Spring in the Pyrenees is a bit like a natural testing ground for mountain clothing. In the morning, the air still retains the chill of winter; at midday, the sun can beat down intensely; and as soon as the wind picks up, the wind chill changes within minutes. In this context, a good outfit isn’t judged solely on its appearance, but on its ability to cope with these changes without forcing us to stop constantly, sweat excessively or carry around unnecessary clothing.
With this in mind, we tested three Protest garments designed for active use in the mountains at Panticosa in the Aragonese Pyrenees: the PRTBarwick outdoor shorts, the PRTLevin technical base layer or cape, and the PRTRhodan outdoor T-shirt. Three pieces in True Black which, together, create a understated, functional and easy-to-wear silhouette, perfect for both a spring hike and an active day at a resort outside the ski season.
The result is a highly cohesive range for those seeking lightweight, technical and versatile kit. This isn’t an extreme option for high-altitude mountaineering, but rather an effective combination for walking, travelling, exploring a resort in spring or summer and moving around comfortably in places like Panticosa, where the mountains are increasingly enjoyed beyond the winter season, as we saw in our article on Cerler and Panticosa as destinations for hiking, mountain biking, mountain lakes and high-altitude cuisine.
A Protest outdoor clothing range designed for the real mountains
What’s interesting about this trio of garments is that they don’t function as three separate items, but as a system. The PRTRhodan T-shirt offers lightness and moisture-wicking properties when the temperature rises. The PRTLevin base layer provides lightweight protection in cooler conditions, without feeling stiff. The PRTBarwick shorts complete the set with freedom of movement, handy pockets and a cut that’s technical enough for trail walking, yet understated enough to wear afterwards in the village or on a terrace.
At I Love Ski, we’ve already tested various outdoor garments from the brand, as we mentioned in our review of Protest’s technical outdoor clothing. This latest review confirms a clear trend in the brand’s evolution: garments with a sporting DNA, but with an increasingly versatile aesthetic. Protest isn’t just about dressing athletes during their activities; it also focuses on that transition between the mountains, travel, the resort and everyday life.
In this case, the True Black colour enhances that versatility. It’s easy to pair with other items, doesn’t look too technical, and means the outfit can be worn in a variety of settings. On a hike through Panticosa, the black adds a touch of understated elegance; off the trail, it avoids that ‘pure sportswear’ look that can sometimes limit the everyday wearability of certain outdoor garments.
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PRTBarwick: sturdy, comfortable and highly practical shorts
The PRTBarwick outdoor shorts are probably the item that adds the most character to the outfit. At first glance, it stands out for its rugged look and a design clearly geared towards activity. Its polyester and elastane blend provides that touch of stretch that’s so welcome on a mountain route: whether climbing natural steps, walking over uneven terrain or sitting on a rock during a break, the fabric moves with you without restricting your stride.
During the test in Panticosa, the shorts proved particularly comfortable on sections with a moderate incline. Their regular fit avoids two common problems: they aren’t too baggy, so they don’t get in the way when walking, but they aren’t too tight either. This balance is important for hiking, because clothing that’s too tight can become uncomfortable in the heat, whilst clothing that’s too loose can snag or move around more than is desirable.
Another standout feature of the PRTBarwick is at the waist. The adjustable outer straps allow you to tailor the fit precisely, which is particularly useful when walking with a rucksack or when switching between lighter and thicker outer layers. On a spring day, when your body’s rhythm and temperature fluctuate, these small adjustments make all the difference.
The inclusion of side pockets and zipped pockets enhances its practicality. In the mountains, pockets are no minor detail: they allow you to store a key, a small snack, a handkerchief or your phone during a short stop. The zipped pocket provides security when the terrain becomes a bit more challenging. For a half-day hike, the PRTBarwick does the job well: it doesn’t replace a rucksack, but it allows you to keep the essentials to hand.
