If you’re looking for a pair of versatile textile trousers that can tackle a wide range of conditions the Halvarssons Dalen deserve serious consideration. Over 2000 miles of use in varying weather and terrain, I found these trousers to be well-designed, protective and supremely comfortable. Here’s how they performed across the key areas.
Fit & comfort
The Dalen trousers immediately impressed with an accurate fit. I took my usual 32in waist size and found no need to size up or down. The adjustable waistband made room for extra layers when needed, and the integrated braces kept everything secure without sagging.
Comfort was consistently excellent, whether I was on or off the bike. The outer fabric has a nice flexibility to it, which helped on long touring days through France, Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium.
A personal highlight was the knee armour positioning — it sat lower than usual, which meant it aligned perfectly when riding, without needing any adjustment. The ability to fine-tune the knee armour height is there, but in my case, it was spot on from the start.
Weather protection
The Dalen trousers come equipped with a Dryway+ waterproof membrane, which is bonded directly to the outer shell. This set-up paid off in practice, providing complete waterproofing during heavy downpours. Afterwards the trousers dried quickly and that meant never having to put soggy trousers back on for my next ride.
Inside, a fixed Outlast lining helps manage body temperature, and there's a removable thermal liner for colder days. I rode in single-digit temperatures and stayed warm, with the thermal liner adding a good layer of insulation. On slightly warmer but still chilly days, a simple base layer was enough to stay comfortable without the liner.
Breathability & ventilation
For warmer riding conditions, the Dalen trousers are well-equipped. There are twin vertical vents on each thigh — one intake and one exhaust zip — that work together to create effective airflow across the legs. Riding in temperatures reaching the high 20s (Celsius) in Europe, I stayed relatively cool and didn’t feel overwhelmed by heat build-up.
The Outlast lining also played a part in keeping things regulated, absorbing excess body heat when needed and releasing it as temperatures cooled, helping to prevent overheating during stop-start riding or slower-paced sections of a journey.
Protection
Safety is a standout feature of these trousers. They come with an AA overall CE safety rating, and both the hip and knee protectors meet CE Level 2 standards. The armour itself is soft, flexible and comfortable in use. The knee armour is attached with Velcro, so you can tweak its position to suit your leg length — although, as mentioned earlier, it landed perfectly for me without adjustment.
Photography: Helen Meeds
In addition, Halvarssons' HiArt material is used at the knees to add extra abrasion resistance without hampering freedom of movement — and also on the lower inside leg to protect against wear on the bike.
The trousers give a strong impression of durability and protection while still offering excellent freedom of movement — something that’s not always easy to achieve in heavier-duty textile kit.
Pockets
Storage is practical and well thought out. There are four pockets in total — two at the waist and two on the thighs. I didn’t use the waist pockets much, but the thigh pockets became a go-to for carrying smaller essentials like my phone or earplug case, especially when off the bike. On warmer days when I removed my jacket during riding stops, the pockets on the trousers were particularly useful.
Conclusion
The Halvarssons Dalen textile trousers are outstanding all-rounders. With high-end materials, superb fit, and strong weather protection, they deliver great value for money, despite sitting in the premium bracket. At the time of review it's £479.99 for a pair. They’ve handled everything from chilly morning rides to hot summer touring with equal composure, and after 2000 miles they still look and feel like new.
