Walking Trousers

Highlander Typhoon Waterproof Trousers | Review

Can these £60 waterproof trousers offer the protection and convenience we want from a pair of waterproof overtrousers?

We’ve tested a bunch of kit from Scottish brand Highlander in the last couple of years, and we’ve liked what we’ve seen. It’s gear that offers dependable protection and performance, at fair prices. These waterproof trousers, the Highlander Typhoon, have proved to be no exception.

The Top Line

A very durable pair of waterproof trousers that will see off rough weather, and a lot of abrasion too. They are on the heavy side though.

Buy The Highlander Typhoon Trousers: £60 at Highlander-outdoor.com

How I Tested Them

I tested these during our Outdoor 100 Test Trip in North Wales. During the 5-day trip, we had rainfall every day so these were deployed a lot. There was one day in particularly where we had constant heavy rain but we also got up close and personal with a huge waterfall. On that day, I was glad to have these trousers.

Gratefully dry in Eryri thanks to the Typhoons. Photos: Dave MacFarlane.

Key Features

Fabric: The Typhoon uses a triple laminated fabric and taped seams for waterproof and windproof protection. The fabric feels very tough. The zips have a water resistant coating over them.

Ventilation and convenience: The legs have two-way, full length zips so you can get these and and off very easily, whatever size boots you’re wearing – you can even get them on and off when wearing crampons. There are press studs at the top and bottom of the trousers so you can use the zips for ventilation. The hem has a cinch-able cord for adjustment.

Buy The Highlander Typhoon Trousers: £60 at Highlander-outdoor.com

The Performance

These are definitely waterproof. I’ve had no issues with moisture ingress. The breathability levels aren’t outstanding but the long zips do help to make up for that – though you do leave yourself a bit exposed to the elements if you open them up too much.

At 515g, I’d definitely class these as pretty heavyweight trousers. They’re not really going to suit anyone who likes to take a fast and light approach. They’re also on the bulky side, so do take up a bit of space in your pack.

Fit

I’m a 33 waist and usually wear a 32 or reg length. I tried these in the size M. Volume-wise, there’s loads of room inside these. I’ve found I can wear them over really bulky insulated trousers just fine. I’m not a big fan of the cut though. I found that the trousers billow out around the shins a lot and the fabric does swish quite a bit. At first, I thought maybe I wasn’t wearing them high enough around the waist but it’s actually just the cut. Articulation around the crotch has been good for me; I’ve had no problems with movement in them, even when scrambling.

Verdict

For me, they’re a little too heavy and bulky to carry in a hiking backpack on those days where rain might only be a slight threat and I don’t think I’d want to carry them on a long-distance walk in summer. They’d definitely suit long distance walking in wet and cold climates though, and I can see them as being a great option for winter hillwalking. All in all then, not the most packable pair of waterproof trousers, but certainly something for reliable protection during those very bad days.

We’ve reviewed a few other items from Highlander in the last couple of years that have impressed us with their value for money. These include the Highlander Ben Nevis backpack and also the Highlander Munro V2. They’re worth taking a look at if you want performance without having to splash the cash.

There’s another item that made it into our Gear of the Year list too. That’s the Highlander Refuge 1 tent. Here’s our full video review of it…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CyPjF4YHYk