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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBefore we look at the Ibex Pro Pants in more detail, let\u2019s address a question we frequently hear in our shops: \u201cWhat is <\/em>softshell?\u201d. A soft shell is a layer that is more wind resistant than a fleece but more breathable than waterproof garments \u2013 which are often referred to as hard shells. They range from wind-resistant to wind-proof, offer varying degrees of stretch and are generally very durable, with high abrasion resistance. The term \u201csoftshell\u201d covers a wide range of layers \u2013 from very lightweight layers, offering fairly durable wind resistance, to burly layers which are extremely durable, water-resistant and windproof. Nowadays, softshells tend to fall into two main categories \u2013 those with a membrane, which is how they are wind-proof rather than wind-resistant, and the more breathable options without a membrane. Mountain Equipment use Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper technology in membraned softshells like the Mission Pant and their Exolite double weave fabric in their non-membraned softshells like the Ibex, Ibex Pro and lighter Comici Pants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ibex Pro Pants are a newer, slightly thicker, warmer and tougher version of the best-selling Ibex Pants, with some added features and a more relaxed fit. They use Mountain Equipment\u2019s Exolite 250 softshell fabric, whereas the Ibex uses Exolite 210, which offers an excellent balance of water resistance, wind resistance, durability and breathability. They have two hand pockets, two rear zipped pockets and two large zipped thigh pockets with sizeable zipped thigh vents behind them. The waistband features belt loops and elasticated velcro adjustments on each side, a metal button fastening and a two-way zipped fly for use with a harness. There are similar elasticated adjustments on the hem, using poppers instead of velcro, lace hooks and silicone grippers to optimise fit around a wide range of boots and prevent them rising up over the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These trousers come in sizes 30-38\u201d, with three leg lengths and two colours available \u2013 black and Anvil grey. My Ibex Pro Pants are a 32\u201d waist, with a regular length leg, and fit really well. The waist isn\u2019t too tight to fit some warm leggings underneath for really cold conditions and the waist adjustments work well enough to wear them without a belt; even when you\u2019ve filled the ample pockets with snacks and other essentials. The Ibex Pro Pants are made to Mountain Equipment\u2019s \u201cMountain Fit\u201d; an equally stretchy but slightly more relaxed, wider leg than the \u201cAlpine Fit\u201d found in the standard Ibex Pants. This allows for more layers to fit underneath and allows the thigh vents to ventilate the trousers very effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we started our multi-day walk along the Affric Kintail Way I was concerned that I might find myself with warm legs when working harder on some of the uphill sections during a mild week in September. I quickly found that, although they are warmer than the standard Ibex Pants, the massive vents are very effective and prevented me from getting sweaty even on the warmer, lower-level trails at the start of the walk. This makes them far more comfortable to wear when heavier and prolonged rainfall force the use of waterproof over-trousers. That being said, I found that my legs stayed dry through the showers and lighter rain we experienced without needing to put over-trousers on \u2013 they dried really quickly when it stopped too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ibex Pro Pants are a fantastic addition to the Mountain Equipment range. Offering a slightly warmer and tougher option than the standard Ibex Pants but maintaining fantastic breathability and ventilation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tale\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2022\/11\/Capture-3.jpg\")
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