Nash ZT Helluva Waterproof Bib and Brace Camo

How well is it built?

The heart of the Helluva is its Aquasense HD fabric. It's a heavier grade than you'd find on most fishing trousers, and because it grew out of Nash's shelter covers, it's made to stand up to brambles, undergrowth, snagging, tears and punctures as well as the weather.

That matters more than you'd think on overgrown club waters, where a thin pair of overtrousers can be ripped on the first fence you climb.

The finish has an almost waxed feel, and the seams are fully taped throughout.

Inside, there's a heavyweight Sherpa fleece lining, so it's far more substantial than a simple shell, and the neoprene cushioning at the knees and seat adds another layer at the two points that take the most wear.

For me, this is about as tough as a bib and brace gets, and the camo finish suits the carp bank. The Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers double up the fabric on the seat, forelegs and thighs, but they're overtrousers rather than a bib. I think 9.0 is a fair score for the build.

Weather Protection

So, how waterproof is it? The fabric has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head, which is enough for prolonged heavy rain and for kneeling on wet ground, and every seam is taped.

It's windproof too, which counts for a lot on an open gravel pit when a cold wind is blowing straight into your swim.

Breathability is 10,000 grams per square metre, and the fabric stays breathable while you're moving about. That should be plenty for the walk to your swim with a barrow, although a fleece-lined bib will always run warmer than a thin shell.

The kangaroo and cargo pockets have waterproof storm flaps, and the neoprene at the knees and seat is there to stop water creeping through when you sit or kneel.

To be fair, the Preston Innovations DF Ultra 25K Bib & Brace and the Fox RS25K Salopettes both have a 25,000mm hydrostatic head, so the Helluva isn't the most waterproof bib you can buy. For UK winter rain, though, 20,000mm and taped seams are plenty, and 8.5 reflects that.

Comfort & Fit Rating

This is where the Helluva earns its keep. The heavyweight Sherpa fleece lining builds a warm layer into the trousers, and the high-cut front and back keep the small of your back covered when you're bending over the net or sitting on a bedchair.

Is there anything worse than a cold draught down your back in the middle of a winter night? The fit is loose, so there's room for a base layer or joggers underneath.

Getting it on and off should be easy, as extended calf zips and a wider gusset let it go over boots, and Velcro-adjustable ankle cuffs close the legs down once it's on.

Adjustable elasticated braces set the height, while side seam zips and an extra-length convenience zip get you to the layers underneath.

Storage is generous, with a full-width internal fleece hand-warmer pocket, a zipped kangaroo pocket and a top-loading cargo pocket. With waists from 28 to 52 inches, it should fit pretty much any angler, and I think it's superb for comfort on a cold night.

Is it good value for money?

Is it worth the money? It's one of the dearer bib and braces around, and that's why value sits at 8.0 rather than higher. What you're paying for is a heavy, snag-resistant fabric, a proper fleece lining and a long list of practical touches, so it isn't money spent on a logo.

It's worth thinking about what it replaces. A thin waterproof bib needs a warm mid-layer underneath in winter, and once you've bought both, the gap narrows quickly.

If you'd rather have synthetic insulation, the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM uses Primaloft instead of fleece, while the Fox RS25K Salopettes are a simpler waterproof shell for anglers who like to choose their own layers.

Overall, I'd recommend the Helluva to carp anglers who do long winter sessions on open, exposed or overgrown waters and want one tough, warm outer layer. If you mainly fish short summer sessions, a lighter shell will suit you better.