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The  Rab Torque Mountain Pants (TMP) are a lighter weight version of the Torque Pants (TP) but there’s not much in it – for a medium size the TMPs are 30grams lighter so you perhaps wouldn’t choose the TMP over the TP because of the weight saving.

The main fabric for both pants is the same but the reinforcement panels on the TPs are burlier than on the TMPs. The other main difference is the waist – the TPs have an elasticated waist with a shock-cord tightener at the front, so they don’t open in the same way as a conventional pair, although the TPs still have a zip fly for convenience. You can’t put a belt on the TPs but this makes the whole waist area very comfortable when wearing a rucksack or climbing harness.

The TMPs have a more conventional waist with zip fly, press stud closure and wide belt loops. The waist is also elasticated for comfort. I found the belt loops to be unnecessarily large for my webbing hipbelt which was ok but didn’t quite look right.

Both TMPs and TPs have a zippered gusset at the hem and  Rab says both have loops to attach the pants to your boots, this is incorrect, only the TPs have these loops, the TMPs do not. The only other difference is a zippered pocket on the leg of the TMPs.

So, which do you buy? The matrix fabric is excellent and common to both, but the feel and drape of the pants are different, mainly due to the heavier reinforcements on the TPs, my view is that I prefer the TMPs and if you do most of your walking in good weather on established trails then these are perfect. For rougher terrain and people who like the elasticated waistband then the TPs would be the one to go for.

I got the chance to try the TMPs on a recent 4 day backpacking trip to Scotland where I experienced high winds, rain and sunshine! I loved the TMPs, the stretch on the fabric is really good, and it has allowed Rab to make them quite close fitting – which I like.

The fabric was also pretty weather proof too, I didn’t bother with overtrousers unless the rain was set in, and they dry quickly.

The TMPs have a short zip at the ankle hem, this can be unzipped to reveal a triangular gusset which can be used to ensure the pant ‘legs’ fit neatly over your boots if you are wearing boots that cover your ankles.

The pockets are great, and I do like a thigh pocket when backpacking as I generally keep a tiny pocket knife in there. There was no sign of wear, admittedly only 4 days but I did sit about on rocks and did my fair share of scrambling.

The only thing I didn’t love was the belt loops, they are too big for your normal webbing belt.

Apart from winter conditions, these are my current favourite hiking pants.

Mark Richardson
Mark was the founder of Ultralight Outdoor Gear back in 2006 and has completed long distance backpacking routes in some of the remotest parts of the world. His favourite hikes have been Torres del Paine (full circuit), the John Muir trail and the Markha Valley trail (Ladakh, India). Although semi-retired Mark has not lost any enthusiasm for minimalist backpacking and is tackling Scotland’s Munros choosing multi-day backpacking routes over the more usual guide book excursions. Read more from Mark Richardson