Kathmandu Monrovia Waterproof Trousers for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Monrovia Waterproof Trousers for Men Vital Statistics: Colours: Black Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large SRP: £59.99 Features to Note: NGX® STRATOSPHERE® 2.5-layer breathable, water resistant fabric 2/3 elastic waist with elastic belt and ladderlock Coin pocket inside waist � leg zip with internal and external stormflap, closed with Velcro and domes. Domes are on grip tabs and allow for hem adjustment. Reinforced scuff guards on inner leg.

Monrovia Waterproof Trousers for Men

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black

Sizes:
Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

SRP:
£59.99

Features to Note:

NGX® STRATOSPHERE® 2.5-layer breathable, water resistant fabric
2/3 elastic waist with elastic belt and ladderlock
Coin pocket inside waist
� leg zip with internal and external stormflap, closed with Velcro and domes. Domes are on grip tabs and allow for hem adjustment.
Reinforced scuff guards on inner leg.

Kathmandu says:"Lightweight, breathable and packable, the Monrovia Trousers are designed for day walking and travel."

In-use Test:

The Kathmandu Monrovia waterproof trousers are light-weight and certainly do keep out the rain. I've worn them in moderately heavy, winter rain during a number of short, low level walking trips. I was wearing them as over trousers (with reasonably technical trousers underneath) and I found that the breathability was good - although I've not yet had opportunity to try them in anything other than near freezing temperatures!

I did find the cut of the Monrovia to be a little eccentric. I was wearing the large size and whilst the waist was ok, the fit on the hips was quite tight. I don't usually have this problem with trousers so I assume they are designed for someone who has a slightly different body shape than I do. The leg length was good - I'm 5'10''.

There is a velcro fastened, small internal pocket which - because of the hip sizing - I found really difficult to get at. This problem was exacerbated by the fact that there is no way to get at pockets in your under trousers - which is a feature I find very useful in other over-trousers I use regularly.

My other gripe was with the Velcro fastening on the legs. I appreciate that it's there to enhance the functioning of the storm flap (which is good) but I found that that it caught on my under-trousers as I was trying to put on the trousers - which became a little annoying.

Overall, though, the Monrovia-s kept me dry and comfortable and allowed for good freedom of movement.

Buying Advice:

The Kathmandu Monrovias are a good, light-weight, easy-stow pair of waterproof trousers. However - do check the sizing.

There isn't any reinforcement in the seat area and only a minimal amount around the lower leg area. This may be an issue if you plan to do a lot of scrambling and/or walking with crampons.

The Monrovia's use a 2.5 layer fabric (NGX) which means they are probably lighter and more compressible (and cheaper!) than trousers made from a 3 layer alternative. The downside is that the durability may also be less - do take that into account in making your choice.

What do you think?

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