Hiking in the Pyrenees in summer is a real pleasure… provided you are well equipped. I Love Ski tested two sets of Protest hiking clothing – one for men and one for women – in real conditions, from cool mornings to summer heat. The result? Comfort, performance and style for mountain lovers.
For the men, our tester wore the Protest PRTGATEWOOD outdoor jacket (size L, black), the Protest PRTOliver technical T-shirt (size L, beige) and the Protest PRTPLOUMA shorts (size L, blue). For women, our tester wore the Protest PRTFleur outdoor jacket (size L, black and grey), the Protest PRTACACIA shorts (size M, pink) and the Protest PRTHAUMEA outdoor trousers (size L, black).
The goal for the day: to put these two sets of mountain clothing to the test in real conditions and see if they live up to their promises in terms of comfort, protection and performance.
Early morning: facing the cold and damp
From the very first few metres, the morning chill is noticeable. The temperature in this shady valley is barely above 10°C, and dew is settling on the tall grass. Fortunately, the Protest jackets worn by our hikers spring into action immediately.
For men, the PRTGATEWOOD jacket proves to be an effective barrier against the cold and damp. Its 100% recycled polyester fabric incorporates a waterproof membrane (20,000 mm) while remaining highly breathable (20,000 g/m²/24h). In practical terms, no fine morning mist penetrates the jacket, while perspiration is easily wicked away. The PRTGATEWOOD’s waterproof front zip also prevents water from seeping in through the fastening. Another welcome detail at dawn: the jacket’s discreet reflective elements ensure increased safety in the dark.
Our tester’s PRTFleur jacket also offers remarkable protection from the elements. Lightweight yet robust, it has a claimed waterproof rating of 20K, which is high enough to withstand heavy rain. As we climb, the damp fog is unable to penetrate the fabric, proving its excellent waterproofing. Its fixed hood wraps snugly around the head and prevents the cool wind from rushing in, while its elasticated cuffs and high collar form an effective barrier against the cold air. In terms of style, its black and grey tones are embellished with a discreet animal print pattern, adding a touch of style without sacrificing simplicity.
To combat the morning chill, our hiker started the route wearing PRTHAUMEA trousers rather than shorts. These technical outdoor trousers are a major asset when the mercury drops. Designed to withstand all conditions, the PRTHAUMEA features a clever construction: the front of the trousers uses a triple-layer softshell panel (windproof, insulating, 5K water-repellent). This front barrier blocks the cold wind and prevents moisture from penetrating, while retaining body heat. The back of the trousers is made of stretchy technical fleece, which provides great freedom of movement and comfortable warmth without overheating. As she made her way over rocky scree, our tester appreciated the elasticity of the PRTHAUMEA: with every step, there was no pulling, and the fabric followed her every movement. An internal anti-slip band also keeps the trousers securely in place at the waist. Zips at the ankles make it easy to put on or take off without removing your walking boots. Finally, two zipped, water-repellent side pockets protect your phone and map from moisture. After an hour of brisk walking, the verdict is clear: the PRTFleur jacket + PRTHAUMEA trousers combo kept our adventurer warm and dry while remaining comfortable and flexible.
Under the midday sun: breathability and freedom of movement
Towards the end of the morning, the Pyrenean sun dispels the mist and warms the air. The temperature climbs above 20°C, transforming the recently crossed pass into a sunny slope. It’s time for our two testers to lighten up their layers and test their outfits in warmer conditions.
With the mercury rising, it’s time to check the breathability and moisture wicking qualities of the lightweight layers. The PRTOliver T-shirt worn by our hiker is put to the test. This short-sleeved T-shirt made of lightweight technical polyester excels in its role: it dries quickly and allows the skin to breathe, preventing our tester from ending up soaked despite the intense effort. The fabric keeps the skin feeling cool, and the regular fit offers total freedom of movement – whether raising your arms to climb a rocky passage or swinging your walking poles. After several hours in the sun, there is no irritation in sight: the seams are discreet and the fabric remains soft, a sign of a design focused on long-lasting comfort.
On the women’s side, the PRTACACIA shorts are up to the climatic challenge. As soon as she puts them on, our tester appreciates the lightness and flexibility of the fabric. Made from a polyester/elastane blend, these shorts offer impeccable stretch that follows her every move on the trail. Whether taking long strides uphill or crouching down, the PRTACACIA follows without ever feeling tight or restrictive. Their above-the-knee cut is ideal for hot weather, ensuring good ventilation for the legs while protecting the thighs from scratches caused by bushes. Another strong point is the semi-elasticated waistband, combined with a button and zip fastening, which keeps the garment comfortably in place on the hips. Even when the terrain becomes steeper and movements become more abrupt, the shorts stay in place without compressing the stomach. Protest has also paid attention to style: the PRTACACIA features a contrasting colour waistband, an aesthetic detail that adds a touch of pizazz to your outfit. In terms of performance, the fabric of the shorts has a durable PFC-free water-repellent finish: splashes from a stream crossed midway roll off the surface without being absorbed.
Meanwhile, our hiker is wearing blue PRTPLOUMA shorts. These polyamide and elastane shorts are very robust yet lightweight and flexible. After several kilometres, the fabric shows no signs of wear despite repeated rubbing against rocks – a good indicator of durability. Their knee length and regular fit combine sporty style and efficiency, offering good leg protection without hindering stride. In terms of practicality, the PRTPLOUMA features numerous well-designed pockets: two zipped pockets on the thighs to keep a Swiss Army knife and energy bars within easy reach, classic hand pockets, and two back pockets with flaps for small items. Despite all it can hold, these shorts remain comfortable and well-fitting thanks to their fixed waistband with button closure.
At the end of the day: two mountain-approved outfits
After many hours of walking, our duo reaches the end of their hike. Tired but delighted, they both take stock of this day of testing in real conditions. As the weather and terrain changed, the two Protest outfits proved to be exemplary in their adaptability.
The damp cold of the morning was overcome by the PRTGATEWOOD and PRTFleur jackets, which kept our adventurers dry and warm while allowing their bodies to breathe during exertion. The PRTHAUMEA trousers proved invaluable in blocking the morning wind, thanks to their insulating and flexible hybrid design. When the sun came out, the mid and base layers took over with flying colours. The PRTOliver T-shirt kept our hiker cool despite the sweat, and the PRTPLOUMA shorts provided comfort and durability throughout the hike. Our hiker appreciated being able to switch from the PRTHAUMEA trousers to the PRTACACIA shorts as soon as the heat rose, demonstrating the versatility of her outfit. The shorts offered lightness and ease without compromising comfort.
In addition to their technical performance, we loved these garments for their practical details. The multiple storage pockets and well-designed adjustments greatly contributed to comfort in the field. Finally, it is worth highlighting Protest’s efforts to protect the environment: the use of recycled polyester for the PRTGATEWOOD jacket, PFC-free water-repellent treatments on several items… All of these are significant advantages for users who are concerned about their ecological footprint.
Verdict: test passed with flying colours. Robustness, comfort, waterproofing and style were all there – enough to satisfy seasoned adventurers and Sunday hikers alike in search of reliability. After this real-world experience, the Protest PRTGATEWOOD/PRTOliver/PRTPLOUMA outfits for men and PRTFleur/PRTACACIA/PRTHAUMEA for women are ready to accompany you on your next mountain escapades, summer and (almost) winter!
