Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Men’s Pant Review: When Budget Hiking Trousers Just Don’t Cut It
Halfway up Crib Goch with my legs getting absolutely hammered by a relentless Snowdonia gale whilst my Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pants shrugged off the worst of it, I had one of those gear moments where everything suddenly makes sense. These weren’t my first choice—I’d been perfectly happy with cheap hiking trousers from the likes of Decathlon for years—but after extensive use across Welsh peaks and Yorkshire moors, I’ve been forced to admit that sometimes you really do get what you pay for, and bloody hell, these trousers are brilliant.
This review comes from someone who’s generally sceptical about expensive outdoor gear and would rather spend money on camera equipment than fancy clothes.
How I Ended Up With £90 Trousers
My Cheap Trouser Journey
I’ve always been a budget hiking trouser person. For the best part of a decade, I’ve relied on £25-35 trousers from places like Decathlon, Go Outdoors, and even the odd pair from Tesco. They did the job perfectly well for weekend walks and even longer expeditions—I genuinely couldn’t see the point in spending more.
My usual approach was simple: buy two pairs of cheap trousers, rotate them, and when they eventually wore out or ripped, replace them without any drama. I’d probably gone through six or seven pairs over the years, and the total cost was still less than one pair of these Mountain Equipment ones.
But there was this one particular day on Helvellyn where everything went wrong. The wind was absolutely vicious, my cheap trousers were flapping about like prayer flags, and I was trying to get steady shots with my Canon 5D Mark IV in conditions that were frankly ridiculous. Every time I crouched down to adjust my Benro Tortoise tripod, the thin fabric would pull tight and I’d worry about splitting them. When I finally got home, I found myself browsing “proper” mountain trousers online.
The Reluctant Purchase
I fought the urge for months. Every time I was in an outdoor shop, I’d feel the fabric of these expensive softshell trousers and think “surely they can’t be that much better?” But the seed was planted, and eventually, during a sale at my local outdoor retailer, I cracked and bought the Mountain Equipment Ibex for £72 instead of the full £90.
Even at the reduced price, I felt slightly sick handing over the money. In my head, I was calculating how many pairs of budget trousers I could have bought instead, or worse, what camera lens that money could have gone towards.
Why These Actually Work Better
Wind Just Bounces Off: This was the first thing I noticed. On exposed ridges where my old trousers would flap violently and leave my legs feeling battered, the Ibex fabric just deflects wind like it’s nothing. The difference is genuinely dramatic.
They Actually Fit Properly: Unlike budget trousers that seem designed for people who never bend their knees, these have articulated legs that move with you. Scrambling, photography positions, just walking uphill—everything feels more natural.
Weather Doesn’t Panic Them: Light rain beads off rather than soaking straight through. They’re not waterproof, but they buy you time to get your Rab Cinder Downpour shell on without getting soaked legs.
Pockets That Work: Five zipped pockets that are actually useful sizes. My Canon batteries, memory cards, and emergency snacks stay secure without bouncing around or creating weird bulges.
They Don’t Fall Apart: This might be the biggest difference. Budget trousers always seem to develop problems—loose threads, failing zips, worn patches—after a few months of regular use. These have been consistently abused and still look brilliant. The build quality is genuinely impressive.
The Annoying Bits
The Belt Is Rubbish: It looks neat and integrated, but it constantly works loose. I’ve started wearing a separate belt underneath, which rather defeats the point.
Sizing Is Weird: The waist runs large, but the legs are true to size. I probably should have gone down a size, but that would have made the legs too tight. It’s an odd cut.
You Know They Were Expensive: Every time you catch them on barbed wire or sit on rough ground, there’s a moment of panic that you’ve just damaged something that cost ninety quid. Though to be fair, they’ve handled everything I’ve thrown at them superbly.
How They Actually Perform
In Proper Mountain Conditions
I’ve used these in everything from summer scrambles in the Lake District to winter photography sessions on Pen y Fan, and they’re absolutely outstanding. The fabric genuinely handles British mountain weather better than anything I’ve used before—it’s like having a personal shield against the elements.
During a particularly nasty day on the Snowdon Horseshoe, with horizontal rain and 40mph gusts, they provided enough protection that I could concentrate on navigation and photography rather than being constantly distracted by flapping fabric and cold legs. They performed absolutely flawlessly.
