Mobility and Freedom of Movement
I found the mobility from these to be excellent. Whether scrambling, squatting by a river to refill bottles or covering long distances on steep ground, they allow a full range of movement with no restriction. They’re comfortable enough for long days on the hill and I’ve found myself wearing them day to day when not hiking too.
With a baselayer underneath, comfort remains high. The fabric accommodates layering well and works particularly nicely with lightweight merino or synthetic options.
Weather Protection and Wind Resistance
In terms of weather protection, the Helly Hansen Verglas Tur 2.0 are highly effective at blocking wind. I’ve worn them on very exposed summits and during campouts where wind chill can quickly become an issue, and they perform well here.
They’ll handle light snow and drizzle, although I found that there is a clear limit and they will eventually wet out. In practice, they’ll see off light drizzle for around 20 minutes, but in prolonged rain you’ll want to add some waterproof overtrousers. The upside is a fast drying time, which is what you’d expect from this type of fabric.
They do block cold effectively when static, but without an insulated lining they rely on layering in lower temperatures.
Breathability and Temperature Regulation
Breathability is good, helped significantly by the thigh vents. These are well placed and very effective, making the trousers suitable for year-round use in the UK. Even on steep ascents I didn’t find myself overheating, and the vents allow for quick temperature regulation without stopping.
Fabric, Durability and Build Quality
The fabric might have a polycotton-like look to it but the weave is all synthetic. It has a soft, stretchy feel but it does inspires a lot of confidence in terms of durability. Then you’ve also got those reinforced panels which are well placed and offer good resistance to abrasion from rock and crampons, which can quickly destroy lesser trousers.
After real-world use there are no visible signs of wear and they’re easy to wash. Overall, they feel light but confidence inspiring rather than fragile.
Features and Practical Details
The open hand pockets are good for quick access, while the secure thigh pockets work well for items like a compass, route card or knife. They’re too small for a full OS map sadly.
The ankle cuffs are fairly narrow. They fit over most mountaineering boots but not over most ski boots. The cuff hooks for adjustment are a nice touch, although they can be a little fiddly with cold hands. That said, they’re well integrated and don’t present a snagging risk with crampons.
A built-in RECCO reflector is included. That’s a safety feature for use in remote or snowy terrain.
These are not trousers you’d carry as a spare layer. They’re designed to be worn all day rather than packed away just in case, and that’s clearly reflected in their construction and feature set.
Comparison, Value and Who They’re For
In terms of comparison, they sit alongside options like the Haglöfs Rugged Flex trousers, as well as the Fjällraven Keb Agile and Revolution Race GP Pro. Pricing places them at the premium end of the market, but they feel like a solid investment.
The versatility, durability and thoughtful details help justify the cost. They’re not for someone looking for a lightweight summer travel trouser or something purely casual. Where they shine is as a dependable mountain trouser that you can trust across a wide range of activities.
Verdict
A well-designed, durable trouser that works nicely for typical UK mountain conditions. Versatile, comfortable and built to last, I’d say that the Verglas Tur 2.0 is a strong choice for someone looking for a pair of hiking trousers that feel made for the mountains – and that will help you through the miles.
What I liked: excellent mobility, effective wind protection, adjustable waist, durable fabric, RECCO reflector
What I didn’t like: ankle hooks can be fiddly with cold hands, quite expensive for a pair of trousers.
Where to Buy
Helly Hansen Verglas Tur 2.0
Editor’s verdict: A real all-rounder that, I’ve found, can serve year-round use. The durability and the dynamism probably the factors that have impressed me most. I like the useful little details too.
