Ranging from lightweight summer backpacking options to full on mountaineering wear, here's our pick of our favourite walking trousers on the market at the moment
There are a number of things to consider when looking for the best walkingtrousers to suit you.
First of all, consider the season that you’ll be wearing them in. If you’re doing lots of winter walking, you’ll want something warm, windproof and water resistant or even waterproof. If you’re walking mostly in summer, you’ll probably want something lightweight, breathable, wicking and maybe insect and UV proof.
It’s also important to consider the type of activity you’ll be taking on and how strenuous your hikes will be. Will you need something durable to take on rocky scrambles, and that won’t rip with the first touch of a crampon spike? Or will you need something simpler, just to wear on short and easy pub walks?
“The trousers reviewed below are all either included in our recent Outdoor 100 and they range from lightweight backpacking trousers to full winter mountaineering pants.”
The suitability of a pair of hiking pants to different scenarios depends mostly on the types of fabrics used as well as their thickness. A popular material is softshell, which is a breathable, stretchy and snag resistant blend of a number of fabrics and materials including polyester and elastane. Another popular material is a polyester and cotton blend as it tends to provide a high level of protection from the wind. Each different construction has different advantages and disadvantages when compared against each other, so there isn’t necessarily one that can be described as being the best.
Aside from fabrics, it’s important to look at the adjustment options on a pair of hiking trousers. For instance, what kind of waistband do they have, is it elasticated or semi elasticated? If there’s no elastication, is there an integrated hipbelt or just belt loops? Then down at the bottom, are there volume adjusters on the ankle cuffs? These can be useful if you want the trousers to hold to your boot, keep warm air in, and not flap in the wind so much. Also consider the amount of pockets and their placement, closure and size. Are they big enough to hold a map, are they secure enough to keep your phone or car keys inside?
Then finally, articulation is extremely important when you are looking for the best walking trousers. Take a look at how they are constructed around the crotch and at the knee and be sure that they won’t hinder your movement or rub uncomfortably against your skin.
The Best Walking Trousers
Best Overall Walking Trousers: Patagonia Point Peak Trail
Best Value Walking Trousers: Craghoppers NosiLife III Cargo
Best Hiking Leggings: Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro
Best Lightweight Walking Trousers: Mammut Runbold
Best Trousers for Climbing: Black Diamond Technician Alpine Pro
Best Trousers for Winter Hiking: Fjällräven Keb Agile Winter
The trousers reviewed below range from lightweight backpacking trousers to full winter mountaineering pants. We’ve included pairs to suit every season and every type of terrain, and the majority come in men’s and women’s versions. If you’re only looking for women’s options however, check out our guide here. If you’re after something waterproof, on the other hand, go check out our guide to the best waterproof overtrousers.
Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants
Our selection for the best walking trousers overall
OM editor Will, who’s a 32 reg leg, wearing a size M pair
Price: £140 Weight: 439g Best for: three-season hiking What we liked: adjustable waist, excellent articulation What we didn’t like: quite a narrow fit
These trousers from Patagonia get all the basics right and also have a few neat touches that we appreciated too and, for that reason, we’ve chosen these as the best pair of walking trousers this season.
We found that these had enough breathability for summer hikes but also wind protection and a bit of insulation to make them suitable for spring and autumn hiking too. The articulation is excellent. In our tests, we were able to lift our knees right up on rocky scrambles without feeling any restriction. The water resistance was decent and, on the occasions when the material got wet through, the material still held its shape well.
The little hooks that secure the end of the ankle cuffs to the laces of your hiking boots were very useful for keeping out debris while walking through bracken and the Velcro tabs and semi-elasticated waistband made the fit very comfortable.
It’s worth noting that we found these have quite a narrow fit around the backside and the thighs and, we think those with a bit of bulk in those areas might find the fit a bit tight.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / recycled nylon and elastane blend / Fair Trade Certified / Velcro tabs on ankles / hand warmer pockets, two zippered thigh pockets and two zipped pockets on the rear / PFC-free DWR / Velcro tabs for waist adjustment.
