Chris Townsend takes a fresh look at an updated classic, testing the new Montane Terra Pants on the Cape Wrath Trail.
The classic Terra Pants have been in Montane’s range for many years. They were updated in 2023 and I’ve been testing this new version of hiking trouser, which has a PFC-free DWR and Bluesign approved and Oeko-Tex certified fabric. As well as several shorter trips I’ve worn them on the Cape Wrath Trail where they dealt with many days of wind and rain and stayed comfortable.
Highly Recommend by Chris Townsend
“I think these are superb walking trousers. For men, that is. There is no women’s version made from the same fabrics.”- comfort
- durability
- thigh vents
- 3 leg lengths
- no women’s fit
| Quick Specs |
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| Price: £85 Weight: 380g (38” Short) Materials: Tactel nylon with PFC-free DWR, Cordura rip-stop knees, seat and instep with PFC-free DWR Features: zipped, mesh-lined thigh vents; zip and press stud ankle adjustment Pockets: 2 zipped hand, 1 zipped rear Sizes: 28-40, 3 leg lengths Women’s version: No www.montane.com |
The main fabric is a soft cotton-feel Tactel nylon. High abrasion areas like the seat, knees and instep are reinforced with tough Cordura ripstop nylon. Both fabrics are very breathable and quick drying. They’re also wind-resistant though not fully windproof. I can blow through them with a little effort. I think the balance of breathability and wind-resistance is about right.
The fabrics don’t stretch and the fit is quite loose for freedom of movement. The knees are shaped and there’s a crotch gusset as well. I prefer loose-fitting trousers but some people might find them a bit baggy. They certainly don’t have the streamlined look of stretch softshell.
There are three mesh-lined zipped pockets – two roomy hand ones at the front and a smaller one at the rear. There are no cargo or lower leg pockets. Instead, there are long zipped thigh vents, again mesh lined. In hot weather these make a big difference to comfort and I’d rather have them than more pockets. Further ventilation is available in the lower legs where there are long zips plus studs at the ankle. The zips can be undone and the studs fastened so warm air can escape and cool air blow in without the ankle cuffs flapping wildly.
The zips also mean the trousers can be pulled on over trail shoes or most lightweight boots. I can’t get them on over big boots.
The waist is elasticated and comes with belt loops and a webbing belt. The last now has a slim metal buckle rather than the rather bulky plastic ones found on previous versions. There are more waist sizes than in the past plus three leg lengths. The Short length is 30”, which is an inch longer than my short legs, leaving the trousers rather baggy at the ankle. I didn’t find this a problem, though I guess it doesn’t look very stylish!
The fit is described as Regular and Standard rather than Athletic, which often means tight in your normal size.
The Terra Pants are excellent for three-season hiking (unlike the Montane Terra XT trousers designed for winter mountaineering). In cold winter weather leggings would be needed under them. The DWR keeps off light rain for a while but they soon become soaked in heavy rain. In warm, calm and wet weather, I don’t find I needed overtrousers as the Terra Pants are still warm enough but when it gets chilly or if the wind picks up I do. Once the rain stops, they dry very quickly.
I think these are superb walking trousers. For men, that is. There is no women’s version made from the same fabrics. For women there are the Terra Stretch Trousers, which are made from four-way stretch nylon. The Terra Stretch Trousers aren’t available for men so I haven’t tried them but I suspect they won’t be as wind-resistant as the Terra Pants – stretch fabrics usually aren’t. Montane don’t mention wind or water-resistance or a DWR in the description of the Terra Stretch Trousers. I think it’s a shame they don’t make the Terra Pants or other non-stretch trousers for women.
Testing Notes
Chris tested the latest Montane Terra Pants during the summer of 2024. As well as several shorter trips, he wore them on the Cape Wrath Trail where they dealt with many days of wind and rain. This review was published in the December 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. To compare more options, read our guide to the best hiking trousers.
