Trekking trousers don’t have to be full-length cargo pants, although you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise. Traditionally men and women’s hiking trousers looked very similar. Khaki green with lots of pockets, you know the kind. But nowadays change is afoot. A more modern silhouette for women is taking hold of the outdoor industry. Jack Wolfskin are right at the forefront with the Activate Light pants.

These women’s hiking trousers are three-quarter length softshell pants. They look a lot like yoga leggings from afar, but these trekking trousers are actually wind and water-resistant. They are made with Flex-Shield X-Lite, a very light and highly breathable fabric with two-way stretch allowing excellent freedom of movement when hiking, climbing or scrambling.

Jack Wolfskin take environmental protection seriously and endeavour to produce their clothing as sustainably as possible. The water-resistant coating on the Activate Light trousers is 100 per cent petro fluorocarbon-free (PFC). It has been awarded the Bluesign badge, which means that all toxic substances have been eliminated from the production of these trousers, making them both ethical and eco-friendly. Since 2015, 75 per cent of Jack Wolfskin’s products were PFC-free, a figure that is continuing to rise.

“A more modern silhouette for women is taking hold of the outdoor industry. Jack Wolfskin are right at the forefront with the Activate Light pants.”

Comfort is key for Jack Wolfskin. It has been a priority since they were founded in Germany back in 1981. You’ll find the the waistband is elasticated and the trouser leg hems are adjustable, so you can yoink them up when wading through water. Certainly we found these very comfortable, when out testing them in the Malvern Hills.

These trousers are designed to keep the wind from chilling your legs and deflect raindrops during a short shower. They offer more protection that your average pair of hiking shorts, but are designed to keep you cool in hot weather.