Patagonia Causey Pike | £100
BEST FOR: Mountain wanderers who love an Alpinist look
Patagonia seem to be masters of cut and style for those with a slim to athletic build, so we love how the Causey Pike pants look, although the 'Superior Blue' on test are an unusual colour that split opinion.
Cut is fairly 'neat' up top even for those with a slim build, and we experienced a slight pull at the tops of the legs as a result. There's a small amount of 4-way stretch and a diamond gusseted crotch to counteract any unpleasantness but if you prefer an airier feel then perhaps these aren't the trousers for you.
The nylon and spandex mix material has a tight weave which helps block out chilling winds as well as UV rays, giving a 50+ UPF rating. Despite the tight weave the Causey Pike pants breathe well, and you can crank open the four mesh-lined pockets to quickly dump excess heat and moisture when the need arises.
The knees have stitched in articulation, this works well when climbing steep slopes. The legs are cut straight from knee to bottom hem where there's a zip and expandable gusset to suit various types of footwear and preference.
Overall, if you're sold on Patagonia's legwear style and prefer even your technical clothing to have an on-point look then the Causey Pike pants are a high-quality option.
Alpkit Chilkoot | £60
BEST FOR: Those that prefer a looser fit
Right out of the gate the Chilkoot trousers impress with a look that straddles the line between outdoors and ‘smart outdoors’ making them a viable travel trouser.
We found the cut quite loose compared to some of the other trousers we’ve been testing lately but this adds to the freedom of movement for your multi-activity jaunts and they aren’t so baggy that they flap around in the wind.
The nylon/spandex mix has a lovely 4-way stretch further enhancing the versatility of the trousers into the realms of cycling and climbing. The softshell fabric is breathable enough for summer use, but the tight weave is also windproof making it a go to trouser into the spring and Autumn as well.
The material actively wicks moisture away from the skin and when you do you get wet, whether by rain or perspiration it dries out quickly. This adds even more viability to the Chilkoots as a travel option where you might need to do a quick hand wash.
The softshell material is also surprisingly durable, lasting many poundings by bike, hike and travel. You’ll eventually get problems at the knees, bum and instep if you’re a serious mountain user but that’s to be expected.
For £60 you can’t go wrong with these versatile, good-looking trousers, suitable for all seasons.
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Winter Lined Trousers | £60
BEST FOR: Cold weather hiking adventures
Craghoppers' Kiwi Pro trousers are staples of UK hillwalking, known for being tough, durable and excellent value so we were glad to see a winter lined version in their seasonal line-up.
These are essentially the same great hiking trousers as the standard Kiwi Pros but with a sumptuously soft, thin layer of fleece lining inside, giving your legs a welcome hit of warmth in cooler temperatures. The fleece lining is not only great for winter hiking but also for camping in the colder months where you want a utilitarian trouser with good freedom of movement that can confidently keep a chill at bay.
We've always found the Kiwi Pro trousers to be close fitting but not to the point of annoyance and find this to be of benefit in the lined version, as the fleece sits close to your legs providing genuinely useful insulation without overly hampering the ability of the trousers to breathe.
The two zipped hand pockets get the same fleecy treatment as the inner, and there's a handy glasses wipe included in one for those cold but sunny days. A slimline cargo pocket and single rear zipped pocket complete the complement of storage and hand warming options.
As with other travel/hiking brands Craghoppers design their gear to be fast drying and sun safe and the Kiwi Pro Winter Lined trousers benefit from both of these attributes making them suitable for multi-day hikes and travel. They're also water-repellent which is always appreciated in the start-stop rain we're often blessed with in the British Isles.
Think of these trousers as taking the edge off a chill rather than allowing you to go into battle against arctic storms and you'll be on to a winner, making them a safe bet for inclusion in our list of best hiking trousers this year.
Berghaus Fast Hike Light | £75
BEST FOR: Fast movers who value light weight above all else
The first thing you'll notice when you put the Fast Hike Light pants on is how comfortable they are. They have a two way stretch and articulated knees that combine to allow for great freedom of movement on the trail. The fabric is soft and light on the leg with good next to skin comfort and although thin, it offers some resistance against wind and a degree of warmth when worn with a baselayer, down to a few degrees above zero. Durability is also good for such a light material, so you don't have to worry too much when battling through brambles.
The big plus point of the softshell material though is its breathability which is superb when on the move, not just in hot weather but also in cold British winters where, if you're not careful with your layers you can easily work up a sweat if you like to get your stomp on.
