First impressions

The first thing you notice about the Skien Valley Cargo hiking pants from US brand Columbia is how light the long-legged pants feel, whether you’re picking them up or putting them on, which bodes well for a garment intended to be worn in warmer months.

Previously, when testing Columbia trekking pants such as the Silver Ridge convertible trousers, I noted how the leg length was short, even before you transformed them into hiking shorts. Columbia conceded this was true, and started advising buyers to order a size longer than they would normally.

So, when I first tried on the Skien Valley Cargo strides, I was surprised to find the same problem persisted. Not only is it disappointing to see that the brand hasn’t addressed the issue, it’s actually a more serious draw back with this model, because no matter how effective the Insect Shield treatment is, mosquitoes and midges are going to target ankles, especially if they’re temptingly exposed. While the pants feature a draw cord at the ankle hem, it’s of little use if there's still bare skin between the sock and trouser.

Of course, once you’re aware of this, you can factor it in and order a size with a longer inside leg (inseam) than you would normally wear. Although, that still leaves tall folk at a disadvantage. So, Columbia designers, if you’re listening, why not design an extended leg for future Insect Shield trousers in the same way some fleece tops and waterproof jackets have an extra-long back panel to stop them from riding up and exposing skin?

This aside, there seem to be plenty of good features on the Skien Valley pants, including several vents backed by mesh to stop bugs from getting in, the aforementioned draw cord on the bottom of the legs, and plenty of pockets on both the men’s and women’s versions. So, I was looking forward to trying them out.

Design and materials

Made from 100% recycled polyester (credit where credit’s due, Columbia), these pants are well designed for hiking in hot weather. They have mesh on the inside of the pockets and vents backed by mesh in various places, including around the knees, to prevent those pesky bugs getting in.

The Skien Valley cargo pants are part of Columbia’s new Insect Shield collection, which means the fabric has been impregnated with an insecticide called permethrin, a repellent that stuns – even kills – biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges, which can be dangerous as well as annoying. You can either combine such protection with the application of spray-on insect repellents, or if you don’t like dousing yourself in DEET and other chemical-based potions, wrap yourself head-to-toe in light clothing, using long socks and base layers to cover up completely.

Aside from waging chemical warfare on insects, Columbia’s product designers have put a lot of thought into how to make these pants as pest-proof as possible. The lighter colorway is less attractive to insects and the draw cords on the trouser cuffs mean you can pull the treated material in close to your ankles – that's if you have gone for a size with sufficiently long legs, but more of that below.

The Skien Valley trousers come with a belt – always a mixed blessing, since such inclusions are rarely great quality, and true to form, the belt here is very basic. It's also hard to undo, but it’s not integrated, so you can replace it with a better one.

A proper positive, however, is the number of pockets these pants have, even on the women’s version, which is a rarity. On the men’s pants, there are a pair of hand pockets, cargo pouches on each thigh – one with an additional zipped pocket above it – and two back pockets, again one with a zip for extra security.

Besides acting as a shield from biting insects, the material offers UPF 50 protection from the sun, and boasts Omni-Wick properties, so sweat travels outwards and evaporates.

On the trails

Hiking and camping in the late days of summer can be sensational, but on still evenings the experience is often ruined by the arrival of midges, mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Gear in Columbia’s Insect Shield collection, including these pants, promise to protect you from such annoyances. But beyond that, these lightweight trousers are also designed to be comfortable and functional for hiking escapades from late spring through to early autumn.

I have spent this long and unusually hot summer testing out the Skien Valley trousers while hiking on Dartmoor and in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, to see how they perform.

The pants are deliberately offered in pale colorways, which research shows makes them less attractive to insects. This might be true, but if I’m honest it makes them less attractive to me too, and I suspect I’m not alone in this. The pair I have been testing – supposedly ‘Dark Stone’, but more cream-colored to my eyes – looked grubby within an hour or so of being on the trails. Not the end of the world, but I prefer hiking pants that don’t need laundering after every single wear.

On a much more positive note, the lightweight fabric and multiple vents mean that the Skien Valley trousers feel nice and cool to wear, even when hiking during the multiple heatwaves that we perspired through this year.

I can’t actually recall ever wearing a lighter or more breezy pair of pants in my life, and that felt great when I was on exposed parts of moors and mountains in the full glare of the sun. On that note, the UPF 50 sun protection totally protects your legs from sunburn, and if you do manage to work up a sweat, the moisture effectively gets wicked away by the material, and quickly evaporates.

I also loved all the pockets. The hand pockets are a little shallow, so you need to be careful your phone or whatever you're carrying doesn’t fall out when sitting on boulders or moorland, but there are plenty of other pouches for putting important things in. Two have zips and the others have Velcro tabs.

