Reviewed

Fox Explorer 20K Trousers

In stock eTackle score 8.5/10

Lowest in-stock price

Compared across 5 shops, with 4 currently in stock

Product Information

Fox Explorer 20K Trousers use a three-layer protection system with a tough outer layer for weather resistance in harsh conditions on the bank.

A 20,000mm waterproof rating and fully taped seams keep water out, while the 10,000 MVTR fabric and boot-access zips help reduce internal moisture build-up.

The 90% nylon and 10% elastane fabric has reinforced articulated areas for movement, and the trousers come in Small through to 3XL.

Featured in our Best Fishing Trousers guide.

Fox Explorer 20K Trousers Review

Stretch is what sets the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers apart from most waterproof overtrousers. The fabric is 90% nylon and 10% elastane in a three-layer system with a tough outer face, so they should move with you when you're crouching over a mat, climbing a stile or pushing through long grass to a far swim. For mobile anglers, that's a big deal.

What about keeping the rain out? A 20,000mm hydrostatic head, fully taped seams and fully sealed waterproof zips cover that, and 10,000 MVTR breathability lets sweat escape. Add side, leg and back pockets, boot-access zips with ankle straps and sizes from Small to 3XL, and they're a very wearable pair of waterproofs at a sensible mid price.

Build quality 8.5/10

Weather Protection 8.5/10

Comfort & Fit Rating 8.5/10

Value for money 8.5/10

How well is it built?

The Explorer uses a three-layer protection system, with a tough outer layer over the waterproof membrane.

That outer face is the part that takes the knocks from brambles, bank sticks and gravel swims, and it's built for harsh conditions on the bank rather than a gentle stroll by the water.

Reinforced and articulated areas are built into the legs, so the parts that bend and rub get extra protection and the knees should flex without the fabric pulling.

The zips are fully sealed and waterproof, the seams are fully taped, and the studded waist with belt loops is proper trouser construction rather than a basic pull-on design.

It's well made, but it falls a little short of the very top because the Fortis Marine Trouser adds YKK knee-length zips with storm flaps, and the Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers double the fabric at the seat, forelegs and thighs. For a mid-priced pair, I think 8.5 is a fair score.

Weather Protection

A 20,000mm hydrostatic head puts the Explorer level with the Fortis Marine Trouser for keeping rain out. That's enough for hours of heavy rain and for kneeling on a soaked bank, and the fully taped seams and sealed zips close off the weak spots where water usually creeps in.

It's the kind of figure I'd look for in any overtrousers meant for a British winter.

Breathability is 10,000 MVTR, which means up to 10,000 grams of moisture per square metre can escape over 24 hours. That's a solid figure for overtrousers, but it's half of what the Fortis manages, so expect a little more condensation inside on a long, fast walk to a far swim.

The boot-access zips help to reduce moisture build-up as well, because you can open them to let some warm air out.

Overall, it's strong protection for a mid-priced pair, and the 8.5 sits about right, just behind the Fortis and the Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers.

Comfort & Fit Rating

Is stretch worth having in overtrousers? I think it is, because most anglers spend half the day crouching, kneeling or stepping up and down banks.

The 10% elastane in the fabric gives as you move, and the articulated areas are shaped around knees that bend, so they shouldn't tug at the seat when you drop down to net a fish.

The waist is partially elasticated, with belt loops, studs and a hook closure, so it fastens more like a normal pair of trousers than a pull-on overtrouser. Zips on the lower legs make getting them on over boots easy, and adjustable ankle straps tidy the hems.

Pockets sit on the side, leg and back, which is handy for a phone, forceps or your licence without digging under a jacket.

Sizes run from Small to 3XL, which covers most builds. For me, the fit is the Explorer's strongest suit, and 8.5 is fair for a pair that's built around movement.

Is it good value for money?

So, is it good value? It's a mid-priced pair, dearer than the Navitas Aquaguard 20K but much cheaper than the Fortis Marine Trouser.

The Navitas has the same 20,000mm head and 10,000 grams per square metre breathability, so the extra buys you the stretch fabric, the reinforced articulated areas and the side, leg and back pockets, all of which make a difference over a long day.

Against the Fortis, you give up half the breathability and the YKK knee zips, but you keep a good chunk of money in your pocket.

I think that's a fair trade for anglers who value freedom of movement over the very highest breathability figure, especially if your fishing involves moving swims or stalking.

Overall, I'd recommend the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers to carp and coarse anglers who move around a lot, kneel on mats and want waterproofs that feel more like everyday trousers than crinkly overtrousers.

Pros

90% nylon and 10% elastane stretch fabric moves with you
20,000mm hydrostatic head with fully taped seams and sealed zips
Reinforced, articulated areas for kneeling and crouching on the bank
Side, leg and back pockets spread your storage around
Wide size range runs from Small to 3XL

Cons

10,000 MVTR breathability is half the Fortis Marine Trouser's figure
Dearer than the Navitas Aquaguard 20K with the same headline figures

Features and Specifications

Feature	Details
Waterproof rating	20,000mm
Breathability	10,000 MVTR
Construction	Three-layer protection system with a tough outer layer
Fabric	90% nylon and 10% elastane
Seams	Fully taped
Zips	Fully sealed waterproof zips
Pockets	Side, leg and back pockets
Lower legs	Zips with adjustable ankle straps
Waist	Partially elasticated with belt loops, studs and hook closure
Reinforcement	Reinforced and articulated areas
Sizes	Small to 3XL

How It Compares

See how the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers compares with other fishing trousers on overall score and current price.

Name	Price	Overall Rating
Fox Explorer 20K Trousers	£79.99	8.5
Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM	£179.99	9.1
Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers	£287.99	8.9
Fortis Marine Trouser Olive	£139.99	8.9
Preston Innovations DF Ultra 25K Bib & Brace	£132.95	8.8
Nash ZT Helluva Waterproof Bib and Brace Camo	£169.99	8.6
Fox RS25K Salopettes Khaki	£101.93	8.4
Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers	£34.99	8
Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers	£44.99	7.9