Best walking trousers to buy in 2021

By Emma Lewis

Published: Tuesday, 19 October 2021 at 12:00 am

Our review guide of the best walking trousers for women and men includes some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to buying walking trousers: Are the walking trousers lightweight and breathable? How quickly do the walking trousers dry? How comfortable are they? Are they suitable for long-distance walking? And what are the best walking trousers for value for money?

The guide includes a range of walking trousers, so whether you’re heading out on a coastal stroll, a mountain trek or even an epic multi-day hike, we’ll have the right pair for you.

If you’re looking to update you walking gear wardrobe, also check out the best walking shoes, the best waterproof and lightweight jackets and the best gifts for walkers.

How to choose the best walking trousers

When choosing walking trousers, is good to ask yourself a few key questions: Are you looking for a pair of summer walking trousers or winter walking trousers – or do you want them to suit all seasons? Do you want them to be durable and heavy duty, protecting you as much as possible against wind and rain, or are you looking for something more lightweight, breathable and quick drying? What is your budget? And do you have a preference when it comes to materials? Sustainability, for example, may be an important factor.

All of these question will help narrow down your search, which can sometimes become a process of elimination.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, reassess each option, taking note of key features such as the number of pockets, whether the trousers zip off and if they come with a belt. How heavy are they, are they made of flexible material and can you treat them to help repel water? It’s also a good idea to look at reviews by customers who have already tested the trousers – they might have some helpful advice.

Then it just a case of buying the trousers and getting outside.

Best walking trousers at a glance

Wayfarer Straight pant, Salomon
Odin Huggin Pant, Helly Hansen
Kiwi Pro II Trousers, Craghoppers
Runbold Hiking Pants, Mammut
Greenland Jeans, Fjällraven

Best walking trousers to buy in 2021

Berghaus Paclite Overtrousers

£210

With super-light, pocket-sized packability, these are your perfect ‘just in case’ pants. Gore-Tex says its products all score “over 28K” for waterproofing, and these trousers have an impressive RET of under six (highly breathable), so you can trust them to keep you dry. The Gore-Tex membrane is bonded directly to an outer shell material on one side, and covered by a durable protective layer made of an anti-oil substance and carbon on the inner. Two-way, three-quarter-length side zips and an elasticated-drawcord waist give easy on-off, plus allow good venting. The simple, pocketless, unrestrictive pants with poppered hems contain blue sign-approved fabrics and come in lots of sizes and lengths.

Weight: 238g (men’s large), 233g
Material: two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite

Best for: being featherlight friends

Nautilus Waterproof Overtrousers

£119.99

Regular hikers will be glad of these super-comfy packable trousers. They’re pretty tough, due to a 70-denier nylon 6.6 outer fabric, three-layer 20K/20K waterproofing and breathability rating, plus reinforced insteps and hems, but don’t feel at all bulky. Thanks to articulated knees, a gusseted crotch and some stretch, you can do star jumps should you wish. With a soft inner waist and zip and popper fly, plus three-quarter-length, two-way zips (water-resistant with inner storm flaps) up the sides, these pants are easy to get on and off, plus you can unzip the thighs for venting. There are three lengths and the fit is flatteringly streamlined, with a slimmer lower leg (with elasticated-drawcord hem) and no pockets. These work well all-round for a very competitive price.

Weight: 460g (men’s medium), 420g (women’s 12)
Material: 3 layer: 47% Nylon 66/53% Nylon Stretch, PU membrane and 20D tricot backer

Best for: durable and good value

Buy for men and women at alpkit

Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Pants

£200

Designed for long winter hikes, these robust and roomy trousers should keep you dry due to their 28K waterproofing and RET breathability value of under nine. There’s ease of movement due to the articulated knees, with Velcro adjustment at the waist and an Aquaguard fly zip, which should give you a good fit. The full-length, two-way Aquaguard YKK side zips with internal storm guards make it easy to take them on and off, and the trousers come in three lengths with the outer made from recycled material.

