Walking Trousers

Craghoppers’ Travel Trouser Collection | First Look

Need some new trousers? Whatever you're after, Craghoppers have got you covered.

While Craghoppers make a whole host of outdoor kit, from down jackets to wear on the mountaintop to knitted jumpers to wear to the pub, it’s arguably best known for its trouser range. In fact, Craghoppers got its name from a West Yorkshire trouser and breeches maker that it acquired back during its foundation years in the 1960s.

Glance at the trousers list on the Craghoppers’ website and you can see how extensive the range is, there’s something to suit just about every outdoor activity or challenge whether it’s country walking in Kent or venturing into the jungles of Brazil.

Despite the variation in styles and materials, the central focus across all of Craghoppers’ trouser collection is protection. The brand has developed trousers that can protect from everything from tough weather and terrain to UV rays and biting bugs.

These elements are touched upon in this wacky new promotional video in which the focus isn’t on trousers but a lack of them (see above).

Here are some of the key trouser styles across the men’s and women’s ranges…

Craghoppers Classic Kiwi – Men’s

The long-running favourite in Craghoppers’ range of trousers is the Classic Kiwi – it’s the best-seller. They’re made from a blend of polyester and cotton and have a baggier fit than some of the more recent releases, plus a wider ankle cuff to allow the fabric to settle over your boots. The waist is semi elasticated and there’s a handy integrated hipbelt as well.

What’s particularly useful about these trousers, especially for those who like to keep small items readily accessible, is the amount of pockets they have. There’s a big map pocket on the outside of the right thigh with a smaller pouch inside, two zipped pockets on the backside and then two handwarmer pockets with cleverly concealed zipped pockets sitting behind them. On top of all this, the fabric is designed to provide 50 UPF protection.

The Classic Kiwi has some really practical pocket space.

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro – Men’s and Women’s

Those into scrambling might be interested in this pair. They’re made from a slightly stretchy polyester and elastane blend (50 UPF protection) making them highly abrasion resistant, and the knees are well articulated to give complete freedom of movement on testing reaches.

All of the pockets are zipped, including the handwarmer pockets, one of which has a great little lens, goggle or glasses wiper tucked into it.

Craghoppers NosiLife Pro – Men’s and Women’s

Pictured: Craghoppers NosiLife Pro (Men’s)

These trousers have plenty of interesting features. To start with they’ll have insects like midges, mozzies and ticks fleeing thanks to the Nosilife anti-insect treatment (which will last the lifetime of the trousers). The fabric is also carefully woven so that if for some reason an insect isn’t deterred it still won’t be able to bite through to the skin.

The NosiLife Pro trousers have a softshell construction and a much more athletic fit than the other pairs we’ve previewed. They also have volume minimisers on the ankle cuffs which will help keep bugs out or to stop heat escaping.

Features includes two zipped handwarmer pocket and two zipped storage pockets – one on the backside and one on the thigh. One final feature to mention is the RFID Shield in the thigh pocket. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s a clever fabric that will protect your bank card from thieves using contactless scanners – a type of theft that’s been on the rise.

Craghoppers’ Nosilife Fleurie Pant – Women’s

Pictured: Craghoppers’ Nosilife Fleurie Pant

These women’s specific hiking trousers, like the NosiLife Pro, are made from a soft and stretchy material that provides Nosilife protection from bugs plus protection from UV rays (50 UPF). They’re available in either navy blue or white and both colour options come with a plaited woven belt.