We reviewed and tested the best men’s and women’s walking trousers, looking at whether they are lightweight and breathable, how comfortable they are and whether they’re good value for money.
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 and the best walking boots.
Best walking trousers at a glance
- Best for durability: Keb Agile – Fjallraven
- Best for cooler climes: Holdsteig Pants – Jack Wolfskin
- Best for mild-weather backpacking: Wayfarer Straight Pant – Salomon
- Best for versatility: Terra Pants – Montane
Best walking trousers for men and women in 2024
Mountain Equipment Ibex Pant
Best fully-featured walking trouser for colder climes
Buy for men from SportsShoes (£89.99)
Buy for women from SportsShoes (£89.99)
- Material: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
- Weight: 438g (men’s, size medium)
Mountain Equipment’s Ibex Pants are a firm favourite with our reviewer, mainly thanks to their excellent range of movement, good durability and fantastic features. There’s a microfleece waistband and the inner fabric feels nice against the skin, so you’re covered for comfort too.
As for features, you get two roomy zip pockets on each hip, a deep zip pocket on your backside and two zip pockets on the side of your thigh — ideal for stashing emergency snacks, maps and gloves.
You may find the Ibex Pants aren’t suitable for warmer hikes, and they’re not the lightest of designs, but if you’re after a durable pair of walking trousers that’ll take you from coast paths to blustery summits, you’re onto a winner. RS
Pros: Excellent range of movement, good durability, fantastic features
Cons: Original belt was flawed, not the lightest
Jack Wolfskin Holdsteig Pants
Best for cooler climes
Buy for women from Jack Wolfskin (£120.00 £83.50), Amazon (from £62.23)
- Weight: 340 g (size 36)
- Material: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane
Instantly comfortable and allowing for excellent freedom of movement, of all the trousers on test, it was Jack Wolfskin’s Holdsteig Pants that made us want to limber up and tackle the hills the most.
The softshell trousers are pleasingly stretchy and offer an almost legging-like fit, plus the inner material is notably soft — you’ll struggle to save these trousers just for hikes, they’re that comfortable. The built-in belt paired with the high waste allows for a secure fit.
The Holdsteig Pants held up very well in low temperatures, so if you’re looking for a pair of walking trousers for winter, this Jack Wolfskin design offers decent warmth and wind protection.
The brand recommends sizing up, but if you prefer a slim-fitting feel, we’d suggest sticking with your usual size.
Pros: Secure fit, built-in belt, great range of movement, stretchy fabric
Cons: Not the lightest for packing
Fjallraven Keb Agile
Best for durability
- Material: 89% polyamide (partly recycled), 11% elastane
- Weight: 410g
Fjallraven’s Keb Agile walking trousers feel incredibly well made, and thanks to the G-1000 Lite Stretch patches featured on the knees, inner ankles and thigh pockets, you’ve got a durable pair of walking trousers on your hands. The ankle patches are particularly useful for protecting your trousers from your boots, or crampons.
You’ll find two deep ventilation zips on each thigh — a welcomed feature on a warm hike. The trousers aren’t the most packable, but a comfortable, fully-featured trouser nonetheless. A reliable choice for everything from casual countryside walks to serious hikes in Britain’s wilder places.
On the downside, there’s no elastication on the waistband and you don’t get a belt, so you’ll want to find the right waist size. Our tester felt the long leg came up fairly long, so we’d advise paying attention to the size charts. RS
Pros: Great vents, ankle adjustability, fantastic range of motion
Cons: No elasticated waistband or belt, no water repellency, price
Montane Terra Pants
Best for versatility
- Material: nylon
- Weight: 357g
Go for a hike in Snowdonia or Dartmoor, and you’ll likely spot a person wearing a pair of Montane Terra Pants. A popular choice, and for good reason, this design is lightweight, packable and comfortable.
The cut is neither slim fitting or baggy, a nice middle ground, and we found the webbed belt stayed tight even after a lengthy hike. We were impressed with range of movement overall, although you may find the design a little restrictive around the upper thigh when taking particularly steep steps.
Despite their versatility, we’d not recommend the Terra trousers for winter wear, but of course layering up is always an option.
