With winter in full swing, riding trousers make sense, especially if they’re as well thought out as these. Although ION call them ‘softshell’ pants, they’re lighter and stretchier than those words might have you imagine. This means that, although they add some warmth compared to a thick pair of shorts, they get nowhere near as stuffy as some softshell trousers we’ve tried. If you do start hotting up, there’s a zipped vent on each leg. They have a great fit too. The tailored, tapered legs are roomy enough to fit pads under and don’t get flappy when caked in mud. A zip at the bottom of each leg makes removing the trousers that bit easier. Velcro adjusters on the waistband ensure a snug fit, and there are two zipped hip pockets for essentials. The DWR coating helps keep water out for a time, but in torrential downpours the trousers will wet out eventually. Still, they’ll keep you protected from the odd heavy shower or persistent puddle splashes. Price $195