Follow Dave from the Exeter Shop as he gives Montane’s signature trouser a good walkabout and shares his thoughts.

Although a recent addition to the Taunton Leisure range this is not my first interaction with Montane and not with the Terra Pant range. Montane first introduced the world to the Terra Pant in 2001. The basic idea hasn’t changed much but as fabrics and technology have improved so have the trousers. The range now has 5 different models and shorts. I would normally purchase heavier-weight trousers so wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a lighter-weight pair but I was very happy with what I found.

Fit

Being raised in the ’90s dragging a skateboard behind me means I don’t enjoy tight-fitting trousers and in past have bought a size larger to make them baggier. Montane has created a nice balance between comfortable yet technical fitting with a microfleece waistband which just adds to the comfort level. I’m 6’1” and usually a 32” trouser and I’ve been wearing a medium with a regular leg and these fit perfectly.

Material & Features

It’s difficult to shout about trousers in the same way it is to with a waterproof or down jacket, however, the Terra stretch pants do have some features that are noteworthy. Constructed out of GRANATE stretch fabric, it’s soft and flexible and of course, lots of stretch as the name says. It’s very light but at the same time very robust and handles the abrasiveness of Dartmoor granite with ease. The Terra stretch boasts GRANATE stretch tough fabric on the knees on other brands I have found this can be a bit cumbersome whilst walking but not so with these trousers and these patches go completely unnoticed. The pants are treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating and as well as a great deal of wind-proofing they hold out short bursts of rain and light drizzle goes completely unnoticed but are by no means water-proof. The microfleece waistband and more importantly the pockets are another feature of note and as someone who doesn’t wear gloves, these are a great addition to take the wind chill off the back of the hands. There is an extra“security” pocket on the inside after years of working and playing in the outdoors I’m yet to find a use for it, and there isn’t a thigh pocket which I would normally prefer but then again that would add extra bulk and weight. Most trousers come with some sort of venting nowadays and the Terra Stretch is not different. They have small vents on each leg, and although not very big, they seem to do a great job of cooling down your legs. These seem to be situated higher on the leg than other brands and have some thin fabric so the cooler air doesn’t hit bare skin I found they don’t flap around in the wind either. The final feature that was worth mentioning was around the ankles. There are zips, which seem too long and I can’t find a purpose for these even for winter boots, but also poppers to tighten around the ankle. So in more extreme conditions, it keeps the wind from blowing up, due to lockdown I can’t give first-hand experience of this in the southwest. The poppers however are great for tightening the ankles when in climbing mode.

Use

Montane describes these as a 3 season all-mountain trouser (4 seasons in Devon!) I have owned previous models which in cold times just don’t hold up, but these feel thicker and warmer, meaning they have a larger range of use. The Terra Stretch is definitely a fantastic walking trouser and I will happily wear these for any walk you can think of. Despite not being specifically climbing trousers they seem to fit the bill very well. They allow for complete freedom of movement when throwing some flexible high heels or techy mantels and fit great under a harness. The ankle poppers as mentioned above mean you can tighten the bottom so no need to go old school and roll up the bottoms. Some trousers you see on the shelves these days would fit just as well on the mountains as well as in the pub, I’m not convinced these fit the bill they look “smart” and would be great when working on the hills but in the pub, they look a little serious.

Pro’s
– Great for all sorts of activities walking, climbing, and mountaineering
– Extreme comfort
– Lightweight
– Good belt included
Con’s
– Long ankle zip (but some people like that)

In summary, these are a perfect option for someone who wants one pair of trousers that can do all, whether it’s climbing, walking or mountaineering they are perfect. They are comfortable, robust and versatile what more could you want from a pair of trousers?

Shop the Terra Stretch Pants HERE

This review was written by Dave from the Exeter Shop. Dave has over 15 years experience of in outdoor instruction up and down the country. He is a qualified Canoe, Kayak, Mountain biking, Walking, and Climbing instructor with also years of experience coasteering. Dave is as much at home cruising down the Dartmoor Rivers as he is scaling Cornish sea cliffs.

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