[Closed] Which waterproof shorts are we buying this winter?

chopped down ex raf goretex trousers. better than anything else available.
can be had for 15 quid on the internet

5yr old Endura MT500 Spray Baggies, which need re-proofing, on proper wet days the MT500 waterproof.

None 'cos my military surplus goretex are still going fine.

None as my Alturas are still going strong. MT500 Spray are nicer shorts for when conditions aren't quite so bad

Ton +1. Best waterproofs I've got.

Army surplus again here. Cut down overtrousers. The seams are far better than any 'recognised' manufacturer and that is where the others all start to disintegrate.

If I buy some I’ll probably give the Raceface agent ones a try

interesting... - any recommended sellers for army surplus stuff online?

I've had two pairs, lasting 2-3 winters each. Pretty sure they both came from here.

[url= http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/british-army-goretex-trousers-1122244.html ]http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/british-army-goretex-trousers-1122244.html[/url]

Cut off the legs, sew a hem (not essential as goretex doesn't fray) and you're away.

Don't wash with detergent, I just hand wash mine in a bucket of plain warm water and hang out to dry. Waterproofing is usually restored by a quick tumble dry to 'melt' the proofing into the fibers again. I use wash-in Nikwax every so often then tumble dry on hot to make them really bead off. Even the arse!

No frills, no pockets etc (to my mind pockets are just more to go wrong). But as I said earlier, the seams don't delaminate, they eventually just wear through as the stitching wears out.

The cot off legs into mini bags with a draw string too.

To those cutting down MVP trousers; Do you use the elasticated or fitted waist type?

Cheers, might give that a try

I’ve tried the Fox & madison ones. Both really bad, don’t hold off any splashes and feel colder than standard shorts.

Tenn

Another vote for Military goretex. Used mine in some filthy weather this year and been dry as a bone.

Tried the Endura MT500, and don't rate them

The taped seals came off the seat of mine last week and they've not been worn that much in the 2 years I've had them. Not impressed

Edit: While they are waterproof they're not that warm either

To those cutting down MVP trousers; Do you use the elasticated or fitted waist type?

Thanks. I've got a few of them and never had the elastic snap but the dog did chew it out of one pair..

PS. I use para-cord for shoelaces nowadays, it's good stuff.

+1 home made. Made some from Gore-Tex military surplus trousers like folk have mentioned above. Cost around £20 all in (including having them professionally stitched) and they're flipping ace. Simple, tough, fully-waterproof, look ok, made to measure, and the've lasted well so far in the Pennines.

Start Cycles have some cheap-ish Scott ones on sale. No idea if they're any good but they're decent value:
https://www.startfitness.co.uk/cycle/bike-wear/scott-trail-mtn-dryo-50-mens-cycling-shorts-blue-250303-5164.html - only in L tho so prob too big for you!

What length are you all making your cut-offs? Around knee height or more like 3/4 length? Assume no-one has gone all Mary Quant.

Just below the knee here.

No need to stitch a new hem on, they don't fray.

Well timed question, I've been struggling to replace my altura attack 3/4 length ones. I've just ordered some royal storms, but not sure on the length.

My army camo gortex trousers are still going strong after ten years of abuse. Bought them after a wet week in Morzine in 2007. Just hose them down to remove the sludge and hang them to dry. I also have some airforce ones which are just as good for walking the dog in.

*Dons flameproof suit*
Any of the above gore tex type stuff around that isn't camo?
I'm happy with most colours, no matter how stupid, but I don't do camo.

And yes, I'm aware of the potential stupidity of asking if there are any army type trousers that aren't camo...

EDIT: Durrr... These, right?
http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/raf-wet-weather-goretex-trousers-686938.html

Army surplus goretex here too.
Lots of colours available too. Well, a few non-camo ones.

They're very 'Rustly' but cheap and keep you dry.

Also, cut mine just below the knee. Helps to keep the spray out. Mine also have a drawstring, and elastic.

Those air force blue ones are the same as the ones I have for walking the dog. They are a bit heavier material to the old camo ones I have.

Are the Tenn ones actually any good? I know they work out a tenner more, but I do like pockets and stuff, and prefer a more bike-y cut if possible. I read mixed reports of them.

Are the Tenn ones actually any good?

No. Mine lasted two rides before letting in water. I just use for commuting now. I wouldn't buy again.

to buck the trend.

sweet mudrides. first pair started to leak a little bit after two winters and probably 200 rides. Sweet gave me a new pair under warranty. worth every penny to me.

I'm sure they are, but...
Ninety. Seven. Pounds.

[quote=submarined ]I'm sure they are, but...
Ninety. Seven. Pounds.

I didnt say they were cheap. i'd buy them again.

I, however, am cheap 😀

Careful with the RAF ones as mine had hand / pocket holes.
And it's really difficult to cut the legs straight and to the same length.

