Fox RS25K Salopettes Khaki

How well is it built?

The RS25K is built around a triple-layer TPU laminated construction, which makes it a tough, properly waterproof garment rather than a lightweight coated shell.

The outer is 80% nylon and 20% polyester with a durable water-resistant coating, the lining is 100% polyester, and every seam is fully taped.

The zips are where the quality really shows. The external zips are YKK waterproof zips, the main front zip is a double two-way design with an internal storm baffle behind it, and the boot access zips are YKK too.

The knees get reinforced, padded panels, which is the area that wears first on a carp angler kneeling on an unhooking mat.

In comparison, the Nash ZT Helluva uses a heavier, shelter-grade fabric and adds neoprene at the seat as well as the knees, so it's the tougher garment for overgrown banks. For a mid-priced bib, though, I think the RS25K is very well made, and 8.5 is a fair score.

Weather Protection

With a 25,000mm hydrostatic head, it's among the most waterproof salopettes you can buy, and that's enough for prolonged heavy rain and for kneeling on soaking grass or a wet mat.

Fully taped seams, waterproof zips on the hand pockets and a storm baffle behind the main zip mean the usual weak points are well covered too.

The trade-off is breathability. At 3,000 grams per square metre, the fabric won't shift sweat as well as the 10,000 grams per square metre of the Nash ZT Helluva, so it'd be worth opening the main zip on a long walk with a barrow or a heavy rucksack.

On a static winter session, when you're sitting behind the rods for hours, it matters much less.

For me, that balance suits salopettes, which spend most of their time on anglers who are sitting still. The waterproofing is superb, and the modest breathability is the only thing holding this score at 8.5.

Comfort & Fit Rating

Fit is set by a part-elasticated waist and adjustable elasticated shoulder straps with Fox branding, so you can raise or drop the bib to suit what you're wearing underneath.

The high front and back keep the small of your back covered when you lean over a landing net, which is the whole point of salopettes over standard overtrousers.

The legs have YKK-zipped boot access and adjustable ankle straps, so pulling them on over wellies or boots should be easy, and the padded knee panels add a bit of comfort when you kneel.

Storage comes from tricot-lined hand pockets with waterproof zips and flapped cargo pockets, and the size run is broad, from S to 4XL.

Why 8.0 and not more? The lining is polyester, whereas the Nash ZT Helluva adds a Sherpa fleece lining and the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM uses Primaloft, so in deep winter you'll want a warm layer underneath. Overall, I think it's comfortable and practical.

Is it good value for money?

On value, the RS25K is hard to argue with. It's a mid-priced pair of salopettes, yet the 25,000mm hydrostatic head matches the waterproofing on far dearer bibs, and the YKK zips, taped seams and padded knees are all things you'd hope to see at the top end.

The value score of 8.5 reflects that, and the main thing holding the RS25K back is breathability. If you walk a long way to your swim or fish mobile, a more breathable fabric like the one on the Nash ZT Helluva should feel fresher.

If you want warmth built in, the Helluva's fleece lining or the Primaloft in the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM is the way to go.

Overall, I'd recommend the RS25K to carp and pleasure anglers who sit behind the rods in heavy rain and like to choose their own layers underneath. It's a strong waterproof bib for sensible money, and the build should see it through plenty of seasons.