Pros: Lightweight, good size range, vents, comfortable
Cons: Can feel a little restrictive around the thigh when scrambling
Arc’Teryx Gamma Tapered Walking Trousers
Best for range of movement
Buy for women from Arc-teryx (£180.00)
- Weight: 285g
- Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
As a highly-regarded, and expensive, outdoor brand renowned for its alpine mountaineering and hiking clothing, we had high expectations for the Arc’Teryx Gamma Tapered Pants.
The material isn’t the softest, and makes a scratchy sound as you walk, but it’s hardy and durable nonetheless thanks to a wind and water repellent finish. In terms of shape, the trousers are on the baggy side, particularly around the thigh area, but with this comes great range of movement and a comfortable feel, and this is where the trousers come into their own. This slight billowing effect lets you move freely, without any irritations or chafing, making them a top choice for scrambling and steep hill climbs.
The large ankle zips are a handy addition – great for wet and muddy boots. You’ve also got two hand pockets, and two large zipped thigh pockets for stowing hiking snacks and valuables.
It’s worth noting, the fit came up large, so we’d recommend opting for a size below your usual.
Pros: Great freedom of movement, fast drying, comfortable, built-in belt
Cons: Price, large fit
Berghaus Ortler 2.0 Pant
Best value for money
- Material: 96% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
- Weight: 260g (Size UK 10)
The Berghaus Ortler 2.0 Pants are incredibly lightweight, and will even roll up if you need to stash them down the side of a full hiking backpack. We were impressed with the DWR fabric, and the addition of thigh zips, or ‘leg vents’, is a nice touch for warmer days.
As for fit, the trousers aren’t overly stretchy and feel more fitted than you may expect, but the inner waistband is lovely and soft, and the materials feel high-quality. While the fit is true to size, our reviewer found the trousers to be fairly tight around the crotch area, with the waistband sitting quite low on the hip.
There’s a nifty security pocket for valuables, as well as the option to tighten the trousers at the bottom, which is particularly useful for welly wearers as you can tuck in with ease.
A final perk is the no-frills, smart finish. A welcomed aspect if you’re in the market for a pair of walking trousers you can wear to the pub post ramble.
Pros: Decent technical features, great value for money, versatile, good size range
Cons: Low waistband, fairly tight fit
Craghoppers Verve Trousers
Best for casual, low-level walks between spring and autumn
- Material: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane
- Weight: 285g
Winning points for both comfort and affordability, there’s plenty to like about the Craghoppers Verve trousers, but they’re not the most technical of designs.
The material is neither particularly soft or stretchy, but don’t let this put you off as we found the trousers to be very comfortable. As a lightweight design, they’re great for packing, but the thin material means you’ll feel the chill on a winter’s day. Thanks to their slim-fitting and unfussy aesthetic, we’d say the Verve trousers are a good choice for style-conscious hikers.
The trousers are true to size, and the addition of a button and clip fastener on the belt means you can ensure a secure fit. Our 5ft 4inch tester who typically wears a size 8 wore an 8R, and was happy with the length. RH
Pros: Comfortable fit, budget-friendly, wearable design for everyday wear
Cons: Lack of technical features, more restrictive than other trousers on test
Mountain Warehouse Explore Trousers
Best for on a budget; low-level walks
- Material: 100% Nylon
- Weight: 255g (men’s, size medium)
At the lower end of the price scale are the Explore trousers from Mountain Warehouse.
Fit was true to size, and you’ve got the added bonus of an elastic section on the waistband to help achieve a more accurate fit if necessary. The trousers are noticeably thin, making them a lightweight, mild-weather option. We noticed they weren’t particularly breathable though, so perhaps best to avoid on stuffy days.
On test, they were largely comfortable when hiking on flat terrain, but there was some restriction on the uphill as the fabric isn’t overly stretchy.
We’d say the cheap price reflects the quality, however if you tend to stick to occasional lower-level walks, then they’ll do the job without breaking the bank. RS
Pros: Cheap, lightweight
Cons: Quality not as high as others, range of movement is limited
Looking for inspiration about where to walk? Check out our guides to the best walks in the Peak District National Park, best walks in Dartmoor National Park, best walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park and best walks in the Cairngorms National Park.
