We all know a good pair of walking trousers are integral to outdoor adventures. To help you find the perfect pair, our team of hiking experts have tested some of the top options available.
Finding the right pair depends on your specific needs, and there are many factors to consider. You may be a casual walker seeking everyday comfort or a seasoned adventurer requiring robust, high-performance gear.
To ensure comfort and durability, consider breathability and drying time. For instance, if you plan to tackle strenuous hikes in warm climates, you should prioritise lightweight, highly breathable trousers that wick moisture away quickly. Alternatively, if you're planning multi-day treks, durability and comfort over long distances will be key.
A comfortable pair, free from chafing and with a good range of motion, is essential for any length of walk.
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Best walking trousers tried and tested
Mountain Equipment Ibex Pant
Best fully-featured walking trouser for colder climes
- Material: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
- Weight: 438g (men's, size medium)
- RRP: £90
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
Who its best for: Hikers and trekkers who prioritise durability and ample storage in cooler conditions
Value for money: While not the cheapest, the durability and extensive pocket options justify the price for serious hikers.
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Jack Wolfskin Holdsteig Pants
Best for cooler climes
- Weight: 340 g (size 36)
- Material: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane
- RRP: £120
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. RH
Pros: Secure fit, built-in belt, great range of movement, stretchy fabric
Cons: Not the lightest for packing
Who its best for: Ideal for those who enjoy a slim, legging-like fit and need good warmth and wind protection.
Value for money: The Holdsteig Pants offer good value for their comfort and performance in cooler weather.
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Fjallraven Keb Agile
Best for durability
- Material: 89% polyamide (partly recycled), 11% elastane
- Weight: 410g
- RRP: £195
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
Who it's best for: Serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need durable, well-ventilated trousers for varied terrain and demanding conditions
Value for money: The high price reflects the quality of materials and features, but the lack of a belt and elasticated waistband may be a drawback for some
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Montane Terra Pants
Best for versatility
- Material: nylon
- Weight: 357g
- RRP: £100
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. RS
Pros: Lightweight, good size range, vents, comfortable
Cons: Can feel a little restrictive around the thigh when scrambling
Who it's best for: Ideal for those who value lightweight gear and comfortable fit for general hiking and moderate terrain
Value for money: The Montane Terra Pants offer great value for their versatility and comfort and provide a good balance of features without being overly expensive.
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Arc'Teryx Gamma Tapered Walking Trousers
Best for range of movement
- Weight: 285g
- Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
- RRP: £180
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. RH
Pros: Great freedom of movement, fast drying, comfortable, built-in belt
Cons: Price, large fit
Who it's best for: Serious hikers and climbers who prioritize maximum freedom of movement and durability for challenging terrain.
Value for money: The exceptional range of motion and durable construction justify the price for those who need top-tier performance, especially for scrambling and steep ascents.
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Berghaus Ortler 2.0 Pants
Best value for money
- Material: 96% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
- Weight: 260g (Size UK 10)
- RRP: £85
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. RH
Pros: Decent technical features, great value for money, versatile, good size range
Cons: Low waistband, fairly tight fit
Who it's best for: Casual hikers, dog walkers, and those seeking a lightweight, versatile pair of trousers for everyday outdoor activities.
Value for money: The Berghaus Ortler 2.0 Pants offer excellent value for their lightweight design, DWR fabric, and versatile features. They provide a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly pair of walking trousers.
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Craghoppers Verve Trousers
Best for casual, low-level walks between spring and autumn
- Material: 96% polyamide, 4% elastane
- Weight: 285g
- RRP: £60
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
Who it's best for: Casual walkers, style-conscious hikers, and those seeking comfortable, affordable trousers for everyday outdoor activities.
Value for money: While they may lack advanced technical features and are not ideal for winter conditions, they provide a reliable and affordable option for everyday outdoor wear.
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Mountain Warehouse Explore Trousers
Best for on a budget; low-level walks
- Material: 100% Nylon
- Weight: 255g (men's, size medium)
- RRP: £49.99
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
Who it's best For: Budget-conscious individuals, casual walkers, and those needing a simple, lightweight pair of trousers for occasional, low-level walks in mild weather.
Value for money: The Mountain Warehouse Explore Trousers are an extremely affordable option. While the quality and features are basic, they provide a functional and lightweight solution for those on a tight budget
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Reviews by Rob Slade (RS), Joe Pontin (JP) and Rachel Howatson (RH)
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.
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!
If you're looking to update you walking gear wardrobe, also check out the best walking shoes and the best walking boots.