For Photography Work
This is where the improvement over budget trousers really shines. When you’re carrying my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens and need to get into awkward positions for shots, the freedom of movement is absolutely game-changing. No pulling, no restriction, no worrying about splitting seams—just complete confidence in your kit.
The multiple secure pockets mean I can distribute my photography accessories properly rather than cramming everything into inadequate side pockets that dump their contents every time I sit down.
Wild Camping Reality
During multi-day trips with my MSR Access 2 tent, they’ve been absolutely superb. They dry quickly when wet, stand up to rough ground around campsites brilliantly, and the durability means I’m never worrying about damage.
The quick-drying aspect is genuinely brilliant. After getting thoroughly soaked setting up camp in driving rain near Buttermere, they were almost dry by the time I’d finished cooking dinner. Budget trousers would have stayed damp for hours—these are in a different league entirely.
Alternative Options to Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Men’s Pant
Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 (£25): Honestly, these do 80% of what the Ibex do for about 30% of the price. If you’re not regularly in rough conditions or don’t mind replacing them annually, they’re perfectly adequate. I used various versions of these for years without major complaints.
Montane Terra Pant (£100): For those seeking a lighter, more traditional hiking trouser rather than a softshell, the Terra offers impressive performance at a more accessible price point. Made from TACTEL® nylon fabric with a DWR finish, these lightweight trousers dry extremely quickly and offer good wind resistance without the slightly warmer feel of a softshell. Wild campers operating in warmer conditions will appreciate their exceptional drying speed, though they offer less protection in truly cold or exposed camping locations. The regular fit provides ample room for layering, while articulated knees ensure freedom of movement. Features include multiple pockets, including two zipped security pockets, reinforced kick strips at the ankle, and press-stud adjustable leg hems. At a more modest price (approximately £100), they’re perfect for hikers who prioritise lightweight comfort and rapid drying over the additional weather protection of a softshell.
Fjällräven Keb Trousers (£200): These premium mountain pants take a different approach to durability and weather protection with their G-1000 Eco fabric (recycled polyester and organic cotton). The signature feature is the robust reinforcements in high-wear areas like the knees and seat, offering exceptional durability for the most demanding terrain. Their innovative design includes ventilation zips along the thighs, multiple technical pockets, and boot hooks at the hem. The Keb’s versatility comes from its waxable fabric – add more wax for increased water resistance or wash it out for better breathability in warm conditions. Wild campers will appreciate the bombproof construction that stands up to rough ground, branches, and rocks, while the articulated cut ensures freedom of movement during camp setup and breakdown. Though heavier than softshell options (approximately 550g), they’re renowned for their toughness and long lifespan. At a premium price point (approximately £200), they represent an investment in equipment that’s built to withstand years of wilderness adventures.
Rab Torque Mountain Pant (£110): This versatile mid-weight softshell pant offers a compelling balance between protection and breathability. Made from Matrix double weave fabric with DWR treatment, it combines excellent durability with four-way stretch performance. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch allow unrestricted movement on steep terrain, while the part-elasticated waistband with belt loops offers a comfortable, adjustable fit. Wild campers will appreciate their slightly warmer fabric weight, which provides better insulation during chilly evenings and mornings around camp. Features include three zipped pockets and ankle zips with internal gussets for boot compatibility. Priced competitively (around £110), the Torque Mountain represents excellent value for those seeking a technical mountain pant with a slightly more substantial fabric weight for cooler conditions.
Conclusion
After extensive testing, I have to enthusiastically admit these expensive trousers are absolutely worth the money. The performance difference over budget alternatives is more significant than I expected, particularly in challenging conditions—they’re genuinely brilliant.
Would I buy them again? Absolutely, without hesitation. They’ve proven themselves so thoroughly that I’d struggle to go back to budget alternatives for serious mountain use. In fact, I’m already considering getting a second pair.
The reality check: If you’re doing gentle walks in good weather, budget trousers are absolutely fine. But if you’re regularly in rough conditions, carrying expensive camera gear, or need clothing you can genuinely rely on, the extra money buys you meaningful improvements that are immediately obvious.
Bottom line: Sometimes the expensive option really is better, and these trousers are a perfect example. They’ve earned their place in my kit through consistently outstanding performance rather than marketing hype.
They’re not perfect, and they’re definitely not cheap, but they work brilliantly when it matters. For serious British hill walking, that’s absolutely worth paying for.
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