In terms of the insect protection, I endured several evenings, especially in the Wicklow Mountains, when the midges (no-see-ums) were out in force. These pants, along with the Skien Valley shirt, hoody, light jacket and Booney hat, came to my rescue, making camping just about bearable, and enabling me to stay out long enough to cook dinner on my stove. However, as I have already moaned at length about, the trouser legs are simply not long enough. They leave my ankles exposed to the blood-thirsty beasts, and make me look like I raided Michael Jackson’s wardrobe.

Also consider

Want to minimize discomfort on the trails? Outdoors brand Berghaus claims to have a solution for women whose bodies change during their menstrual cycle: it's called ZonalAdapt technology. After two years in the making, it's available now in the new Farren leggings and trousers.

Berhaus says its design process included scientific research, anatomic consultations, and thorough testing with over 100 women, who wore prototypes to hike in, giving honest feedback about bloating, gut issues, back pain and other areas of discomfort.

A further quantitative study found that over 50% of women avoid wearing their favorite clothing at certain times due to bloating, and many more feel restricted in leggings "when their bodies fluctuate".

ZonalAdapt is Berghaus' attempt to remedy some of these issues. The new Farren leggings and trousers aim to support rather than restrict women's bodies, with responsive waistbands, targeted compression zones, and lumbar support back panels to cushion your spine without pressuring your stomach.

“Every decision we made can be traced back to real conversations with real people, through hours spent together," explains product innovation lead, Rosie O'Sullivan.

"We tried to get under the skin of people's frustrations: what makes them feel less confident, more self-conscious and impacts their likelihood to get outside and enjoy it. By starting there, we had a greater chance of creating something meaningful.”

The new Farren clothes are made from Berghaus' Lycra Adaptiv fiber, a combination of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane, designed to stretch with your body as you move on the trails.

Senior product developer Sarah Nyikos says: “We’ve championed female empowerment every step of the way and felt it ourselves, creating solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.”

These solutions don't come cheap. The Farren leggings will set you back £100, while the Farren trousers cost £135 on the Berghaus website.

Regardless of their apparently unique qualities, it's fair to describe these models as pricey. Top-notch leggings from brands such as Inov-8 and Adidas are typically available for less online, and some of the best hiking pants come in at under that price, too.

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Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: first impressions 

Never a brand to shy away from high quality and top-notch performance, Swedish outdoor outfitter Fjällräven has outdone itself with these hiking pants.

This design is intended to be truly versatile, and the brand has ensured that by using a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, polyamide and elastane that it calls G-1000 Lite Stretch. The result is a light and breathable fabric that's extremely tough, quick drying, and of course, stretchy. Basically, everything you could ask for in a pair of hiking pants.

They're not waterproof, although they're tailored so you can easily pull your rain pants on over the top of them, but they're treated with a PFAS-free DWR to hold off a light rain. What's more, the fabric on the front can be waxed for better weather resistance, while the back is all about ventilation for staying cool in hot weather.

If you are hiking in the summer wearing these pants, there are two outer thigh venting zips and the stretchy content means you can comfortably plop down on a rock for a picnic lunch. When the temperatures drop, they do block the wind quite well, and they are just roomy enough to layer over long johns, unless you have very muscly legs, in which case you may struggle with the tapered fit.

The back of the waistband is elasticated for added comfort and versatility, and they have a regular button and fly closure. There are also belt loops for those who need them.

As for pockets, you'll find two hand-warming pockets and two front of thigh pockets deep enough for most phones. These pockets have protective flaps, and one has a mesh pocket inside it, which is great for a credit card, while the other has a zipper for more security.

The trim fit looks pretty good on. With the level of stretch, we think it will work for most bodies, but if you have bulkier leg,s you may want to size up. The ankle cuffs have drawcords if you want to cinch them tighter in tick-prone terrain or to fit them over your hiking boots.

We've found these pants perfect for wearing all day and for many days in a row, and while they are on the pricey end, we see the value in the quality construction and expect them to last a long time.

Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers: in the field 

For the past few years, my favorite pair of hiking pants has been my Fjällräven Keb Curved Trousers, which are both stylish and functional. When I received these for testing back in March of this year, however, they quickly became my go-to pants. I've worn them in late winter, spring, and summer on many of the UK's best trails and ended up bringing them as one of two pairs of pants on my 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested my usual size – a US 4 – with a 32" (regular inseam). I've personally found Fjällräven's sizing to be a little all over the place. I always test this size, and while it's pretty perfect in the Keb Curved, in the Abisko Winter Stretch and Abisko Hike Trousers, it's too big.

Fortunately, these trousers are a perfect fit around my waist and hips, and while they might be a tad long in the leg, I think if you just order the right length, you'll have no issues in that department.

