Navitas Aquaguard 20K Waterproof Trouser

How well is it built?

The Aquaguard 20K is built to be light and packable rather than heavy-duty. That's a sensible trade for overtrousers you'll carry in a bag for sudden downpours, and it means they won't add bulk or restrict your movement once they're on.

The construction covers the basics properly. The seams are fully taped, which is the first thing I'd look for on any budget waterproofs, and the finish is tidy, with subtle Navitas branding rather than big logos, which suits anglers who like their kit low-key.

To be fair, it isn't built like the Fortis Marine Trouser, with its 3-layer Triflex fabric and YKK knee zips, or the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers, with their reinforced articulated areas.

A lighter fabric is unlikely to shrug off as much abuse from brambles and gravel swims over the years. For a pair at this price, though, I think 8.0 is a fair score for the build, because it gets the important parts right.

Weather Protection

Is 20,000mm overkill on a budget pair? Not at all.

It's the same hydrostatic head as the Fortis Marine Trouser and the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers, and it's enough for long spells of heavy rain and for kneeling on a wet bank or mat, where pressure pushes water through weaker fabric.

That's a figure that handles proper winter weather, not just the odd summer shower.

The fully taped seams stop leaks at the stitching, and the DWR finish makes rain bead and roll off the outer fabric instead of soaking in and leaving it cold and clammy.

Breathability lets up to 10,000 grams of moisture per square metre escape, which matches the Fox and should keep things comfortable on the walk to your swim.

The Fortis lets twice as much moisture out, which is why it scores a little higher, but for a budget pair the Aquaguard's 8.5 is a very strong result, and it's the score that matters most on overtrousers.

Comfort & Fit Rating

So, how comfortable are they? The elasticated drawcord waistband is simple and secure, so they pull on fast when a shower arrives, and adjustable ankle cuffs let you tighten the hems around boots or wellies.

Zipped pockets keep the essentials close at hand, such as your phone, keys or licence.

Calf-high zips make them easier to get on and off over boots. They're shorter than the knee-length zips on the Fortis Marine Trouser, though, so very chunky winter boots may need a bit more wriggling.

Because the fabric is light, they should feel comfortable for a full day without weighing you down, and they should fold away small once the rain passes.

The Fox Explorer 20K Trousers have stretch fabric and articulated areas, which suit anglers who kneel and crouch a lot, and that's why the Aquaguard scores 8.0 for comfort.

For occasional wear and sudden downpours, I think the fit is perfectly good, and most anglers won't need more than that.

Is it good value for money?

This is where the Aquaguard 20K really shines.

It's one of the cheaper pairs of fishing overtrousers you can buy with a 20,000mm head, taped seams, a DWR finish and 10,000 grams per square metre breathability, and that's a set of figures you'd normally expect on a much dearer pair. That's why it earns a 9.0 for value.

Next to the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers, you give up the stretch fabric and the reinforcement, but you keep the same headline waterproof and breathability figures for a good deal less, and for many anglers that's the smarter way to spend.

If you're out every week through the winter, the Fortis Marine Trouser's tougher build and higher breathability are worth the extra.

Otherwise, I'd recommend the Aquaguard 20K to anglers on a budget, newer anglers and anyone who wants a light, packable pair to keep in the car or carryall for when the weather turns, or as a first proper pair of waterproofs.