Inov8 Venturelite Pants review: ultralight softshells built for fast-paced hikes

Reviewing the new Venturelite pants is very exciting for us. Based in the Lake District, Inov8 is a brand with its roots in fell and mountain running. In that world, they're experts, and we know they can deliver top gear.

Here at LFTO we’ve reviewed many of its trail running shoes and also been impressed with its ‘fast and light’ race vests and waterproof jackets.Our hiking reviewers have also tried several of Inov8’s mid-cut lightweight walking boots, including the excellent Roclite Mid and RocFly G390.

However, this is the first time we’ve got our hands on anything from the brand’s Venturelite range, its first foray into making dedicated hiking clothing. So let's dive in and see if the Venturelite pants can rank among the best walking trousers, or if Inov8 need to stick to a faster pace.

Design and fabric

The Venturelite pants are lightweight softshell trousers with a trim and tapered cut. The main fabric is a nylon-elastane mix that delivers four-way stretch for superb freedom of movement, plus great all-round comfort, thanks to articulated knees and a crotch gusset.

Though they don’t incorporate recycled materials, main fabrics are certified to the Oeko-Tex 100 standard, which means they have been independently assessed to be free from harmful substances.
They also have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which is free from PFCs.

Features and fit

Secondary scuff panels at the instep made from a slightly tougher stretch fabric offer extra resistance to wear and tear. The hems are part-elasticated and you also get a short 5-inch ankle zip for easier on/off.

But some sort of hem adjustment (or a slightly tighter ankle cuff) would improve the fit when worn with trail shoes as well as hiking boots. At the waist there’s a low-profile, part-elasticated waistband with a plastic press stud closure and zippered fly.

In terms of pockets, there are two zippered, mesh-lined hand pockets, which both have an internal drop pouch for more secure carry of small items (car keys, coins etc). A slim zippered pocket on the right thigh adds another convenient storage option.

All the zippers are fitted with extended pull cords to make them easy to grab. The trousers are available in both men’s and women’s fits but only one leg length.

It would be good to see a wider range of sizes, especially multiple leg lengths (short/reg/long), if possible.

Performance on test

Though we can’t speak for the women’s pants, since none of our female testers have tried them, the cut of the men’s Venturelite pants is excellent.

They’re slim through the seat and thigh without feeling restrictive, with a nicely tapered lower leg that isn’t flappy or baggy. That makes these an excellent choice for pacy hikes in the hills, even on more technical terrain where you need to see where you’re putting your feet.

They’re also a good option for lightweight backpackers and fastpacking adventures, since the low-profile, low-bulk waistband ensures they sit neatly and unobtrusively under a rucksack hipbelt.

Meanwhile, they’re flexible enough that you could even run and scramble in them if you wanted, adding to their all-round versatility.

The trousers provide decent windproofing (though they can't compete with any of the best waterproof trousers available) and shed light drizzle/general dreich well, though in sustained downpours you’ll still need overtrousers, as with most hiking trousers.

True to the Inov8 ethos, the emphasis is on being light, cool and breathable rather than massively robust or protective, though the nylon fabric should be decently hardwearing. After getting an unexpected soaking on test in North Wales, we noted that it’s also extremely quick drying, which is a further plus.

Weight and value

On the scales, our test pair weighed 400g (men’s size L), which is a bit lighter than popular rivals like the Rab Torque Mountain Pants or the Montane Tenacity Pants.

However, there are some softshell trousers that are lighter still, such as the Salomon Wayfarer Ease (£85) and the Sprayway Compass Pro (£75), both of which are also cheaper.

Overall, we’d class the Venturelite pants as spring-summer trousers, though you could extend this into the so-called ‘shoulder seasons’ if you run hot or move fast. For full winter conditions, you’d need some proper, tougher, winter walking trousers.

For two-to-three season use across multiple activities from hiking to backpacking, however, these comfortable trousers are an extremely versatile and practical choice.

Verdict

The Venturelite Pants are a superb choice for fast-paced hikes and backpacking in mild to cool conditions, combining impressive comfort, stretch and breathability with thoughtful design and excellent freedom of movement.

About the author

Matt Jones is a highly experienced gear tester and former editor of Walk and Scouting magazines. Now freelancing from his home in Snowdonia, he’s one of LFTO’s go-to experts for forensic kit analysis – and, being very tall, he’s great at testing extra-long tents, sleeping mats, and trousers. The man's practically all leg!