Trying out the Madison D.T.E. waterproof ones, on the knee so not quite 3/4.
Decent so far - all round protection (don't like the Endura style ones - is that MT500 - that have w/proof arse but thighs open to any falling rain...

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used. I don't even ride that much during the winter, 1 ride a week maybe 2, usually at a trail center so I suppose it could be the grit-lube contributing to their swift demise.

Current favourites are the Dare2Be long shorts i picked up in a sale last year, but the arse patch is beginning to fall off.

My Tenns have been ridden a few times, but they're already wearing thin.

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used.

Mine too, apart from the goretex ones (so far).

Swapping from saddles with raised stitching to smooth ones has helped a lot BTW.

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used.

Mine too, apart from the goretex ones (so far).

What's the sizing like on the surplus goretex?

I can feel the blisters on my legs just thinking about riding those army ones for 6 hours in a wet day.

If you are happy to ride around in sawn-off army gear with one leg longer than the other you are one step away from riding around with a binbag sarong as a windbreaker. Life's to short! 😀

kcal..

Whats the fit like on those Madison DTE shorts? considering a pair later this week.
are they slim fit, or big and flappy? I've found madison kit can be a bit of the latter on my lanky frame..

RAF goretex, cut to 3/4 length and added elasticated braces so I don't need to cinch the waste so much.

muzz - Member
I can feel the blisters on my legs just thinking about riding those army ones for 6 hours in a wet day.

Used mine over bibs bikepacking on multiple big days out no issues, toughen up princess 😈

Those RAF ones look like they're worth a go for the money. Do want to avoid camo colours and a ballooning elastic waistband look though. Very much.

Everyone seems happy to splurge pictures of their stooge on the internet, but much shyer when it comes to cut-off amry surplus gore-tex 🙂

You can see mine here if you really want...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/review-military-surplus-gore-tex-trousersshorts/

That's really helpful, thanks!

shant be buying any because my raceface agents are the shiz and still going strong!

my raceface agents, have stood up to 1 full peak district winter so far (from October > march last year), ride a fair bit, plenty of grit that's killed god knows how many waterproof shorts in the past.... still totally waterproof, still no signs of delaminating on the bum, (its a little worn colour) but its still waterproof and still keeps me dry, they are perhaps a little baggier than I would normally wear, but they are cracking winter shorts the best ive had so far by a long long stretch in terms of durability

have been used for the last 1 month or so and still doing a great job, washed after every ride, and most the time just in normal detergent...

I'm sure I read theyd stopped making them now, which is a crying shame, as they really are that good

Gave the Tenn ones a few rides, don't know how they'll stand up longterm but they're decent- not as waterproof (or maybe not as breathable) as my alturas but they're also half the price.

JackHammer - Member

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used

Have you tried the altura attacks? I've found them seriously durable- I killed a set in a crash this year but they were 2 winters old I think, the others are going strong. I just machine wash them too but they stay waterproof without fuss.

The belt adjusters are rubbish though.

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/38532956302_304c4f1c1e_o.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/38532956302_304c4f1c1e_o.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/21H2try ]20140803_161030[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/151305262@N07/ ]Tracey Lawton[/url], on Flickr

washed after every ride!? i never wash mine, they have been washed once when the mrs took offence to a discarded pile of wet muddy clobber on the garage floor but generally i just hose em down... (rf agents)

Those RAF ones look great, but does anyone know what size they are?
I’m a 34 inch waist, would I need medium or large?

medium

Thank you, just found your blog 🙂

Used my 7mesh recons for a year and they look brand new still, not full waterproof but unless you’re out in a downpour all day you’ll struggle to wet them out. Just bought some 7mesh Revo’s which are fully waterproof, looking forward to trying those out. Can see why people go for the homemade army ones, but honestly the fit and quality of the 7mesh is more than worth the extra.

I had police issue black goretex from ebay, intention was to cut them down. Decided to wear them full length first though. What a revelation no water running down into my nice goretex boots.
The trousers stayed full length, Iv had at least 2 winters out of them. The seams across the back side are getting worn now.
Only hosed down after a ride and hung in the garage. Been great.

Following this thread i bought some ‘Desert storm’ camo £20 ebay ex military trousers to replace some absolutrly knackered Endura commuting pants.
For the money they are great - cooler than the Endura’s (more breathable?) and a lot more waterproof.
Slight downside is that they are baggier and the sizings took some figuring out

Picked up a pair of Tenn Protean waterproof shorts in the sales - will see what they're like for £20.
Would like the Endura 3/4 length but £80 for shorts is a bit much.
Like the idea of the military goretex trousers - might give that a go as well.

Wiggle put 2015 RF Agents on sale for £40 last week. I've got a pair of those on the way, so will see how they go.

Gone with some Raceface Agents from Wiggle. Are the older ones any different?

Had anyone got any experience of the Royal Racing waterproof shorts?

On my second warranty replacement of the Madison Addict/Storm shorts due to taped seems peeling.

