Nice Fit

The fit’s decent. Close enough to be neat and avoid flapping, but without, in our case, restricting movement worn over a pair of stretch soft shell trousers. We’d suggest trying before buying though, particularly if you’re contemplating using them for scrambling.

Breathability is okay, rather than outstanding, but we can live with that on the lower body and the vents give you an escape option if things get properly hot and steamy down there.

As with most lightweight kit, the downside is likely to be reduced durability compared to heavier weight kit and there’s no reinforcement of cuffs, seat or knees. We’re not saying that they’ll fall apart in weeks, but if you’re someone who tends to wear shell pants all day regularly, you might be better off with a more traditional option.

Verdict

An ideal overtrouser for stashing away in your pack pocket for emergency and occasional use, super easy to take on and off, even though the zip isn’t super smooth running, and the thigh vent feature means you can keep them on in between showers without a sauna-like steam-room experience.

Pros

Neat cut, easy to take on and off, reasonable articulation, small and light, side-zips double as thigh vents, light and small packing.

Cons

Not the toughest option, we lost the separate stuff sac, predictably.

Performance: 4.5
Reliability: 4.5
Value: 5.0

More info: www.berghaus.com.

Specification

• Price: £90.00
• Year: from 2015
• Weight: 220g
• Hydroshell Elite Paclite Shell fabric
• 3/4-length water-resistant zips with storm-flap
• Adjustable ankle-cuffs
• Elasticated waist with drawcord
• Mesh stuff-sac supplied