PRTLevin: the middle layer that brings the whole thing together
The PRTLevin is an interesting garment because it sits somewhere between a technical T-shirt and a lightweight warm layer. Protest markets it as a ski top or base layer, but on a spring outing it works very well as a thin mid-layer. Its fabric—recycled polyester and elastane—gives it a comfortable, lightweight and stretchy feel, with a loose fit that avoids any feeling of constriction.
In Panticosa, we find it particularly useful at the start of the route and during breaks. At those moments when the body hasn’t quite warmed up yet, the PRTLevin offers comfortable protection without being too heavy. The high collar is one of its standout features: it protects the neck area when the wind is blowing, but without the discomfort of a garment that’s too tight or stiff.
The absence of a zip and pockets underscores its minimalist design. It is not a garment laden with details, but a simple, functional and comfortable cape. This has a clear advantage: it layers beautifully under a light jacket or over a technical T-shirt. In a layering system, this simplicity proves practical, especially for those looking for garments that don’t add unnecessary bulk.
It is also worth noting that the PRTLevin is part of Protest’s PVRE Green range. In an outdoor market that is increasingly mindful of the origin of materials, the use of recycled polyester enhances the garment’s appeal. It is not enough for a garment to be comfortable; more and more consumers are looking for products that reflect a more responsible approach. In this sense, the PRTLevin fits in with this shift in technical textiles towards more sustainable options.
PRTRhodan: the T-shirt that performs best when the temperature rises
The third item in the range, the PRTRhodan outdoor T-shirt, really comes into its own when the going gets tough or when the sun starts to beat down. It is a technical short-sleeved T-shirt with a regular fit, a crew neck and a lightweight fabric combining nylon and polyester. Out in the field, it conveys a very clear message: it’s designed for movement.
Its main advantage is its breathability. On the sunny stretches of the Panticosa route, when a mid-layer was no longer needed, the PRTRhodan allowed me to walk in comfort against my skin. The fabric feels light and doesn’t cling uncomfortably. Furthermore, the quick-drying technology and antibacterial finish are two key features for intense activities or long days out.
In spring, this type of T-shirt is ideal. It can be worn on its own when the temperature rises, but it also works well as a base layer under the PRTLevin. This combination is very effective: the T-shirt wicks away moisture from the body, whilst the base layer provides light protection when the weather turns cooler.
From an aesthetic point of view, the PRTRhodan maintains the understated style of the collection. Its black colour and minimalist design make it a versatile garment for both on and off the mountain. It doesn’t seek to draw attention to itself, but rather to fulfil its purpose effectively. And it succeeds.
Our thoughts following the test in Panticosa
Having tested these three items in spring conditions, the overall impression is positive. The PRTBarwick shorts stand out for their comfort, fit and practical pockets. They are the most practical item in the range and the one that best accommodates movement on uneven terrain. The PRTLevin provides a lightweight, comfortable and easy-to-combine mid-layer, particularly useful for chilly mornings or windy breaks. The PRTRhodan T-shirt, meanwhile, is the most effective when the temperature rises: lightweight, breathable and quick-drying.
The complete range has one clear advantage: it doesn’t force you to choose between technical performance and everyday wear. It’s suitable for walking on trails, but also for travelling, strolling through a mountain resort or enjoying an active day out without having to change your clothes completely. This versatility is one of the key selling points of the Protest outdoor collection.
Compared to other items from the brand that we have already reviewed, such as the women’s Protest set with animal print detailing or more winter-oriented designs like the Protest Zip Shift, this men’s trio strikes a more understated, functional and straightforward note. Less eye-catching, perhaps, but very effective.
For those planning a spring mountain outing, a hike in the Pyrenees or an active holiday, the PRTBarwick + PRTLevin + PRTRhodan set offers the perfect balance: freedom of movement, breathability, lightweight protection and a style that extends beyond the trail. In Panticosa, where the mountains change their character with the time of day, these three garments have proven to have one essential quality: they accompany you without getting in the way.