Weight: 435g (men’s medium), 400g (women’s 10)
Material: 70 Denier three-layer Gore-Tex construction and recycled polyamide outer

Best for: reliable protection

Verglas Infinity Shell Pant

£250

Designed for serious mountain-sports addicts, these very light yet highly durable and non-restrictive shell trousers have a lower environmental impact, as half the outer fabric is recycled, plus there’s a PFC-free DWR coating, and a chemical-free, high-performance 20K+/20K+ waterproof/breathable Lifa Infinity membrane. The waist belt, zip and popper fly and soft waist lining help make these super-comfy to wear, and two-way 7/8 storm-flapped zips help with on/off and ventilation. You also get articulated knees, a zipped water-resistant thigh pocket, a Recco reflector to help rescue teams find you if you get lost in the mountains, plus details such as boot hooks. Choose from two colours; one length only.

Weight: 400g (men’s), 383g (women’s)
Material: HELLY TECH Professional fabric three-layer fabric construction with new Lifa Infinity technology

Best for: being made for the mountains

Montane Pac Plus XT Pants

£160

Great for multi-day trips where space is tight, these high-performance pants pack down really small. The combo of 150 denier Gore-Tex Paclite Plus and Schoeller Keprotec Kevlar insteps give them some added durability though. No less waterproof or breathable than other Gore-Tex products, Paclite Plus saves space and weight as it has just two layers: an abrasion-resistant outer that’s laminated onto a Gore-Tex membrane which can sit next to your skin, thanks to an abrasion-resistant treatment that’s tougher and comfier than Paclite. These pocketless trousers have articulated knees and a diamond gusset for freedom of movement plus three-quarter length, two-way YKK Aquaguard side zips for venting and easy on/off. There’s an elasticated-drawcord waist and poppered hems.

Weight: average 325g
Material: Two-layer Gore-Tex Paclite Plus

Best for: being small but mighty

Buy for men and women at Montane

Orbital Pant

£150

Changeable weather can be a challenge, but these super-comfy trousers are made for wearing next to your skin all day. Extremely light with great four-way stretch, gusseted crotch, articulated knees and impressive waterproofing and breathability ratings (20K and 20K+ respectively with a DWR outer), these will work well for speedy hikers in most conditions. Probably best for three-season use, though – these won’t provide much insulation on chilly days. The integrated belt allows a good fit on your waist and there are two zipped pockets. There are also ankle zips in case you need them. Just remember you’ll trade off lightness against some toughness with these nicely streamlined and flattering pants.

Weight: 260g (men’s large), 230g (women’s 12)
Material: three-layer Drilite Stretch 20D fabric (100% polyester with PU membrane)

Best for: hassle-free option

Buy now for men and women at Mountain Equipment

Velez Adventure Trousers

£155

Another pair that can be worn next to your skin all day in changeable conditions (designed to cope with four hours of steady rain), these comfy, cosy, lightweight trousers use the highly breathable, ‘directional’ Nikwax Analogy Waterproof system, which involves a separate lining that helps wick away liquid sweat as well as moisture vapour, and boosts insulation. There’s also a PFC-free, water-repellent finish on the outside of these roomy pants. Features include: thigh vents, two zipped pockets, ankle adjustment, articulated knees, diamond gusset, plus elasticated waist with belt, zip and popper. Paramo recommend washing these pants regularly with their own Nikwax Tech Wash and reproofing with Nikwax TX.Direct. These are Fair Trade and recyclable through Páramo.

Weight: 392g (men’s), 388g (women’s)
Material: Nikwax Analogy Waterproof system and ripstop polyester

Best for: green option

Cabrach DV Trousers

£190

If you’re a nature-spotter or dog-walker who regularly finds yourself in the undergrowth, you could consider investing in these super-tough unisex cotton trousers. How do they work? The ‘DV’ stands for Double Ventile, or two layers of the finest, longest cotton fibres, densely woven. The fibres expand when they come into contact with water, blocking it out. A DWR system on the outer surface adds to the repellency, making these “fully waterproof”. Worn next to your skin, these have four pockets and reinforced areas. Pros? They’ll last many years, and are quiet to wear with excellent breathability and windproofness. Cons? They’re heavy and bulky.

