Although marketed as walking trousers the Kiwi Trek works just fine for summer use; neither the cut nor the design are too overtly technical so you can quite easily wear them for a yomp through the hills or an amble to the pub.
They use Craghoppers’ ‘Solar Shield’ fabric which gives UPF40+ protection against harmful UV rays, and they’re also treated with the company’s water- and stain-repellent SmartDry technology – it won’t keep you dry in prolonged rain but will be effective in light summer showers.
Technical features, as mentioned, are relatively minimal: the part-elasticated waist means that you may be able to wear the Kiwi Trek without a belt, there are two hand pockets – the right with an internal security pocket, two rear zipped pockets and a zipped thigh pocket with an internal stretch mobile phone/GPS pocket. The main pocket is a bit on the narrow side for anyone with large hands though, and it isn’t big enough to hold a map. Finally, they come with heel tape for additional wear resistance in one of the most abused parts of any trousers.
It’s a shame the cargo pocket isn’t map-compatible, but considering the good value and comfort of the Kiwi Trek that’s a minor quibble.
These trousers won 'best value' in the Summer 2015 issue of Active Traveller Magazine
