In the past buying a pair of trousers for general hill use was probably quite easy; there were woollen breeches which came with a guaranteed itch and more recently I suppose Ronhill stole the market for a while with the Trackster. These days we are spoilt for choice with every manufacturer producing their own “all round, multi purpose, do any job trouser”. Because of this enormous choice that is available finding a pair of trousers that fits is probably harder than finding a pair that will function properly.

I like to think I’m a fairly average at 6ft tall and 32inches wide but I have always had difficulty finding outdoor trousers that fit properly. Too long in the leg and they get trashed if you don’t wear gaiters, too short and they ride up over your boots, too big in the waist and they bunch up uncomfortably under a rucksack hip belt or climbing harness. For a long time I reverted back to Ronhills telling myself that function was more important than fashion but a couple of summers ago I found myself subject to much finger pointing and sniggering as I walked down the Rue Du Paccard in Chamonix sporting my Tracksters. I gave in and headed for Snell’s Sports in search the perfect trouser or at least something slightly more socially acceptable.

I had heard good things about both the Base Jump Pants and also the Swiss company Mammut who have a reputation for making quality, hardwearing kit. Much to my delight there wasn’t just sizes small to XXL but also a variety of leg lengths too. They fitted, they were comfortable, they looked good and if they did what they said on the label they sounded perfect.

Features
The Base Jump Pants are made from world renowned Schoeller fabric. Like all things Swiss, be it watches or chocolate, this fabric oozes quality. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, soft shell fabric on the market. It’s light and comfortable, stretches, keeps the wind and light showers off and is very very hardwearing.

The reinforcements on the ankles and backside work well. After almost three years heavy use (most weekends and three trips to the Alps) the only signs of wear on the trousers is a small crampon induced puncture on one leg.
The Base Jumps have two spacious zip pockets; they are made of a stretchy mesh which allows a bit of ventilation if the zips are left open and are comfortable for keeping your hands in too. There is also a smaller zipped rear pocket. The single thigh vent seems a bit of a gimmick, but if you are prone to overheating in your right leg then this could be for you. It does however double up as a handy pocket for lift passes, chocolate biscuits and other small bits and pieces.

Another feature I like is the adjustable ankle cuffs. They fit neatly over big boots but can be cinched down when wearing rock shoes or trainers to prevent them flapping around and getting damaged.

The waistband is comfortable and stretchy and not too sweaty. It has belt loops and loops for braces. I bought a pair of Mammut braces and have ended up having to use stick on Velcro tabs to shorten to the right length so if you want to use braces I would recommend getting them a size or two smaller than you think you need.

Ideal for?
Pretty much everything! I use mine for year round hillwalking and rock climbing, summer alpine climbing and Scottish winter climbing. In summer they are comfortable on all but the hottest of days and in winter worn over a base layer provide adequate protection from snow and wind however I always carry salopettes just in case it turns really nasty as they are not water proof.

Conclusion
If they fit you then the Mammut Base Jump Pants are possibly the best all round multi purpose trousers for regular hill goers after one pair of trousers they can use for year round use. They are comfortable, functional and very hard wearing, the features are simple but effective and best of all you’ll look like a French guide in them!
Price: £110