I spoke a while back about my winter trouser dilemma and after doing battle with Decathlon over their overt sex discrimination in the pricing of the Quechua Bionassay Trousers, I thought I might as well give these £39.95 trousers a go. They've been on half a dozen times so far and they are certainly going to get used on my next few outings too.
They're packed with features that a lot of top end winter troos don't have. Made of Decathlon's own version of softshell which seems quite tough and so far has handled drizzly damp stuff and snow very well. Not had them in persistent precipitation yet so unsure how they'll respond.
I ended up with the male version, not because the women's didn't fit (the usual reason) but because the men's had a thigh pocket, something that I find invaluable in giving me easier access to small stuff than putting it in the two zipped hip pocket. The fit is reasonable though I need to keep the braces on as they do tend to drift south without them. The waist band doesn't have belt loops and its part elasticated which does loosen off as the day goes on. Other than that no real gripes about the fit.
The things I really like about these trousers are the thigh vents and the nifty internal gaiter. I've seen many trousers with thigh vents but so many of them end up exposing bare flesh to all the elements, not something you want. These troos vents have mesh so you're able to preserve some decency on the hill along with doing the job they are designed to do. So far the weather has been cold enough for me to be wearing my merino leggings underneath which has kept me toasty. Even on the days I've not had the leggings on the temperature control has been good. Only condensation I've had so far is on the waterproof sac I keep my phone in when I took it out the thigh pocket. Will be interesting to see how the breathability is when it's raining.
The gaiter is made of two materials, the lower is tough nylon the upper softer polyester which zips into the trouser. It has a metal clip to attach to your boot and velcro closing. At first I thought this might be uncomfortable and possibly rub but I've had no issues. I was surprised at how well the gaiter coped in the thigh deep snow I've found myself in on the last few outings with only minimal moisture getting through. Securing the bottom of it with the Kahtoola microspikes worked a treat at stopping it ride up. The inside ankle of the trouser has reinforced patches, zips and velcro closings.
You can't deny that for just under £40 they pack a lot of features and have so far delivered the goods, even keeping my rear end dry when I have done some tactical sliding in the snow :-D
They're packed with features that a lot of top end winter troos don't have. Made of Decathlon's own version of softshell which seems quite tough and so far has handled drizzly damp stuff and snow very well. Not had them in persistent precipitation yet so unsure how they'll respond.
I ended up with the male version, not because the women's didn't fit (the usual reason) but because the men's had a thigh pocket, something that I find invaluable in giving me easier access to small stuff than putting it in the two zipped hip pocket. The fit is reasonable though I need to keep the braces on as they do tend to drift south without them. The waist band doesn't have belt loops and its part elasticated which does loosen off as the day goes on. Other than that no real gripes about the fit.
The things I really like about these trousers are the thigh vents and the nifty internal gaiter. I've seen many trousers with thigh vents but so many of them end up exposing bare flesh to all the elements, not something you want. These troos vents have mesh so you're able to preserve some decency on the hill along with doing the job they are designed to do. So far the weather has been cold enough for me to be wearing my merino leggings underneath which has kept me toasty. Even on the days I've not had the leggings on the temperature control has been good. Only condensation I've had so far is on the waterproof sac I keep my phone in when I took it out the thigh pocket. Will be interesting to see how the breathability is when it's raining.
The gaiter is made of two materials, the lower is tough nylon the upper softer polyester which zips into the trouser. It has a metal clip to attach to your boot and velcro closing. At first I thought this might be uncomfortable and possibly rub but I've had no issues. I was surprised at how well the gaiter coped in the thigh deep snow I've found myself in on the last few outings with only minimal moisture getting through. Securing the bottom of it with the Kahtoola microspikes worked a treat at stopping it ride up. The inside ankle of the trouser has reinforced patches, zips and velcro closings.
You can't deny that for just under £40 they pack a lot of features and have so far delivered the goods, even keeping my rear end dry when I have done some tactical sliding in the snow :-D
These trews are a steal. I've proofed mine and they've been OK. That said, I've not given mine the "falling over" test yet, so I can't judge the "butt-leakage" factor.
ReplyDeleteI might go back and get another pair.
Aye BG a steal they certainly are. I think I might proof mine before we head for the hills this weekend as I suspect that the weather isn't going to be as dry.
ReplyDeleteNow I am the Queen of Arse Planting so of course I have to test the suitability of the product for this task ;-)
Nice review! ;-) It is a real mix Decathlon stuff with the odd gem! My first ever backpacking tent was from their range and it was great. I rate some of their cheap base layers too.
ReplyDeleteThey do look rather good for the winter. I've not been up a hill for months like, but it's chilly down the park at half six in the morning with the dugs.
ReplyDelete;0)
I've no' visited that Decathlon shop yet. Seeing as how it's only about 10 minutes up the road, I really should make the effort - looks worthwhile.
Scott the trousers are certainly good at keeping the elements out, evn if it just for walking the dugs ;-)
ReplyDeleteHaving been in several Decathlons in the UK & Europe the Glasgow store is still just carrying the basic range but they do still have some bargains. It'll be interesting to see how the stock develops
Has the Glasgow store got any TSL snowshoes in stock? The website says that my nearest has them but a phone-call to their no-helpdesk revealed that their stock is zilch.
ReplyDeleteHaven't been in for a while so no idea BG. Suspect that they don't.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I wasn't impressed with the lack of Customer Service when I had my dispute over their sexist pricing. Hopefully it'll improve
It's tough getting any trousers to fit me - summer or winter. They're either are too long in length or they just don't fit right. I've got a great pair of Mountain Equipment Chamois pants though which are softshell as well. But like my boots I seem to wear them all the time!
ReplyDeleteUs women do not get a lot of choice really. :o)
We certainly don't Ange
ReplyDeleteNot being a standard femail shape with legs that are longer than most men I always struggle for trousers but for once I found that these, although not perfect they do the buiness.