[Closed] Which waterproof shorts are we buying this winter?

chopped down ex raf goretex trousers. better than anything else available.
can be had for 15 quid on the internet

5yr old Endura MT500 Spray Baggies, which need re-proofing, on proper wet days the MT500 waterproof.

None 'cos my military surplus goretex are still going fine.

None as my Alturas are still going strong. MT500 Spray are nicer shorts for when conditions aren't quite so bad

Ton +1. Best waterproofs I've got.

Army surplus again here. Cut down overtrousers. The seams are far better than any 'recognised' manufacturer and that is where the others all start to disintegrate.

If I buy some I’ll probably give the Raceface agent ones a try

interesting... - any recommended sellers for army surplus stuff online?

I've had two pairs, lasting 2-3 winters each. Pretty sure they both came from here.

[url= http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/british-army-goretex-trousers-1122244.html ]http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/british-army-goretex-trousers-1122244.html[/url]

Cut off the legs, sew a hem (not essential as goretex doesn't fray) and you're away.

Don't wash with detergent, I just hand wash mine in a bucket of plain warm water and hang out to dry. Waterproofing is usually restored by a quick tumble dry to 'melt' the proofing into the fibers again. I use wash-in Nikwax every so often then tumble dry on hot to make them really bead off. Even the arse!

No frills, no pockets etc (to my mind pockets are just more to go wrong). But as I said earlier, the seams don't delaminate, they eventually just wear through as the stitching wears out.

The cot off legs into mini bags with a draw string too.

To those cutting down MVP trousers; Do you use the elasticated or fitted waist type?

Cheers, might give that a try

I’ve tried the Fox & madison ones. Both really bad, don’t hold off any splashes and feel colder than standard shorts.

Tenn

Another vote for Military goretex. Used mine in some filthy weather this year and been dry as a bone.

Tried the Endura MT500, and don't rate them

The taped seals came off the seat of mine last week and they've not been worn that much in the 2 years I've had them. Not impressed

Edit: While they are waterproof they're not that warm either

To those cutting down MVP trousers; Do you use the elasticated or fitted waist type?

Thanks. I've got a few of them and never had the elastic snap but the dog did chew it out of one pair..

PS. I use para-cord for shoelaces nowadays, it's good stuff.

+1 home made. Made some from Gore-Tex military surplus trousers like folk have mentioned above. Cost around £20 all in (including having them professionally stitched) and they're flipping ace. Simple, tough, fully-waterproof, look ok, made to measure, and the've lasted well so far in the Pennines.

Start Cycles have some cheap-ish Scott ones on sale. No idea if they're any good but they're decent value:
https://www.startfitness.co.uk/cycle/bike-wear/scott-trail-mtn-dryo-50-mens-cycling-shorts-blue-250303-5164.html - only in L tho so prob too big for you!

What length are you all making your cut-offs? Around knee height or more like 3/4 length? Assume no-one has gone all Mary Quant.

Just below the knee here.

No need to stitch a new hem on, they don't fray.

Well timed question, I've been struggling to replace my altura attack 3/4 length ones. I've just ordered some royal storms, but not sure on the length.

My army camo gortex trousers are still going strong after ten years of abuse. Bought them after a wet week in Morzine in 2007. Just hose them down to remove the sludge and hang them to dry. I also have some airforce ones which are just as good for walking the dog in.

*Dons flameproof suit*
Any of the above gore tex type stuff around that isn't camo?
I'm happy with most colours, no matter how stupid, but I don't do camo.

And yes, I'm aware of the potential stupidity of asking if there are any army type trousers that aren't camo...

EDIT: Durrr... These, right?
http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co.uk/shop/trousers/raf-wet-weather-goretex-trousers-686938.html

Army surplus goretex here too.
Lots of colours available too. Well, a few non-camo ones.

They're very 'Rustly' but cheap and keep you dry.

Also, cut mine just below the knee. Helps to keep the spray out. Mine also have a drawstring, and elastic.

Those air force blue ones are the same as the ones I have for walking the dog. They are a bit heavier material to the old camo ones I have.

Are the Tenn ones actually any good? I know they work out a tenner more, but I do like pockets and stuff, and prefer a more bike-y cut if possible. I read mixed reports of them.

Are the Tenn ones actually any good?

No. Mine lasted two rides before letting in water. I just use for commuting now. I wouldn't buy again.

to buck the trend.

sweet mudrides. first pair started to leak a little bit after two winters and probably 200 rides. Sweet gave me a new pair under warranty. worth every penny to me.

I'm sure they are, but...
Ninety. Seven. Pounds.

[quote=submarined ]I'm sure they are, but...
Ninety. Seven. Pounds.

I didnt say they were cheap. i'd buy them again.

I, however, am cheap 😀

Careful with the RAF ones as mine had hand / pocket holes.
And it's really difficult to cut the legs straight and to the same length.

Trying out the Madison D.T.E. waterproof ones, on the knee so not quite 3/4.
Decent so far - all round protection (don't like the Endura style ones - is that MT500 - that have w/proof arse but thighs open to any falling rain...

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used. I don't even ride that much during the winter, 1 ride a week maybe 2, usually at a trail center so I suppose it could be the grit-lube contributing to their swift demise.

Current favourites are the Dare2Be long shorts i picked up in a sale last year, but the arse patch is beginning to fall off.

My Tenns have been ridden a few times, but they're already wearing thin.

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used.

Mine too, apart from the goretex ones (so far).

Swapping from saddles with raised stitching to smooth ones has helped a lot BTW.

My arse manages to wear through all the waterproof shorts I've ever used.

Mine too, apart from the goretex ones (so far).

What's the sizing like on the surplus goretex?

I can feel the blisters on my legs just thinking about riding those army ones for 6 hours in a wet day.

If you are happy to ride around in sawn-off army gear with one leg longer than the other you are one step away from riding around with a binbag sarong as a windbreaker. Life's to short! 😀

kcal..

Whats the fit like on those Madison DTE shorts? considering a pair later this week.
are they slim fit, or big and flappy? I've found madison kit can be a bit of the latter on my lanky frame..

RAF goretex, cut to 3/4 length and added elasticated braces so I don't need to cinch the waste so much.

muzz - Member
I can feel the blisters on my legs just thinking about riding those army ones for 6 hours in a wet day.

Used mine over bibs bikepacking on multiple big days out no issues, toughen up princess 😈

Those RAF ones look like they're worth a go for the money. Do want to avoid camo colours and a ballooning elastic waistband look though. Very much.

Everyone seems happy to splurge pictures of their stooge on the internet, but much shyer when it comes to cut-off amry surplus gore-tex 🙂

You can see mine here if you really want...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/review-military-surplus-gore-tex-trousersshorts/