On the left, editor Will tests the Craghoppers NosiLife III cargo trousers in North Wales. Photo: Dave MacFarlane
Price: £60 Weight: 285g Best for: hiking and trekking What we liked: versatile, good durability, recycled materials What we didn’t like: were a little slow to dry once wet
Craghoppers have been well regarded for their trousers for some time now, with their NosiLife line being particularly popular amongst hikers and travellers. The NosiLife III cargo trousers in particular, are definitely fine-tuned for travel. They’re water resistant, UV-blocking, and insect repellent. They’re also designed to prevent odours from building up. Then there’s the functionality, with a diverse range of pockets and even a very nifty waterproof pouch to store your phone.
The fit is quite loose but it’s not baggy or flappy. In terms of warmth, we found these were fine for three-season hiking and they transferred reasonably well to winter when worn over a pair of well-insulated leggings.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / made from recycled polyester and polyamide / UPF 30-50+ sun protection / plant-based NosiLife insect repellant treatment / odour elimination fabric / security pocket / watertight removable dry bag included / phone pocket / adjustable hem with heel tape reinforcement / wicking mesh inner waistband / drying loops / regular fit.
Our crew testing the Abisko Trekking Tights on a camp in the Highlands
Price: £155 Weight: 256g Best for: three-season trekking What we liked: light, comfortable, durable What we didn’t like: nothing
These are highly practical tights that, as the name suggests, are designed specifically for trekking. Available for both women and men, we found these offered a streamlined and very comfortable fit and they have excellent Cordura sections for reinforcement at areas of high wear and tear, including on the backside, on the instep and on the knees.
Handily, Fjällräven have cut the waist nice and high so you won’t have to keep pulling them up every 10 minutes – the drawcord will back you up in that regard too. Stretchy, warm but breathable and offering dynamic movement for a range of activities, these could well be the perfect pair of tights for the outdoor enthusiast who likes a snug fit.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / 70% polyester (recycled), 30% elastane
90% polyamide, 10% elastane / PFC-free / secure leg pockets with envelope closures / Cordura reinforcements on knees and rear / adjustable waistband.
The best lightweight walking trousers in our tests
Left, a version without zip off legs and on the right, the convertible version.
Price: £89 Weight: 300g Best for: Fast-hiking, summer hillwalking What we liked: Lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, useful waist adjustment What we didn’t like: the fit will be too narrow around the thigh and backside for some
The Runbold from Mammut is a super comfortable pair of hiking trousers, made from a tough, abrasion-resistant nylon material blended with a bit of Spandex. This has a four-way stretch to give the wearer great freedom of movement. Just what’s needed when you’re getting active in the outdoors. They have a stylish, athletically-profiled, cut to them and come fully equipped with extremely practical zipper pockets. Special shoutout, while we’re on the topic of pockets, for the side pocket; a feature that’s practically begging to look after your maps for you.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / 2 slit pockets with zipper / seat pocket with zipper | map pocket on leg / Legs can be adjusted from full-length to 3/4 length / quick-drying and breathable.
Will using the Keb Agile Winter trousers on the Pembrokeshire coast.
Price: £250 Weight: 560g Best for: Winter hiking What we liked: Very comfortable, warm, durable What we didn’t like: Expensive
Our pick for the best hiking trousers for winter. They’re made from G1000 fabric and a strong softshell that is excellent at blocking out the wind and repelling light rain and snow. They’re also lined with a brushed synthetic fabric that feels comfortable and warm against the skin.
In our tests, we were impressed by the overall durability of these trousers – they’re clearly built to last. There are some nice details too, including venting zips, bellows pockets and leg ends that can be expanded to accommodate bulky winter boots.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / two handwarmer pockets / two zipped thigh pockets / belt loops / two thigh vents / expanding leg ends / made from G1000 (polyester and cotton) and polyamide.
These won in our category for the best climbing trousers
Jordan wearing the Black Diamond Technician Pro while descending Ben Nevis.
