Berghaus Nimbus Pant

The Nimbus pretty much ticks all the boxes when it comes to desirable features for a performance hill and mountain walking trouser. The waist caters for every eventuality in terms of weight gain or loss. The waist is also elasticated and has a belt for good measure. They have a tricot-lined waistband for extra comfort, which softens the elastic waist where it gathers, while at the same time helping to absorb moisture. There are enough pockets (two hip and one back), plus they all have zips to keep your valuables nice and safe. The winning feature is the mesh-lined vents positioned below both hip pockets. These are accessed by zips and give adjustability to a very wind-resistant fabric. This will allow you to use them for a good portion of the year (at other times of the year I predict that you would probably want to wear shorts anyway). The fabric also stretches in two directions to allow good movement. The ankle cuff is adjustable by a straightforward and effective drawcord which is preferable. These are very good trousers and most hill-walkers will find that they could wear these year-round for their hill and mountain action. But bearing in mind that I am now nit-picking, the pockets could be bigger, and the fabric was little scratchy against my skin. They are very expensive. So if maximum next-to-skin comfort and value for money are your main criteria, then others clearly are more favourable. But if you want the best feature set, then these are superb.

Fabric: Schoeller Original Soft Shell (with Nanosphere DWR)
Colour: black
Size: 8-16 (women’s); S-XXL (men’s cirrus)
Weight: 459g (size 10)
Made in China
Stores in UK: info not provided