I feel I should admit that I have quite skinny legs for a hiker, and so the tapered fit works quite well for me and means I can haul my rain pants on in a hurry, and even get away with wearing these over thermal underwear. I do wonder if these would be so great on someone with big, muscular legs, but then again, they are quite stretchy and not exactly tight, so I still think they're worth a shot.

Feeling the fabric with my fingers, it's not the softest I've ever touched, but it's fine against my skin with no rubbing or chafing, even when I wear them all day. I do often struggle with the waistbands of pants giving me a stomach ache or digging in when I sit down (even with the Keb Curved if I'm honest), but the stretchy section at the back of the waistband mean these feel great whether I'm hiking or sitting and if I'm starving or have just eaten a giant meal.

Breathability and protection

The blend of synthetic and cotton fabric manages to be pretty breathable. I wore these for about the first five days of my Everest Base Camp trek and again for the descent, switching to a heavier, warmer pair for the days when we were up really high. We experienced quite warm and sunny weather while I was wearing these, but I never felt uncomfortable.

The venting zips are on the outside of the thighs rather than the inside, which I always find a bit strange, but I've used them a lot this hot summer and they're really effective.

For quite a lightweight pair of trousers, these are actually pretty rugged, so they're fine for wading through high scrub and overgrown trails with lots of blackberry bushes.

They also offer quite decent weather protection. I'd wear them for all but the most frigid winter days or high altitude conditions, and the DWR means a light rain beads up nicely. More importantly (for me, anyway), they dry in a flash when they do get sodden.

I haven't tried this out, but the front of the pants, which is the part that sees most of the rain, is compatible with Greenland Wax, so if you want to, you can make them nearly waterproof.

Durability and storage

Not only do they protect my legs well against thorny intrusions, but they seem to hold up well, still looking good as new after five months of lots of wear and washing. I tested the Lauren Green colorway, and they don't show any dirt at all.

One place where an otherwise great pair of pants sometimes lets me down is in the pockets (think shallow pockets in the wrong place) but these are winners, with two front of thigh pockets where I can easily drop my phone and have it protected by the flap, plus a hidden mesh pocket for stashing a car key or credit card. I don't tend to use the hand warming pockets, but they're deep enough to keep things safe if you do.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

REI's massive Labor Day sale is in full swing, and we've spotted some excellent deals on hiking kit from Swedish brand Fjallraven.

Right now, you can pick up the versatile Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers for just $134.93 at REI. That's a generous 30% off the regular asking price for these top-rated hiking pants, which I've been wearing for six months, including on a recent trek to Everest Base Camp.

The design is intended to be truly versatile, and the brand has ensured that by using a blend of recycled polyester, cotton, polyamide, and elastane that it calls G-1000 Lite Stretch. The result is a light and breathable fabric that's extremely tough, quick drying, and of course, stretchy. Basically, everything you could ask for in a pair of hiking pants.

They're not waterproof, although they're tailored so you can easily pull your rain pants on over the top of them, but they're treated with a PFAS-free DWR to hold off a light rain. What's more, the fabric on the front can be waxed for better weather resistance, while the back is all about ventilation for staying cool in hot weather.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing in all colorways, but the sale ends on September 1, so we suggest you act fast. You can also shop the entire REI Labor Day sale here.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers where you are.

If you are hiking in the summer wearing these pants, there are two outer thigh venting zips and the stretchy content means you can comfortably plop down on a rock for a picnic lunch. When the temperatures drop, they do block the wind quite well, and they are just roomy enough to layer over long johns, unless you have very muscly legs, in which case you may struggle with the tapered fit.

The back of the waistband is elasticated for added comfort and versatility, and they have a regular button and fly closure. There are also belt loops for those who need them.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers near you:

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Haglöfs LIM ZT Flex Hiking, Climbing and Mountaineering Pants: a review

First impressions

Swedish brand Haglöfs are well-known among seasoned outdoor types for producing superb adventure-ready apparel for tackling trails and mountains, and I have been looking forward to checking out these alpine-orientated climbing and hiking pants, newly released as part of the latest LIM ZT range.

L.I.M. is an acronym for Less is More, and for the last two decades this series has featured Haglöfs’ top-end ultra lightweight apparel, designed for people who want to move fast and travel light in the hills and peaks, whether they’re mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring or simply exploring.

Each piece of gear comes with a price tag that’s every bit as steep as the landscape it’s designed for, but in my previous experience (while testing the Haglöfs LIM ZT Trek GTX Pro Jacket and LIM ZT Shell GTX Pro Pants in Scotland, for example) it usually performs exceptionally well in extremely challenging conditions.

Design and materials

Impressively, the Flex pants are made with mostly recycled fabrics. As the name suggests, these trousers are intended to be stretchy, to allow for all kind of contortions while you are climbing and scrambling, so there is a very generous amount of elastane (17%) in the material mix.

