The Makalu Pant is among our most popular high-performance waterproof legwear for year-round mountaineers, climbers and walkers. It offers tried and tested weather protection, whether pulled on in the face of building storm clouds or worn all day as a refuge against the wildest winter weather.
The Makalu Pant, made from 75 denier breathable GORE-TEX ePE fabric, strikes the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and weight. It can withstand the harshest conditions of mountain rock, heavy packs, and severe weather while remaining supple enough to pack well and comfortable to wear all day. This comfort ensures that you can stay at ease and relaxed during your outdoor activities, no matter how long they last.
The articulated knees and gusseted crotch enable unrestricted movement, leaving you free to focus on the terrain ahead, while reinforcement on the knees and seat add protection for more demanding scrambling and climbing. Two-way ¾ length side zips, backed by an internal storm flap, allow the pants to be pulled on quickly in the face of building clouds, even over boots or crampons and provide useful ventilation during long ascents. Adjustable hems can be sealed around boots to prevent water ingress when walking over wet ground or through snow.
Features:
- New GORE-TEX with ePE membrane and FC free DWR
- 3-Layer construction with 75D face fabric for durability
- Active fit with articulated knees
- Gusseted crotch for unrestricted movement
- Integrated elasticated waistband with drawcord
- 2-way ¾ length YKK® WR side zips with internal flap
- Adjustable hem
Buyers Guide To Waterproofs
Functional waterproof clothing is not fashion clothing; its price is dictated by the massive amount of science involved in keeping you dry in the pouring rain. It really is clothing as equipment and, as with all specialist equipment, you need to know how it works to get the best out of it.
Firstly, a waterproof garment will have taped seams and a coating or lining that will not allow water to penetrate under pressure. If you are planning on being active in driving rain, using a pack or sitting or kneeling on wet ground, then this is the garment for you. Anything else is water-resistant and will allow water to penetrate under certain conditions.
A jacket that is described as breathable is designed to allow sweat, or water vapour to pass through. Some fabrics are more effective at this than others. To work at their best they rely on a good layering system designed to transfer moisture from your skin to the jacket. Atmospheric conditions will also dictate how well they work; for example: textiles will work more efficiently when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of your clothing.
There are times when wearing a waterproof is the best choice, but on changeable days when rain is very light, a water-resistant garment may work better as generally speaking, they can transfer moisture more efficiently, they are more breathable. If it is a blustery day you may be better to choose a lightweight windproof garment for maximum comfort, popping your waterproof on only when the rain hits.
Don’t worry if you see your waterproof change to a darker colour and feel a little clammy inside – if you have brought it from us it’s not likely to be leaking! It’s just wetting-out. A simple tumble dry and/or re-proofing will restore your garment to its previous performance.
The best garment for you is the one that fits. It can have a gazillion pockets, the most articulated knee design or the very latest in technical features but if you are out on the hill and it is so big it flaps in the wind and drives you to distraction then it was not a good purchase. These days garments are tailored to fit. We are all different shapes and sizes and garment manufacturers go to a LOT of effort to allow for this. Try your garment on with layers, try the zips while wearing gloves, try it on with a pack but above all chat to us about what you should wear underneath.
Outdoor Gear Chat Podcast
Take a listen to our Outdoor Gear Chat podcast Episodes 47-50, where Cathy and Wayne discuss everything there is to know about waterproof fabrics in 2025....
