Another waterproof trouser thread

[Morrisette]

I've just had my second pair of waterproof trousers fail. These were Endura Gridlock ones, and the same thing has happened to them as happened to my cheapie walking overtrousers - the 'waterproofing' layer around the knee area has broken up and so now lets the water in! I'm not happy - they were 40 quid and have lasted well under a year.

Has anyone got any recommendations for waterproof trousers that are any good, or do they just not work very well? I'm a short girlie as well, so quite a few of the men's styles will be too big I'd guess?

Thanks

 

[numbnuts]

wear shorts.....skin don't leak

 

[Morrisette]

wear shorts.....skin don't leak

But...but....it's cold an' wet an' I'm a girlie and need to wear lots of clothes in the winter..

.....more seriously, I cycle to the train, and I don't think the other train passengers would appreciate the sight of me in shorts....

 

[Graham O]

Can't comment on the particular brand, but the knee area receives a lot of abrasion and movement on cycling overtrousers, so it is reasonable to expect them to fail here. Just how long they should last is a much harder question to answer.

However, look for pairs which are designed for cycling or have articulated or prebent knees. Trousers for walking with prebent knees will have some extra movement but since the legs move less than when cycling, they won't be as good as cycling specific ones. Ideally, as you cycle, you would not want the fabric to move at all, i.e. not be dragged up and down your thighs as you pedal.

Personally, I made a pair specifically for cycling. They look silly when walking because the knees stick out so far, but they work well.

 

[Morrisette]

However, look for pairs which are designed for cycling or have articulated or prebent knees. QUOTE]

Hmmm, yes I did that - my failed Endura ones have this shaping. What they really need is reinforcement on the knee area....I might do a bodge to that effect with some plastic and superglue.....

 

[Shady]

I have to say I am a big fan of Paramo gear - its not the cheapest granted but its never failed me yet.

If you look at the Paramo website (http://www.paramo.co.uk) this will give you some idea of the range of gear they do - some of it is tailored to multi-activity (cycling etc).

You can have base layers / windproof layer / waterproof layer.

The Fuera trousers are marked as windproof but they are actually waterproof as well - I have some and recently 'reproofed' them - basically the paramo gear can be washed with special liquid every 12 months or so which will renew the proofing.

Also you get a guarantee that if the item fails from a manufacturing fault then it will repaired for free.

The Fuera Trousers are around £50 I think from a number of online retailers.

Here's some of the blurb for them :

Key Product Features

• Comfortable and unobtrusive waist adjustment from elasticated and drawcord waist.
• Zipped Fly.
• Handwarming and secure storage provided by two zipped hip pockets.
• Maximum freedom of movement and increased comfort provided by articulated knees.
• Added abrasion resistance from double-layer seat and knees.
• Can be used with crampons and for cycling due to poppered ankle adjustment.
• Excellent temperature control via 3/4 length, two way leg zips.
• Secure Guide book sized rear pocket.
• Very versatile garment which can be worn with either on its own as warm weather legwear or with Stretch Pants for more extreme conditions.

Shady