The elastane isn’t recycled, but the primary fabric is pre-loved polyamide. This synthetic mix is tough and hardwearing all by itself, but there are reinforced, waterproof panels on the lower calf area to provide extra protection for your legs and to ensure the pants last longer. The legs and seat on the Flex pants are pre-shaped, and the waist can be tightened with Velcro adjusters.

At the bottom of each leg is a zip, which opens up a gusseted section, enabling you to expand the leg and slide the material over the top of hiking boots, including chunky winter boots, designed for four-season alpine adventures and scaling icy peaks. Behind this zip is a second layer of material, which covers the lower leg and acts like a mini snow skirt, preventing snow, sleet, water and trail debris from getting in and working its way into your footwear.

On the cuff of the outer layer is a hook, so you can attach the pants to your boots to complete the system and keep everything in place. The collective effect of this design means the outer layer of the lower pants, complete with its reinforced panel, acts a bit like an integrated gaiter (which is how Haglöfs describe it).

In the place of standard hand pockets there are capacious pouches on each thigh, which are easy to access even when you’re wearing a climbing harness, extra layers and mountaineering gear. The right-leg pocket has an internal pouch within it, for housing your phone, and a transceiver loop, which can also be used for securing other items of special importance.

The Flex pants only come in one color for men and women (a craggy hue called Magnetite), but they do boast reflective trims and logos.

On the trails, crags and mountainsides

While perfect for lightweight backpacking and hiking escapades in any conditions and at any altitude, these pants are really designed for playing in proper alpine peaks, and I look forward to using them in precisely that kind of scenario soon.

In the meantime, I have been putting them through their paces in places that might be a bit lower, but where the terrain remains rough, tough and technical enough to test the trousers’ key attributes. Over the last month I have been scrambling, rambling, climbing and caving in the craggy Mendip Hills and on the tors of Dartmoor.

The first thing to say about the Flex pants is that they very much live up to their name: there is an impressive amount of multi-directional stretch in these trousers, so no matter whether you’re clambering over an obstacle on the trail or stretching your leg to reach a foothold while scrambling or climbing, the material does not impede your range of movement at all. And it’s worth noting that, unlike other trousers with a high amount of elastane content – such as Montane’s Tenacity Pants – the Flex don’t tend to give you an uncomfortable wedgie (probably because of the shaped seat).

Although made to be robust, the Flex pants feel soft and comfortable next to your skin, and the articulated knees and shaped seat – plus the off-set, flat seams – all adds to excellent all-round comfort levels.

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There is no integrated belt on these pants, but this is something I regard as a very mixed blessing anyway, because of variable quality of such features, and the weight they add to the garment; it’s far better, especially on pants intended for use in the mountains, to get a proper fit (although the sizing system used by Haglöfs does take a bit of getting your head around).

The waist on the Flex is elasticated, and the fit can be fine-tuned with Velcro strips one either side. You secure them with a fly zip and a single popper, which I did find surprisingly fiddly.

These pants are reasonably windproof, but they’re not waterproof (except for the reinforced panel on each lower leg). However, the synthetic material mix is hydrophobic and they take on very little water or weight if you do get caught in a downpour, and dry out extremely quickly afterwards. As such, they effectively cut out the need for seperate waterproof overpants in most scenarios.

That said, since I haven’t yet tested them above the snowline, I’m not sure how much thermal protection they really offer in more extreme conditions. The synthetic material offers good warmth-for-weight value, but as you get higher the featherweight construction might meet its limits.

The fact that the Flex are pants intended for use in the peaks is perhaps most apparent in the design of the pockets. Instead of the usual hand pockets you find on trousers designed for sea-level shenanigans (i.e. the vast majority) there are two thigh pouches, which remain accessible when you’re wearing a climbing harness and/or a hardshell waterproof jacket.

It feels odd not to have hand pockets to plunge your mitts into when you’re just walking, but these are technical trousers, and if you’re using them as the designers intended your hands will be otherwise occupied, grasping trekking poles or ice axes, holding on to ropes and looking for holds in the rockface, or encased in gloves as you make your way up a mountain. If you’re planning on standing around with your hands in your pockets, these are not the pants for you.

I did find that these pouches are so expansive it’s quite easy to lose things in their depths (I was on the verge of cancelling a bank card at one point, convinced it was lost, before locating it during the third time of looking).

One of the best design elements on the Flex Pants is the integrated gaiter on each leg. If you’re hiking or climbing in rough and tough terrain, or kicking your way through snow and ice, this is a really useful feature. Instead of having to attach a pair of gaiters externally to your lower leg, the Flex have a protective double-layer design, with a tight-fitting inner that sits behind the expansion zip and hugs your ankles, preventing snow and grit from going up your leg and getting into your boots.

