The Ultimate Guide to Montane Terra Pants: Features and Benefits

For years I was convinced that hiking or sports shorts were best for hiking. That was until I started trekking and discovered the Montane Terra Pants (Route Version). These hiking trousers are incredibly tough, insanely comfortable all day with great stretch for steep terrain, scrambles and overall mobility. They offer great protection thanks to the water, wind and abrasion resistant construction to withstand changing weather on hikes and treks. Find out all the key features, specifications, strengths and weaknesses below.

Montane Terra Pants: Introduction

I first bought the Montane Terra Pants before my Annapurna Adventure and since then they have cemented themselves in my Hiking and Trekking Packing Lists. For me, these are my go to hiking trouser over the last few years. I choose the Terra Route initially due to the added stretch, durability and suitability for trekking and scrambling over the standard Terra Pants. Montane Terra Lite have since replaced the Terra Routes with a similar design. The thigh pocket is still present but a zipped rear pocket has been added. The material has changed to a Vector Lite fabric which is only 280g!

The original Montane Terra Route were not as popular as the standard Terra due to the higher price but where higher rated for all round mountain abilities. There was a Women’s version of the Terra Route which has now been replaced by the Women’s Terra Stretch Pant, offering the same performance style. The main difference to the Montane Terra Pant is the stripped back style and no full length zip but Route gains the thigh pocket.

Key Stats

• Sizes – S to XXL (28″ to 40″)
• Lengths – Short, Regular, Long  
• Material – Granite Stretch nylon double weave
• Fit– Classic with adjustable lowers
• Price – £95
• Weight – 450g

Overview

Montane’s Terra Route Pants are designed for 3 season all mountain use such as hiking, trekking scrambling or more leisurely activities. Using durable Granite Stretch Fabric with a PFC-free DWR treatment gives water, wind and abrasion resistance with great stretch (it’s in the name)! This combinations provides excellent all day comfort and freedom of movement for tough terrain. The trousers have multiple ways to keep the waist adjusted with a belt, stud and button. The Terra Route pants have a zipped lower and volume adjuster to accommodate larger boots. A versatile softshell trouser is ideal for summer scrambles to shoulder season treks. The Terra Route were offered in regular, long and short lengths in either Black, Oak Green or Slate colours. Montane market these as ideal for high trekking challenges, I agree with, but I add these offer such great comfort, they serve everyday activities excellently.

Key Features

• PFC-free DWR Treatment – The popular DWR treatment offers good water resistance for showers
• Microfleece Lined Waistband – Adds to the comfort around the waist and next to the skin plus adds some warmth. It helps to seal in escaping heat whilst also managing excess moisture.
• Granite Stretch Fabric – A tough and stretchy material is perfect for mountain conditions
• Zipped Fly with Press Snap & Button Closure – A great way for double securing the waist with the belt
• Zipped Thigh Pocket – On a diagonal, this zip makes up for the lack of rear pocket
• Zipped Volume Adjustable Lower Legs with a gaiter hook – Helps getting on and off with boots or hiking shoes on. The Gaiter hook is a useful feature for wet weather conditions.
• Removable Webbing Belt – A plastic robust traditional clip belt that is comfortable around the waist
• Two Mesh Lined Hand Pockets with YKK Zips – High quality zips with a soft meshed pockets to keep hands warm and out the cold.
• Additional Press Stud Ankle Adjustment – The double stud options around the ankle might be my favourite feature which offers a tapered and slim look. Most trousers I tried looked baggy but the trimmed ankle look is great and keeps the material close to the leg.
• Pre-articulated knees – The design and stitch of the fabrics helps the freedom of movement

