Walking Equipment and Accessories

Klättermussen Misty Trousers | Review

A durable pair of trousers, available in men's and women's versions, that are fined tuned for stretch and flexibility

What I look for in outdoor trousers is primarily freedom of movement. With stretchy fabric and articulated detailing at the knees, the Klättermussen Misty 2.0 women’s hiking trousers provide that. I also look for a good level of comfort around the waist when carrying a heavy hiking backpack. I have been using these trousers for long, hard days with my mountain rescue team participating in searches over challenging terrain. These days typically involved carrying heavy packs weighing over 20kg around the hillside. The well thought through detailing of the trousers around the waist had no points that dug in, making them very comfortable to wear. Read on to find out more about how they function.

What the Klättermusen Misty Are Best Suited To

If you are planning hiking, scrambling or a mountaineering trip, then these are worth considering. The lightweight, stretchy fabric makes them feel really comfortable when lifting your knees high to step across boulders or hiking up steep terrain.

Nicole testing out the Klattermusen Misty trousers in Scotland. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

They are best suited for use in fairer, summer temperatures due to the thinner softshell material. In more exposed locations you can still rely on the wind resistance of these trousers. I found them more than suitable for mountain ridges.

Fit

The Misty 2.0 trousers are exceptionally stretchy and have articulated knees. I took them rock climbing and found they performed really well when stepping up high for footholds.

There is no adjustability at the waist, but a belt could easily be fitted through the loops provided if needed.

Around my legs the trousers are a slim fit. On the right leg is a handy inner pocket spacious enough for storing a phone. Due to the close fit of the trousers, I did not find this pocket to be a comfortable storage location, particularly when hiking uphill.

Details

Klättermusen is a Swedish mountaineering brand known for producing durable, functional, and eco-friendly outdoor gear. The Misty 2.0 trousers continue this tradition with multiple well thought out details.

Three zipped pockets are located on the legs and to the rear, with room for storing small items when on the go. The pockets are mesh lined, so can be opened to provide a level of ventilation. I prefer to have longer, dedicated ventilation zips for quicker dissipation of heat when moving uphill.

The fly zip and top flap is a neat detail. This is a secure design that sits comfortably at the waist.

The adjustable elastic cord detail at the ankle allows you to pull in the trousers to fit snugly around boots. Connected to this is a detachable hook for connecting to boot laces. I found this hook needs to be used, otherwise there is potential for the cord to snag.

Material

The subtle reinforced Duracoat material at the knees and seat give assurance that these trousers are made to last. Other elements feel robust too, including the zips that are heavier duty than standard.

The main fabric is a 70% recycled polymide material. It is a light softshell, providing both wind protection and water resistance. The wind resistance rating is MFR6, which sits in the middle range providing a good level of wind resistance.

Overall, I found the material to be breathable and did not trap excessive heat.

Conclusion

These trousers are of a level of quality that is expected from Klättermussen. With the benefit of a durable wind and water resistant material, these trousers give a great level of protection when out in the mountains all day.

For unrestricted movement when climbing or scrambling then these are my kind of trousers. Due to the thinner, lightweight material, I am looking forward to wearing these more when the weather turns fairer.

Pros: Good level of wind protection for a lightweight trouser, super stretchy for high range of movement, very comfortable.

Cons: No large dedicated ventilation zips, adjustable cord at ankles at risk of snagging.