Altura Nevis III Overtrouser

The Altura Nevis III Waterproof Overtrousers are a lightweight pair with a 'relaxed fit', ideal for commuters who ride a few miles to work in smart trousers and want to arrive clean and dry. They're windproof, waterproof and fairly breathable – though a little loose around the calves for my liking.

Compared with previous generations of Altura waterproofs hanging in my wardrobe, the Shield fabric felt a little delicate, but several weeks of regular use suggests otherwise. They also pack conveniently small into a pannier or larger saddlebag.

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In terms of fit, using its ErgoFit 3D technology, Altura has erred on the civilian, with compromises that will suit some and alienate others.

They're available in gender-specific versions and a comprehensive range of sizes from XS to XXL, and I would say the sizing chart takes the guesswork out of online purchases: medium was perfect for my 32in waist, 33.5in inseam. The broad elasticated waistband offers excellent tenure, ensuring they sit high enough on the waist to protect the lower back but without feeling restrictive.

Overall performance is surprisingly good. Altura's Shield is 100% polyester, more windproof and waterproof than breathable. Sharp, stormy stuff simply strikes the surface, beads up and rolls away. My teenage son required no encouragement to blast me with the garden hose for a few minutes in the interests of torture testing – nothing doing. Their stitched and taped construction locks rain and other wet stuff outside.

More surprising was that I only felt trace misty dampness around the calves and thighs after an hour at 20mph and 80-odd rpm. At these sorts of speeds, even on blustery autumnal evenings, flutter was minimal too.

On more leisurely scoots of two to three miles, wearing jeans or chinos beneath, they kept me warm, dry and comfortable, and the chinos' looser cut, heavier-weight materials filled the legs, so no builder's tarp tendencies.

Now, while the lower leg adjuster kept the bottoms safely out of transmission's way, the looser calves did have a tendency to catch empty bottle cages on the seat tube when pulling away, especially from a track-stand. It was less of a problem while pedalling at a steady tempo, but once it had happened I was always aware of the possibility and, consequently, tended to angle my legs further apart.

One of my bugbears with overtrousers is their tendency to be slippery. Thankfully, the Nevis's texture is satin, offering good purchase with traditional leather saddles yet still permitting unrestricted, intentional mid-ride shuffling.

> Read our guide to essential wet weather clothing and gear

Black complements pretty much everything, and extends their horizons to walking and other outdoor activities. Stealthy by day, their retro-reflective logos and splashes come alive under vehicle lights for some additional visibility, though reflective heel tabs on trainer/type shoes are, in my opinion, more effective attention grabbers.

When all's said and done, the Nevis IIIs satisfy their design brief pretty convincingly. They're definitely worth closer scrutiny if you're doing shorter bike-as-car utility runs and want a set of weather-cheating longs that will also perform off the bike.

Verdict

Good overtrousers, especially for shorter commutes and riding in normal clothes