Also consider…
Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II Trousers
Best for walks between autumn and spring; travel
- Material: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane
- Weight: 340g
Like some of 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 340g. Finally, as usual with Craghoppers’ gear, the price is relatively affordable. EL
Mammut Runbold Hiking Pants
Best for mild-weather backpackers and other lightweight travellers
- Material: 85% polyamide, 15% Spandex
- Weight: Light at 296g and tiny when packed
Close-fitting but super-stretchy, these trousers allow you to move freely, and are both breathable and quick-drying. The ultra-light fabric won’t keep you warm if you linger on chilly days, but that’s not the point: these are for designed for moving at pace. You could almost think of them as an alternative to the kind of leggings worn by runners and cyclists – and may even appeal to those enthusiasts. A solid choice for moving at pace in cool weather, winter trail runs and shortish bike rides.
They have a simple, clean design, so that even the thigh pocket is well concealed. My only slight issue was the seam just above the knee, which I occasionally noticed dragging a little on uphill stretches. EL
Fjallraven Greenland Jeans
Best for dog walking; wildlife-watching and working outdoors
- Material: G1000 Eco fabric – 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton
- Weight: 390g
These tough trousers will tempt those who like to spend long hours roaming outdoors between autumn and spring. The sturdy fabric – G1000 Eco, made of recycled polyester and organic cotton – protects you from wind and cold, and is treated with wax to keep out the worst of the rain. Serious hill hikers will probably look for something with more give or articulation at the knees.
But if you’re the kind of walker to whom technical-style clothing doesn’t appeal, or you tend to linger outside working, wildlife-watching, mooching about in the woods or walking the dog, these make ideal protection for the dark months. There are five pockets – a pair each at hip and rear, and a thigh pocket big enough for a map. EL
Helly Hansen Odin Huggin Pant
Best for serious hikes between autumn and spring
- Material: 96% polyamide, 6% elastane
- Weight: 570g
Billed 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. EL
Salomon Wayfarer Straight Pant
Best for mild-weather backpacking; fast-moving hikes in mild to cool weather
Buy for women from Salomon (£85.00)
- Material: 86% polyamide, 14% elastane
- Weight: 292g and compact when packed
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. EL
Reviews by Rob Slade (RS), Emma Lewis (EL) and Rachel Howatson (RH)
How to choose the best walking trousers
When choosing walking trousers, it is good to ask yourself a few key questions regarding comfort, durability, packability, weather protection and budget.
Comfort
You want to be able to move freely whilst exploring the hills, without the hassle of chafing, scratchy labels, and irritating waistbands, so of course comfort is key to ensuring a positive hiking experience. Make sure to wear your new trousers in and around the home before tackling any mountains, and look out for features such as microfleece waistbands, large pockets and stretchy and breathable fabrics.
Seasonality
Are you looking for a pair of summer walking trousers or winter walking trousers – or do you want them to suit all seasons? Lightweight trousers have the benefit of being packable, and often fast-drying, but may lack the warmth required for cooler climes. A thicker, softshell material may be more suitable for winter strolls.
If you’re looking for all-season walking trousers, you can opt for a lightweight, loose design and layer up in the winter months.
Weather protection
Do you want your trousers 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? While it’s always best to have a pair of waterproof trousers to hand whilst hiking, walking trousers with some degree of water repellency are ideal for when you’re caught off guard, and save you the hassle of carrying a pack.
Budget
As with all hiking gear, the cost of walking trousers can vary dramatically, and you can spend anything from under £50 to over £200. Think about what’s important to you in terms of technical features, waterproof fabrics and freedom of movement. If you’re looking for a pair of walking trousers you can wear on a daily dog walk, or weekend ramble, a more affordable and straightforward design could do the trick, but if you’re prone to scrambling, multi-day hikes and mountaineering, it’s worth investing in a pair of trousers that are up to the challenge and offer the necessary protection.
All of these question will help narrow down your search, which can sometimes become a process of elimination. Then it’s just a case of buying the trousers and getting outside!
For more in-depth guides to hiking gear, check out our edits of the very best kids’ waterproof trousers.