Price: £84 Weight: 589g Best for: hikes that might involve climbing or scrambling What we liked: stretchy and durable, adjustable waist band What we didn’t like: can get quite baggy when wet
These hiking trousers are actually made specifically for climbing, but we’ve actually found them to be good for hiking too. The softshell fabric had a light feel to it but we had no issues with durability. They offered good protection from cold blustery wind and didn’t feel too hot to wear in warmer temperatures – so we’d day they offer good three-season versatility. They’re a little on the thin side for any really cold days though.
We really liked the adjustable, semi-elasticated waistband. It’s quick and easy to adjust and makes for a comfortable fit and feel.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / 9% Nylon, 19% Polyester, 12% Elastane with embedded Graphene / front handwarmer pockets, thigh pocket and zipped pocked on backside / integrated belt / reflective details / PFC-free DWR.
Some other walking trousers that passed with flying colours following our testing.
Fjällräven Keb Trousers
On the left, our tester Giles wearing the Fjallraven Keb trousers in the Brecon Beacons
Price: £140 Weight: 610g Best for: hiking, hillwalking and trekking What we liked: durable, well-articulated, eco-friendly What we didn’t like: quite heavy, slow to dry and heavy when wet
These trousers are already highly regarded, but the latest version has an improved fit and functionality. They still employ a hybrid construction of weatherproof and tough G-1000 Eco – a sustainable polycotton blend that can be waxed for additional water-resistance – with 4-way stretch fabric panels. This offers good durability yet exceptional freedom of movement.
They are now a little slimmer fitting overall, particularly in the lower leg and over the rear. Stretch panelling is a bit more extensive and a seam has been removed across the rear thigh. There are still double leg vents to help dump heat, but the top vent now has a two-way zip, which does improve usability. The pocket construction has been simplified, as has the patterning at the ankle. These design changes have made them even better suited to technical trekking and hillwalking, resulting in a superb pair of outdoor trousers.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / G-1000 Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton with stretch panels (63% polyamide, 26% polyester, 11% elastane) / adjustable leg endings / pre-shaped knees / boot hooks / 2 hand pockets / 2 thigh pockets / thigh and calf ventilation / impregnated with Greenland Wax for water-resistance.
OM editor Will wearing Keela’s Trail Pro trousers on a summer hike. Will is 5 foot 10 and wearing his usual size, a 32 reg.
Price: £75 Weight: 400g Best for: summer hiking What we liked: anti-odour treatment What we didn’t like: some elastication at the waist would improve the fit
These are lightweight and thin trousers that are perfect for summer day hikes and multi-day treks where you want protection from the sun and light wind and rain but also don’t want anything that will cause you to overheat. The fabric has good abrasion resistance, helped by its stretchiness and it sees off light rain well. Once saturated, we found that it had a quick drying time. As for the fit, our tester tried these in a 32 inch waist – his usual size – and he says they fitted perfectly, without the need for a belt.
In our tests, what we liked best about these is their StayFresh technology. It’s a permanent treatment within the fabric’s fibres that’s able to block the growth and spread of nasty, odour-causing bacteria. The result? You can genuinely wear these more and wash them less – just what you want from a pair of hiking trousers, particularly when you’re on multi-day treks.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / waist sizes: 28 to 40 inches / two zipped hand pockets / one zipped back pocket / belt loops / zipped fly.
Price: £83 Weight: 544g Best for: Hiking and hillwalking What we liked: Reliable, durable, good value What we didn’t like: the fit is on the baggy side and can be flappy in strong winds
Scottish brand Keela is known for its no-nonsense gear, the kind of stuff that is right at home bagging Munros and tramping across the rugged landscapes of the Highlands. The Scuffers are well-proven outdoor trousers with a relaxed fit around the thighs and backside, basically bucking the current trend for figure hugging cuts. Adjustable ankle cuffs can be cinched in around boots or loosened to create a bit of extra airflow. They’re decently water resistant, fending off light rain, and though in heavy stuff the trousers will eventually saturate, they’re very quick drying. With a bit of wind on a warm summer day they’ll be dry within an hour.
They feel very durable, with plenty of resistance to abrasion as well as a little stretchiness. This makes them perfect for three-season use, and since the generous cut allows for layering, they could even be combined with baselaye tights underneath for full-on winter weather too.
