Waterproof over-trousers... DHB or Altura?

[mrmacmusic]

I'm looking to invest in some waterproof over-trousers, partly because I'm fed up with water running in the top of my overshoes on those days when I have to endure 55 minutes of constant lashing rain!

Altura's Night Vision trousers would seem to be the ideal winter commuting choice, with useful additional reflective material that matches my Evo jacket. However, I use a lightweight pack away Tenn Vapor jacket most of the year (the Evo jacket is just too hot), and think perhaps a similarly lightweight over trouser might be a better option.

I'd like something that at least pretends to have some degree of breathability, so I don't think the budget options (Tenn, Decathlon, Muddy Fox etc.) would cut it. Equally I'd like something that's reasonably durable. I have spotted Wiggle's DHB Minima trousers that might just fit the bill, and seem a good price. I've been very happy with the DHB Pace Roubaix bib longs I've been wearing constantly for the past few months, so happy to put my money Wiggle's way.

Any thoughts or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

 

[billy1561]

I have had the alturas for a couple of years now and they're still waterproof without being too hot while commuting. But my commute is a tad less than 5 miles so not the same as you.
They even survived a 40 degree wash from my daughter who thought she was being helpful.

 

[billy1561]

Also (should have mentioned) that i like the reticulated knee area so they don't ride up exposing ankles. To that end the press studs do their job well also.

 

[mrmacmusic]

Also (should have mentioned) that i like the reticulated knee area so they don't ride up exposing ankles. To that end the press studs do their job well also.

Cheers billy, much appreciated

If you don't mind me asking, how bulky are the Altura's when folded? I'm presuming the material is quite thick and possibly similar to my Evo jacket which doesn't pack up particularly small.

 

[srj10]

I've been wearing montane featherlite pants over the winter and have been very impressed with them.Very packable,.waterproof up til now and lots of fastening options round the lower leg.Only slight negative is that they have no pockets.

 

[mrmacmusic]

I've been wearing montane featherlite pants over the winter and have been very impressed with them.Very packable,.waterproof up til now and lots of fastening options round the lower leg.Only slight negative is that they have no pockets.

Interesting, thanks Featherlight and packable without pockets would be perfect, and I had spotted these, but thought that the Pertex "DWR" material was only water repellent rather than 100% waterproof.... in your experience do you think they'd stand up to ~1hr of torrential rain?

 

[fossyant]

Aldi Overtrousers are fine - bit boil in bag, but what aren't. Totally waterproof.

 

[billy1561]

Cheers billy, much appreciated

If you don't mind me asking, how bulky are the Altura's when folded? I'm presuming the material is quite thick and possibly similar to my Evo jacket which doesn't pack up particularly small.

If you take a bit of care as you fold them away then they are still too big for a back pocket but small enough to fit into a rucksack easily with other stuff of course.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I have been through various sets of waterproof trousers over the years including the ladies versions of both of the above. In the end I have found the ones I like Gore Bike Wear Ladies Alp-X Gore-Tex Active Shell Trousers (there are men's versions as well).
They are not cheap. that is the downside, but they are great, no better than great, they are fantastic and breathable plus comfortable and easy to cycle in. I have had them for 4-5 years old which may not sound like a lot but I hate getting wet going to work, commute in all weathers & seasons and I have taken them on 2 tours including a 12 month RTW tour cycling through some pretty awful weather.
They pack into the smallest of spaces which has been great and weigh next to nothing. I actually prefer these to my proper walking waterproof trousers (the reinforced area is great for chains as well as crampons!) and now simply use the same set for all purposes.
I have made 1 minor adjustment to them and that is to add a popper & elastic to the bottom to ensure they stayed below cycling shoes, (never an issue cycling in boots) and whilst they have had to be repaired it was because of the dog attack that ended my world tour - which probably does not count under normal wear and tear issues and they needed much less repairing than I did!

If I ever need to replace them, I would not hesitate to pay that amount for them again, they have been the best I have had.

 

[billy1561]

That's a great big thumbs up for those then!
A mate of mine has the jacket and loves it.
May have to put these on my birthday list but that's not for a good while yet.

 

[mrmacmusic]

I have been through various sets of waterproof trousers over the years including the ladies versions of both of the above. In the end I have found the ones I like Gore Bike Wear Ladies Alp-X Gore-Tex Active Shell Trousers (there are men's versions as well).
They are not cheap. that is the downside, but they are great, no better than great, they are fantastic and breathable plus comfortable and easy to cycle in.....

Thanks SNSSO They sound perfect, but are way over budget and unfortunately not in stock in my size over at tgstore.eu (they've got GoreTex Path, Fusion GT AS and ALP-X GT pants at half price if anyone else is interested though!).

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Thanks SNSSO They sound perfect, but are way over budget and unfortunately not in stock in my size over at tgstore.eu (they've got GoreTex Path, Fusion GT AS and ALP-X GT pants at half price if anyone else is interested though!).

I do so wish you have not put that link in have been looking for a windstopper cycling jersey, I could cope with the blue colour, now the question is will the medium fit me? not sure but 50% off... is it worth getting it to try it? have to wait until OH's paycheck is through tomorrow...

 

[mrmacmusic]

I do so wish you have not put that link in have been looking for a windstopper cycling jersey, I could cope with the blue colour, now the question is will the medium fit me? not sure but 50% off...

Sorry I stumbled across TGStore via the 'bargains' thread a while back and picked up a Phantom windstopper jacket for £65 – great bit of kit IMVHO, and the service from TGStore was excellent I just wish I'd looked at their clearance page sooner when they might have had those trousers in my size

 

[srj10]

Interesting, thanks Featherlight and packable without pockets would be perfect, and I had spotted these, but thought that the Pertex "DWR" material was only water repellent rather than 100% waterproof.... in your experience do you think they'd stand up to ~1hr of torrential rain?

Probably not and hope I never find out! but this week has seen some torrential rain and my commute is 20mins each way and have stayed dry up til now.

 

[gaz]

If you can fit full length mudguards then that would be better.