Glasgow Caledonian University Mountaineering Club Adventures: Selecting Waterproof Trousers

Waterproof trousers are another key piece of kit and the same consideration that goes into selecting waterproof jackets needs to go into selecting waterproof trousers.

Seasons

There are a few features which are useful to have in waterproof trousers (as with waterproof jackets it depends on the season that they are going to be used in as to what features are useful) such as:

Side Zips (Full length is more useful)- These help temperature management and allow them to be put on without removing boots.
Exterior Pockets - Essential for map storage, keeping things handy or putting hands in.
Adjustable Ankle Straps - Help keep the wind and water out.

Summer (Ideally Sunny and Showers)

Packable - For storage in rucksacks while not in use.
Lightweight - You don't want to carry a huge coat for summer it can be a waste.
Breathable - As it is warmer you will sweat more and a breathable trousers ill help. These trousers are normally more expensive and it depends on the pressure outside of the trousers in comparison to the inside of the trousers as to whether they are breathable or not.

Winter (Snow and Ice)

Tough - You don't want to rip something easily when it is freezing and blowing a gale.
Heavyweight - This will normally be more durable and less likely to rip than a lightweight trousers.

The same manufacturers and materials are generally good for trousers as they are for jackets...

Materials

As mentioned previously there are many materials, such as Gore-Tex and Event fabrics which have a good reputation for being waterproof and a little breathable. There are many others where manufacturers make their own material to achieve the same effect. Generally a lighter weight jacket for summer has 2 layers of fabric to allow for extra breath-ability. A heavier weight winter jacket generally has 3 or 4 layers of fabric to be tough and not rip easily and conserve heat.

Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of waterproof jackets, some good companies to purchase from are:

Keela - They are a Scottish company who sell good kit at a reasonable price.
Mountain Equipment - They are an English company who sell great kit but at an expensive price.
Mountain Hardware - They are an American company who sell great kit at a reasonable price.
The North Face - They are an American company who sell great kit at a high price.
Marmot - They are an American company who sell great kit at a high price.
Berghaus - They are an English company who sell good kit at a reasonable price.
Rab - They are an English company who sell great kit at a slightly expensive price.

The list goes on...

Recommended Kit

We in the club have Keela jackets in the store which have stood the test of time. We have created the following short list for summer or winter, taking budget into account: