gear reviews

Gear reviews | Bergans Osatind pants

High-quality stretch ski touring pants with well thought-out details

by Lukas Zögernitz • 03/11/2016

The Norwegian company, whose roots go back to the development of a backpack with an external frame in 1908, offers the Osatind trousers from the Slingsby collection, outdoor trousers specially developed for ski tourers. According to Bergans, the trousers are characterized by "outstanding functionality, low weight and high durability". We have tested for you whether this is the case in practice and whether these properties can convince a "classic freerider" of stretch touring pants.

First impression

The feel and look of the Osatind Pant are pleasing right from the start. The color choice of the test model in bright, almost neon blue does not fit 100% into the current modern, rather muted color combinations in the freeride scene. However, the bright blue can be combined well and the pants are also available in black, green and orange. The width of the waistband can be adjusted using a flap with a Velcro fastener. Alternatively, there are also loops for a belt. The two front pockets are made of elastic mesh on the inside for greater comfort and ventilation. The large thigh pocket with attractive print has been designed so that an avalanche transceiver can be safely stowed in it (note: avalanche transceivers should only be stowed in leg pockets that are not sewn on, otherwise there is a risk of the pocket with the transceiver being torn off the pants in an avalanche). The avalanche transceiver can be attached to the pocket via a small loop and there is also a small inner pocket. The side zipper for ventilation is also made of elastic mesh, so that the stretch properties are maintained here too. The knee section is pre-shaped with a slight bend. The legs are cut shorter at the front so that the trousers also fit well with ski boots. A diagonal zipper is incorporated at the side of the leg end. A gusset is integrated into this to adjust the width of the legs. The gaiters are removable and can be adjusted in size using press studs and Velcro fasteners. This allows them to be optimally adapted to the ski boot. Elastic mesh has also been incorporated into the gaiters to increase freedom of movement. The suspenders supplied are rather purist. Although they are removable, they are quite thin and the adjustment options are not infinitely variable but are set via a few Velcro points. Overall, the first impression is positive, especially due to the many high-quality details such as the elastic mesh inserts or the small loop in the avalanche transceiver pocket.

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Practical test

When you put the Osatind Pant (test model size L) on your ski boots for the first time, you immediately notice that the leg cuffs are very tight, despite all the adjustment options. Although the test was not carried out with thoroughbred touring boots, a Dynafit Khion (size 29) should fit under the leg cuffs without much effort and without any visible, tight buckles through the pants. The pants themselves are the main problem here, as the adjustment options on the gaiters work well. On the ascent, hardshell-experienced freeriders immediately notice that the usual rubbing and cracking of the widely used hardshell outer layers is no longer audible. The freedom of movement is excellent and even on short climbs nothing stretches or blocks. The breathability on the ascent and the ventilation options are good. The full-length zipper sometimes found in other touring pants is not missing. Without really being able to explain why, I would have expected touring pants to be lighter than my hardshell. However, at just under 800 grams (measured 770 grams), this is not the case with the Osatind. In addition to the tight leg cuffs, the practical test also revealed a few other peculiarities in the cut. If the trousers are not very tight (this is not the case for a man 182 cm tall and weighing 82 kg in size L), the trousers look quite wide around the knees and buttocks. In principle, I would not be averse to a baggy cut, but this is not possible due to the tight leg cuffs and the narrower front around the hips. The durability of the Osatind Pant proved its worth in the test. If you are often afraid of cuts from rocks or sharp branches with hardshells, you can take the stretch pants a little harder. Although there are a few minor signs of wear and tear, no cuts or similar occurred in the test and even the occasional contact with crampons does not immediately lead to the long cuts feared with hardshells. In terms of breathability, the Stetch pants also make a good impression and don't have to shy away from comparison with even the most breathable shells.

Conclusion

The Osatind pants from Bergans are high-quality touring pants with well thought-out details. The material mix and features are also impressive in practice. Only the cut doesn't seem to be everyone's cup of tea (certainly not the tester's). Even though I still prefer hardshell pants on cold, wet days and for off-piste skiing, the Osatind Pant has become a loyal companion on spring tours and the occasional piste tour thanks to its breathability and freedom of movement,

Advantages/Disadvantages:
+ Workmanship and details
+ Mobility
- Cut

Features:
- 4-way stretch material (wind and water repellent)
- Ventilation zippers with mesh insert
- Removable, adjustable suspenders.
- Pre-shaped knee section
- Velcro adjustment at the leg cuffs.
- Edge protection
- Detachable, inner gaiters with adjustable Velcro fastener for width adjustment

Material: 95 % polyester (74 % recycled)/5 % elastane (spandex)
Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 760 g (size L) - measured 770 g (size L)

Here is the manufacturer's website with further information, you can buy the Osatind pants here in our partner store Bergzeit.de.

This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing.

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