At a glance Low cost, all-weather overtrousers for cyclists that pack down into a tiny stuffsack and weigh next to nothing
Tested by
Jon Adams, tester for The Bike List
Performance
British company Montane specialise in lightweight gear for cyclists, runners and mountaineers, and the Featherlite range offers the lightest kit they offer. There are jackets, smocks and full-length pants available, and all use either the windproof Pertex Microlight or the waterproof Freeflow H2O fabric as the main material. The pants use the windproof variant, so aren't fully waterproof, but the Pertex is treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) coating so any rain beads up and runs off. The seams aren't taped, so water will get through in a deluge, but they'll keep anything short of this at bay. More importantly, they stop the wind dead, so even if you get wet, you don't get cold - provided you keep up your body heat with some pedaling.
The Featherlite Pants weigh about the same as a
pair of legwarmers and pack down even smaller, so if you're off on
a summer tour or know that the weather is going to be changeable on
a longer ride, you can take these instead, and throw them on over
your shorts. Though the hardshell design is more suited to being
worn over tights or leggings, they're actually reasonably
comfortable straight over shorts. They do rustle a bit, and get a
little clingy around bare flesh in a downpour, but this is no big
deal when you've got the kind of versatility they offer on your
side.
For the commuter, riding to work regardless of the weather's
mood, the Pants are as close to perfect as you can get, with their
leg-warming, wind-blocking, and weather-stopping credentials. They
are true multi-taskers in this respect, and you get all this with
virtually no space or weight penalty (they weigh less than some
mobile phones and leave room inside a coffee mug when packed). With
the knee-length zips you don't even have to take your shoes off,
and that means they're quicker to put on than legwarmers if it
turns chilly. When you've warmed up, 
they're just as quick to remove, and the
Velcro-adjusted cinch tabs around the calves are a master stroke.
These keep your trousers out of your chain first and foremost, but
they also hold the lower leg section gently in position leaving the
articulated knees free to move. This gives no restriction or
hindrance to your pedaling, and apart from the swish-swish of the
fabric, there are no real downsides. The cinch tabs even keep
flapping under control when you've got your speed up.
In cold weather the Featherlite Pants will quickly slip over your tights (or shorts & leg warmers) for an extra, air-trapping layer, so they'll help keep you keep warm as well as blocking the wind. They dry really fast too, so if you do get the inevitable a soaking on your ride into work, find somewhere to hang them up and they'll be ready to go by the time you head for home.
In the dark nights of winter, they're good too, as there's a good scattering of Scotchlite retro-reflective flashes in areas that can be seen when you're pedaling, like the sides of the knees and the hips. The ankles and waist are elasticated too, for a good seal, and the waist also has a drawcord which can be adjusted and locked with one hand.
Overall, these are great weatherproof trousers that will quickly find their way into your everyday kit. At £45 (less if you shop around), they're far from expensive, and give a solid protection layer for your legs whatever the weather throws. If you're a leisure rider, then check them out next time you're browsing at the local cycle or outdoor shop. Racers are unlikely to appreciate the overtrouser look, but if you're into touring or commuting and have function above form on your checklist, just buy a pair now.
Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.com
Montane says:
The original, ultra-lightweight, weather-resistant pants.
These wind and shower-proof pants are the original ultra minimalist weather resistant trousers. They are an uncompromisingly functional item of equipment, which pack smaller and weigh less than a typical eating apple and feature improved reflective detailing and a versatile new calf cinch. Featherlite pants are lightweight in the extreme and perfectly compliment all the other products in the MONTANE Fast & Lite range. Designed for running, biking, lightweight hiking, adventure racing or any other outdoor activity that demands a high weather protection to weight ratio.
Details:
- Active cut with high lift crotch
- MONTANE® Enhanced Breathing Panel (E.B.P.) in lumbar
- Hook and loop adjustable calf for improved fit when running or biking
- Elasticated waist with single hand operated, lockable draw-cord
- Articulated knees
- Elasticated ankles
- Calf length ankle zips
- 360° 3M ScotchliteTM reflective strips and reflective MONTANE® logo
- Own stuff sac
- Colours: Black
Fabrics:
3M ScotchliteTM
- Retro reflection technology
- Lightweight and flexible glass bead structure
- Light rays are returned in the direction from which they came, keeping the wearer safe and seen
PEAQ® Air
- Lightweight Nylon rip-stop
- Water repellent and wind-resistant
- Extremely breathable
- Ideally suited for areas where maximum breathability is key such as Enhanced Breathing Panels (E.B.P.)
PERTEX® Microlight - Mini Rip-stop
- 52g/m² 100% Polyamide rip-stop weave
- Air permeability 1.0cc max (JIS L 1096 / ASTM D737)
- Spray rating 80 / 20 (JIS L 1092)
- Abrasion resistance 40,000+ at 12.5k PA (BS EN ISO 12947-2)
Activities: Cycling, running, hiking
Weight: 120g / 4oz (Medium size)
Find out more www.montane.co.uk
