Can anyone recommend a decent pair of light weight over trousers ? Im off on the Pennine Way soon and want to take a pair that I can use instead of a pair of normal trousers if push comes to shove. Trying to minimise pack weight so Id like to just take 1 shorts, 1 x long trousers and 1 x over trousers if I can find something suitable.
Rab's new Kinetics at 190g sound good but no idea what the pertex shield+ material is like.
Thanks
Les

I've been pleased with my Berghaus pair, which I wear on top of shorts sometimes (it takes all sorts to make a world!) for warmth and not just to keep dry.

Just a quick update; I've had the Rab Kenetics a couple of weeks now and so far Im very impressed. Very light (<200g), I've been completely dry in them so far and yesterday was very wet, no appreciable condensation either. They have knee length zips that go both ways and a neat toggle adjuster at the top that keep them up (I hate having to keep hoiking them up as you march along). They are nice and long but quite tight down at your boots so they dont drag or ride up either. Not cheap @ £70 but much better than any of the cheaper ones Ive used before.
Les

Les - where did you get them from? I need a new pair as my old Montaine ones are now ripped (had them about 6 years so cannot complain)
I was checking out the Kinetic jacket they do as well, it is unbelievably light but not convinced it would take the scrapes of backpacking - it is new out this year so not many reviews posted about it yet.

H

Hi Heather,
I got them from Outside Hathersage's online shop (outside.co.uk)
I've had a look at the jacket online too and agree it looks very good and very very light. I share your concerns over wear and tear with a backpacking sack but some of these materials are surprisingly tough so maybe it would be ok. I guess the reviews will tell is over time. I'd like to see it in the flesh but my local shops dont stock much Rab kit !

Im doing the Pennine Way in a couple of weeks, I think the Kinetic pants will probably get well tested during that walk so I'll let you know how they fare.

Les

update....the overtrousers tore badly after 3 days of use on the rainy pennine way. They rubbed together and rubbed on the tops of the boots and one ended up badly torn. I had to bodge them up with tape to keep the water out of my boots. They are on the way back for a refund and comment, will keep you updated on the shop/manufacturers comments.
Les

Oh, B....., Ive just got a pair of Montane Pertex Shield over trousers.
Dave.

I'll let you know what they say Dave, maybe it was a duff pair but personally I think it was abrasion at the tops of the boots that's caused the damage. I would like to see a stronger material used in that key area but that's just my personal view. Will be interested to see how yours stand up to a bit of wear and tear with highish boots like the Salomans we both have !
Les

I got a full refund for the Salomon boots, so they must have been faulty. With the proceeds I bought a pair of Salomon trail shoes, some socks, and a couple of Ron Hill 1st layer tops.
I hope the Pertex Shield does stand up to wear and tear as I also bought a lightweight rain top in the same material.
Dave.

Any update on that Pertex shield top Dave ? I see Rab are rolling out more items using it.