The external layer is re-enforced, and there are hooks so you can clip the leg ends to your boots, to secure the system in place and stop water dripping into the lace and tongue area (a weak spot on some boots). This set-up isn’t quite as robust and rugged as some external gaiters, but it will provide a decent degree of protection in most scenarios, and it keeps your overall outfit impressively light.

Overall, I have been extremely impressed with the Haglöfs LIM ZT Flex pants. I haven’t tested them anywhere close to their limit yet, but whether you’re hitting the Himalayas to trek around Everest, hiking hut to hut through the French Alps, ticking off a few Fourteeners, or exploring the alpine extremes of any continent, I’m confident they will do the job. I am interested to see how much thermal protection they offer in icy alpine conditions, however, and I will update accordingly across the season.

Also consider

Over Memorial Day weekend, REI has been offering loads of great deals on well-rated outdoor gear. Along with great camping, climbing, and trail running deals, you can save lots on trustworthy hiking kit like this versatile pair of Fjallraven trekking tights.

The Abisko women's trekking tights are a reliable option for long-distance hikes, and they're now available for just $122.49 at REI.

These technical trekking tights use four-way-stretch fabric in a tight, body-hugging design that wraps around your legs for reliable insulation. There are protective abrasion panels on the seat and knees, where you're most likely to encounter harsh terrain, and handy pockets throughout.

The Abisko leggings are suitable for all seasons, striking a great balance between insulation for winter treks and breathability when the sun comes out.

"The material is really excellent at breathability and wicking sweat, even when paired with rain pants over the top," explained hiking expert Julia Clarke in her review for Advnture.

"They're thick enough to provide some warmth in winter and a decent amount of protection against thorny bushes, while the aforementioned anti-abrasion panels are exactly where I need them for scrambles."

These tough trekking tights are 30% off in the stylish Black or Mountain Blue colorways, but hurry, as the sale ends after Memorial Day on May 26.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Fjallraven trekking tights deals where you are.

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Technical hiking leggings are having a major moment on the trails, and leave it up to Scandi brand Fjallraven to come up with the most rugged of them all.

Right now, you can scoop up the awesome Fjallraven Abisko Tights for just $83.93 at REI. That's a big savings of 30% off the regular asking price for these high performing trail leggings, which are packing with surprising features.

I've been hiking in these tights for months and they're easily my favorite pair of hiking leggings. Not only does the body-hugging design look good, they offer a lot of protection against overgrown trails, rough rock and cold winds.

With practical pockets, you can stash all the gear you want close to hands a drawcord waistband makes them more versatile than some leggings.

This deal applies to the Patina Green colorway in all sizes.

Not in the US? Scroll to the bottom of this article to find the best deals on the Fjallraven Abisko Tights near you.

Anti abrasion panels on the seat and knees do feel a little odd at first, but I quickly got used to them and have been pleased with how breathable these tights are (in cool spring conditions anyway) and they dry quite quickly if you get caught in a shower.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best deals on the Fjallraven Abisko Tights where you are:

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Winter might have come to an end at lower elevations, but it will be back, and now is a great time to cash in on end-of-season sales on protective gear you'll be needing in seven months. Right now, you can snag the rugged Patagonia Triolet Pants for just $299.73 at REI. That's a hefty $100 off the regular asking price for these waterproof pants, which are tough enough to withstand snow and harnesses as well as rainy conditions.

Last year, I tested these pants out along with the Triolet Jacket in the Gore-Tex rain tower, which simulates soggy conditions to test gear. I stayed bone dry on the inside thanks to these hardy rain/snow pants, which are made using a three-layer construction that sandwiches the new GORE-TEX membrane in between recycled polyester inner and face fabric. The face fabric is then treated with PFC-free DWR, which helps repel moisture and leaves a smaller footprint.

Though these are a pair of over pants, they are packed full of features. Full length outer leg zippers are fully waterproof and have two-way zippers which makes it easier to pull them on and off when you’re already wearing your hiking boots and also means you have built-in vents for warmer days.

This deal applies to women's sizing in the Torrey Pine Green colorway, and right now all sizes still available, but you'll have to act fast as this style has been discontinued.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Patagonia Triolet Pants where you are.

If you’re wearing these for winter sports like snowshoeing, they have snow gaiters to keep the snow from sneaking in and a RECCO reflector so you’re traceable if an avalanche strikes.

A fully adjustable zip fly waistband with belt loops mean you can wear these over leggings or bulkier winter gear, and two waterproof pockets are functional for small pieces of gear you want close to hand.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Patagonia Triolet Pants near you:

• The best rain pants: stride out in confidence, whatever the weather
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British outdoor brand Berghaus has announced it is the first in the world to use the new Pertex Shield Pro 2.5L fabric.

