Fortis Marine Trouser Olive

How well is it built?

Everything starts with the 3-layer Triflex fabric.

In a three-layer build the waterproof membrane is bonded between the outer face and an inner layer, so the whole thing moves as one piece, and it should stand up to kneeling on gravel or brushing through brambles far better than a flimsy pack-away pair.

Every seam is fully taped as well, and seams are usually where cheaper overtrousers start to leak first.

The hardware is a step up too. The knee-length zips are YKK reverse-coil with a storm flap, the ankles close with press studs, and an elasticated waist with a drawcord holds everything up.

Those are the small details that tend to separate overtrousers that last from the ones that get binned after a season.

If you want tougher still, the Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers go further with double-layered fabric at the seat, forelegs and thighs, but they're a much bigger spend. For a mid-priced pair of overtrousers, I think the build is excellent, and the 9.0 is fair.

Weather Protection

A 20,000mm hydrostatic head is the figure I'd want for a UK winter. It's enough to handle hours of heavy rain and kneeling on a wet bank or unhooking mat, where your weight presses water against the fabric and weaker materials start to let it through.

Taped seams and the storm flap on each knee zip close off the two places water usually sneaks in.

Breathability is where the Fortis pulls clear of most rivals at the price.

Letting up to 20,000 grams of moisture per square metre escape is double the figure of the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers and the Navitas Aquaguard 20K, so you should stay drier inside on a long walk to a far swim or a day roving with a lure rod.

The fabric is made to wick moisture away while you're active, too.

For me, that balance of waterproofing and breathability is exactly what overtrousers need, and the 9.0 reflects it.

Comfort & Fit Rating

So, how do they fit? The classic tapered fit is cut with room for layering, so you can wear them over jeans in autumn or over thermals and fleece joggers in January without them pulling tight when you crouch. Sizes run from Small to XXL.

The knee-length zips are long enough to get the trousers on and off over boots without a struggle, and press-stud ankle adjustment lets you snug the hems around anything from wellies to walking boots.

Side access zips mean you can reach your keys or phone in the trousers underneath without dropping the overtrousers, which is a small touch you'll appreciate when it's pouring.

I think it's a comfortable, practical cut, and the 9.0 is deserved. If you want a high back for sitting on a seatbox or bending over a net, though, the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM is a bib and brace from the same brand.

Is it good value for money?

Are they worth the money? They're a mid-priced pair, dearer than the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers and the Navitas Aquaguard 20K, while the Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers are a much bigger spend again.

What the extra over the cheaper pairs buys is the 20,000 grams per square metre breathability, the YKK knee zips with storm flaps and the side access zips.

Against the Daiwa, you give up the doubled seat and forelegs and the Gore-Tex label, but you get the same overall score and keep a lot of money in your pocket.

I think that's money well spent if you fish through the winter or cover a lot of ground, because those are the days when cheap overtrousers either leak or leave you damp with sweat. The 8.5 for value simply reflects that they aren't a cheap pair.

Overall, I'd recommend the Fortis Marine Trouser to carp, coarse and lure anglers who want one pair of high-spec overtrousers for year-round use without paying Gore-Tex money.