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But they are also comfortable enough to wear over leggings or tights as some extra wind protection, even if there’s not much rain forecast. They are lightweight enough to pack as ‘just in case’ rain pants on hiking and biking trips. Secondly, these are not just waterproof pants reserved for bewitching the elements in changeable hiking conditions. I need an XS in these and in the MTM Thrill Twill Hiking Pants. The sizing guidelines put me at a size S in these pants but when they arrived they were far too big. Loose fitting but not too baggy, with a mid-rise waist that easily fits over other hiking pants or even jeans.Ī word of caution on sizing… Houdini pants come up big. And because of this, when I bend, lunge, sit or kneel, I’m not having to hitch up the fabric to make space for my movement. The stretchy fabric moves wonderfully with the body – nothing like more traditional stiff and noisy waterproof fabric. Magic trousers don’t only need to protect against the elements, they also need to feel comfortable. So, are the Houdini W’s BFF Pants waterproof warriors or a damp squib?įirst up, let’s talk about fit. Worse than getting a soggy bottom from not wearing them, is getting a soggy bottom when your backside is supposedly protected and you’re not expecting it! BUT, like rain jackets, they’re not all made equal. But maybe that’s why they feel so valuable?Īnyway, the point is that waterproof pants are a game-changer. Rain jackets are lifesavers whereas rain pants just make everything better.
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They disproportionately increase enjoyment levels when out and about on rainy days and seem to be more cherished than a rain jacket. And I really do subscribe to this a good pair of waterproof pants are worth their weight in gold. They allow you to be out in the elements without a care about how soggy your backside might become or how cold your thighs are getting with every fresh and chilling raindrop.
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There’s a chapter in a book I dip in and out of occasionally – Rewild Yourself – that describes waterproof pants as “magic trousers”. As well as popper buttons and a zippered fly, the waistband has Velcro adjustment tabs which are elasticated for a great fit. The low profile band of the mid-rise waist sits comfortably over tights or other hiking pants and doesn’t interfere with backpack harnesses. These loop around boot or shoe laces to secure the pants in place and prevent rain or dripping from entering the tops of the shoes. There’s also popper tabs inside the front of the cuffs. Cinching in helps to prevent the pants from flapping in the wind and also decreases friction between the ankles.
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The bottom cuffs feature drawcords to cinch in the lower leg, if desired. Lower the top zips for venting at the legs or raise the bottom zips to make putting the pants on over boots really easy. They are two-way zips which adds versatility. The zips start just below the hand pockets on the side and curve slightly around to the back where a popper button at the base secures the internal storm flap. Like the pockets, the side zips are also water repellent with internal storm flaps to add another layer of protection. All three pockets are closable with water repellent zippers. There are two hand pockets and one thigh pocket on the front of the leg. The seams are fully sealed and the lightweight fabric is also stretchy for optimal movement. Additionally, the fabric is made from 70% Eco Circle recycled polyester and 30% polyester which means the fabric is completely recyclable at the end of its life. The HH rating of the fabric is 20,000mm and the outer layer of the 2.5-layer hardshell is treated with a fluorocarbon-free water repellent finish. 70% recycled materials, recyclable, fluorocarbon free water repellant and fully circularįeatures of the Houdini Women’s BFF Pants Fabric Houdini uses their 100% polyester Atmos Membrane which is hydrophilic allowing moisture to move through the fabric for breathability 15,000 g/m2 / 24 hrs).
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