Berghaus Paclite Pant waterproof trousers | Tested and reviewed

If you want your waterproof overtrousers to be lightweight, minimalist and packable with a comfy fit, the Berghaus Paclite Pant is a solid choice. Made from Gore-Tex’s ultralight Paclite technology, these overtrousers strike a nice all-round balance between weight, protection, durability and comfort. For most hillwalkers they will tick all of the boxes.

Waterproofing

Paclite is one of Gore-Tex’s lightest technologies. It is billed as “very light and packable” and “durably waterproof”, and used predominantly in what Gore-Tex call “back-up shells” – waterproofs that weigh next to nothing in your backpack but can be relied upon when needed. The construction technique here is 2.5-layer, which combines the main two layers of a waterproof (an external face fabric and a waterproof membrane) with a so-called 0.5-layer (an ultra-thin laminate or coating “liner” that is printed, painted or sprayed on to protect the membrane). 2.5-layer overtrousers will never be as robust or protective as fully-fledged 3-layer hard shells, but for many hillwalkers they will hit a sweet spot between weight, comfort and waterproofing.

Confusingly there is a lack of consistency across the board in the outdoor industry in the terminology used and ways of interpreting whether a waterproof is 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer. Berghaus is a bit of an outlier and describes these trousers as 2-layer, choosing not to identify the laminating method as a 0.5 layer. But Gore-Tex’s workbook states all Paclite products are 2.5-layer. Clear as mud? We thought so.
As with all Gore-Tex products, the Berghaus Paclite Pant has a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 28,000mm, which is a reassuringly top-tier grade. All Gore-Tex products come with Gore’s “guaranteed to keep you dry” promise too.

The zippers in these pants are water-resistant with an external stormflap, while all of the seams are sealed to ensure water-tight protection.

Breathability & Ventilation

Gore-Tex describes the Paclite fabric in one of its brand workbooks as “extremely breathable”, and it has an official RET score of <6 – which is an impressive, premium-end rating. This is logical, as the lighter, thinner Paclite fabric has a less clammy, less plastic-y and more breathable feel to the touch compared to heavier, 3-layer options.

Breathability is further enhanced by the presence of large side zippers on each legs. These are ¾-length, two-way side zippers, which run from the top of the quads to the base of the ankle cuff. These can be unzipped either downwards or upwards to create large airy gaps in the side of the trousers for excellent ventilation – it works very well. At the ankle cuff a press stud button keeps the cuff closed around the ankle while you unzip upwards. An extra press stud located halfway between the ankle and knee adds further versatility to your venting options, as well.

Weight & Packability

Berghaus describes these pants as “super-light and easy to pack”. That’s definitely true. The Paclite Pant weighs just 211g in a men’s small – that’s 129g lighter than the Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants, for example, and definitely achieves “ultralight” status. They pack down incredible small too, fitting neatly into the included mesh stuff sack (9g). This storage sack is about the size of a grapefruit (15x10cm) and can be cinched-in using a drawcord toggle.

Size, Fit & Comfort

These overtrousers score very highly on the comfort matrix, thanks to their lightweight build. They feel soft and supple in use, move well with your body, and certainly don’t weigh you down. Indeed, you sometimes forget you’re even wearing them, which is a big compliment for an item of clothing that can often feel cumbersome and annoying to wear. All in all, the Berghaus Paclite Pant is probably our favourite in terms of comfort.

The fit is true to size, with a slightly more athletic and streamlined cut than some other pairs. But there’s still a touch of roominess, and we never found them tight or constrictive. At the same time, there’s no excess or flapping fabric, which is essential for all-day comfort.

Size options are very broad, including men’s XS to XXXL and women’s 8-20, all available in short, standard and long versions.

Features: Pockets, Waistband & Ankle Cuffs

You don’t get any pockets with the Berghaus Paclite Pant, but that’s no great loss. The waistband is elasticated and exceptionally stretchy, and can be tightening using a drawcord toggle at the right-hand side. The end result is a fine-tuned fit around the waist. At the ankle cuffs, you don’t get a drawcord toggle, but there are two press stud button options, meaning you can slightly tighten the cuff around the top of your boots. But this doesn’t work as well as a drawcord toggle would, because there is only about 4cm of difference between the location of the two buttons. Or, in other words, you can tighten the ankle cuffs slightly but not fully.

Berghaus says “with more than 90% bluesign approved fabrics, this product meets our ‘Made Kinder’ criteria which helps ensure that our gear is more responsibly made”.

Verdict

An ultralight, minimalist pair of overtrousers featuring Gore-Tex’s Paclite technology – but some hillwalkers will want more durability and toughness

About the author

James Forrest writes regular features and route guides for Trail and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.

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