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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: WILDWALKINGUK on 19:17:29, 25/11/19

Title: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 19:17:29, 25/11/19
I have never been able to wear waterproof overtrousers for long periods because they never seem to breathe well enough and I get wet from the inside. This weekend I tested a pair of EDZ Innershell Leggings and was very impressed. I wore them for 9 hours in drizzle and stayed dry and comfortable. They are windproof overtrousers and not fully waterproof but they breathe really well. Extremely good value too.
It's been a revelation to me and I thought it may be of interest to someone else.
A link to my review is here:  https://wildwalkinguk.com/2019/11/25/edz-innershell-leggings-review/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2019/11/25/edz-innershell-leggings-review/)  
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: Percy on 19:49:02, 25/11/19
I have to say I find “innershell leggings” an utterly baffling name give what they actually are.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 21:22:07, 25/11/19
Yes it's an odd name and I'm sure they would sell better to hikers if they renamed them. Luckily the name is not written on them, as I'll be wearing them a lot. They are possibly not specifically designed for hikers, more for motorcyclist or other activities. All I know is that I was able to happily wear these for 9 hours continuously, which is something I've never done with all the walking specific waterproof trousers I've tried over the years of hiking I've done. They're not suitable for continuous heavy rain but anything less and they're OK.   
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: gunwharfman on 21:27:46, 25/11/19
They may be fine for some people but I'm afraid they do not appeal to me simply because as leggings they still have to be put on and then taken off or worn for long periods of time. None of those options appeals to me. I personally prefer a rain skirt when I hike, I can put it on in 10 seconds and take it off in less and I don't even have to stop walking to do it. My rain skirt always allows my nether regions to stay cool in those areas which rarely stay cool when wearing waterproof trousers. But if anyone likes to wear waterproof trousers then I'm sure they are worth a look. Are they about the same price as the Berghaus waterproof trousers which seems to be a favourite of a lot of people?
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: wobblyknees on 21:43:02, 25/11/19
The non adjustable elasticated waistband and ankles are a deal breaker for me. The elastic will eventually stretch and fail.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: WhitstableDave on 22:44:40, 25/11/19
Interesting, thanks. I read the review as well as the relevant bit on the EDZ website.  O0

I struggled with cheap overtrousers for some time before splashing out on a pair of Berghaus Paclites. The problem was that putting overtrousers on when I was out walking and the rain had started to come down properly could be such a pain. Take my boots off?.. or try to get the overtrousers over them? I'd often not bother, hope the rain would stop, and get soaking wet legs. Or I'd put them on and put up with hot legs when the rain stopped because I didn't want to go through the hassle of getting them off when it might start raining again.

The Paclites weigh a little more than twice the EDZ's 90g, but they're still very light and pack into a small pouch that I always keep in one of my backpack bottle pockets. They're tough and can be used to wade through patches of nettles whatever the weather.

The Paclites aren't perfect, but they've been 100% waterproof. The 3/4-length side zips make them relatively easy to get on and off, and they create very long side vents for when the rain is on-and-off. On hills, they provide windproofing.

Having said all that... what I'd really like is a pair of walking trousers that are as cool and breathable as my usual ones, but totally waterproof too!
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 07:12:28, 26/11/19
Thanks all, it's nice to have your views on these.
The £44.99 price tag and 64g weight affects my views on what they're for. I wouldn't buy them to replace my waterproof trousers, but to have as well. I would take the EDZ Innershell Leggings with me on the days that I wouldn't bother carrying proper waterproof trousers. They are not designed to replace them, but there is a larger overlap than expected. I am seriously considering taking these on next years Scottish National Trail walk, as well as or instead of full waterproof trousers. I will update the review as and when I learn more.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: Islandplodder on 07:50:13, 26/11/19
I hate waterproof overtrousers, I feel all cluttered up in them. I solved the problem with Paramos, they are waterproof windproof and comfortable and horribly expensive. However, they do last, and when they do finally disintegrate you trade them in and get £50 towards the next pair. For me they make the difference between getting out and staying home by the fire, but I know not everyone likes them.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:18:58, 26/11/19
Good review of an interesting product.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:58:37, 26/11/19
To help with putting on and off waterproof trousers I am reminded of the suggestion from a Forum member to take a couple of 'Tesco' plastic bags with you, over the boots then pull on/off trousers, no mud and wet inside.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: Bigfoot_Mike on 19:21:39, 26/11/19
If you have more expensive, big name trousers then you should use Waitrose or M&S carrier bags.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:50:52, 26/11/19
Very true! ;)
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: wobblyknees on 23:13:45, 26/11/19
+1 for Paramo Cascada trousers. Not fully waterproof in constant heavy rain but they do for me about 90% of the time. They are very quick drying between intermittent showers.
The ¾ length zips can be fully opened to provide ventilation on hot days. The zips have studs spaced about 100mm apart to keep both sides of the zip connected and prevent the trousers from flopping about in the wind.
Expensive but almost bombproof.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: pauldawes on 17:51:16, 27/11/19
+1 for Paramo Cascada trousers. Not fully waterproof in constant heavy rain but they do for me about 90% of the time. They are very quick drying between intermittent showers.
The ¾ length zips can be fully opened to provide ventilation on hot days. The zips have studs spaced about 100mm apart to keep both sides of the zip connected and prevent the trousers from flopping about in the wind.
Expensive but almost bombproof.


