Lightweight and fully waterproof, the Vaude pants come with their own stuff sack – so you can tuck them in your pack if things look a bit iffy, weather-wise.
Vaude’s ‘2.5 ply laminate’ combines an outer shell, waterproof membrane and a protective lining of plastic dots in a single layer, saving bulk and weight over the fully lined alternative. The lightweight construction keeps everything breathable.
The minimalist design hides neat touches. Stretch side inserts and pre-shaped knees improve fit and comfort, making these among the more comfortable waterproof pants we’ve ridden in. The seat is reinforced to improve long-term durability.
The rest is standard fare – adjustable cuffs help reduce below-knee flappage and reflective side piping means you’re slightly less likely to be T-boned on road sections. There aren’t any pockets, but that’s the price you pay for something that’s really designed to be pulled out and worn only when the weather’s against you.
For a lightweight, year-round backup layer, these are a decent bet.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.