports to others. I use ME Drilite Plus OTs, which I like
for taking up very little space and not weighing much when I'm not using
them. I sometimes use them with skis and crampons so got the full zip
model.

I have both the Cascadas and the ME Drilite OTs. I tend to wear the
Cascadas mainly in winter. What I like about the Drilites is that they are
a fairly close fit around the legs compared to my more floppy previous
(brandless) pair and some of the other brands I tried on.

Roos

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person Simon Challands <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

In message <[email hidden]>

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

I've not tried enough to recommend anything, but when considering, are
you likely to use them often? If you just occasionally get caught out
in the rain, but don't often bother if the weather looks bad, then
it's probably not worth spending all the money on the Paramo Cascadas.
Mind you, I bring on the wrath of some people around here by usually
wearing jeans and just chucking overtrousers on when required. Not
good for a whole day in the rain, but I don't go out on such days.

I find Regatta trousers better than jeans - more pockets, dry faster,
option of lined or not - but apart from that I'd agree. Also with the
previous poster who said that the full-length-zip (if you can find them)
models are a lot stiffer, heavier, and bulkier, than the ones with a
shorter zip gusset in the ankle area. Depends how flexible you are I
guess - these days putting on over-trousers standing up is not so easy
as it used to be (and sitting down to do it is rarely a good option when
it's just started raining).

Problem with overtrousers is the 'can't be bothered', when you should. I
did a field of Brussel sprouts last week, two days after rain, and I
'CbB'. I wound up soaked to the knees (and thus socks and boots too). I
swear each individual sprout plant held at least half a pint of water,
which it dumped on my as I passed.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
10,002 Km walked. 1,952 Km PROWs surveyed. 35.5% complete.

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

If not going the Paramo waterproof and warm route, then the Berghaus PacLite
models (ultra light weight by their standards) seem to do the job for me.
They are small and light for the pack, long zips so easy to get into and
good for ventillation if getting warm or sweaty. Dry pretty quickly (for
packing away). Can be repaired with tape if snagged. Content to use them
all day if I must.

Downside might be the fairly slim cut, which suits me, but may not suit all.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

In message <[email hidden]>

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person Simon Challands <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I've not tried enough to recommend anything, but when considering, are
you likely to use them often? If you just occasionally get caught out
in the rain, but don't often bother if the weather looks bad, then
it's probably not worth spending all the money on the Paramo Cascadas.
Mind you, I bring on the wrath of some people around here by usually
wearing jeans and just chucking overtrousers on when required. Not
good for a whole day in the rain, but I don't go out on such days.

Quoted message said:

I find Regatta trousers better than jeans - more pockets, dry faster,
option of lined or not - but apart from that I'd agree.

I only wear jeans because that's what I wear anyway when not at work;
I rarely bother spending money on clothes just for walking (as opposed
to things to put over them, should the need arise), but I freely admit
they're a long way from the being the best. Good enough, though (to
me).

Quoted message said:

Problem with overtrousers is the 'can't be bothered', when you should. I
did a field of Brussel sprouts last week, two days after rain, and I
'CbB'. I wound up soaked to the knees (and thus socks and boots too). I
swear each individual sprout plant held at least half a pint of water,
which it dumped on my as I passed.

The walking-through-wet-stuff point is a very good one and easily
overlooked, as is what you think is going to be a light shower but
lasts longer, so by the time you put them on you're already quite wet,
so ease of getting on is no doubt a more important point than I'd
considered (not that mine are hard to put on, I'm just lazy).

--
Simon Challands

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person Nigel Cliffe <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Martin said:

I suspect this is an old thread but got soaked through today ...

Can anyone recommend good waterproof walking trousers ?

If not going the Paramo waterproof and warm route, then the Berghaus PacLite
models (ultra light weight by their standards) seem to do the job for me.
They are small and light for the pack, long zips so easy to get into and
good for ventillation if getting warm or sweaty. Dry pretty quickly (for
packing away). Can be repaired with tape if snagged. Content to use them
all day if I must.

Downside might be the fairly slim cut, which suits me, but may not suit all.

And the prices .. you didn't mention the prices. 8>.

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
10,002 Km walked. 1,952 Km PROWs surveyed. 35.5% complete.

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

Quoted message said:

If not going the Paramo waterproof and warm route, then the Berghaus PacLite
models (ultra light weight by their standards) seem to do the job for me.
They are small and light for the pack, long zips so easy to get into and
good for ventillation if getting warm or sweaty. Dry pretty quickly (for
packing away). Can be repaired with tape if snagged. Content to use them
all day if I must.

Downside might be the fairly slim cut, which suits me, but may not suit all.

And the prices .. you didn't mention the prices. 8>.

I looked at a pair of Berghaus Paclite trousers but decided to buy the
Paramo Vientos as they cost less and fitted better!

Unfortunately with my waistline I am supposed to be 8 inches taller,
so I have a lot of trouble with trousers and I did not fancy taking up
the Paclites. (Not at /that/ price.)

Judith

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

I find Regatta trousers better than jeans - more pockets, dry faster

They'd dry even quicker without all the damn pockets. A couple are nice
as handwarmers or somewhere to put a hankie, but aside from that why do
people /want/ half a dozen pockets in their walking trousers? Things
like a map or compass have much less comfort impact stowed above the
waist, which isn't moving nearly so much with each step...