I think the original Cascada trousers aren’t available now? Last time I looked for a pair only Cascada 2’s were on offer...less baggy and slightly different in other ways to the original Cascada trousers.


 In my experience the new model needs more frequent washing and re-proofing to maintain a good level of waterproof ness.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: ninthace on 17:58:49, 27/11/19
+1 for Paramo Cascada trousers. Not fully waterproof in constant heavy rain but they do for me about 90% of the time. They are very quick drying between intermittent showers.
The ¾ length zips can be fully opened to provide ventilation on hot days. The zips have studs spaced about 100mm apart to keep both sides of the zip connected and prevent the trousers from flopping about in the wind.
Expensive but almost bombproof.
Actually the press studs are there to stop you dying of indecent exposure when the zips are open  :)
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: wobblyknees on 11:58:41, 29/11/19

I think the original Cascada trousers aren’t available now? Last time I looked for a pair only Cascada 2’s were on offer...less baggy and slightly different in other ways to the original Cascada trousers.


 


Yes. I thought from their adverts at the time about slim fit sizes, etc that the new ones would not be as good as the old ones. I sourced one of the old pairs from a reputable outdoor shop and got a great bargain as shops were offloading the old ones cheaply to make way for the newer (and IMO inferior) model.


It was a far cheaper option for me at the time than sending my aged first pair back to Paramo for repair.


It baffles me why so many manufacturers can't adopt a "if it's not broke, dont fix it" attitude with an already proven excellent item.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:11:28, 29/11/19
Instead of 3/4 zips, why do they not design waterproof trousers with 100% side zips? I have a pair of Dutch cycling waterproof trousers, they are half trousers, designed specifically for the front areas of the legs which on a bike always gets wet first. When you start the putting-on-routine the item is first secured around the waist and then the trouser parts are secured. No mud or wet inside the leggings, not having to take ones boots off and no mud or wet when they are taken off. Also with my cycling trousers, if I feet a bit hot around my private parts I just loosen the trouser leg areas and fresh area circulates to dry me in double-quick time. I'm sure that a clever designer could come up with a good answer to counteract the downside of wearing hot waterproof trousers, perhaps they just need a nudge from dissatisfied hikers?
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: ninthace on 13:20:51, 29/11/19
Instead of 3/4 zips, why do they not design waterproof trousers with 100% side zips?
  "They" do,  I had a pair made from lightweight material.  You needed a PhD in Origami to put them on in any sort of breeze.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: Owen on 13:58:23, 29/11/19
Mountain equipment rainfall pants have full side length zips if they still make them.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: pauldawes on 17:09:52, 29/11/19

Yes. I thought from their adverts at the time about slim fit sizes, etc that the new ones would not be as good as the old ones. I sourced one of the old pairs from a reputable outdoor shop and got a great bargain as shops were offloading the old ones cheaply to make way for the newer (and IMO inferior) model.


It was a far cheaper option for me at the time than sending my aged first pair back to Paramo for repair.


It baffles me why so many manufacturers can't adopt a "if it's not broke, dont fix it" attitude with an already proven excellent item.


Totally agree.


I’ve got to point in my “walking career” where stuff I bought years ago is falling apart..so I have to reluctantly open wallet to replace it...and usually find the new “improved” model isn’t as good, especially if robustness and lasting a long time is a priority.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: kinkyboots on 18:11:56, 29/11/19
I think the original Cascada trousers aren’t available now?

A while ago I managed to buy a brand new pair of the original Paramo Cascada Men's Trousers from eBay for £50 delivered so it's always worth keeping an eye on eBay. Some less well known retail outlets may still have an odd pair or two of the original version stuck on the shelves gathering dust.


Instead of 3/4 zips, why do they not design waterproof trousers with 100% side zips?

I'm sure that a clever designer could come up with a good answer to counteract the downside of wearing hot waterproof trousers, perhaps they just need a nudge from dissatisfied hikers?

As previously posted they already have. You just have to be prepared to search the internet for them but more importantly in your case you need to be prepared to pay the going rate to buy them when you find them and you definitely won't find any in the £15 or less price bracket!  ;D

The Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pants might be worth considering at around £60+. YouTube video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIOjZ_VLqAc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIOjZ_VLqAc)
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 16:59:27, 30/11/19
Montane Featherlite Pertex over trousers.
Their made of fairly thin material, and i recon getting them stuck in a few brambles would do them no favours, but their ultra lightweight, and you can hide them inside the palm of your hand.
Their incredibly windproof, and ive never seen anything dry so quickly.

Their not cheap, but they have full ankle zips, are beautifully made in the lightest pertex available, and boy are they windproof.

Their only downside, is that their not the slightest bit waterproof, or showerproof, but from wet to being dry, incredibly fast drying.

Almost a miracle of nature, their dry in under four minutes in sunny windy conditions, and they weigh next to nothing.

They pack so small, that you could put them in your jacket pocket, and forget their there.
Title: Re: Windproof Overtrousers/Leggings
Post by: NeilC on 14:54:06, 02/12/19
I use Paramo trousers in the cooler months too. I think mine might be Velez ones though.


Despite owning a couple of Paramo jackets, I'm not 100% convinced by them but the trousers seem to be a product where the Paramo system shines IMO and live up to the wear all-day claims