What the manufacturers say:

The Super Terra Pants are the latest addition to the best-selling MONTANE® Terra family. The ‘Supers’ combine all the great technical features from the current Terra range with well-conceived fabric technologies and features to make them the most durable technical mountain pants available on the market today.
Constructed using GRANITE fabric; a highly abrasion resistant nylon double weave with Spandex for a four way stretch for enhanced mobility and a cotton-like feel. CORDURA® Hydro reinforcements on the knees, seat and instep make these pants ideal for all conditions on the mountain face. Throw in triple stitched seams and a multitude of handily placed pockets and you've got the reliability and durability that the Terra's reputation was built upon - but taken to the next level!

On Test:

For the first couple of months after getting the Super Terra to test it was just impractical to test them. They are warm! As the temperature dropped, however, and with a four day session in the Alps we finally got to really put them through their paces. During the two months of testing they've had everything from torrential downpours, mud, snow and more than their fair share of scraping over bits of rock.

Starting at the top, the Super Terra's belt is a simple but effective affair with a notched plastic buckle that can be fastened, unfastened and tightened single-handed but remains secure at all other times. The buckle is chunky enough to be manageable with gloves on but doesn't dig in even if the waistband is rolled over in use. The belt itself is a standard piece of webbing.

Below the belt you have the first of what seems like a never ending list of pockets; a zipped pocket on the rear right and two front handwarmer pockets set slightly more central than traditional trousers. Within the left front pocket you get an additional small, inset, change pocket. Below these front pockets you get a further pocket on each leg, reacing down to just above the knee and big enough, just, to take a Cicerone sized guidebook.

Single rear pocket and lots of reinforcement

The whole of the knee area is reinforced, as is the rear, with Cordura and articulated. There are many pants that feature articulated knees for better movement but in practice we've yet to find any that exceed the Super Terra in a winter pant. High step movement and wide bridging are literally taken in their stride. Moving sideways from the knees you find the side ventilation zips, covering mesh lined vents. Together with the 1/4 length ankle zips the side vents allow a reasonable degree of ventilation when working hard.

Leg vents provide improved breathability.

At the bottom of the legs the Montane Super Terra uses a Cordura reinforced panel for crampon protection with a single gaiter hook at the front for attachment to your boot laces. The final fit is achieved using a press stud and velcro tab/ buckle combination to give a solid seal over your boots.

Velcro and buckle fastening.

Protective crampon patches on the instep

The Super Terra had a lot to live up to with the original, normal, Terra being a real classic. In practice the more we threw at them the better they performed. In late summer in the UK they were overkill, not even approaching their potential, but as the temperature dropped into single figures the extra warmth and soft cotton feel to the lining really started becoming noticeable. The stretch fabric allows a close, but not clinging, fit that promotes building a layer of warmer air next to the skin and at anything over 8 or 9 degrees the side vents become essential.

Testing the Super Terra in the Alps they were ideal for everyday use and while not in the same standard as dedicated, and insulated, ski-wear they were fine for skiing at -7C  with baselayers underneath.

After a couple of months of testing you could stick them in the wash, reattach the tags and no-one would know they're not new! There's just not a mark on them. With a street price as low as £100 and a build quality of the highest standard; seams are triple-stitched, they're totally deserving of the Terra name and a great evolution of the classic original.

Features:

Constructed from tough GRANITE fabric providing durability, stretch, water repellency, a fast dry time and a UPF of 50+

• Reinforcement panels on knees and seat feature CORDURA^® Hydro that has a 3m hydrostatic head and will help protect against rocky terrain
• Reinforced CORDURA^® instep for additional protection
• Articulated knees and an active cut for step high movement, perfect for mountain use
• Featuring areas of triple stitched seams for extra durability
• Zippered fly and tailored waist to reduce excess fabric with a button and hook fastening
• Removable tough belt with extra belt loops for accessory storage
• Two YKK zipped hand pockets and internal right hand zippered security pocket
• Rear zippered pocket
• Two large zipped cargo thigh pockets
• Two mesh lined side leg vents to keep the body cool when working hard
• ¼ length ankle zips for access and ventilation
• Press stud hem adjustment for a secure fit over footwear
• Gaiter hook on front of lower leg to attach securely to footwear