Stretchy technical softshell trousers with roomy pockets

Made from four-way stretch softshell with a brushed inner, these trousers are very comfortable. The stretch means they move with you and they have shaped knees and a crotch gusset. The fit is quite loose. The fabric wicks moisture away fast, keeps out drizzle and light rain, and dries quickly. It has some wind resistance but it’s not windproof.

Royal Robbins describes the fabric as midweight and says the trousers are a ‘technical soft shell for cold weather hiking and trekking’. I’d say that’s so long as it’s not very windy or very cold. The warmth is okay when moving in fairly calm conditions in temperatures around freezing. In stormier weather and colder temperatures I’d want overtrousers.

There are more pockets than with similar trousers and they’re all quite roomy. The lower legs are quite baggy. There’s only one leg length in each size and they’re quite a bit too long for me. However there is a drawcord at the ankle so they can be bunched up round your boots when this is tightened. The legs could be shortened quite easily too.

royalrobbins.co.uk