Montane Terra Pants: Strengths

• Durability- High abrasion resistant thanks to the Granite fabric means these trousers can take a beating. I’ve used these doing Via Ferrata in the Dolomites with close scraps along the rock faces without any damage. Over the 4 years of owning, the Montane’s have barely worn and look good as new!
• Water Resistance & Quick Drying- The DWR is known for beading water off the fabric in showers and light rain. And Montane using a PFC-free DWR adds to the sustainability credentials. If the rain does get heavier briefly, then the fast drying properties means even without sunshine, the trousers will dry quickly!
• Comfort & Adjustability- A key selling point is the comfort. I often use these casually as well as trust them for travel in-between treks or the mountains. They feel great next to the skin and the additional stretch adds to that cosiness. There is enough stretch to put a base layer on in winter conditions such as in Iceland or trekking at altitude.
• Breathability – Ventilation is a strong point of the Montane Terra Pant series without needing additional vents. They don’t get too hot or sweaty next to the skin.
• Mobility – The Granite Stretch 2-way weave offers great freedom of movement and stretches with ease when scrambling up mountains. They served great when doing some rock climbing in the Peak District and Via Ferrata in the Dolomites where flexibility was needed. I didn’t feel any restriction of movement when taking a leap or straddling a gulley.
• Versatile- Designed to be 3 season mountain use, it is perfect for a range of outdoor activities. Also, it can have base layers under for winter weather for added warmth.
• Affordable – A subjective one at almost £100 RRP but the performance is comparable to more expensive products such as Arcteryx or Fjallraven,
• Lightweight- By being under 500g, this lightweight trouser rolls up small to help with packability when trekking. It is lightweight enough for warm weather hiking (under 20°C) and breathes well.
• Wind Resistance and Sun protection – The Granite Stretch fabric helps blocks the wind and has UFP 40+ sun protection.

Montane Terra Pants: Weaknesses

• Not Fully Waterproof – DWR treatment protects effectively against light rain but will soak through for downpours. A fully waterproof over-trouser is advised as an outer layer. The only benefit is they are very quick in drying.
• Stretch for Climbing – These have great articulation for hiking and scrambling but for more flexible movements for climbing, the Terra Route Trousers are limited. The Granit Stretch fabric has it’s limits and does not restrict the legs for fast hiking on steep terrain so rock climbing or bouldering would be too much.
• Cargo Pockets – There is no rear pocket or cargo style pockets. This means less storage available. Personally I don’t use the thigh pocket and don’t like being weighed down but for some users this might not offer enough.
• Warmth & Winter Use – These 3 season trousers will struggle for winter hiking or any alpine activities. There is a light fleece lining but this doesn’t add too much warmth.

Competitors & Use Cases

The Montane Terra Pants Series have earned a reputation. They offer top notch durability, comfort and mobility with an attractive style. They might not be the lightest or most breathable compared to other brands but they have longevity on their side. I would choose these for Trekking, Thru-hiking or backpacking thanks to it’s versatility. The water resistance, quick drying and ventilation means they are suitable for 3 seasons mountain users. And finally thanks to the quality, they give long term value for this technical hiking trouser. However, as mentioned, they are not suitable for heavy rain, winter use or for climbing.

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi– My latest addition for a lighter hiking trouser with even higher breathability and super lightweight. Very comparable to the Terra Route but feels less durable.
• Patagonia Quandary – A similar trouser with comfort, ventialtion and multi-functionality priority. They have a simialr price tag and better sustainabilitiy. They are less focused on technical terrain.
• Arcteryx Gamma – The premium and up-market option are warmer and thicker than the Montane’s. They are more stylish and better suited to climbing with super abrasion resistance and 4-way stretch.
• Fjallraven Kerb – It’s an award-winning, trekking trousers with a stretch fabric that has less breathability and is much heavier. But offers more durability and protection with the thicker materials.

Kit Rankings

Final Verdict

The Montane Terra Route Pants are a top-tier choice for mountain lovers seeking lightweight, durable, breathable performance trousers. They strike an impressive balance between protection and packability. Ideal for long treks, varied terrain, and changing weather, they hold up across seasons—especially when layered. If your priorities include fully waterproof fabric, you may want to explore the Montane Terra XT or Dynamo Over-Trouser. But for classic technical trousers, the Terra Pants remains a benchmark. Its long-term praise—lasting easily 4 years of trekking and hiking—speaks volumes about its merit and the deserved reputation.

What is your favourite hiking trouser? Please comment and share this post with fellow hikers and trekkers