Walking Trousers

Walking trousers are specifically designed for outdoor activities where a combination of fabric technology and functional design features make them better suited for hiking, backpacking, trekking and hill walking than standard trousers.

We stock walking trousers from a range of trusted outdoor brands such as Craghoppers, Dare 2b, Gelert, Regatta, Sherwood Forest and Trespass. We also offer a variety of styles and types of walking trousers – some featuring quick drying fabrics, other featuring water resistant coatings, and some incorporating zip-off convertible legs allowing trousers to become shorts and vice-versa and some using the latest breathable stretch fabrics for more active outdoor pursuits. So whatever your specific outdoor activity if it involves walking as a component then we should be able to help you find something appropriate.

What to consider when buying walking trousers

Here is a quick run through some of the things you may wish to consider when buying a pair of trousers for walking, hiking, trekking or general outdoor activities:-

Weather / Climate Conditions

Temperature will have a huge effect on how suitable on not walking trousers might be. When winter hill walking in Cumbria a winter lined trousers is recommended, whereas summer walking in Provence might be better suited to zip-off convertible trousers or light-weight ‘travel’ trousers. So think whether you need a winter, summer or a general ‘all-rounder’ from your walking trousers.

Precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail etc.) and its likelihood should be something you consider. In the British Isles with such changeable weather it is always something you’ll need to consider. If you expect light showers then a quick drying Polycotton based trouser will probably suffice. If you expect heavier rainfall or persistent drizzle then a waterproof coated trouser might be more comfortable. If you’re facing a real deluge/downpour then waterproof overtrousers are the best option.

Humidity and activity levels will both affect the amount of perspiration/sweat you generate. The more humid and hot it is, the more you are going to sweat. Likewise, more strenuous and active outdoor pursuits will mean you sweat more. So consider the breathability and wicking properties of the walking trousers you need. Go for light-weight quick-drying fabrics in summer/warm conditions and highly breathable fabrics in winter conditions if you are expecting to build up a sweat. Also consider pocket venting and the ultimate ventilation - zip-off legs - if things are going to be really hot!

Terrain & Environment

Terrain - what sort of topography and terrain features are you going to be walking over? If it involves steep ascents and descents, stepping on to high rocks or hopping across gaps then an ergonomic looser fit or stretch material will help.

Flora / Foliage - If your route is likely to go through dense foliage or undergrowth (woodland, brush, savannah or less well trodden or marked trails) then the effects of foliage - branches, twigs, brambles, thorns and so on – should be considered. Anti-ripping fabrics, reinforced hems, knees and seats will all help with abrasive terrain and foliage. Lighter quick-drying garments may not perform as well, or shield you as well as heavier standard hiking trouser designs.

Dew and guttation - at dawn and dusk heavy dew can mean you can get soaked from grass and foliage. So if you plan on walking at times when dew/guttation is likely to be high then consider waterproof coated trousers.

Insects - Likewise, long grasses, woodland and heaths can be rife with biting nasties such as ticks and mosquitoes so you may wish to consider insect repelling impregnated fabric technologies to keep the worst of them at bay.

Here’s a list of the common types of walking trousers we stock:-

• Standard hiking/ walking trousers – great all-rounders combining quick-drying fabrics, ergonomic/free-moving designs, durable/reinforced components and practical /utilitarian features
• Winter-Lined trousers – suited for winter walking, especially winter hill walking where wind and low temperatures make standard hiking trousers unsuitable
• Stretch trousers – suited for more active outdoor pursuits where free-movement / ergonomic freedom is paramount
• Soft-shell – combining the windproof/thermal protection of winter lined trousers with high breathability and often with stretch properties too – suitable for colder weather environments when you’re not quite sure what you might be facing
• Convertibles / zip-offs – all the benefits of a standard walking trouser but using simple zip-off mechanics can be converted into shorts or back again very easily. Highly recommended in hotter climates and/or where versatility is needed.
• Lightweight / travel trousers – designed for hot climates these trousers use lightweight materials that are quick-drying, with functional/practical features. Often they will also incorporate insect repellent characteristics (e.g. Craghoppers NosiLife range)