• Overall Rating

  : 4 out of 5

The Montane Ineo XT Pants sit somewhere between a slim fit trouser and hiking leggings. Not as featured as some technical trousers but much more streamlined, I’ve found myself reaching for these comfortable pants during cold and wet weather.

What you gain in weight in comparison to other leggings tested, you also gain in a number of weatherproofing features that’ll come in handy during wet weather. The DWR coating is effective in showers and they do dry quickly on when wet through. It’s PFC-free, too. In anything warmer than spring weather, though, I’ve felt a bit overheated.

Made with a Mala Thermal fabric designed for fast and light cold-weather adventures, the tough Nylon outer has a good level of abrasion resistance on gritstone. It washes well and there’s been no pilling as you sometime experience with other brands’ softshell trousers. The Montane Ineo XT Pants are also surprisingly stretchy and soft to touch given the fleece backer.

Montane has made a match for winter sunsets. Credit: Francesca Donovan

This is warm and cosy against skin but the extra thickness doesn’t feel cumbersome. There’s still a good deal of movement around the knees, which are articulated with an extra seam here – but miraculously, no extra irritation. There’s also give at the hips thanks to the addition of stretchy elastane in the material makeup.

Montane call the fit ‘ultra slim’. Despite a bit of gape at the ankle, the claim is valid and I found the fit of the tapered leg with extra room at the hips and seat excellent elsewhere. The waistband isn’t as deep as some leggings but this isn’t necessarily a negative as it’s personal preference. The waistband sits comfortably just below my belly button and the built-in drawcord keeps the Montane Ineo XT Pants in place even during active moments.

The Montane Ineo XT Pants on Tegg’s Nose. Credit: Francesca Donovan

Overall, having struggled to find trousers to fit my hip to waist ratio, my preference would be the tighter next-to-skin fit of leggings – and yet I found the fit surprisingly flattering and comfortable.

The two pockets are decently sized, fitting a smartphone easily with a little extra room for a set of keys or another small valuable. A good option for colder weather, the Montane Ineo XT pants are a happy medium between technical trousers and the comfort of leggings.

How we tested

Francesca tested these leggings on multiple walks and day hikes in the Peak District and north Wales throughout late winter and spring 2026 as well as in the gym and at her local climbing wall. She is 5’7 and has a small waist relative to large thighs (usually taking between a UK16 and 18, depending on brand) and runs hot.

To compare them to others, see our guide to the best leggings for hiking.