In a news release, the brand says it has used the waterproof fabric in the Berghaus Pacsmart Pants, a new style of lightweight rain pants meant for comfort during high output activities in wet weather.

Berghaus says it worked "in close collaboration with Pertex" through the development and testing process of the PFAS-free Pertex Shield Pro 2.5L, a microporous membrane that's the next evolution of this Gore-Tex alternative, which was originally developed as a moisture-wicking, breathable fabric and later made waterproof.

The membrane has a hydrostatic head of 30,000mm, which we explain in our article on this subject means it's intended for use in especially gnarly conditions. While jackets with this HH rating usually lack breathability, exceptions exist – usually those that use Gore-Tex Pro technology, like the Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro Jacket.

However, this new fabric also boasts a moisture transfer vapour rate (MVTR) of 13,000g/m2/24hrs – in other words, it's built to be more breathable for more active use in high-output activities, including hiking, ski touring, and mountaineering. It's not the highest breathability rating for clothing, but it's more than ample for everything but warm weather activities.

With a 40D ripstop nylon face, Shield Pro is also designed to be very durable. But often when you get this level of protection, you're looking at a pair of stiff, swishy trousers that aren't super packable, so what's the story with the Berghaus Pacsmart Pants?

While we haven't got our hands on a pair yet, we've been told that they weigh just 8.3oz / 227g in women's size 12, and the men’s weighs only 10g more than that for a large. That makes them lighter than pretty much any pair of rain pants we've tested, which certainly instills confidence in the brand's claims of packability and makes us wonder if they might even double up as protection for trail running.

So that's the elevator pitch on the fabric. When it comes to design, the Pacsmart Pants have three-quarter-length side zips, so they should be easy enough to put on and take off over bulky hiking boots if the heavens open mid-hike, and there are double press studs to allow for extra ventilation when you need it.

The brand says the pants are cut for freedom of movement with an elasticated waistband and come with a small stuff sack for easy storage, so you won't think twice about bringing them along on your next hike.

The Pacsmart Pant is already available in the UK in men's and women's sizing for £129.95 from Absolute Snow.

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With warm weather on the horizon, you might want to take advantage of spring sales to lighten up your hiking kit. Right now, you can pick up the awesome Arc'teryx Gamma Pants for just $139.93 at REI. That's a giant savings of 30% off the regular asking price for these hiking pants, which are easily the most comfortable I've ever owned.

I first tested these out when I was hiking in Chamonix during the Arc'teryx Alpine Academy a couple of years ago, and since then, I've worn them in the mountains of Scotland whenever the weather gets milder.

They're impossibly light, breathable, stretchy and comfortable making them great for warmer weather hikes when you still want to cover up as well as during the shoulder seasons thanks to decent wind and water-resistance. They're also very quick to dry which is hugely important here in Scotland.

Despite how light and soft they are, they're impressively abrasion-resistant and still aren't showing any signs of wear and tear despite me taking them on a few scrambles.

This deal applies to women's sizing in Black, and right now there are plenty of sizes still available, but you'll have to act fast as this style has been discontinued.

Looking for men's sizing? Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Arc'teryx Gamma Pants where you are.

A comfortable, adjustable waistband is designed to ride under your harness without chafing, and though the new model doesn’t have adjustable cuffs, they’re tapered to avoid catching on your boots as you walk.

For stashing your phone and gloves, you’ve got two zipped hip pockets plus a thigh pocket, though for those who like to carry a map or giant phone, the thigh pocket may be too small.

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• The best hiking pants: don't let winter slow you down with our top trail trousers
• The best women’s hiking pants: for comfort and protection anywhere

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tight: first impressions 

Swedish brand Fjällräven is no stranger to designing rugged hiking pants, but we're used to seeing a more traditional design in styles like the Keb Curved. Technical hiking leggings, however, are having a moment and it turns out that even the Arctic Fox can't resist getting its stretch on.

The Abisko Trekking Tights are surprisingly technical. Yes, they consist of four-way stretch fabric in a body-hugging design but wait, there's more. These tights boast seriously rugged anti-abrasion panels on the seat and knees where you most often come into contact with rough rock. When we say rugged, they're actually quite unusual-feeling against the skin, though you soon get used to it.

There are also some surprisingly practical pockets including a thigh pocket that's big enough for a map or your phone and is covered to protect either and another zippered leg pocket big enough for your compass.

Don't expect thigh zips on these leggings like you're used to seeing on regular hiking pants, but as long as you're wearing them in cooler weather, don't expect to need them either. The dense weave on these leggings is thick enough to fend off a cool wind but they breathe really well. We wouldn't wear them in the height of summer, but they can handle sweat in other seasons and you'll stay comfortable.

