Mountain Equipment Ibex Pro £100

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Protective, comfortable, great features

- No reinforced seams or additional fabric panels, no women’s version Mountain Equipment’s Ibex pants have long been a Trail favourite, but we’ve still moaned about their small pockets, lack of thigh vents and limited ankle adjustment.

Happily, the brand has fixed all those niggles with the release of the new Ibex Pro. The fabric is burlier too. It’s still a double-weave stretch soft shell, but in a heavier weight that makes these trousers slightly warmer and tougher. The fit is more relaxed than the slim-fitting Ibex, with a gusseted crotch panel and knee darts for improved articulation. The slightly fussy double press studs and webbing waistbelt have been replaced with a button closure and belt loops, along with side Velcro adjustment.

You also get loads of extra storage, with two roomy zipped thigh patch pockets, plus two open hand pockets and two zipped rear pockets. New zipped thigh vents make it easier to dump heat when working hard uphill. And the ankle cuffs have a press stud cinch with internal hem grips and lace hooks, ensuring a secure seal over your boots.

There are three leg lengths available too, though no dedicated women’s version yet – next season, perhaps? They do also lack the double stitched seams and reinforced seat/ knee panels of some even burlier rivals. But otherwise, top marks all round.

■ Weight 605g ■ Men’s sizes 30-38in ■ Women’s sizes n/a ■ Leg lengths Short/ Reg/Long ■ Fabric Exolite 250 doubleweave soft shell (88% nylon, 12% elastane)

Verdict

A genuine upgrade on the Ibex pants, these are our top pick for technical hillwalking or mountaineering in colder weather.