Yesterday I went into my local LBS and came out with another pair Pearl Izumi Summit shorts and a pair of Madison 4 season DWR trousers.

I have the Summit shorts already and these were on clearance as last years, great shorts I like the slim fit on the legs, not too long in the leg either and they are stretchy for moving around on the bike, just need to remember not to chuck em in the washing machine like my other pairs and wash the DWR out...

I'm hoping the 4 season trousers will be more breathable then the Madison Addict trousers I currently own, I find them really boil in the bag, but as others say excellent for warm and dry feet as stops water running down the leg into the socks.

On my second warranty replacement of the Madison Addict/Storm shorts due to taped seems peeling.

Do you have raised stitching on your saddle? I used to go through waterproof shorts at a rate of knots until I sussed the stitching on my Bel Air was pulling them apart.

Charge spoon saddle so some stitching, although most of it has worn away now anyway.

With the Addicts the tape on a number of the seams started coming away, not just in the saddle high wear area but all over. These were warrantied with the Storms and those have gone back this week as the tape on the crotch seam was coming away.

The taping looked much better on the Storms than the Addicts so I had high hopes of them lasting but it appears the movement in the crotch area is too much of the tape to take.

The outsides of the shorts still looked good as new, no wear. Both pairs had only done around half a dozen rides and a couple of washes (30C with tech wash)

Was offered the DTE as replacements but prefer a fully waterproof short so trying another pair of Storms (and hoping I've just been unlucky).

Also taken advantage of 50% at Royal to see if they are any better.

Just thought I'd mention it. I had a pair of Madison shorts that the taped seams just fell off in the first (cold) wash.

On the plus side Madison are good with warranty 🙂

Don't normally bother but I bought a pair of Royal Storm shorts in their sale - online reviews seemed positive.

7mesh Revo for me

They do loose the DWR proofing where mud gets ground in (seat area) but i just chuck them in the wash, hang to dry then re-treat with Grangers Xtreme Repel and tumble dry for 40mins to reactivate the DWR.

Still beading water after 12 months use, still in great condition!

Look good too!

Wiggle have more of the RaceFace Agents - seem to be newer ones, they're a separate listing to the 2015 ones. Just nabbed a set in black.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/race-face-agent-winter-shorts/

Shame they don't have a medium in black.

mark90 - there is a fully waterproof DTE - have them and they seem to work well.

oh and dave27 - I found the latter DTEs a more loose fit at Medium - have had older Addict and Zenith and Small was fine. They are quite 'flappy' if you like - maybe depends on size, and leg shape?

kcal that's good to know. I might end up with them if the next pair of Storms aren't any better. Think the shop were just offering me the DTE's the had on the shelf, and they were a DWR softshell material.

My experience of 8 long winters training for the puffer in the north of Scotland is that all the branded ones fail pretty quickly. You are as well getting the tenns as the ones costing much more. I used to pick them up for £15 each. Stormsure sealant works well on leaking seams but looks gash no matter how artistic you are during application. Branded shorts are great for most rides but when it's proper horrible the army goretex cut offs are absolutely unbeatable. I did LOL at the comments about them looking wrong with their elasticated waists and uneven legs. As if someone would notice that when you are covered in crap from head to toe. The only downside of them, apart from the camo under all the mud (further LOLs), is the lack of pockets so you have to wear the right jacket with them or have drybags and/or a rucksack cover.

Here's me modelling mine. This was about 6 years ago and they are still going strong.

[img][url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/38731802551_f83e1d70e5_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/38731802551_f83e1d70e5_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/221ABva ]164095_10150164308078378_43647_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/32900108@N04/ ]devilnomad[/url], on Flickr[/img]

The only downside of them, apart from the camo under all the mud (further LOLs), is the lack of pockets so you have to wear the right jacket with them or have drybags and/or a rucksack cover.

When it's cold I sometimes wear a pair of thin summer shorts underneath mine, the through pockets line up pretty well.

The Tenn shorts turned up yesterday.
Glad I 'sized up' and went for the large - I think their sizing is off, feel more like a medium.
Should still be able to get some padded liners underneath.
Will see how they hold up in the wet/mud.

I got some of the army supplies gortex ones excellent choice work really well! Top tip cheers

Be aware of your of "racing build" the army surplus stuff is a bit shit.

As in won't stay up unless you tie the waste cord so it cuts you in half while riding......or put up with the crotch catching on the saddle.

YMMV if you have a stomach to hold them up but I don't have birthing hips to hold them up.

So I buy what ever I can get from the usual suspects for 20 is quid. Been using alturas - not worn them through but after a number of puffers and many other rides over 7 or so years mines are porous on the arse so I have replaced with the Polaris ones from the PSA and they are nice so far. Nice close fit without looking like something MC hammer would wear

Cut off blue RAF ones here, but the fit is so big, I need to get braces sorted.
I wish I’d kept the bottoms to do something creative with.