There isn't much in the way of wet weather protection (though they do dry quite quickly) but the beauty of leggings is that they're easy to pull a pair of rain pants over. These leggings also come in a men's design with a fly.

They're really stretchy, but the sizing is a bit odd and they run large, but they might not be as comfortable as your favorite yoga pants if you size down, and we have to admit that the reinforced panels do make them feel a little strange. On the other hand, they're built to last and look great, even if they are expensive.

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tight: in the field 

I've been on a bit of a technical hiking leggings trek myself over the past few years, trying out various models from different brands to see if I can find the perfect fit. My favorite-ever hiking pants are the Fjällräven Keb Curved so when I was offered the chance to test out these tights, I was keen. I've been hiking in these all winter in the highlands of Scotland to get a feel for how they perform in cold and snowy weather.

Here's how they performed:

Size, fit and comfort

I usually go for a small but I was sent an XS to test in these as I'm advised that they run quite large. Depending on the brand I'm between an XS and an S but I generally prefer to size up for comfort. Even though these have plenty of four-way stretch, I think I'd have preferred to risk it and size up. They look great because they're so tight and I can wear them all day, but for comfort I'd rather just a little extra breathing room and they are tight enough that they leave marks on my legs.

The high waist is nice and there's a draw cord which I don't need because mine are so tight. I've found they never slip down which is hugely important for leggings. They're long enough for coverage without having inches of extra fabric around my ankles and mine feel like compression pants, but I'm guessing they won't if you wear your regular size.

The smaller size detracts from the comfort for me just a little, but as I said I can wear them all day – I just wouldn't wear them for yoga or lounging around it. The other aspect that reduces the comfort just a little is the abrasion-resistant panels around the seat and knees. The material is quite rough and while I wouldn't say it's exactly uncomfortable or scratchy, this feels a bit odd at first. Like wearing a diaper. But you do get used to it and soon forget all about that.

Temperature regulation and protection

Unlike some leggings I've tested, there are no breathable panels or zippered vents on these leggings, but so far I haven't missed them. In fact, the material is really excellent at breathability and wicking sweat, even when paired with rain pants over the top. I've been quite comfortable wearing these in cool and cold temperatures, even when I'm getting my heart rate up on a steep gradient.

They're thick enough to provide some warmth in winter and a decent amount of protection against thorny bushes while the aforementioned anti-abrasion panels are exactly where I need them for scrambles. I am reasonably confident these will be too warm for summer, but they're ideal for the rest of the year.

There's no rain protection, but they dry quite quickly and that's what rain pants are for anyway.

Storage, durability and value

One of the features that makes hiking leggings technical for me is excellent storage, and these leggings really shine on the pocket front. I love a thigh pocket for my phone and there's a right-hand pocket with a flap for added protection that's big enough for most maps plus a left-hand zippered one that's also big enough for a phone or compass.

Thanks to the tough panels where you might find yourself crawling on rock or sliding down a steep slope on your bum, these are quite tough, though anything with stretch will lose its shape eventually and these do have a surprisingly high Elastane content.

As for value, they're really expensive for a pair of leggings. For just a little more, you could get the Keb Curved trousers which are arguably more technical and they're more than twice the price of other hiking leggings I've tested that I think perform equally well. So, you'd need to really love the brand and really want an excellent pair of hiking leggings to invest. But will you look great in them? Probably.

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tight: the bottom line 

Fjällräven's Abisko Trekking Tights deliver on the brand's reputation for high quality. These hiking leggings are sleek, stylish and high-performing, though the fit might miss the mark for some. They are pricier than most, and you could find similar performance at nearly a third of the price in the Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings.

• How Advnture tests products

Convertible hiking pants are one of the most versatile pieces of kit you can own, and right now, you can pick up the popular Patagonia Quandary Convertible Pants for just $90.73 at REI. That's a great saving of 29% off these hiking pants, which Patagonia customers give an average 4 star rating.

Made with 96% recycled nylon, these lightweight pants have added stretch for all-day comfort, plus 40+ UPF sun protection and DWR to repel a light rain. If you get too warm, just zip off the legs and you've got yourself a pair of hiking shorts.

These pants are adaptable enough for hiking through all but the coldest of weather, and if you're a fan of backpacking or adventure travel, they help keep your pack weight down by providing two garments for the price of one.

This deal applies to men's sizing in the Dark Walnut colorway, and most hikers advise buying your regular size as they run just a little large.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Patagonia hiking pants where you are.

These hiking pants have plenty of pockets for added storage, a waist drawcord in addition to zipper fly for comfort and added articulation in the knees for better freedom of movement.

