One of the things that every golfer should own is a pair of waterproof trousers, and especially during the winter months I make sure that I always have a pair in my golf bag.
They're usually lightweight and pretty easy to fold, so they won't take up much room, and they give you great protection from the elements if you get caught in the rain.
As someone who lives in Manchester, getting caught in the rain is pretty much a daily occurrence, so when Oscar Jacobson sent through a pair of their Portland Waterproof Trousers for testing, I didn't have to wait long for a perfect day to test them out.
Who Is It Aimed At?
Anyone who plays golf in the UK! The understated looks, combined with just how practical they are during wet weather, make them useful for just about every golfer.
I always associated Oscar Jacobson with premium golf clothing and that meant a premium price tag, but as with the Hackney Jacket that I recently reviewed, the Portland Trousers come in at a pretty reasonable RRP of £99.99, which should give them a wider appeal to more golfers.
The Tech
OJ say that the Portland is a 'functional, lightweight and breathable' trouser which offers full waterproof protection with taped seams and water repellant zips.
There's an elasticated waistband with belt loops, allowing you to get the correct fit, as well as zippered leg openings which make it easier to put the trousers on or take them off.
The full list of features are as follows:
- Fully waterproof
- Zippered fly opening
- Adjustable leg width
- Scorecard holder back pocket
- 3 year waterproof guarantee
- Available in two colourways: Black and Navy
Oscar Jacobson Portland Waterproof Trousers Review
When it comes to waterproof trousers I think it's fair to say that it's more about function than fashion, but the Portland trousers did still look smart and gave you exactly what you'd expect from a brand like OJ. They have a simple, uncluttered design which look premium and understated, allowing you to just get on with your golf.
The fit was a little big for me, both around the waist and in the leg length, despite ordering them in my normal size. They are designed to fit over your normal golf trousers so it's good for them to be a little roomier, but I did still feel that I'd prefer them to be a little tighter fitting.
The trousers do come with a belt loop but I'm not sure how many golfers would use a belt with waterproof trousers - in my opinion some kind of drawstring would've been more useful.
I did like the fact that the bottom of the trousers were adjustable around the ankle, allowing you to customise the fit if you prefer them to be tighter or a little looser.
There are good quality zips which are seam-sealed for added waterproof protection, while the mesh-lined pockets felt really comfortable and this material is perfect for rainy conditions when you're putting a wet ball, glove or tees back in your pocket. Fleece-lined pockets are great for warmth, but these mesh-lined ones definitely felt more practical.
In an ideal world I would've liked two back pockets also, as I like to put my glove in one and then a scorecard in the other when I'm playing, but that is just nit-picking and the fact that the pocket features a flap is a good touch as it prevents moisture from getting in.
I tested these trousers with pretty wet underfoot conditions and dodged a couple of showers along the way, and found that my trousers underneath were still perfectly dry after the round.
They're also pretty lightweight too, which means it doesn't feel like a burden to wear them on top of another pair and they're easy to fold away into your bag when not needed.
Oscar Jacobson Portland Waterproof Trousers Verdict
As I said earlier, a good pair of waterproof trousers is something that every golfer needs to own. If you're lucky, you won't have to use them very often, but on the days where you do get caught in the rain they can be a life-saver.
OJ's Portland trousers deliver everything that you'd want - they're comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and offer all of the protection that you'd need out on the course.
If you're looking for a pair then they are definitely worth considering, especially now that you can get them for a little cheaper than the original RRP.
Would I Use Them?
I'd prefer a slightly slimmer fitting pair of waterproof trousers, even though they're to be worn over the top of another pair, and so for this reason I'm not sure that this style are exactly to my taste, even if the performance was still good.
Oscar Jacobson Portland Waterproof Trousers Pros and Cons
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