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

I find Regatta trousers better than jeans - more pockets, dry faster

They'd dry even quicker without all the damn pockets. A couple are
nice as handwarmers or somewhere to put a hankie, but aside from that
why do people /want/ half a dozen pockets in their walking trousers?
Things like a map or compass have much less comfort impact stowed
above the waist, which isn't moving nearly so much with each step...

Oddly I like the leg pocket, though only for a compass. I know where it is !

But I agree about the over-supply; the double front pockets serve no
function, etc..

Rohan Bags dry much quicker than Regattas, but at a much higher price.
(My other half can't get Regattas which fit, but Rohan do small sizes. Its
noticeable on any damp walk that my trousers take a lot longer to dry ).

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Nigel Cliffe said:

Rohan Bags dry much quicker than Regattas, but at a much higher price.
(My other half can't get Regattas which fit, but Rohan do small sizes. Its
noticeable on any damp walk that my trousers take a lot longer to dry ).

I like Bags a lot... but as work trousers which are smart enough to not
bother the Fashion Police and are still comfortable and hard wearing
(and at work I find the pockets useful). Never go walking in them, all
sorts of better alternatives (including from Rohan, for example their
Goas weigh less and according to Rohan's own figures dry in less than
half the time)

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Judith said:

Unfortunately with my waistline I am supposed to be 8 inches taller,

The Tower of London has a retro gym which might help.
--
Peter.
You don't understand Newton's Third Law of Motion?
It's not rocket science, you know.

Nigel Cliffe said:

My other half can't get Regattas which fit, but Rohan do small sizes.

Their idea of choice in trouser lengths is that they now offer "very
short" (29"😉 in addition to "short" (31"😉 ....

Roos (33"😉

Peter Clinch said:

Nigel Cliffe said:

Rohan Bags dry much quicker than Regattas, but at a much higher
price. (My other half can't get Regattas which fit, but Rohan do
small sizes. Its noticeable on any damp walk that my trousers take a
lot longer to dry ).

I like Bags a lot... but as work trousers which are smart enough to
not bother the Fashion Police and are still comfortable and hard
wearing (and at work I find the pockets useful). Never go walking in
them, all sorts of better alternatives (including from Rohan, for
example their Goas weigh less and according to Rohan's own figures
dry in less than half the time)

Its a size thing. Other half fits inside Bags. The same is not true of
some other products. So, if product doesn't fit its not much use.

As I understand things, in the "good old days" Mrs Rohan was a small lady,
who insisted that slim ~5ft x 6.5stone be included in the range. Hence the
small "Bags".
I am not convinced that the same attention to the needs of the smaller
customer remains in the newer items in their range. However, they are much
better than some other makers who don't have anything for the smaller
person.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Bitstring <[email hidden]>, from the wonderful
person Nigel Cliffe <[email hidden]> said

Quoted message said:

Peter Clinch said:

GSV Three Minds in a Can said:

I find Regatta trousers better than jeans - more pockets, dry faster

They'd dry even quicker without all the damn pockets. A couple are
nice as handwarmers or somewhere to put a hankie, but aside from that
why do people /want/ half a dozen pockets in their walking trousers?
Things like a map or compass have much less comfort impact stowed
above the waist, which isn't moving nearly so much with each step...

Oddly I like the leg pocket, though only for a compass. I know where it is !

Oddly I like the leg map pocket, because it is just the right size for
an A4 map folded into quarters, and my hand hovers right over it. My
above waist pockets have lumpy stuff(*) in (or they may be in short
supply when I'm summer walking with just a shirt on).

Quoted message said:

But I agree about the over-supply; the double front pockets serve no
function, etc..

Yep, I have been known to lose my hanky because there are too many
pockets, and searching them all before a wash is a chore. Of course SOME
jeans are just as bad.

Quoted message said:

Rohan Bags dry much quicker than Regattas, but at a much higher price.
(My other half can't get Regattas which fit, but Rohan do small sizes. Its
noticeable on any damp walk that my trousers take a lot longer to dry ).

* GPS, MP3 player, phone, camera, keys, money, lunch, etc...

--
GSV Three Minds in a Can
10,002 Km walked. 1,952 Km PROWs surveyed. 35.5% complete.

Nigel Cliffe said:

Its a size thing. Other half fits inside Bags. The same is not true of
some other products. So, if product doesn't fit its not much use.

Quite so. One of the good things about Bags is they're Sacred Cows and
they can't really change them, and they are thus not subject to
"improvement" (or "buggering up completely" as it is known outside of
marketing circles...).

Quoted message said:

As I understand things, in the "good old days" Mrs Rohan was a small lady,
who insisted that slim ~5ft x 6.5stone be included in the range. Hence the
small "Bags".
I am not convinced that the same attention to the needs of the smaller
customer remains in the newer items in their range. However, they are much
better than some other makers who don't have anything for the smaller
person.

As Roos has commented on their leg lengths for women's sizes, if you're
a larger lady you can be a bit snookered too. And by "larger" I mean
just generally bigger/taller/broader, not just "small woman who ate a
lot of pies". She used to fit their trousers quite well but then they
"improved" the shape and that was that as a source of comfy jeans and
smart trousers... This problem is hardly exclusive to Rohan though :-(

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Roos Eisma wrote

Quoted message said:

Their idea of choice in trouser lengths is that they now offer "very
short" (29"😉 in addition to "short" (31"😉 ....

Hmmm. An eternal gripe of those of us in the 30" bracket.

Chris