Top Rated: Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pants (8.1 / 10)
Category: Heavy Duty Cold Weather Softshell Trousers
Using a good pair of gaiters like the Colcas has cemented our conviction that a simple "base" trouser with a few quality accessories trumps traditional mountain softshell trousers when it comes to long distance trekking in sub zero conditions.
Mountain Equipment's Ibex Pants fit the bill perfectly. They're a simple, durable trouser with a range of standard features all thoughtfully executed. They have sufficient stretch to go unnoticed while climbing and the Exolite 210 fabric dries quickly when wet conditions abate. Wind resistance and breathability are well balanced and the cut leans toward the "alpine" without being overly fitted or tight (more "Mission" than "Highland").
With the right choice of baselayer and outer accessories, the Ibex do a great job of handling extreme winter conditions and when spring and autumn arrive, gaiters and waterproof shorts can be ditched in favour of traditional full length waterproofs. As part of a flexible modular approach to winter legwear, Mountain Equipment's Ibex Pants (available in a range of leg lengths and colours) are Scramble's top pick in the "Heavy Duty Cold Weather Softshell Trouser" category.