Solognac trousers...advice from users please.

[Sheprador1973]

Hi all.

Looking at buying some 'proper' stalking trousers now the weather is set to change. On a budget so have been looking on Decathlon at the Solognac Inverness 300s (have read a few good reviews on here) and the Steppe 300s.

Im ideally after a mild weather pair (steppe?) - tough but not necessarily waterproof, and a heavier lined pair (Inverness?)- ideally waterproof for when its freezing. Any current users able to point me in the direction of suitable pair/s please?

And the sizing! What are they thinking on the website!? In normal trousers I'm a long leg 34" (usually 34 x34) From what I can tell the L size is the one Im after? I can't try them on as Decathlon don't stock any of them in their stores in the South of England according to the website.

Any help much appreciated. Cheers

 

[Nugs]

Morning Shep,

Inverness 300 user here, Had mine since last feb, appear to be holding up well quality wise. They are certainly not the quietest for when out stalking due to the material, they have quietened down with a few washes. DWR treatment is fairly good, i tend to use tech wash anyway.
Size wise, I'm a 34'W and got the U.S-M/L , fit is good but be aware there is not much shape to the trousers, and if you have anything but a flat arse, you will get a gap at the base of your back..... solved this by tucking t shirt into pants to avoid unwelcome draughts.

Forgot to add, I'm out a couple of times per week so they have had good usage.

 

[andychas]

by happy coincidence Im the same size as you (34x34 in jeans). Ive got two pairs of inverness trousers, the ones that fit me best are the EU44 (UK 9.5) size, the other pair (EU 46) are a bit baggier and feel shorter bizarrely. not used the steppe trousers.
Im very impressed with Solognac tbh, they're extremely tough. had these for two years and they've stood up to weekly beating, shooting and stalking well. I wouldn't say they are completely waterproof, to be fair the manufacturers dont claim that either on the website, but they keep most of the nasty stuff out. they're certainly warm enough and you can give them a pass over with Fjallraven wax for added waterproofing.

 

[nicowilson]

I have a pair of the Steppe 300 trousers. They are quiet and tough. They're now, I think, two or three years old, and they've been worn most days for dog walking/training and stalking, and have worn incredibly well. Only issue is that the front trouser pockets have worn through and have needed repair but this might be sharp keys wearing them out. The thigh pockets are fine. No real warmth so not suitable for cold winter days.

Size and shape is odd - they don't seem to do variable leg length options for each waist size. I'm 6' 3" with a 36" waist and a 34 to 35" leg (36x34 in Levis), and I've had to go for a 2XL to get a sufficiently long leg. The drawback is that this means that they need a belt to hold them up. I was lucky in that I found a Decathlon store near the office that had a full selection of sizes so I was able to try them on. The Decathlon sizing is consistent so once you know your size you can order different products and be confident that they will fit you.

Overall, incredible value but the sizing will try your patience but worth persevering.

 

[VSS]

I bought a pair (520 in green, although they look more like brown to me) after reading a thread on here.
They are the most comfortable, best fitting pair of trousers I've ever had.
Only disappointment was the lack of back pockets. However, I found a pair of old trousers in a charity shop, same colour and material, and took the pockets off them and sewed them on the Solognac pair.
I will definitely buy more of the same.

 

[Nugs]

I bought a pair (520 in green, although they look more like brown to me) after reading a thread on here.
They are the most comfortable, best fitting pair of trousers I've ever had.
Only disappointment was the lack of back pockets. However, I found a pair of old trousers in a charity shop, same colour and material, and took the pockets off them and sewed them on the Solognac pair.
I will definitely buy more of the same.

Living up to your user name.... Bravo Sir.

 

[VSS]

Living up to your user name.... Bravo Sir.

Thank you
I confess it took me a while to get to grips with the sewing machine (an old Singer), but am very pleased with the end result!

 

[JTO]

The Inverness 300 Chaps look useful.

 

[Sheprador1973]

Thanks very much all. Its seems that almost all users have very positive things to say about them, and for the price they seem exceptionally good value! Think I'll try the Inverness 300 as they do have back pockets to see how I get on.

Also noticed the Percussion Traditional standard & warm which look good for the money at around the same price point. Might investigate those further too.

Many thanks.

 

[VSS]

Don't bother with their shirts though. Very poor. I bought one to make up my order to the "free postage" level, but wish I hadn't. Poor fit and flimsy construction.

 

[Sheprador1973]

Don't bother with their shirts though. Very poor. I bought one to make up my order to the "free postage" level, but wish I hadn't. Poor fit and flimsy construction.

Point taken VSS...in fact Ive read that before somewhere. Might just get the Steppe 300s as well (as the Inverness) as they're £14.99!!! Even if I just end up using them for fishing or DIY they're still silly cheap. Thanks for the advice mate!

PS Good to be back from my brief and only visit to the 'dark side' of the forum...cheers for the PM

 

[Effnjeff]

I have a pair of the 520 Green (but brown according to my eyes) that were about £22. These fit me well, and are Large sized and my waist is 32 to 34", dependant on beer and curry availability.
They have been hard wearing so far and I would definitely recommend them. I had intended to buy the top end 900 series at £30, but these were a completely different shape and did not fit me at all. A keeper buddy did buy a pair and he's really impressed so far with their comfort and durability.