That ensures solid waterproof performance and reasonable breathability, putting them a cut above cheaper rainpants that use own-brand, PU-based membranes. Inside, they have a taffeta and mesh drop liner to protect the Gore-Tex membrane and wearer aid comfort. As a result, they rarely get clammy, though they might get a little warm. Designed for fast and light mountain activities, the Pac Plus Pants use waterproof GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS technology and feature 3/4 length side zips for easy on and off on the mountain. Less costly competitors are cheaper for a reason – they don’t match the specs, or promise Montane make. Starting at the top, you have an elasticated waistband with an adjustable drawcord allowing you to adjust the trousers to your desired fit. Down the side of each leg is a 3/4 length two-way YKK Aquaguard zip, giving you easy access into and out of the trousers, as well as allowing you to partially unzip them for extra ventilation. The articulated knees and diamond gusset allow for freedom of movement which is particularly important when you’re out scrambling. The bottom of the trousers have a press stud ankle adjustment making them compatible with larger boots. The Pac Plus XT Pants can also be worn with a pair of Montane Braces for extra support. Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Active product technology are built for extreme breathability and are ideal for highly aerobic, done in a day activities. All components are built for optimised sweat management to ensure extreme breathability and optimum comfort in high aerobic conditions. The performance is also supported by a tight fitting and minimalistic garment design.

Cutan 103g/m2 (100% Recycled Polyamide), Fluorocarbon-free bluesign-approved fabric with Icebreaker recycled polyester reinforced areas RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) tells you theresistance a material has to water vapour passing through it. The lower the RET value, the less its resistance to moisture transfer and therefore the higher its breathability. By the definition of this standard, an RET of 0-6 is 'extremely breathable' (comfortable worn at a higher activity rate); 6-13 is 'very breathable' (comfy at a moderate activity rate); 13-20 is 'satisfactory' or 'breathable' (uncomfortable at a high activity rate); and anything over 20 is going to boil you in the bag (I paraphrase). There’s ample length in the sleeves and the cuffs don’t end up halfway up your forearms when you artiuclate you arms, so there’s little risk of your wrists being exposed to the elements when you need to extend your arms. And when the cuff adjusters are tightened, they create a good seal against the elements. The fit leaves plenty of room to wear these rain pants comfortably over your hiking pants, while the lower leg unzips all the way to your knee to allow room for the biggest of boots to pass through. Once they’re on, they offer plenty of protection from the rain with taped seams, as well as sheltering you from the wind.

Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® product technology are durably waterproof and windproof combined with optimised breathability. Gore invests heavily in field testing to understand end user needs which allows Gore to provide the GORE-TEX® GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise. The windproofing is excellent and there’s little risk you’ll catch a chill once you’re zipped inside; GORE-TEX makes an excellent windorproof layer so the Pac Plus get 10 out of 10 here. But you alson need think about other factors and, fortunately, Montane have put huge effort in this thought process. The semi-elasticated waist has a simple but effective drawcord adjustment, while ½ length side zips ensure easy on and off over all but the chunkiest walking boots. Velcro ankle adjustment ensures a secure seal around your footwear. All rain pands promise that they’re breathable, but if you’re working hard in humid conditions (and rain is 100% humidity), it’s difficult for sweat to evaporate through a fabric and out into the open. Waist

Though it's described as helmet-compatible, I'd say the hood is too small to be a really successful match. While you can pull it over a helmet, comfort and mobility both become compromised when you then fully fasten the zip; head movement is restricted looking up or side to side, and the collar pulls too tight across the mouth and chin. Drop your zip below chin level and it's all freed - but of course you're not then fully sealed against the elements. I've used the hood with a helmet when winter mountaineering, so I'd concede it will just about do for an occasional such day, but if you're regularly climbing in the Pac Plus XT I suspect it'd get annoying. Its 2.5 layer construction laminates a tough outer fabric onto the Gore-Tex membrane. Instead of using a third layer under that (as per 3L Gore Pro, for instance) the membrane is given a protective inner coating, which constitutes the nominal half layer. For Paclite Plus, Gore add another abrasion-resistant treatment that's designed to boost the fabric's durability. In practise this means it should be tougher than plain Paclite, though not as burly as Pro.

You may also like...

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products. Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Pro product technology are built for maximised ruggedness and are ideal for extreme and extended use. All components are built for maximized ruggedness while strict textile performance specifications ensure optimum strength. All GORE-TEX® Pro garments must pass Gore’s toughest test conditions and most aggressive rainstorm test. The Nakuru (men’s) / Berbak (women’s) Rainpants from well-established British outdoor brand Sprayway are classic hillwalkers’ overtrousers made from a soft and supple but reasonably robust 40-denier polyester face fabric. They’re finished with a protective PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment and utilise a two-layer construction, which means the fabric is bonded to a waterproof-breathable membrane, in this case Gore-Tex.