Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants | Tested and reviewed

These overtrousers are very pricey, but for the frequent hillwalker taking on hardcore missions in all weathers, they might just prove a wise investment. Fully-featured with a tough and durable design, the top-tier Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants have a 3-layer Gore-Tex design with premium waterproofing and breathability stats. They feel strong and reliable, and should cope with the most apocalyptic of downpours – but, of course, whether your bank account can cope with the sky-high price is another matter.

Waterproofing

The Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants are made from a Gore-Tex performance shell. This is a 40-denier, 100% nylon material with solution dyed technology, and – by all accounts – should deliver reliable waterproof protection.

Confusingly Gore-Tex no longer publicly state the hydrostatic head or breathability ratings of their materials, explaining in a blog post that the lab tests used for the scores are “not relevant to real-life situations”, preferring instear to judge its products in its high-tech rain room simulator. There is probably some merit to this argument, however it doesn’t make like-for-like comparisons particularly easy for the general consumer. We persisted with Gore-Tex’s PR bods, and ultimately they told us all of their fabrics have a minimum 28,000mm hydrostatic head rating, but they don’t state different figures for their different technologies such as Gore-Tex Pro, Gore-Tex Performance and Gore-Tex Paclite.

As such, we can say for certain that the Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants have 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 Phase Pants’ seams are all sealed and the YKK Aquaguard zippers are water-repellent with an internal stormflap. The construction of the Phase Pants is 3-layer, with an external face fabric, waterproof membrane and integrated liner combining to create a highly protective and sturdy design. For long-term durability and long-term waterproofing in atrocious conditions, this is probably the most reliable construction technique available.

Breathability & Ventilation

You get ¾-length, two-way side zippers running down each leg, stretching from the top of the quadriceps 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 sturdy-feeling press stud button keeps the cuff closed around the ankle while you unzip upwards.

Some overtrousers, such as the Rab Downpour Plus 2.0, feature full-length zippers, which some hikers will prefer for the increased versatility and improved ventilation options. But this design does mean the trousers are, with the zip vents open, only connected at the waist by a press stud button, which can feel a tad insecure. The Montane design feels stronger and tougher around the waist, with the sewn-in upper portion of the fabric providing a more secure fit compared to an open design held together by just a press stud button.

Montane tell us the official breathability grade of the Phase Pants is RET <9, although this isn’t published publicly (and Gore-Tex have, annoyingly, stopped published RET ratings). A RET <9 is pretty good, but not exceptional. It would be fair to say that slightly heavier, thicker 3-layer overtrousers generally don’t feel quite as breathable as lighter pairs too. We’d say the Phase Pants can feel a tad clammy and sweaty at times, particularly during steep ascents, but the venting options do adequately negate this issue.

Weight & Packability

The Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants weigh 340g in a men’s small size, which is a good weight considering how protective and robust they feel. They certainly aren’t the lightest pair on the market (the Berghaus Paclite Pant is 129g lighter), but they are far excessively heavy too.

The trousers pack away very compactly – if rolled up carefully and neatly – to a 20x10cm cylinder, and thus they won’t take up too much space in (or weigh down) your backpack unnecessarily.

Size, Fit & Comfort

The fit strikes a nice balance – neither too loose and flappy, nor too restrictive and tight. In a men’s small (our usual size), we found the trousers fitted snugly and comfortably, with a touch of roominess, and they moved well with the body too. 3-layer overtrousers can often feel crinkly, rigid, bulky and a tad heavy. That is ever so slightly the case with the Phase Pants, compared to much lighter pairs, but it’s not a particularly noticeable sensation. In truth, for 3-layer pants, these are refreshingly comfortable.

One slight drawback with the Phase Pants is that they are only available in regular leg length, so any particularly short or tall hikers may struggle to find the right fit for their body shapes.

Features: Pockets, Waistband & Ankle Cuffs

The waistband of the Montane Phase Waterproof Pull-On Pants is fully elasticated and very stretchy, and a small drawcord toggle enables you to cinch-in for a fine-tuned fit to your body shape. It all works well and ensures a good fit at the waist.

The ankle cuffs are adjustable too, via another small drawcord toggle. This enables you to fully tighten the base of your trousers around the top of your boot for a better, more streamlined fit and waterproof syncing – it works pretty well.

You don’t get any pockets, and the only other feature to note is that the Phase Pants are compatible with Montane braces, if you want to turn them into salopette-style, winter-ready overtrousers.

A tough and durable 3-layer pair of overtrousers with excellent features and Gore-Tex technology – but they are very expensive.

About the author

James Forrest is a prolific peak bagger and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK.

He 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.

James reviews every type of outdoor kit for Trail and is a real authority on everything you need for wild camping and packing light for a multi-day walk.

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