Thanks for your comments on waterproof socks. I have read the other thread in this section, and after many days of pondering I have come to the conclusion that buying just one pair might be a good compromise.
However my main question is about the trousers. I do need to buy a pair, and I don't know whether to go for the waterproof or for the water repellent solution.
Obviously the waterproof ones would be a lot more protective in case of torrential rain, but useless otherwise. Whereas wouldn't I be able to use the water-resistant ones even when it's not raining? (this is a genuine question, I don't own any water-resistant trousers so have no idea if it is the case!)
If so, I would be able to carry only one pair instead of two. Thoughts?
HI
@SaraB despite my somewhat frivolous ( simplistic
pace Doug) comment above I do appreciate your dilemma but there may be a fundamental misunderstanding at the root of this issue. Waterproof trousers tend to be made of high-density nylon, oiled, waxed or silicon coated fabrics or rubberised canvas or cotton. They are literally water-proof. If you tie knots in the ankles you can fill them with water and the water will not leak out. Similarly, if when wearing them you sit in a puddle the water will not leak / seep in. You nether regions will remain dry. However, if you hike vigorously while wearing such trousers the natural perspiration that your body generates will not evaporate, it will accumulate on the inside of your waterproof trousers and soak into whatever you are wearing beneath. I wear waterproof trousers when fishing the lakes and rivers of the UK. Even in heavy rain my legs stay dry and if I choose to sit on the bank so does my bum. I take them off before hiking back to my car - even if it is raining.
Water-repellant trousers - at least those marketed by 'outdoor clothing specialists' (why would any-one wear clothing indoors (not a topic for this forum)) tend to be made of medium density polyesters / cotton/ polyester mixes. They are usually treated with a silicon coating that causes water (rainfall) to bead and run-off rather than soak in to the fabric. High end quality versions are quite effective under light to moderate rainfall. However, the effectiveness of the repellant coating is reduced by dirt accumulation, abrasion and washing with any form of detergent. The abrasion effect is perhaps the most disappointing to anyone hoping to stay dry. The friction of your coat hem, thighs and knees will attenuate the effectiveness of the coating very quickly. Thereafter you may as well be wearing standard cotton / polyester fabrics. That said virtually all "hiking" trousers are marketed as 'water-repellant' and still function as trousers long after the repellant function has failed.
Hence my entirely frivolous suggestion that in inclement weather you wear shorts, preferably under a poncho that will keep your pack dry as well as your upper body. From my own experience of walking in torrential rain: you get wet. Staying warm is more important than staying dry. Keeping your change of clothing and your sleeping bag dry is what is important. Legs can be dried with a towel.
I hope this helps, it is meant to be helpful.