Thursday, 19 December 2013

Montane Terra XT Salopettes

Provenance: Bought on special offer
Review: Long Term Testing

Sadly the Terra XT Salopettes have now been discontinued by Montane. So why review them? - well there's still a lot of stock out there in retailers and suddenly they can be had for a very reasonable price.

I've had mine for two winter seasons now - they've been across Crib Gogh a few times (pictured) and they've spent a lot of time making the most of two fantastic winters in the Lakes.



My first impression when the Terra XT’s arrived was of a well-made sturdy looking pair of salopettes – then I put them on. I’m 5’9” and a 30-32 inch waist – medium in nearly every (non American) brand. The Terra XT’s fit me perfectly on leg length, waist measurement, the bib came to where I’d like – but who on earth did they measure the braces for? Whilst they’re adjustable the default fully done up setting finished 4inches above my shoulders. If you don’t want a large flappy bit of strap getting in the way, or folding uncomfortably across you then you’re left with the choice of cutting off part of your new kit or (as I did) adding on some self sticking Velcro to keep it in place. This is a minor niggle – but it is an odd design.
So braces aside – how have they been?
Well the initial impression of well made has held up. The construction is quite technical and the end user gets the benefit. The front of the Terra XT’s is lined with a very fine micro fleece and the rear is mesh. The seat, knees & insteps are made of fully waterproof Cordura. There's an internal snow gaiter – but I never seem to get on with those – too much faffing to do.

Those of you who’ve read my reviews will know that I run hot – so I’ve never worn thermals underneath them – but the slim design is roomy enough that you could. For those of you like me the full length zips with stud fasteners mean that a lot of venting can take place. I also especially like the different zip lengths which give you a pocket (this is in addition to the two pockets on the bib). As I said they’re quite a slim fit – not sure how you’d get on with them if you’ve got a rugby player type build.
The knees are articulated & I’ve not experienced any restrictions on my movement –high leg raises on Winter grade III’s were fine & my bizarre attempt at the splits on Pinnacle Ridge didn’t do me any harm. An example of how tough they are; after a day on the hills I came home & walked straight into the steel beams the builder had left in our yard. After some swearing I carried on sorting my kit & finally went inside. Only when I got in the shower did I see the blood all down my leg from the gash on my knee – upon inspection there wasn’t a mark on the Terra XT’s.
Probably my favourite feature though is the waterproof seat & knees- whether it’s just sitting down for a drink stop on Striding Edge or kneeling down to take a bearing off the Glyders you get the benefit of both waterproof’s and the breathability of softshell. The trousers will wet out (& feel quite heavy when they do) – but are very shower resistant – it’s not often I’ve felt the need to put the overtousers on when wearing my Terra XT’s.

Pro’s – waterproof seat & knees. Very well made. Lots of special offer pricing.

Con’s – Daft length of shoulder straps – it's scissor time or add some more Velcro.

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