The Best Walking Trousers 2021

• Häglofs Rugged Flex Pant – Best Walking Trousers Tested
• Mountain Equipment Ibex Pants
• Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights – Best Tights For Hiking Tested
• CimAlp Explore H Pants
• Montane x BMC Terra Ridge Pants
• Fjällräven Bergtagen Trousers
• Mammut Runbold Pants
• Klättermusen Gere
• Sasta Asla
• Sasta Kaarna
• Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Winter-Lined Trousers
• Páramo Maui

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 after something waterproof, go check out our guide to the best waterproof overtrousers.

BEST BUY: Haglöfs Rugged Flex Pant

Price: £130
Weight: 410g
Best for: Hillwalking, scrambling, general outdoor use
Key attributes: Stretchy and slim-fitting

“These have a very slim, skinny fit and feel but without being restrictive in any way. They really stretch with your stride giving you a natural, comfortable and totally unhindered movement.”

The Rugged Flex by Swedish brand Haglöfs are an evolution of their original Rugged Mountain Pant. You could call this new design a 2020 makeover with new stretchy fabrics and a much, much slimmer fit.

Featured here are two types of fabric that are both treated with an eco-friendly durable water repellent to help on those slightly drizzly days. Across the front of the thighs and on the calves there’s a tough polyamide which feels a little like tightly-woven cotton. Then, on the knees, shins, backside and inner thigh there’s a four-way stretch elastane-based fabric to allow dynamic movement.

For scrambling, general hillwalking, or even casual use, these are a great pair of trousers that performed excellently in our tests. Bear in mind, if you have thick legs you might need to consider going one size up with these.

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / Sizes XS- XXL / Climatic fabric: 95% Polyamide, 5% Elastane / FlexAble fabric: 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane with 4-way stretch / Bluesign approved / Velcro adjustable ankle cuffs / two zippered hand pockets / one zippered thigh pocket / Fluorocarbon free DWR.

Check out our full Haglofs Rugged Flex review

Get the latest price at:
haglofs.com

 

Mountain Equipment Ibex Trousers

Price: £70
Weight: 445g
Best for: Mountaineering, trekking
Key attributes: Alpine-specific fit and details

If you’re looking for a pair of walking trousers for just about every outdoor occasion or activity then you won’t go far wrong with the Mountain Equipment Ibex. 

Whether you’re climbing in the Peak District or backpacking along the Cape Wrath Trail, this pair of softshell trousers are going to give you all the stretchiness, water and wind resistance and just general comfort that you require. It’s no surprise, really, that these are a best seller for Mountain Equipment – keep an eye out for them when you’re next in a mountain town, you’re bound to see someone wearing a pair.

Things you get with the Ibex then: an integrated hipbelt, zippered handwarmer pockets, a single zipped pocket on the backside and even two zipped pockets on the thigh as well (which double as vents – nice). One thing mountaineers are really going to appreciate with these is the zipped and gusseted ankles which will accommodate all-mountain boots when required. 

Full Specifications

Available in 28-40 S,R,L / Exolite 210 stretch double weave Soft Shell fabric / alpine fit with regular fit ankle / 2 zipped hand pockets and 1 rear zipped pocket / 2 zipped thigh pockets with integrated mesh lining / integrated belt with double press-stud waist closure / microfleece lined waistband / ankle zips with internal gusset panel.

Get the latest price:
webtogs.com

 

CimAlp Explore H Pants

Price: £100
Weight: 460g
Best for: Hillwalking, scrambling, climbing and bouldering
Key attributes: Stretchy yet durable

While these might be a fairly lightweight pair of trousers (though not the lightest) they’re actually surprisingly durable. That’s all thanks to the four-way stretch that the X-Trem fabric offers, plus the light Dupont Cordura overlays on the knees and ankle cuffs.

They feature a semi-elastic waist band, a typically alpine fit (CimAlp are a French Alps-based brand after all), DWR treatment for a degree of wet weather performance, two zipped hand pockets and one zipped thigh pocket.

The articulation is impressive – we’d say they’d not only be a good option hillwalkers and scramblers, but for climbers and boulderers as well.

Full Specifications

Available in men’s and women’s versions / DWR treatment / wind resistance up to 60km/h / UPF 50+ / two zipped hand pockets / one zipped thigh pocket / semi-elasticated waist / belt loops / Fabric X-Trem and Dupont Cordura.

Check out out full CimAlp Explore H Pants review

Get the latest price at:
cimalp.com

Fjällräven Bergtagen Trousers

Price: £315
Weight: 670g
Best for: Winter hillwalking, mountaineering
Key attributes: Durable, well-articulated, eco-friendly

“Fjällräven have taken particular care with the cut of the Bergtagen Trousers, making sure that there’s full articulation at the knees and at the crotch.”

The Swedish brand have made their first foray into mountaineering-specific kit this Autumn/Winter 2017 with their Bergtagen range. We say ‘range’ but it’s actually more of a system, with a layer of clothing, from baselayer to full parka, to equip a person from inside to outside and head-to-toe. These carefully articulated trousers are made from 65 per cent recycled polyester and 35 per cent recycled cotton which is woven into an extremely durable construction. Throw in Corylon overlays on the knees and instep and you can be pretty sure that these will withstand all kinds of scrapes.

