Alex Roddie takes the Rab Momentum Pants on test. Here’s his verdict.
These ultralight, minimalist, and highly breathable trousers are designed for fast-and-light movement in the mountains. The design of the Rab Momentum Pants is stripped back to the basics, and they’re meant for warm conditions.
Alex Roddie’s verdict
As ultralight backup legwear for use in camp, or as running tights, they are close to ideal.- ultralight
- highly breathable
- great in hot weather
- skin-tight design
- no fly opening
- drawcord waist
- durability
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: $100 | £80 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 238g (34” waist 30” leg) Materials: 130gsm stretch nylon with PFC-free DWR Features: stretch material, drawcord waist Pockets: 2x hand pockets (no zip), 1x rear pocket (zipped) Hem: basic hem Sizes: men: waist 28–38”, leg 30–34”; women: 8–16, leg 28–32” Women’s version: yes rab.equipment |
However, the skin-tight fit won’t be for everyone, and I have my doubts about durability. The 130gsm high-stretch fabric is gossamer thin, incredibly light, and makes for just about the most breathable trousers I’ve ever worn – genuinely great in hot weather. Weather resistance is minimal. Cold wind goes right through them and the DWR is not very effective, which means they wet out quickly. On the plus side, the fabric is partially recycled.
Rab say the Momentum Pants were designed without a gram of excess material, and this shows in the fit, which is very tight – and for men, it’s got to be said that means somewhat revealing! I felt a bit self-conscious wearing these. The high level of stretch means they’re never uncomfortable, but I found myself preferring them for use in camp, rather than actually hiking.
The thin material feels like it would get damaged easily by rocks or twigs, especially with no ripstop structure. The features set is very basic – perhaps too basic. The pocket situation is OK (although I’d prefer at least one zipped hand pocket), but the elastic drawcord waistband did not feel durable to me, and there’s no obvious way to replace the cord when it breaks or wears out. I’d prefer belt loops. There’s no zipped fly.
In all honesty, I would struggle to recommend these as walking trousers. However, as ultralight backup legwear for use in camp, or as running tights, they are close to ideal.
Testing conditions
Alex tested these trousers during winter mountaineering in Scotland and the Austrian Alps, shoulder-season Scottish scrambling, hillwalking and backpacking, and hot-weather lowland hikes in summer. He has a 34” waist and short legs.
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.
