Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers

How well is it built?

The Air Cell Trousers are built light on purpose. The 3M Thinsulate lining gives a lot of warmth for very little bulk, and the whole pair packs down tightly enough to live in the bottom of a rucksack or carryall.

That's the point of them, so they're a very different garment from a heavyweight bib.

The wear areas get extra attention, with waterproof reinforced patches in a contrast camo at the seat and knees. Those are the spots that take a hammering when you kneel on a mat or sit on a damp bucket, so it's sensible that they're reinforced.

The zipped pockets have fleece hand-warmer linings, and flat-profile drawcords at the waist sit neatly under a jacket.

To be fair, a light, packable layer won't take the same punishment as the shelter-grade fabric on the Nash ZT Helluva, so brambles and barbed wire deserve a bit more care. That's why build sits at 7.5, which I think is fair for a light thermal layer.

Weather Protection

How far can you push them in the rain? They're water resistant, and they can be worn as an outer layer in all but severe conditions, so light showers, drizzle and heavy dew shouldn't trouble them.

The seat and knee patches are waterproof, which helps when you're sitting on a wet bucket or kneeling on damp grass.

They're not a waterproof trouser, though. In prolonged heavy rain, you'll want a proper waterproof over the top, such as the Fox RS25K Salopettes, or a fully waterproof thermal like the Aqua Products F12 Thermal Trousers with their 10,000mm hydrostatic head and taped seams.

That's why weather protection scores 7.0. They're breathable, which helps on the walk to the swim, and as a layer under a waterproof they make a lot of sense.

As an outer layer on a properly wet day, though, they're out of their depth, so I'd pick your days and keep a waterproof in the rucksack when rain is forecast.

Comfort & Fit Rating

Comfort and freedom of movement are the Air Cell's strongest suits. They're incredibly light to wear and comfortable to move in, with a regular fit, so they suit mobile anglers who stalk the margins or move swims a few times a day.

The Thinsulate lining should keep your legs warm on chilly mornings without making you feel bundled up.

The elasticated waistband and ankle cuffs help keep draughts out, and the flat-profile drawcords let you snug the waist without a bulky knot under your jacket.

The zipped pockets have fleece hand-warmer linings, which is a lovely touch on a cold morning, and sizes run from S to XXXL.

Do they work as a mid-layer? Very well, I think, as the regular fit and light build should slip under a pair of waterproof overtrousers or a bib without restricting you. For me, that versatility, as much as the warmth, is why they score 8.5 for comfort and fit.

Is it good value for money?

For the money, these are one of the easiest buys in winter fishing clothing.

They're one of the cheaper insulated trousers you can buy, yet you get a 3M Thinsulate lining, waterproof reinforced seat and knee patches, fleece-lined zipped pockets and a pack size that's handy on a long walk.

That's why value scores 9.0, the highest of the four scores on these trousers.

If you need full waterproofing in one garment, the Aqua Products F12 Thermal Trousers have a TPU membrane and taped seams, and the Nash ZT Helluva adds a Sherpa fleece lining and a 20,000mm hydrostatic head for long winter nights.

All in all, I'd recommend the Air Cell Trousers to mobile carp and predator anglers, day-ticket stalkers and anyone who wants a light, warm layer to wear on its own on dry days and under waterproofs on wet ones.

If you fish static in heavy rain, choose a fully waterproof pair instead.