Review: CimAlp Quebec 2 F Warm & Waterproof Outdoor Trousers

I don’t know what it is about me, but I always find trousers difficult to buy. Hence I tend to go cheap and cheerful and resign myself to the fact that I’ll never find a pair I really like. This is alright in the summer, where my thin walking trousers are just fine, but in the winter I could really do with a better quality pair. When CimAlp got in touch to see if I wanted to try out some of their technical clothing, I was more than happy to take them up on the offer.

I was sent a pair of Quebec 2 F warm and waterproof trousers, I was keen to see if they’d be as good as they sounded. CimAlp is a new brand to me, but after a quick look at their website I was impressed.

At CimAlp we believe performance and comfort can co exist. For us, the enjoyment of the outdoors starts with technical innovation, creating quality, durable technical outdoor clothing. We make comfortable products that enable you to enjoy and achieve, no matter your level.

It sounds like my sort of clothing! I’m not exactly an elite athlete, but comfort is as important to me as the technical performance, and gear that can get both bits right is sure to be a winner.

The CimAlp Quesbec 2 F trousers look great, but how do they perform?

First Impressions

When I received the trousers, I was very impressed with the look and feel of them. They felt very well made, and I liked the fact that they were quite smart (well, smarter than my usual walking trousers). I was pleased to see two big zip pockets for my phone and keys. They have a soft shell outer, which I haven’t seen in trousers before. I couldn’t wait to try them out.

Fit

I was a bit dubious about how well the Quebec 2 F trousers would fit. This is nothing to do with the brand, more to do with the extra baby weight I’m still carrying. I asked for a size 12/medium which is my usual size, but if I’m honest I’m more like a 14 at the moment. In my experience, French clothes are never overly generous, so I was pleasantly surprised that the trousers were really comfortable. They have a stretchy panel on each side which makes them just really comfortable and enjoyable to wear.

If I’m ever made Prime Minister, I’m going to pass a law that ALL trousers must have stretchy side panels

I must have weird legs, as I can never find trousers that are the right length, however these beauties came up trumps again. I love the length of them, I also like the fact that they look smart enough to wear everyday, not just for hiking.

The Quebec Warm and Waterproof Trousers look great and have a really flattering fit

Performance

I know, I know, you all just want to know how they perform. Once again I was impressed, although I will say that I haven’t tried them in extreme conditions. Over the last few weeks I have been wearing them on local walks and around the house, it’s also been unseasonably warm so I haven’t tested them in very cold or wet conditions.

The Quebec 2 F trousers feature a breathable soft shell outer and a microfibre fabric on the inside

The soft shell outer has been great for keeping me dry, although so far I’ve only used it when it’s been showery. I usually resort to using waterproof over-trousers when we go walking in wet weather, and although they keep the worst of the wet out, I hate how sweaty and uncomfortable they get after a while. With these, there’s no such problem. They remained comfy, even when it got a little warm, I didn’t overheat as they are lovely and breathable. They also have a warm microfibre lining, which will be amazing in the depths of winter.

Overall, I love these trousers! They feel great and are practical, I also like the fact that they are actually quite stylish for technical trousers. The only drawback I’ve found so far is that the softshell outer does make them a little bit noisy, but as they perform so brilliantly I’m prepared to forgive this little thing!

I’m disappointed that the weather hasn’t been colder, but rest assured, next winter they will get a proper testing.