Altura Dryline trousers £69.99
From: Zyro 01423 325325

OK so they’re not a jacket but we figured we’d put these pants in while we were reviewing the jacket as they work well together.

Test Logbook:
We haven’t had them long so these are initial impressions after a few damp and windy days.

Who?
Altura haven’t yet got the kudos of the ‘big’ names, but then again they don’t charge big name premiums. Instead they’ve taken a good long look at what features their competitors use, and asked shop owners and kit users what they want to create a range that is essentially a “best of” other people stuff.

Fit?
Waterproof trousers are usually horrible flappy plasticky incontinence garments that you’d never dream of wearing unless you had to. Full credit to Altura for producing a pair of good looking non too baggy riding trews. There’s a high back with a fleece panel, plus a captured, slightly elasticated belt. Reinforced knee panels are pre-curved for proper riding fit and the twin straps round each calf and ankle tuck the legs as close as you want them. There’s even a zip for whipping them on and off over shoes, while leg length sits them right down to your boots to keep ankles cosy.

Weather?
They’re taped waterproof fabric so they’ve got the waterproof issue taped. Ho ho. Plus the snug ankles and high back keep seepage out.

Cargo?
Two big zipped hand pockets for keys, minitool etc. But not too heavy or they’ll chafe.

The fabric isn’t super breathable but then your legs aren’t super sweaty. If it’s wet, cold or windy enough to think of wearing them then you’ll not notice any dampness when riding, just a bit of steam when you take them off. A small price to avoid that rectal rinse sensation from every puddle.

Overall?:
Absolutely great. They fit like a downhill / freeride pant (without those peek a boo ankles), they’re light enough to move easily thanks to a spot on cut, and you can strap the ankles as tight or flappy as you like. They’re even reinforced on inside ankle, seat and knee so they handle a good amount of winter crashes and mud rub. A real weatherproof alternative to all that ballerina tights nonsense.