You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I know it's August and we're in a drought / hose pipe ban / melting in places but I cannot help but think about the gap in my winter kit - some decent waterproof trousers.
Ideally my shopping list goes:-
* Waterproof - not just say they are but can resist grass rubbing against them and the letting water in.
* Zip vents - ideally to moderate uphill efforts even in rain / winter
* Zip pockets - damn phone has to go somewhere and funny pack / bum bag is still a PITA
* Not stupidly expensive (as much as I love 7mesh gear no way in gods green earth can I justify £280 on trousers for winter!)
* To be worn over other gear - shorts if hot, bib tights if cold / very cold - ride all year
Have previously tried the goretex paclite ones but they failed after rubbing repeatedly by undergrown and seems to flap for England.
Have had a little look at online reviews and a few came out:-
* Fox 3L pants (FFS can't we just say trousers and be all British about it?)
* 100% Hydromatic - I've got some 100% stuff and it has been damned good
Not so sure about Endura Spray, as much as a Endura fan boy as I have been some of the more recent stuff has not been so good.
Any experiences of either trousers above, others you've had real life experience with and would suggest? Thanks in advance.
James
Bookmarking to see if there are any suggestions that not x00£
* Fox 3L trousers t
I've got some Fox waterproof shorts and they're bloody brilliant. Need to use braces as they're too big (36") but they're excellent.
Probably not totally waterproof any more, but lasted loads longer than any of my others ( mainly Gore tex)
Currently looking for another pair
Fully waterproof. Ex air force goretex from an army surplus website. Loads cheaper than mtb or walking stuff. I use braces to hold them up and gaiters over the shoes. Perfect if it's raining hard.
Super warm and mud proof, almost water proof fox ranger defend fire. Super warm, too hot above 7C unless it's raining. They have been totally awesome for 2 years sliding about in the freezing mud. The waterproof bum is starting to fail. When they die, I'll repair them or buy a new set.
https://foxracing.co.uk/product/defend-fire-pants/25421.html
TheBrick
Free Member
Bookmarking to see if there are any suggestions that not x00£
Columbia?
I think mine are 'Pure -Tech'?
Waterproof through last winter's rain and snow, comfy, not too baggy, elasticated waist for over other trousers.
Infinitely better then the Berghaus ones I had before.
You can wear them on their own, they're quiet and just feel like normal pants.
They were £50 at Winfields and I've bought a second pair.
@fatbikeandcoffee, yes, I have the Dirtsuit and the trousers in the link. So well made and perfectly waterproof. Lots of thoughtful design features as well, and the customer service is good.
I have some Altura Attacks which I like a lot. They're a little sweaty, and definitely rstly, but I've found them to be 100% waterproof (well, I reckon so, assuming the moisture I do get is sweat!). Love that I can wear them over proper kneepads, since "likelihood of crashing" definitely goes throught he roof on rides that I think full trousers are a good idea.
The thing I like most is that they're machine washable. OK so you're not SUPPOSED to, but at 30 degrees I've found that even repeated washing doesn't wreck them, it just makes them a little less waterproof over time (and spoils the DWP coating but that's not the end of the world). I can't see the point of any lower-half bike stuff that you can't machine wash.
Thanks for the ideas and responses.
James