Currently got a pair of marmot precip evo full length zip. Great waterproof trousers but won't stay up when wearing a rucksack. Being full length zip there's no drawcord at the waistband.
Tried out a pair of Berghaus paclite which were great apart from drawcord toggle sitting on hip where rucksack hip belt sits causing it to dig in. Stupid design IMO.
Was going to pull the trigger on some ME zeno pants, but I've heard they're rather delicate.
Anyone got any suggestions? Has to have 3/4 length zips and come in long leg. Prefer lightweight as walking tmb this year and every gram counts.
I used to have the PreCip full zip trousers from 2004-2012ish
They had velcro tabs on them so I just bought some braces to keep them up. Are yours the same?
Yes, just little velcro tabs that connect the front and back parts of the trouser. No way to tighten them.
I've looked at braces, but seems like another level of faff I don't need half way up a munro when it's pissing down. Do they interfere with rucksack straps etc?
Compromise as ever. Best I have had are some berghaus ones but almost 500g IIRC lasted years adn still waterproof with full length zips and poppers. I also have some sub 200G ones - flimsy and soak thru after hours in the rain. they were expensive and are gortex
Berghaus Deluge. Had for ages. Still waterproof. Probably the same as the ones tj mentioned, or sound very similar. The toggle may be an issue for you though, however, not something that's bothered me. And they're generally cheaper than 'posh' ones 😂
If you like your trousers, then try braces first before buying new trousers.. I've worn brace for many years with mtb short/trousers, as I've always found there belts to be far from satisfactory. I use Oregon 562411 Black Logger Braces with Metal Clips, though be aware you can damaged the trouser with the clips. Alternatively you could use Oregon 562411 Black Logger Braces and sew buttons onto you trousers to secure them. Down sides? If they don't securely clip to your trouser, there a waste of time. Potentially with a large rucksack, it could sit onto of the clips and dig into your body.
I wear braces all the time but these are over trousers, I can understand the OP not wanting the extra faff of over trousers that need braces.
It's more to pack for a start, or alternatively needing to switch braces from under trousers to over trousers just as heavens open is going to be a pain.
I have the berghaus paclites with the full side zips, in fact I have two pairs. They are excellent, fit for me is good and no worries wearing all day if necessary. I didn't realize there was a pull toggle on the side, I just went and checked and there it is! I've never needed it and it's never been a problem with my various packs but if it was I'd just take it off as the elastic waist is fine for me. On inspection it would be fairly straightforward to reposition the toggle, the elastic it uses only go a quarter of the way around the waist.
Braces I have on my winter troops, great but a pain for layering and so forth
Braces aren't a faff, they're simple 40-50mm stretchy ribbon material that is easy on and easy off. Mine were attached with velcro so easy to use
Another vote for no braces if they're going to be on/off trousers. They're great for days when you know you'll be out in crap weather all day but otherwise a faff.
My experience is that fit varies so much even between different models from the same manufacturer that trying on is the best way. If you can't get to a shop with a good range then maybe try buying a few pairs from somewhere like sportpursuit and send back the pairs you don't like.
It's worth being open minded about the brand. Most trousers at a given price will have comparable fabrics and quality.
Yeah, don't think braces are going to work for off/on over trousers,for me anyway.
Might have a drive along to Tiso tomorrow and see what they've got to offer. Liking the sound of the sprayway hydrolite now too but maybe worth trying the Berghaus paclite again as maybe overthinking the side toggle
Yeah, don’t think braces are going to work for off/on over trousers,for me anyway.
You would need to get partially undressed if you wanted to use over trousers with braces, unless you were in a rush in which case you could have your braces over your jacket I guess.
That's what I was thinking. Waterproof jacket is normally on before trousers come out so I'd have to take jacket off to get braces on. If it's wet enough to want to put waterproof trousers on, then I'd certainly not want to be taking jacket off too.
Did think about sewing belt loops onto marmot trousers, maybe worth a look. But then I'd have two belts with rucksack, could be recipe for rubbing/chaffing.
https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/lim-gore-tex-pant/
I've got these. A spendy option but tick all your boxes.
Spendy and possibly won't last long as 2 1/2 doesn't especially like being folded and rolled up all the time, the fate of most overtrousers. Also I've resisted spendy trousers as they seem to attract crampons more than cheap.
OK, realistically how often will you wear them? I wear softwhells for most things now, if not shorts and it needs to be tipping down before I get the overtrousers out. Given that I've got the precips, and a pretty basic pair of Bergans ones for those very few days, and just live with the disadvantages.
I probably head up the hills 2 or 3 times a month. Also wear softshell trousers now and always hold out on putting on overtrousers until its necessary, but last weekend they went on 30min into a 9hr day and were on until I got back to the car. Having to adjust them and pull them up every 10min was really annoying, could be dangerous on some steeper terrain.
3 pairs of Berghaus Paclite in this household - they all leak, the membrane has given way even though they have only been used intermittently. Have some 20 year old Precip ones that are more waterproof!
I wonder if you can only be happy and get some that are cheap , and not use em much, or get some incredibly spendy , nice salopettes and use them a lot. But if you get half decent, and don't use them much you just hate them as an inconvenient to carry sink of £300?
I'd get braces if falling down is your problem
Falling down when wearing rucksack is my only problem. Otherwise there's nothing wrong with the precips.
Braces won't work. I'll just have to try some others and see what works.
Expensive but the best I've ever had are my current (though many years old) Arcteryx. Almost full length zips, not super lightweight but light enough, not baggy, well shaped articulated knees, drawcord with fastener at the front.
Tick all the boxes for me.
I've just bought some Decathlon for £40 - surprisingly excellent. Did a short walk in them this evening and was pleasantly surprised.
Add a drawcord? Can't be that hard
I've got similar full-length zip Marmots.
I'd never give up the zips, especially as they keep the overall cut slim and that means I can use them on the bike without them getting caught in the chain, too.
In your case, i think I'd either add belt loops and use a belt/drawcord/whatever, or the other alternative would be to add longer tabs/more velcro around the waist, so you could pull it in tighter. Helpful if you know someone handy with a sewing machine, but could be done by hand.
