Kathmandu Traktor v3 Winter Walking Trousers
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Traktor v3 Winter Walking Trousers Vital Statistics: Colours: Black Sizes: 8-16 Weight: 400 gms SRP: £64.99 Features to Note: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex Therma loft (reg trad mark) fabric Semi-fitted Therma-loft fabric with superior breathability, high warmth-to-weight ratios, and exceptional softness

Traktor v3 Winter Walking Trousers

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black

Sizes:
8-16

Weight:
400 gms

SRP:
£64.99

Features to Note:

92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Therma loft (reg trad mark) fabric
Semi-fitted
Therma-loft fabric with superior breathability, high warmth-to-weight ratios, and exceptional softness

Kathmandu says:"Women's stretch micro fleece trousers with back zip pocket and internal draw cord waist."

In-use Test:

I found the Kathmandu Traktor torusers extremely comfortable and easy to wear. The Thermaloft fabric really has a lovely soft feel. There are two front, hand warmer-style, front pockets. There is also a small zipped back pocket - although getting may hand in and out of this was a bit of a struggle.

The freedom of movement was good - there were no restrictions getting over a variety of stiles. The thermal properties of the fabric kept me nicely snug throughout a number of snowy trips although the design of the Traktor's (they sit just above hip level) meant that I was more comfortable with a longer length base layer.

Although I would normally wear this type of trouser under a water-proof outer layer in snow or rain, I did find that the Thermaloft fabric did retain its warmth for a short while even after it was worn without an outer layer during a moderate snow fall.

The Traktors washed very well and dried quickly.

A note on sizing: I am usually a standard UK size 12 - but was fine with the Traktors as Size 10. However, the size 10 does have a slightly shorter length - I'm 5' 7'' and would have liked a little extra length.

Buying Advice:

With their contemprorary design, the Kathmandu Traktors are a warm and comfortable pair of winter walking trousers. They are a good option as an outer layer for low level walking in cold dry weather. Their good breathability means they also work well as a leg base layer underneath appropriate over-trousers in more challenging conditions. Do check the sizing.

What do you think?

Have you got a pair of Kathmandu Traktor v3 Winter Walking Trousers?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Kathmandu Traktor v3 Winter Walking Trousers - so we can publish your important views below.

• I have bought the Versions 2 and 3 of these Traktor trousers and have found them the most comfortable and versatile of any warm trousers, ever. They can be dressed up to wear semi-formally as well as dressed down to wear on treks. I have worn them in very cold conditions as well as mild ones and have been surprised to find they breathe but also keep you warm. I have tried on the Traktor version 4 but do not particularly like the fit. I do wish Kathmandu would bring back the Version 3 styling as it is much more versatile and after 5 years of constant use, mine are beginning to show signs of wear.

Helene O'shaughnessy, Sydney, Australia