Looking to get some waterproof trousers, every pair I have had has made my legs sweat, and trousers damp, can anybody recommend some good makes, would prefer thin ones, with zip bottoms.

Thanks

I have Peter Storm waterproofs. they have elastic waist, zip up bottoms sadly not rip proof!

North Face ones are good, mine have gone at the knees, took them back to the store and they sent them off to NF who then replaced them free of charge :-)
Just make sure they are wide enough to give enough space over your trousers.

I also have Peter Storms, the elastic has gone now, but I have had them for about five years so not complaining.
Will buy another pair some time.

Now I walk in a full lenght waterproof riding coat which is great as there are no gaps round the waist.

I have some Berghaus which I got of the internet as I needed the shorter length leg and couldn't find any in the shops in town, I have been very pleased with them. The ones I got were not the top of the range ie do not contain Gortex as these were very expensive but I am more than happy with them.

Berghaus again here I have paclite pair, which are a bit expensive but I wore them to antartica in 2006 and they are still going strong. They have full side zips so you can aerate yourself if you get to hot. I'd recommend them if you can aford to splash £100.

Whistler those are the ones I want if I had the dosh. NF were £50 and just couldn't justify the extra bit of money.. But do agree that Berghaus £100 ones are the best..

GO do a good pair at about £25 trouble is non gortex does sweat!! but if you can get side zip you can cool down. "GO" are online?

Have you had a look at some of the outdoor warehouse type net sites? The ones that sell off the older models at lower prices. There are some very good bargains to be had. I like Goretex waterproofs, can't beat them, however, NOT for doggy walking in, too precious. I've got light weight Craghopper trousers for doggy walking in, actually they're what I used for lightweight backpacking trips and now too many dogs for such trips :-( (Nowt lightweight about carrying 5 dogs food & mine :-O )

They're  thin, non-sweaty, they are advertised as breathable and they really are (I've used them on a very hot, but wet, trip in Corsica and they kept me bone dry from inside and out), zip up bottom, drawcord waist, and cheap. I've had mine quite some years now and they're still going strong. They don't have pockets and they don't have lovely articulated knees, but I do find them very comfortable - not something I say about many waterproof trousers.

Craghoppers Pakka Lady Packaway Trousers
http://www.outdoormania.co.uk/category-6-96-Ladies_Waterproof_Pants.aspx

Edited to say, I've given these a boost ... mine are quite old now so I'll stand by all the above so long as they haven't changed the fabric ;-)

> Craghoppers Pakka Lady Packaway Trousers

I shall keep my eyes open for these - I'm sure I saw some in a local charity shop a few months ago. I'll have a look around the outlet village here too, they sell a lot of discounted Regatta as well. I never thought of overtrousers before, but I'm getting a mountain bike tomorrow and I live in what's officially the wettest part of the UK.

Keela Rainlife, mine were bought for me by a friend (For Christmas 2009) who does a lot of hillwalking so she knew the best to get.

Dont really know the prices but golfers wear them to play in and they are breathable types of fabric that are waterproof.
KAren

I think Craghoppers have a sale on just now, the Pika winter lined trousers are half price, £25, I have a pair and wouldn't be without them, although they are listed as being water resistant rather than water proof, the only time I got wet legs with them was when I went for a burton in big manky puddle lol, very cosy and dry over night, so can be worn all week if you need too.

But what's their sizings like (Craghoppers) i.e. take the label size are they generous i.e. your normal size with more room,
tight - your normal size is tight on you (i.e. sizing is smaller than normal)
about right i.e. your normal size fits you perfectly?

I'm a size 12 and they fit quite loose, not falling down loose but comfortably roomy.

Paramo cascada trousers are superb over trousers, thoroughly waterproof, elasticated waist and side zips for the legs so easy to get on and off over walking boots, and nice ventilation if you get warm. Had mine a few years now, they seemed like a lot of money and I was sceptical buying them, but have been worth every penny. Nice shaped knees too for good movement and press studs over side zips. They come in mens or ladies and are lined with a cosy fabric. Just love them.

have a look at Needle Sports in Keswick, absolutely excellent for climbing/mountaineering gear and offer very good prices and very high quality. £65 for Marmot or Rab waterproof trousers...that's as good as it gets, I think.

http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Technical-Clothing/Shell/Windproofs/Bottoms/Womens-Vapour-Rise-Trail-Pant-RAB-WVRP

OK another question. How noisy are all these waterproof trousers? One reason I don't wear mine more is the noise they make rubbing together as I move my legs. Admittedly mine are quite cheap plain waterproof fabric. Much more noisy than normal trousers. Also do any come in different leg lengths? specifically short.

The Berghaus waterproof trousers come in a shorter leg length I also need shorter ones so managed to find these on the internet.

Rohan have some in the sale - but they don't look very thin to me?

helensdogsz, I have a cheap pair that I rarely wear as they are like wearing a crisp bag they rustle so much.

as others have said, you pays your money...although the "crisp packet" syndrome tends to affect the storm-proof goretex/paclite materials. If you contact a good outdoor clothing retailer they won't be at all put out to try out the material for you and I bet most of their staff will know without even looking.

I bought some ski boarding trousers, waterproof and thermal, they were fantastic during the snow.  no need for undergarmets, such as leggings or trousers.  they were from ebay and cost me £10. 

Definatelly recommend these from Blackgundog - they don't rustle and are breathable.  They are very lightweight (you don't notice you're wearing them) and although don't have zips, have a velcro fastening if needed.

http://www.blackgundog.com/productDetails.asp?item=let-it-rain-overtrousers

My Craghoppers aren't noisy at all. Neither are my mountaineering trousers, but they were considerably more expensive than the Craghoppers :-) I don't like walking round sounding like a giant crisp packet either ;-)

The snowboarding trousers are a bit rustly. However, after I bought these I came across a "silent" pair on an army surplus site, they are used by snipers...........  they sell new too.

Craghopper ones aren't noisy at all, you wear them like regular trousers rather than on top, and they come in short, reg and long, although I found even the short a bit too short and I'm only 5'3.

just buy any of the usual makes from shooting supply shops. I hve more pairs than normal jeans!! I have deerhunter, seeland, harkila, and jahtijaht....all are silent as designed for deer stalking....all 100% waterproof and v comfy