WEIGHT: 850g
MATERIAL: L24 Double Ventile

Best for: being mega tough

Buy Cabrach DV Trousers now from Hilltrek

Quechua Waterproof Mountain Walking Over-trousers

£39.99

Great value and no-nonsense with a streamlined style, these score a decent 10K for waterproofing and list their breathability as a very good RET 8. The elasticated-drawcord waistband with zip and popper fly give a good fit while knee-length zips allow easy on/off. There are no outer pockets, just an inner pouch that you can also store the very lightweight, non-bulky trousers in. Machine wash these at 30°C; and stick them in the tumble drier (10 mins, low temperature) to reactivate their waterproofing. These don’t have articulated knees or stretch, but are surprisingly easy unrestrictive to wear. If you’re out for shorter hikes in less extreme conditions and terrain, these should do the trick.

Weight: 354g (men’s large), 309g (women’s medium)
Material: three-layer. Main fabric and lining: 100% polyester; membrane: 100% polyurethane

Best for: a budget option

Buy now for men and women from Decathlon

Keela Rainlife 5000 Trousers

£49.95

As the name suggests, these robust trousers are rated a lowly 5K/5K for waterproofing and breathability. Features include: knee-length (non-water-resistant) side zips, with external storm flaps, so you can put them on over boots and two poppered slits so you can you access your trouser pockets. They come in a good choice of lengths and sizes, and are pretty light with decent packability, but seem long and very roomy in the leg, with a strongly elasticated waist. Only the men’s versions have colour options. Although the company says you can wear these solo, they felt a little clammy with the lack of breathability.

WEIGHT: 416g (men’s), 406g (women’s)
MATERIAL: 47% Nylon 66/53% nylon stretch PU membrane and 20D tricot backer

Best for: short strolls

Salomon Wayfarer Straight pant

£90

In the Alps and the longer North American trails, there’s a growing interest in hiking at pace. These trousers from French firm Salomon reflect that ethos. So light, soft and stretchy you can barely feel them, these are very pleasant to wear on the trail, in warm to mild autumn weather. On really chilly days they could be a little skimpy – unless you like to move really fast. While DWR treatment will repel some water, the fabric soon gets soaked in steady rain; but it dries quickly.

They have a neat, uncluttered appearance with four discreet zippered pockets (two at the hip, on leg and one rear), making them pretty adaptable to the workplace or pub. The elasticated waist can be tightened using Velcro tabs, or opt to wear a belt.

Weight: 292g and compact when packed
Material: 86% polyamide, 14% elastane

Best for: mild-weather backpacking; fast-moving hikes in mild to cool weather; shortish trips by bike; lightweight travel

Buy for men and women at Salomon

Helly Hansen Odin Huggin Pant

£160

Odin Huggin Pant, Helly Hansen, £160Billed as all-season, these technical trousers really come into their own between autumn and spring. The softshell fabric is windproof and yet it also achieves Helly Hansen’s maximum rating for breathability. It contrives to feel really substantial while remaining reasonably light at 570g.

There is plenty of stretch, and some neat articulation to help you flex knees comfortably on uphill stretches. The elasticated waist can be tightened using Velcro tabs. I like the hook on the hem, which allows you to attach the trouser leg to your boot laces, in lieu of gaiters, and the cuffs, which can be secured neatly around your boot-tops.

Zips on the lower leg allow you to pull them on and off without removing your boots… handy if the weather turns warm and you want to switch to shorts. The three pockets are zippered – two at the hip and one thigh.

The designed has a couple of mildly flamboyant touches that bring to mind garments for the climbing and snowboarding fraternity: the fly is set at an angle and finished with a pair of poppers; and the lining at the waist is florescent yellow.

Material: 96% polyamide, 6% elastane
Weight: 570g

Best for: serious hikes between autumn and spring; windy uplands

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II Trousers

£55

Like the other trousers in this test, these don’t come bulging with bellows pockets and other technical bells and whistles. But they quietly include some very useful features for walkers. There are four zipped pockets, two at the hip, one each on the rear and thigh. The fabric is stretchy enough to allow you to move freely. The waist is elasticated (though not adjustable).

The fabric felt a little less breathable on test than the Salomon and Mammut trousers, but would offer good protection in cooler weather, and yet remains light at just 340g. Finally, as usual with Craghoppers gear, the price is relatively affordable.

Material: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane
Weight: 340g

Best for: walks between autumn and spring; travel