Waterproof trousers

wex96 · 24-10-2021 8:47am #1

Hi guys, I'm a newbie to hill walking, went to trespass and got some dlk waterproof trousers. Was out in the pissing rain in Kerry and after half hour my knees were damp and after an hour me undercrackers were soaking. Is this normal? Trousers rated at 10000 waterproof. Had a hiking jacket on could the run off from jacket caused it?

Thanks 👍

24-10-2021 9:06am

First of all....... great move to 'get into' hill walking/ rambling.....personally I find there's not much more satisfying than a 2-3hr trek with my 2 beautiful doggies. I've had all sorts of waterproof trousers over the years & ,to be honest, there really isn't any that does what it says 'on the tin' ...... a €10 pair out of guineys are just as effective/ good as a €100 pair of berghaus IMO. Yep the 'run off' a good jacket ( 'funnel' effect) always leads to what you describe. A few years back Mrs Mc Carthy & I did the Camino trail ( 220km over 10days) in Feb.- this subject came up a lot & no-one seemed immune after a downpour.....& some of these people were experienced hill walkers from all parts of the world with all sorts of trousers. I'm a fan of trespass & find they're as good as anything else out there

SupplyandDemandZone · 24-10-2021 9:47am

https://www.decathlon.ie/waders-thigh-waders/197171-14766-wds-1-fishing-waders.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiNSLBhCPARIsAKNS4_dH619xjVWBUjHFns7o1HOLuwlJA91iyv936LDXNHYX5tOVpl9O5uAaAtRIEALw_wcB#/demodelsize-37465_7_m/demodelcolor-8409264?search=&display=&KW=&position=&device_model=

These will work if you want to stay 100% dry 😂 otherwise no matter what you buy even the best Gore-Tex stuff they will eventually give up the ghost. I've a set of of royal air force Tex trousers that iv'e had for over 5 years now that i just throw in the washing machine with some Nikwax wash in every few months.

Wanderer78 · 24-10-2021 10:06am

i disagree to a degree with the above, there can be a huge difference between cheap pants and more expensive ones

these are the most common in my club

https://www.berghaus.com/men-s-deluge-2.0-pant-black/13145278.html?autocomplete=productsuggestion

ive had them for many years, they were pretty good for the first few years, i made sure to wash and treat them regularly enough, until the waterproof lining started breaking down after a few years.

nikwax is the industry standard for washing and proofing, but there are plenty of others

https://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/products/twin-tech-wash-tx-direct/

i recently bough these, unfortunately destroyed them on their first outing, without a doubt, the most comfortable pants ive ever owned, but i was starting to get wet in them, after a long day on the mountains, unsure if it was from sweat or the conditions, as it wasnt my normal environment (active volcano).

https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/mens-stretch-ozonic-pant-1582731.html

im currently using these on our mountains, ive only used them a couple of times, so far so good.

https://eu.patagonia.com/ie/en/product/mens-torrentshell-3l-rain-pants-regular/85265.html

try before you buy, best of luck, and welcome to hill walking, its great fun

Enduro · 25-10-2021 10:08pm

I tend to agree with Wanderer78 to a point. Better quality does make a big difference. I've had a few expensive pairs from the likes of Berghaus that have worked very well. The problems happen when they get ripped for whatever reason. Then they become expensive useless leggings. By far my most effective set came from my sponsors, Columbia, using their Outdry technology. It's way tougher and more resilient than goretex and similar membranes. Unfortunately they are hard to get hold of these days. I treasure my pairs. I've had a decathlon pair as well that wasn't as good as the way more expensive big brand stuff, but still pretty effective. In value for money terms, they're worth a look.

Discodog · 30-10-2021 6:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058214523/waterproof-trousers

I would take them back. No way are they 10000 rated. You have two choices. Buy cheap nylon or oilskin style, have total waterproofing but sweat like hell. Or get good quality, breathable trousers & then maintain them. I always look on Amazon & read the reviews. Then buy locally or online.

I use these working outdoors & they are surprisingly good for the money.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00Q0BAX6E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Planet X · 02-11-2021 6:41pm

Bought a pair of Paramo Cascade troos last week.

Good leg ventilation, light enough, belt and braces loops. Now no need for overtrousers in the rain. Quality finish and am happy with them. Paired with my Buffalo Windshirt.......sorted for the rain. Both very breathable, Buffalo weight nothing but is a killer in the rain and wind.

Mr.Crinklewood · 29-11-2021 7:34pm

Sorry for hijacking, any decent deals out there at the moment?

Was checking https://www.craghoppers.com/ie/kiwi-winter-lined-trousers-black-2/

...but always wary of places with constant sales

Wanderer78 · 29-11-2021 7:47pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118241410#Comment_118241410

ive never owned this type of kiwi pants, but ive been using the regular kiwi's(none insulated) for years, theyre grand pants, but cheap and cheerful. i much rather use long johns(base layers) for insulation, as insulated pants would probably be too much in milder times, i wouldnt be putting much faith in them for wet wear either, again, id much rather designated shell pants, as mentioned above

Mr.Crinklewood · 29-11-2021 8:04pm

Thank you

Wanderer78 · 29-11-2021 8:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118241531#Comment_118241531

like any clothing, i really think its personal preference, so you might have to experiment with different types of clothing, to find what works for you. i generally experiment with cheaper brands before deciding what to go with eventually, and theres generally very little wrong with the cheaper stuff either, always worth keeping an eye out for sales also, online and off, some well known brands are just ridiculously priced

Discodog · 30-11-2021 7:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118241410#Comment_118241410

They are good & very warm - recommended :)

Check the Amazon price before buying

Mr.Crinklewood · 12-12-2021 10:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118247161#Comment_118247161

Thank you.

oinkely · 17-01-2022 12:43pm

Not going to argue with Enduro's advice above as he is definitely much better placed to make recommendations.

From my experience these are a good choice - no doubt they won't be a patch on the Columbia Outdry stuff but for the price they are functional and waterproof -

https://www.decathlon.ie/men-s-clothes/121366-33560-men-s-trail-running-waterproof-rain-trousers-black.html

I use them over tights for rugby training with kids on cold / wet days and don't find them sweaty but are very waterproof. For mountain runs they roll up really small and go in the backpack in case of emergency.

I'm certainly very happy with them.

Waterproof trousers

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