Fit can vary widely between different brands and models, with a range of sizes and leg lengths available. Some brands, such as Fjallraven, offer two different cuts – straight and curved – to better suit different body shapes. Features range from minimalist to comprehensive and include pockets, vents, adjustors and attachments. A few pockets can be very handy, especially zipped options for keeping valuables safe. Look for multiple panels and an articulated cut to ensure comfortable and unrestricted movement, especially if you’ll be walking in mountainous areas with steep terrain.  

The best fabric will depend on the conditions you expect to encounter. Lighter weight fabrics will be cooler and more breathable in warm weather, but may not be as durable as more traditional heavy duty trousers. Stretchy fabrics can be more forgiving, supportive and comfortable to wear for longer walks, while reinforced panels in high wear areas such as the knees, seat and pockets improve durability. 

 

Sherpa Kalpana Tight RRP £90

www.sherpaadventuregear.com 

Size Range: XXS to XXXL 

These versatile tights are great for hiking and general adventure wear. The fabric is soft and smooth, with flatlock seams and a high, wide waistband for superb comfort. Two good-sized pockets, one on the outside of each thigh, fit a smartphone, snacks, compass etc for easy access on the go. There’s a handy hidden key pocket in the waistband, but no potentially uncomfortable rear pocket or drawcord so they’re also perfect for yoga and gym work. They’re lightly supportive all over but, thanks to the multiple panels, utterly unrestrictive. An adjustable waistband would keep them in place better, but overall they’re lovely to wear and good value too. Plus, every item purchased from Sherpa funds a school day for a child in Nepal. 

 

Rab Incline Pants RRP £100

www.rab.equipment 

Size Range: UK8 to UK16 

Lightweight, stretchy and breathable, these looser-fit trousers are a great choice for warmer weather walks, offering comfortable protection from sun, wind and insects. Made from Rab’s Matrix softshell fabric, they pack down small and dry quickly, perfect for all-day or multi-day adventures. A good range of features includes a shaped waistband with double snap closure, a tethered drawcord at the hem for cinching in during windy weather or when crossing boggy ground, and three zipped pockets for stashing essentials. Rab is a Fair Wear certified and climate neutral company. 

 

Smartwool Active Legging £105

www.smartwool.co.uk 

Size Range: XS to XL 

Made from a durable synthetic outer with a soft, warm and breathable merino wool lining, these versatile leggings can be worn as part of a layering system when it’s really cold or as standalone active/loungewear all year round. Handy drop-in pockets and an envelope stash pocket offer plenty of storage space, while a comfortable wide waistband keeps them in place even when you’re working hard.

 

Salewa Puez Terminal Durastretch Pant £120

www.salewa.com 

Size Range: UK6 – UK14 and long leg option 

Lightweight, stretchy and incredibly comfortable to wear, these versatile softshell trousers are designed for year-round use. Durable enough for climbing and scrambling, with full freedom of movement, they’re also water-resistant, quick-drying and packable making them an ideal choice for travel – especially if you’re going somewhere adventurous.

 

 

Alpkit Teleki Zip

RRP £54.99

alpkit.com

Lightweight, stretchy, packable and protective, these zip-off summer walking trousers quickly and easily convert into smart, longer-length shorts. Alongside handwarmer and rear pockets, there's a smartphone-sized zipped thigh pocket for secure storage. Some users report tightness around the zip, so try before committing. Great value and versatile.

Alpkit Ardent pants RRP £99.99

www.alpkit.com 

Size Range: UK6 to UK20 

A great all-round, year-round choice, these tough yet comfortable midweight softshell trousers are designed for multi-adventure use. They combine a stretchy and unrestricted feel with abrasion-, weather-resistance and reinforced panels for many years of use in tough conditions. Two zipped handwarmer pockets and two zipped thigh pockets offer secure storage for snacks, smartphone and other valuables. Available in short, regular and long leg lengths. Alpkit is a B-Corp certified company, meaning its operation is required to meet high social and environmental standards. 

 

Böltor Pants RRP £239

www.klattermusen.com 

Size Range: XXS to XL 

Klättermusen’s clever Bestla fabric has a two-layer construction, with a hardwearing stretch bio-based nylon-mix shell and a soft, breathable, insulating and sweat-wicking recycled biodegradable PrimaLoft knitted liner. The result is a garment that’s incredibly cosy and comfortable for all-day, everyday wear that performs at the highest level in use. We’ve worn these for hiking and running in all conditions and they’re outstanding every time. Elastic adjustors at the waist, knees and ankles ensure a perfect fit and there’s a good-sized zipped rear pocket to keep valuables secure. Team with the Bestla Anorak for all-over comfort and performance. 

 

66°North Straumnes Pants RRP £245

www.66north.com 

Size Range: XS to XXL 

The Straumnes Pants lie somewhere between technical joggers, running tights and walking trousers. The fabric is hardwearing but light and stretchy, cut and articulated to allow full freedom of movement. The two-layer construction features a soft, breathable polyamide and elastane inner and tougher, windproof Gore-Tex Infinium outer. With a comfortable, wide waistband they stay put even when moving fast, climbing and descending. Two spacious thigh pockets are easy to access thanks to a top flap rather than zip. Reflective stripes add visibility for low light use. 

 

Klättermusen Gere 3.0 £279

www.klattermusen.com 

Size Range: XXS to XL 

Made from Klättermusen’s wind- and mosquito-resistant Levitend® fabric, mixed with elastane for stretch and durability, these lightweight hardwearing trousers are a great year-round choice suitable for the most challenging adventures. Oculus® Icebreaker reinforcement on the pocket edges and hems means they’ll last for many years. The updated shape features a higher waist and curvier cut to better fit the female body shape – although this doesn’t work so well for less curvy women. Great features include zipped side vents and leg pockets and a waistband with belt loops and included stretch belt. These trousers are ideal for guides, climbers and those heading off on multi-day treks.

 

Salomon Bonatti Trail Shorts

RRP £75

salomon.com

 

 

A bit niche, but these super-lightweight waterproof shorts are ideal when it's both warm and rainy, or if you need extra weather protection over your usual shorts/tights. The minimalist design has drawcord adjustment at the waist and reflective details for visibility.

 

Fjallraven Abisko Short Tights

RRP £100

fjallraven.com

 

Based on Fjallraven's popular trekking tights, these fitted, longer-length shorts are a superb choice for warm-weather walking. Offering great comfort and support, with a high, wide waistband and drawcord adjustment, they're also very practical, with two smartphone-sized thigh pockets.

 

**Recommended retail prices correct at the time of writing.  Please refer to manufacturer or retailer websites for the very latest pricing information.      

Our gear testers, Jen & Sim Benson have a wealth of outdoor and walking experience.  They provide regular gear reviews and kit advice in Walk magazine, the Ramblers quarterly magazine that forms part of your Ramblers membership benefits. Join today from only £3.58 per month.