Waterproof, tough and highly breathable, Orion Pants thrive while climbing, mountaineering and ski touring in the most difficult conditions. Closely related to our class-leading Tupilak Pant, the Orion shares the same exceptionally protective design and the highest levels of construction.
The DRILITE® XT fabric uses a nanoporous membrane with 10 billion nanopores per square inch. This helps to give it the highest levels of breathability whilst maintaining a hydrostatic head of over 20,000mm.
This is combined with an exceptionally abrasion-resistant 160 Denier x 70 Denier face fabric throughout, something that makes the Orion Pant suitable for everything from hard climbing to professional or rescue team use.
Our Alpine fit with articulated knees is unrestrictive and comfortable for all-day wear in harsh environments.
Full-length zips make for easy changes even when wearing crampons or on skis, and there are zip-out internal snow gaiters to help seal the snow out of mountaineering or touring boots. Reinforced kick strips guard against scrapes and damage.
Features:
- 3-layer DRILITE® XT 160D x 70D fabric with nanoporous membrane and PFAS-free DWR
- Alpine fit with articulated knees
- Semi-elasticated waistband with dual press stud closure
- Zipped thigh pocket with storm flap
- Full length 2-way YKK® WR side zips
- Fully adjustable braces with drop seat
- 2-way YKK® WR fly zip with storm flap
- Zip-out internal snow gaiters with lace hook and tabs for underboot strap
- Adjustable hem with Cordura® kick strips for durability
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....