Being a pared down version of the Fast Hike pants the Fast Hike Light pants aren't equipped with many features, with just a couple of hand pockets complete with venting mesh inners and thin belt loops. We'd have preferred the integrated belt of the Fast Hike pants but it's no biggie. The pockets are quite shallow and in our test pair there are no zips, so not the ideal place for storing valuables.
The legs taper at the bottom which is a love it or hate it look, but when paired with some equally fast and light hiking shoes like the Berghaus FT18 GTX rather than massive clumpy boots they look just fine in our eyes.
If you're going on a walking holiday and have limited space in your luggage, you'll probably appreciate the small pack size which is about the size of a 500ml water bottle. You might also appreciate the fast drying times, allowing you to wash and dry the trousers overnight with ease.
Overall a decent effort if light weight is key, but if you can afford to add a few hundred grams and £20 then the 'full-fat' Fast Hike pants may well be the better option.
Salomon Wayfarer | £75
BEST FOR: Regular outdoor use
The latest Wayfarer pants from Salomon are slightly looser than previous models, which is no bad thing, especially in hot weather. The cut is now unrestrictive but not too baggy, sitting firmly in the athletic but good freedom of movement camp.
Articulation is great across the board, all this means in practice is that you won't be unduly restricted in your movements, whether you're hiking, scrambling or even climbing. In fact, the Wayfarers are some of the best trousers we've tested in this regard, probably helped somewhat by a good amount of four-way stretch in the material.
The material doesn't just have stretch though, it also keeps the sun away from your legs with a certified UPF50 level of protection and is highly breathable, making these a great option for hot weather hiking.
Initially we thought that the light material might lead to premature failure, but based on our period of testing so far, including the rough and tumble of hiking, scrambling and camp life we've found the Wayfarers to be a robust pair of trousers that you can fit and forget and treat with flagrant disregard for longevity.
On the front of the legs you'll find two hand pockets with mesh liners for extra ventilation, a cargo pocket, and another small pocket on the bum. All pockets are zipped to keep belongings safe, but they're all a little on the small side.
For hiking use the Wayfarers are a great success; we've found them to be comfortable, durable and practical and if hiking isn't your thing then they could just as successfully be put to good use as a travel trouser or a straight up utility pant for general outdoor use.
Rohan GR Explorer | £89
BEST FOR: The rough and tumble of summer travel
Put the GR Explorers on and you feel immediately comfortable thanks to a mix of soft, stretchy material and elasticated waist. Sizing is bang on, so we haven't had to use the included belt loops yet. Bonded seams reduce the chances of chaffing by making the seams lower profile and smoother, further enhancing comfort, especially in hot, sticky weather.
Cut is close up top but in a smart, rather than alpinist way and the smart cut continues down the leg to a generous fit allowing the GR Explorers to be worn over boots. Internal anti-scuff tape just inside the hems helps to prolong the life of the trousers.
The two zipped hand pockets and one rear pocket are all mesh lined for greater ventilation on the move, they're also of a useful size. A zipped cargo pocket would have been a bonus but would also have detracted from the low-key looks borne out of Rohan's travel heritage.
Breathability is as good as you would expect from a lightweight softshell trouser and the material actively wicks moisture from the skin. The material has a fairly tight weave so there's some wind resistance without unduly impacting on breathability. The tight weave also contributes to durability which we've traditionally found to be excellent in Rohan gear.
Being light, packable, easy to wash and quick drying makes the GR Explorers a compelling option for the active traveller, quoted drying time is 4 hours which is perfect for life on the road and the weight is a mere 280g which will barely make a dent in your luggage allowance.
The only thing going against the GR Explorers as a summer trekking and travel option is their price which is higher than most. Having said that, the durability still makes them a reasonable buy for the avid adventurer.
Columbia Silver Ridge II Convertible | £55
BEST FOR: Those that prefer their trousers to be light and airy
Columbia's Silver Ridge II trousers are lightweight and made for adventure, with a thin but tough exterior that's optimised for breathability on the move. Vented pockets add to the airy nature of the trousers and the soft comfortable material feels great next to the skin. With a full complement of deep pockets including two hand, two cargo and two rear these trousers make great legwear for adventurers who like to stash most of their kit on them rather than in a pack. Having the option of converting into shorts adds versatility for use in different seasons as well as for changeable climates and once zipped off the shorts look smart enough to be worn day to day.
A semi-elasticated waistband brings the waistline in without any undue comfort and the included belt is useful for extra tweaking of fit. Built in Omni-Shade technology blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, adding to the warm weather capabilities.
A modicum of stretch and gusseted stitching helps the Silver Ridge II pants feel as comfortable as any hiking trousers we've worn and at only £55 they offer superb value for money.
