Rab

Sawtooth

£85 Men’s 30-38 plus 3 leg lengths Women’s 8-16 plus 3 leg lengths Weight 378g (size 34) Materials Matrix double weave stretch (88% nylon, 12% elastane)

IT'S GOOD

A good weight of fabric for autumnal and winter conditions in the mountains. It’s nylon with four-way stretch that repels wind and light drizzle easily, while adding a notch of warmth. It also has very good breathability making it comfortable with waterproof overtrousers. The wide waistband has a brushed lining for extra comfort and some stretch, and belt loops allow a belt to be added too. There are four front zipped pockets and you can just about squeeze a map into all of them. The fit is a good for general walking with leg length options available and an internal ankle cuff drawcord.

HOWEVER

For scramblers or more technical ground, the ankle cuff is not the best design as it’s a little baggy and there's no zipped section to allow tapering of the fit. Also, other trousers have some articulation at the knees or extra reinforcement for more challenging terrain. The pockets are quite good, but an extra centimetre would allow them to take an OS map a little easier, and for backpacking this would be a useful addition. But the drawbacks are minor for general walking with only more critical users needing tweaks to suit their needs.

VERDICT

A good general hillwalking trouser, but other trousers have more benefits or more technical ground