Didriksons Donau Pants - Waterproof Trousers Review
16th May 2014
Who Are Didriksons?
I'd not come across the brand Didriksons before, but they are apparently pretty big in their native country of Sweden where they've been going for 101 years! These Donau Pants are very light weight - 240g
An Honest Statement
The pack up into the cylindrical bag that they came into which measures 18cm by 8cm (diameter). Pretty small compared to your average waterproof trousers. All the seams are taped, meaning that they are genuinely waterproof, at least for now. Interestingly the website gives an honest appraisal and suggests that after just 3 washes their ability to keep you dry will have decreased by almost 50%. This is true for most waterproof trousers I've worn over the years, but it's the first time I've seen it actually written down!
Basic Construction
They are obviously windproof too. They have an elasticated waist with no separate toggle, and no zipped ankle section so putting them on over boots (or crampons) is not an option. However this has resulted in them being super-light. There's a small hanging loop for drying rooms, and a single popper stud on each ankle to stop them flapping in the wind. Other than that they are pretty basic. No pockets, but then your inner trousers are more than likely to have these.
Summary
Essentially they are a lightweight pair of trousers which are perfect for backpacking, but not for car boot camping where something more substantial works better (and lasts longer). They retail at around
50 Euros and will be available in the shops in the UK very soon.
Other waterproof trousers reviewed previously
Montane Featherlight Pants | The North Face ventura Pants | Patagonia Northwall Pants
How to buy them