Men’s waterproof trousers: 10,000 or 20,000 Schmerber?
When rain persists beyond the mountain pass, merely water-repellent trousers eventually let your thighs get wet, while the wind adds a chill. Waterproof trousers have a membrane and watertight seams. The STORM PRO PANT, TORRENT, GUIDE PRO PANT and ADVANCED PANT salopettes use Ultrashell and withstand 20,000 Schmerber; the HOGGAR and LACANAU use CIMASHELL and withstand 10,000. Compare:
- Membrane: Ultrashell at 20,000 Schmerber or CIMASHELL at 10,000.
- Breathability: 80,000 g/m²/24 h with Ultrashell, 10,000 with CIMASHELL.
- Wind: strong, 60 to 90 km/h, with Ultrashell; sustained, 40 to 60 km/h, with CIMASHELL.
- Weight in size M: from 300 g for the STORM PRO PANT to 630 g for the GUIDE PRO PANT.
For intensive use in the mountains, choose an Ultrashell model; for hiking in bad weather, choose the HOGGAR.
Rain trousers or overtrousers: put them on without taking off your shoes
The HOGGAR is worn on its own as hiking trousers. It has heat-sealed seams, articulated knees, reinforcements to protect against ski edges and a waistband that rises at the back to keep out wind and water. Its three pockets close with waterproof zips, including a large expandable thigh pocket. It weighs 424 g in size M.
Overtrousers stay in your pack until the rain starts. The TORRENT opens all the way down each leg with full-length two-way zips, so you can pull it on over technical trousers without removing your shoes. It weighs 360 g. The STORM PRO PANT has zipped lower legs, packs into its zipped pocket and weighs 300 g for trail runs in rain and wind. Keep your overtrousers at the top of your pack so you can put them on as soon as the rain starts.
Mountaineering and ski touring: GUIDE PRO PANT and ADVANCED salopettes
On a wet ridge, trousers rub against rock and come into contact with crampon points. The GUIDE PRO PANT uses tear-resistant rip-stop fabric and has a high waist to protect your torso beneath a harness. Its pockets remain accessible while you’re wearing a harness, and its integrated gaiters keep snow out. The ADVANCED PANT salopettes (565 g in size M) stay in place with adjustable shoulder straps and a bib, and have side zips for ventilation. Both have a RECCO® reflector. The reflector complements your avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe; it does not replace them.
For a complete outfit, see our men’s hardshell jackets and our men's ski trousers.
Cycling and shorter lengths: LACANAU and HOGGAR SHORT
In a morning downpour in the city, the LACANAU goes on through its zipped side openings, even over cycling shoes. Its calf adjustment keeps the fabric clear of the chain, reflective strips make you visible at night, and a grip connects it to a shoe cover. For city cycling, see our selection of urban cycling.
The HOGGAR SHORT has the same features as the HOGGAR, with shortened legs for men under 172 cm. Avoid hemming waterproof trousers: alterations can compromise the watertight seams.
Sizing, care and repair of waterproof trousers
Choose your usual size for the HOGGAR, TORRENT, ADVANCED PANT and LACANAU. The STORM PRO PANT runs slightly large: if you’re between sizes, choose the smaller size. In very cold weather, wear thermal leggings underneath, chosen from our men’s thermal base layers.
When water stops beading on the fabric, restore its water repellency with our care products ; the method is explained in detail in How to care for your waterproof clothing. All Cimalp clothing comes with the lifetime repairs. Find the full range in our waterproof trousers, and women’s fits in our women’s waterproof trousers.