Full Specifications
Quick-dry fabric with 4-way stretch / Removable webbing belt / two zipped handwarmer pockets with a hidden security pocket / zip fly / reinforced seat and ankle scuff patches / adjustable ankle cuffs / thigh zips for ventilation.
Our tester wearing a women’s pair of the Sasta Taival in the Scottish Highlands
Price: €205 Weight: 388g Best for: off-trail hiking What we liked: adjustable ankle cuffs, very durable fabric What we didn’t like: fabric dries slowly after saturation, quite expensive
These are very familiar to Fjallraven’s trekking pants in that they’re made from a blend of polyester and cotton and have the same feel, cut, weatherproofing and durability. Polycotton is a super tough material that, when waxed, offers a good level of water resistance. These come pre-waxed and, once that wears out, you can re-wax them at home using Greenland Wax.
We found these were comfortable and performed well in dry conditions and in light rain. In heavy rain they did saturate quite quickly and we found they took a while to dry out.
The gusseted crotch and knees provided plenty of articulation and unrestricted movement and we liked the Velcro tabs which let you alter the volume of the ankle cuffs. Last but not least, we found the thigh pocket was super useful for storing an OS map without having to fold it up.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / 65 % Recycled polyester, 35 % Organic cotton / shaped knees / adjustable leg ends / resting pockets / zippered thigh pocket / elastic waist / belt loops.
Price: £87 Weight: 520g Best for: hiking, trekking and general outdoor use What we liked: superbly multifunctional, gloriously comfortable What we didn’t like: quite heavy
With the GP Pro trousers, Revolution Race have created a pair of pants that are designed with multi-functionality at their heart. Built from weather resistant, stretchy materials, and sporting ventilating zippers and more pockets that you can shake a hiking pole at, these might just be the only pair of outdoor trousers you’ll ever need.
They feature two deep hand pockets and two zippered pockets on the thighs. The left thigh pocket is even specifically designed with your mobile phone in mind. There are also Hypershell reinforcements, making them both wind and water repellent. The groin, the inner thighs and the back of the knees are further reinforced by four-way stretch material, giving them excellent support. The stretch panels ventilate beautifully, giving you a very comfortable fit, while zippered ventilation panels mean you can open things up when you’re working hard on the trail. Importantly, the trousers are tight fitting but stretchy enough to give you excellent freedom of movement, which is why they work so well for a range of applications.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Polyester 65%, Cotton 35% with stretch Polyamide 88%, Elastane 12% panels / thigh ventilation with zipper / 2 hand pockets / 2 bellowed thigh pockets with zippers / back pocket with zipper / adjustable leg opening with buttoned closing / knee pad pockets / extended belt loops / phone pocket inside one thigh pocket / boot hook in leg opening / PFC-free DWR finish.
Will demonstrating the Maui in a 32 reg, his usual size. Will is 5 foot 10.
Price: £100 Weight: 335g Best for: spring and summer hiking, trekking and travelling What we liked: breathable, practical, well-made What we didn’t like: not very warm
Páramo’s Maui walking trousers (shorts are available as well) might look fairly simple and non-technical, but they actually bring a surprising amount to the table thanks to subtle features and a useful blend of natural and synthetic materials. These, we’d say, are best suited to any summer hiking and will also serve well on milder spring and autumn days as well. With their relatively light overall weight, they wouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience on any treks where they might stay in your backpack on some days. There are also a number of aspects about them that make them very suited to adventure travel. The Parameta A Cotton+ fabric used is a blend of organic cotton and synthetic fibres that is fast wicking, so it moves moisture away from your skin fast and dries quickly too. It’s also woven densely enough (with a ripstop construction) to withstand, say, rough rock or sharp branches, and to block out UV rays and biting insects.
Full Specifications
Available in men’s and women’s versions / Nikwax Parameta A Cotton + Fabric (UPF 50+) / articulated knee design and shaped gusset / OS Map sized cargo pocket / elasticated waist with belt loops for a secure and comfortable fit.
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