Full Specifications

G-1000 Lite Eco fabric / 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton / double layered G-1000 Eco on rear / Corylon reinforcements / articulated cut / taped seams / ventilation zips from hips to knees / 1/4 length ankle zips / two hand pockets / belt loops / equipment loop at waist / adjustment straps on ankles / inbuilt RECCO reflector / impregnated with Greenland Wax

Check out our full Fjallraven Bergtagen Trousers review 

Get the latest price at:
fjallraven.com

Mammut Runbold Pants

Price: £89
Weight: 300g
Best for: Fast-hiking, summer hillwalking
Key attributes: Lightweight, stretchy, comfortable

“The freedom of movement they offer with the four-way stretch is second to none. I especially like how light they are, it barely feels like you have them on!”

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.

Check out our full Mammut Runbold Pants review

Get the latest price at:
mammut.com

 

Sasta Asla

Price: £195
Weight: TBC
Best for: Hiking and bushcraft
Key attributes: Tough, comfortable and breathable

“They’re extremely durable trousers, the kind you could really put through the wringer and expect to always come out on the right side.”

Sasta are a brand from Finland that are steadily building a following in the United Kingdom. They make a diverse range of gear, covering hunting, fishing and hiking, and tend to draw upon slightly more traditional – you could say Scandinavian – fabrics and designs. This pair, the Sasta Asla trousers, are made from a polycotton blend, with nylon reinforced panels. This makes them extremely durable, yet the polycotton fabric is breathable and comfortable too.

The fit is quite slim, with shaped knees for improved articulation when you’re striding or crouching. The ankles have Velcro adjustment tabs and up top, the waistband has belt loops. There’s also a zipped and button-down fly and a single zipped thigh pocket. This is a good size for stashing your phone and wallet, although not quite big enough for an OS map.

Full Specifications

65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton, wax and Nikwax Cotton Proof finishing / Reinforced panels 90% polyamide, 10% Spandex 4-way stretch / Thigh pocket with zip / Articu;ated and reinforced knees / Adjustable ankle tabs

Check out our full Sasta Asla trousers review

Get the latest price at:
sasta.fi

 

Sasta Kaarna

Price: £194
Weight: 425g
Best for: Hiking and bushcraft
Key attributes: Lightweight, durable, eco-friendly

Sasta have managed to do the double this time round in our list of the best walking trousers for 2020. This pair are wool based, but are thin and light, making them perfect for summer use. In true Scandinavian form, sustainability is woven into Sasta’s values, and the fact that the wool is fully recycled is evidence of this. Features we liked during testing include the zipped pocket on the thigh, the durable reinforcements and the Velcro tabs on the ankle cuffs. They also have a nice trim cut, with good articulation.

Full Specifications

Only available in a men’s version / fabric: 70% recycled wool, 30% polyester / zipped thigh pocket / two handwarmer pockets / Velcro ankle cuffs / reinforced knees and cuffs.

Check out our full Sasta Kaarna review

Get the latest price at:
sasta.fi

Fjällräven Abisko Trail Tights

Price: £145
Weight: 265g
Best for: Summer hiking and hillwalking
Key attributes: Stretchy, lightweight, comfortable

“If you’re all about wearing outdoor kit that provides first-rate freedom of movement, you’ll dig these.”

OK, they’re not walking trousers per se, but they still deserve to be on this list – especially when you consider that many women (and men as well) choose to hike in leggings these days.

And these aren’t any old tights either. As the name suggests, they’ve been specifically made for trekking, with two useful pockets (one with a zipper and on with an overlapping closure), ceramic print on the knees to protect the fabric from wear and a toughened up backside as well. 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 / 82% polyamide, 18% elastane / polymide, aramid, elastane and polyester reinforcements / map Pocket and safety pocket / pre-shaped knees / fluorocarbon-free impregnation.

Check out our full Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights review.

Get the latest price at:
fjallraven.com

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Winter-Lined Trousers

Price: £60
Weight: 550g
Best for: Winter and autumn hiking, trekking and travelling
Key attributes: Warm, durable, protective

The Kiwi trousers from Craghoppers require very little introduction. Being Craghoppers’ flagship walking trouser, it’s very rare to spend a day in Kendal without walking past a few walkers kitted out in these pants. These, the Kiwi Pro Winter-Lined Trousers are the warmer version of the classic Kiwi design.

Featuring a snug layer of brushed lining inside that offers toasty insulation for those winter days, and a tightly woven softshell outer that’ll help to keep out any chill from the wind as well. The softshell outer has also been treated with a water repellent SmartDry finish, you know that the Kiwi Pro Winter Lined trousers can take a fair soaking from a good old winter rain storm and still keep you dry.

Full Specification

SmartDry Eco / 4 pockets: All zipped / Solarshield / UPF 40+ sun-protection / Wash & Wear / insulating / part elasticated waist / 550g

Check out our full Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Winter-Lined Trousers review

Get the latest price at:
craghoppers.com

Páramo Maui

Price: £70
Weight: 335g
Best for: Spring and summer hiking, trekking and travelling
Key attributes: Breathable, practical, well-made

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 Specification

Men’s sizes S-XXL (three leg lengths in some sizes) / Women’s (Atka) sizes XS-XXL (three leg lengths in some sizes) / 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.

Check out our full Paramo Maui trousers review

Get the latest price at:
paramo-clothing.com

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