FootJoy have been at the forefront of waterproof technology since 1997; the HydroTour trousers are their latest top-of-the-range model. So how do they perform?
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FootJoy HydroTour Trousers Review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
The HydroTour trousers are some of the lightest and comfiest waterproof trousers I have ever worn. FootJoy have really thought about what a golfer wants and needs out of the trousers and produced and brilliant product.
These trousers will be ideal for golfers who wear waterproof trousers over a pair of other trousers and the golfer who would prefer to wear them as just trousers.
PROS
- Extremely comfortable material
- Nice pocket & access to inside trouser pocket
- Exceptionally warm
- Really really waterproof
CONS
- No adjustability of the leg cuff
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First Impressions
Despite being one of the least interesting purchases in golf, waterproof golf trousers are an essential piece of kit for any golfer to have, especially if you live somewhere where it’s often wet. Usually an afterthought behind the waterproof jacket, I was unusually excited to get the FootJoy HydroTour trousers on as, conveniently, my old pair are not fully waterproof any more and, therefore, completely not fit for purpose.
Unwrapping them, I was delighted with how light they felt. Trudging up the fairway with heavy, sodden waterproofs is something everyone has experienced but no one enjoys, so lightweight is great. They also are really stretchy, so your powerful Jack Nicklaus-esque leg drive won’t be hindered.
On Course Testing
I have given these trousers an exceptionally thorough testing over the few months I’ve had them. I wore them in a 5-day monsoon in Portugal in December, every Monday evening over winter to coach in, and then in the rain in my Sunday morning highly competitive family grudge game.
In the rain, the FootJoy HydroTour waterproof golf trousers are exceptional. I wore them over a pair of trousers in Portugal, and I had no issues with water getting through. They have 20,000mm of water column pressure which I’ve personally proved means they can be worn in the worst possible playing conditions and still keep you dry.
I am 5’10” with a 32-inch leg and a 30-inch waist, and have M – 30 sized trousers. I would say that I should have ordered an S waist, as the M is pretty big for me. FootJoy have included some handy belt loops so that the trousers can be worn with no trousers underneath, which meant I could make them fit with no issue. There is also a really nice non-slip grippy section of the inside waist which would allow your shirt not to become untucked or keep the trousers from slipping down if the waist was slightly too big.
The 30-inch leg length was perfect for me, so they hung nicely a couple of inches above the bottom of my shoe. These trousers don’t have any method of adjusting the leg hole as other brands do, so getting the correct leg length is essential.
The FJ HydroTour trousers compress nicely into your golf bag, so carrying them around if there’s a chance of rain is no issue. With them being so light and flexible, the 4-way stretch fabric trousers reduce bulk in the bag.
The 19th hole
Obviously, I wouldn’t wear these as casual trousers, but they have been excellent to wear to teach in over winter. My Monday evening lessons have taken place in some really cold conditions this year, so having the HydroTour trousers on to keep me warm has been excellent. They are windproof as well as waterproof so I could happily wear them on a cold, blustery day as another layer.
Not that these are the intended use for the trousers, but I do a bit of walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, and these have been excellent to get up mountains in. They flex really well and don’t restrict any movement, so I can highly recommend them for lifestyle use.
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Fit: True to Size/Small/Large
Comfort: 9/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Sizes: S-XXL
Colours: Black
FootJoy HydroTour Trousers Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £174.99
More info: FootJoy website
Waterproof Warranty: 3 years
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Jack Backhouse
