Mountain Equipment Odyssey Pant | Review - Outdoors Magic

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Walking Trousers

Mountain Equipment Odyssey Pant | Review

New for Spring 2016, the Odyssey Pant is a fully waterproof shell trouser made from a sturdy feeling three-layer ME fabric.

Overview

New for Spring 2016, the Odyssey Pant is a fully waterproof shell trouser made from a sturdy feeling three-layer version of Mountain Equipment’s own-brand DriLite fabric and complete with full-length, YKK Vislon zips for added versatility.

All that means they aren’t as light as some alternatives at 310g – though for perspective they weigh just 30g more than ME’s old Gore-Tex Paclite equivalents – but the pay-off is added versatility and a reassuring all-day sturdiness that lighter overtrousers often lack.

Performance

Those YKK Vislon zips with their moulded plastic teeth are a real boon. Generally used only on top-end technical kit, they’re super strong and, just as importantly, super smooth with no snagging or resistance.

And because they run the length of both legs, if necessary you could put the pants on without lifting your feet off the ground – good news for skiers and winter mountaineers – alternatively just open them up enough for snag-free donning over bulky boots or shoe.

Thigh Vents

Ad then, as a bonus, with the double-ended version specced, you can use the top half of the zip as a handy thigh vent with the elasticated and corded waist band kept secure by a press-stud fastener. That’s a real boon on showery days when the added venting means you can keep them on between showers rather than vaporising in your own sweat…

There’s lots of other good stuff going on here too. The cut is excellent, close enough that you don’t feel like scarecrow flapping in the wind, but with decent articulation so you can make that high step-up move on the North Ridge of Tryfan.

Simple

We found the waist secure and comfortable and a Velcro tab means you can snug the ankle cuffs down to suit your boots and personal preferences. Yes, some top-end fabrics are more breathable, but we found DriLite fine for lower limb use aided by the handy venting options.

If were were being really fussy, we’d like to see some reinforcement on the inside of the ankle, but then again these aren’t really intended for regular crampon use.

Verdict

Great value, light-ish and packable all-round hill and mountain-walking overtrousers with a nice mix of neat, unrestrictive cut and a sturdy, all-dayable feel. The excellent full-length YKK Vislon zips are the icing on the waterproof cake.

Pros

Cut and fit, excellent spec full-length zips, good adjustability, durable feeling 3-layer DriLite fabric, sturdy, no-nonsense, all-dayable feel.

Cons

Heavier and bulkier than lightweight alternatives.

More info: www.mountain-equipment.co.uk.

Specifications

  • Price: £140.00
  • Year: 2016
  • Weight: 310
  • 3-layer DRILITE® 40D fabric
  • Active fit with articulated knees
  • Gusseted crotch for unrestricted movement
  • Integrated elasticated waistband with drawcord
  • Full length 2-way YKK® side zips with internal flap
  • Adjustable hem
  • Also available in blue

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