Black Diamond Swift £150

+ Lightweight, comfortable, flexible, fully featured

- No leg vents, only one leg length

The ideal 3-season trousers are all about versatility and comfort, and Black Diamond’s Swift soft shell pants offer both.

Made from two weights of double-weave nylon, both with elastane for 4-way stretch, they are lightweight and flexible. The heavier fabric is sensibly placed at the knee, seat and instep for added durability. The cut is roomy in the thigh, with tapered lower legs for a neat fit. Hems are part-elasticated, with adjustable snaps and lace hooks, so they work well with trail shoes or boots.

Other features are similarly well thoughtout. There’s a soft lined waistband with a zip fly, double press studs and an integrated webbing belt, which can be removed if you prefer to wear a different belt. You get two angled hip pockets, plus a back and thigh pocket. All are fitted with reverse-coil zips.

On test, the Swift pants were great: pliable, breathable and rustle-free, but impressively weatherproof too. Though not fully waterproof, they’re finished with a new water-repellent treatment from Green Theme Technology called EMPEL; an eco-friendly, PFC-free finish. Water beads and rolls off the fabric beautifully, and we found that performance didn’t drop off nearly as quickly as most DWRs, even after many soakings.

Weight 404g (men's M) Women’s sizes XS-XL Men’s sizes S-XL Leg lengths One size Fabric Double weave nylon soft shell with reinforced panels