What are the Orbital Pants?The Orbital Pants are for those who aren't a fan of traditional overtrousers but need more protection than a softshell trouser. Rather than a replacement for an overtrouser, think of these as a fully waterproof softshell which you can leave on all day without getting all hot and sweaty.
What are they made of?The key to their stretchy yet protective nature is the 3-layer Drlilite Stretch 20D fabric. This 3-layer construction places a soft, comfortable fabric next to your skin, a flexible waterproof membrane in the middle and a flexible 20D polyester on the outer to deal with the majority of the abuse. The combination of these layers provides a trouser that has the comfort and mobility of a softshell trouser with the fully waterproof protection of a traditional overtrouser.
What are their features?They feature two zips which give you access to pockets in any layers you may have underneath, however, they can be used purely as ventilation if you're using the Orbital Pants on their own. An integrated belt with brace attachment points keeps the trousers securely in place. Ankle zips with an internal gusset accommodate mountain boots if you're using them for more vertical pursuits.
How do they fit?They fit quite similarly to a normal pair of softshell trousers, so not skin tight, not big and baggy, perfectly in the middle. A gusseted crotch and articulated knees increase freedom of movement even further, making them one of the most comfortable fully waterproof trousers available.
- 3-layer Drilite Stretch 20D fabric
- Alpine fit with articulated knees
- Gusseted crotch
- Two pocket openings
- Integrated belt
- Brace attachment points
- YKK fly zip
- Offset ankle zips with internal gusset panel
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.