Gemma Palmer awards the Mammut Eiger Speed SO Hybrid Pants her Best in Test accolade. Find out why.
The design of the Mammut Eiger Speed SO Hybrid Pants, using varying materials and thoughtfully placed panels, contributes not only to a flattering silhouette but also to exceptional on-trail performance.
Gemma Palmer’s Best in Test
While they carry a premium price, the performance, design and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment.- smart storage
- ventilation
- adjustable waistband
- machine wash on wool/delicates cycle
- overloading the thigh pocket pulls at the waistband
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: €230 | £185 (available from Mammut) Weight: 316g Materials: Insert 79% Polyamide (ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon), 21% Spandex, Main material 83% Polyamide, 17% Spandex Features: Body-mapped design, Wind-resistant softshell, Integrated attachment hooks and anti-slip coating at the hem, Reflective detailing Pockets: Zippered front, Concealed thigh Hem: 2-way zip, boot hook, elasticated and reinforced cuff Sizes: UK 6 – 20 Men’s version: Yes mammut.com |
The freedom of movement offered by the gusseted crotch was the thing I noticed, with no inner leg seam catching as I extended my stride. The two-way ¾-length side zips proved incredibly practical, offering not just excellent ventilation but also protecting my lower legs when pushing through vegetation away from the path. I was surprised the fabric weave didn’t catch on thorns, putting this down to the wind-resistant softshell material strategically reinforcing high wear areas.
Higher up the hill, there’s just enough weather resistance to make them ideal for 3 season use, and I have subsequently paired compression leggings underneath for chillier mornings, as the stretch is forgiving. The fabric is light and dries quickly, and integrated laser-cut ‘X’ ventilation on the lower back prevents overheating on uphill climbs.
The reinforced, deep thigh pockets are great for essentials and a headtorch, although I needed to watch out for overloading the thigh pocket, as it created a tug at the waistband – a minor point given the overall fit. The trousers’ hidden boot hooks neatly secured them to both my trail trainers and hiking boots, and the reinforced stretchy hems made them easy to pull on and off, even over size 8 trail trainers.
It’s the little things, like the coated active zip pull strings, that make a difference—no more lost toggles or struggling to access pockets when my hands are wet.
While they carry a premium price, the performance, design and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment.
Testing conditions
Gemma is 5’10” and a curvy UK size 16 with an athletic build. She tested these trousers in spring and summer in Northumberland, the Malvern Hills, Derbyshire and Cambridgeshire. This review was first published in the February 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it to other legwear in our gear guide to the best hiking trousers.
