It's not often that I succumb to impulse buying- I normally do my research, stalking review sites and badgering blogs. But these trousers are a happy exception to the rule.
First Glance
Berghaus Borazon Pants are soft shell mountain trousers, featuring a stretchy material (nylon and polyester) with DWR. They're marketed as workhorses useful for most mountain situations especially scrambling, climbing and general walking.
The Borazons are fantastic; they've become my trousers of choice with my Rab Alpine Treks and Montane Terras now relegated to the back of my wardrobe. The Borazons are made from an extremely stretchy material that never feels restrictive even when making awkward lunging moves or scrambling\climbing. The fit is quite generous- I went for my normal waist size and there's a lot of extra room; perhaps something to keep in mind when in the store.
The back of the waistband is fleece lined, a nice wee touch which prevents chaffing from your rucsac. The bottom of the legs are also adjustable, to allow for a tight fit over boots etc. Also included is a webbing belt and two mesh lined venting zips on the quads.
On the Hill
I've now used these trousers in just about every condition that Scottish weather can throw at you. The DWR held up well, resisting showers but during prolonged periods of rain I'd recommend putting on some waterproofs. The treatment was lasted well, I've only had to reproof the trousers twice in the year and a half that I've owned them.
I've used them through all seasons; they're a little too warm for summer although they're not insulated like some reviews would have you believe. On occasion I've found myself shivering in them, admittedly this was because of wind chill.
They are pretty fast drying- I've been caught out in a heavy downpour, soaked to the skin and been dry by the end of a 40minute car journey. Although they do seem to be taking slightly longer to dry out after a year and a half of abuse.
I'm not sure what to make of the venting. Its nice to have as an option and it does seem to cool your legs down but there is quite a bit of faffing if you are wearing waterproof trousers. The wicking, however, is fantastic, these trousers really help regulate moisture and keep you nice and cool.
In Summary
The Berghaus Borzon Pants are a fantastic pair of trousers, they are suited to use on all by the hottest days. The stretch of the fabric means that they are a joy to wear especially when compared to Montane Terras. The fabric is also very hard wearing despite the punishment I've dealt there is little in the way of wear and tear. A big plus point.
The vents are useful but perhaps could be bigger and a map pocket would definitely be a nice wee extra. Just short of 600grammes these aren't the lightest trousers about, but they do have features (the vents and the fabric) that similar trousers don't. The price tag of £80.00 might seem quite steep for some, but personally I'm quite happy to pay it.
All in all a fantastic pair of mountain trousers, that remain my first choice on most occasions.
Fit- 4
Quality- 4
Performance- 5
Reliability- 5
Total- 18/20
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(Written by: Andrew Hart)