Arc’teryx Rampart
£70
Designed specifically for hiking and trekking, the Rampart are versatile, lightweight and patterned with articulation and a hint of stretch for a full range of motion.
Highly breathable, the trousers also dry quickly after a rainstorm.
Attention to detail in the cut and detail ensure excellent comfort, with the only oversight the size of the cargo pockets which aren’t big enough for a standard map. Other than this the Rampart is a neat, functional and lightweight pair of walking trousers for all climates.
Value: 4.5
Quality: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
looks: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Sherpa Khumbu
£70
The Sherpa Khumbu are well thought out walking trousers that come with muted earthy tones and a four-way-stretch, wrinkle-free fabric that dries quickly.
They are also surprisingly tough for a lightweight material. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch further increase comfort.
There are two hip pockets, a rear pocket and a thigh pocket, all with zips, although the opening of the thigh pocket is quite narrow.
Otherwise a very comfortable, good-looking pair of trousers.
Value: 4
Quality: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
looks: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Odlo Spoor
£80
Odlo’s Spoor pants are typically understated, so work really well as summer walking trousers and as a casual piece of clothing – the fact that they’re ultra-light and very packable makes them great for travel.
They feature a soft, light woven fabric which has a UV protection of 30+ and lots of stretch, and the fabric is also treated with Odlo’s ‘F dry’ which provides excellent breathability and fast drying.
The trade-off from having a lightweight, casual design is a lack of technical features, but the Spoor isn’t really aimed at those looking to hang off crags this summer.
Value: 4
Quality: 5
Performance: 4.5
looks: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Fjallraven Abisko
£140
The Abiskos are technical walking pants with stacks of well-thought out features and a really sound construction that will handle all sorts of abuse.
They utilise the company’s tough and stretchy G-1000 fabric, which combines high mobility and durability, as well as being treated with Greenland Wax to improve waterproofing.
The rear and knees are pre-shaped for additional comfort and the waist is lower in the front and higher in the back for backpack carrying comfort. An extra piece of fabric in the crotch and stretch panels in the lower back and G-1000 reinforcements at the rear, knees and leg endings make for one of the most comfortable pairs of walking trousers we have reviewed.
Value: 4
Quality: 5
Performance: 4 .5
looks: 5
Overall: 4.5
Salomon Wayfarer
£75
If you like the light weight and freedom of shorts but prefer to have your legs covered for protection from sun, thorns and biting insects you’ll love the Wayfarer, which are so light (just 250g) you can hardly feel them on your legs.
And with a choice of eight colours and men’s and women’s cuts there’s something here to suit everyone.
The Wayfarers combine a four-way-stretch fabric with an active cut, which added to the light weight makes them a great option for more strenuous or high action activities. Overall the cut was among the most stylish tested.
Value: 4
Quality: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
looks: 4
Overall: 4.5