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• The best hiking pants 2025: don't let winter slow you down
• The best women's hiking pants: for comfort and protection

It's not often you seen a great deal on Fjallraven kit, and rarer still for it to be on their awesome line of Keb hiking pants, but right now, you can snag a pair of the Fjallraven Men's Keb Agile Trousers for just $144.93 at REI. That's a healthy savings of $50 off the regular list price for these hiking pants, which are designed for all-round trekking from spring to fall.

We've hiked in the Fjallraven Keb Curved and the Keb Agile Winter and the design is one of our favorites for mountain adventures. The Keb Agile is designed to let you move freely, with durable double-woven stretch fabric that's reinforced at the pockets, knees and bottoms of legs and protects your legs from rough terrain.

Made from partly recycled polyamide and elastane, these pants dry quickly if you meet with foul weather and have thigh vents for when things heat up. These pants make a great choice for those who want to move fast and light in comfortable gear that can stand up to tough conditions.

This deal applies to men's sizing and most sizes are still available in the Indigo Blue/Dark Navy colorway, however most of the other size/color combinations have already sold out, so we recommend you pounce to get that perfect fit.

Not in the US? Seeking women's sizing? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Fjallraven Keb hiking pants where you are.

These pants get an averga of 4.2 stars among hikers, who rate their versatility, durability and comfort.

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• The best hiking pants: don't let winter slow you down with our top trail trousers

UK retailer GO Outdoors is having a giant holiday sale right now, and some of the best gear we've tested is at a deep discount. Right now, you can snag yourself a pair of the lightweight Montane Men’s Terra Pants for hiking for just £65 at GO Outdoors. That's a giant discount of 35% off these hiking trousers that we found to be robust yet breathable on our adventures earlier this year.

The Montane Terra pants are ideal for fair weather adventures. If you’re often found off the beaten track, these trousers will keep you moving thanks to their comfortable fit and toughness against rubbing backpacks, rough rocks and multi-day wear. You can wear them time after time without feeling grim and smelly.

This deal applies to men's sizing in all colorways, and while you do have to be a member to make these savings, you can easily sign up and enjoy 12 months of benefits like up to 61% off hiking gear for just £5 a year. If you're looking for other items for hiking, you can shop the entire sale here.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Montane Terra Pants where you are.

These hiking pants are breathable and quick drying so you can continue to explore even when the weather doesn't play ball. The wind and water resistant ripstop TACTEL Nylon outer provides a cotton-like feel, which doesn’t rustle or crackle, and the design features more coverage of this fabric on the knees, ankles and seat so you can perch on a rock for lunch without too much discomfort.

The fabrics are protective against UPF40+ and the pants have mesh pockets to stash energy bars and money for a quick pint in a country pub.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on Montane Terra Pants where you are:

• The best hiking pants: don't let winter slow you down

Winter means serious weather protection is often needed for the trails, and we wouldn't dream of getting out there without a pair of rain pants to protect our lower legs in a downpour.

Right now, you can pick up the eco-conscious Marmot Men's Precip Eco Waterproof Rain Pants for just $63.50 at Amazon. That's a giant savings of 37% off these waterproof over trousers that are usually $100 and have an average 4.4 star rating among hikers.

For the wettest days when you can't stand staying indoors any longer, the PreCip Eco Pant is durable, fully waterproof thanks to taped seams and a PFC-free DWR and as breathable as any piece of properly waterproof kit really can be.

Buy them loose enough for layering and the elastic waist with drawcord and ankle side zips with snap tabs let you adjust the fit as needed for comfort and mobility. You can stash essentials on your hike thanks to two zippered front hand pockets

Best of all, these pants are made with 100% recycled nylon ripstop fabric. This deal applies to the pants in black in all sizes, but it's a limited-time deal so we suggest you move fast if you're keen to update your hiking kit without breaking the bank.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on rain pants where you are.

Since 1971, Marmot has been designing, testing, and sewing apparel, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks that get us outside to be creative, express ourselves, and escape from the sameness of everyday life.

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• Best rain pants: stride out in confidence, whatever the weather

Salomon Outerpath 2.5L rain pants: first impressions

When you’re out in nature for extended periods of time, or even decide to brave the conditions after a less than favorable weather forecast, a good set of rain pants is pretty much essential. Salomon Outerpath 2.5L waterproof pants are exactly that.

Salomon Outerpath 2.5L waterproof pants aim to balance comfort, breathability, and waterproof protection while still allowing freedom of movement. After putting these to the test during some wetter days in the Swiss Alps, they’ve proven to be an impressive addition to my hiking kit, though there are a few areas where they fall just short of perfection.

At first glance, the Outerpaths stand out for their lightweight design and solid waterproof rating. As the 2.5L name suggests, the Outerpaths are made using a 2.5-layer waterproofing construction. This means the trousers are made using a face fabric and a waterproof/breathable membrane but with a partially bonded inner liner. Generally speaking, this tends to be a great option for lightweight products but can lack durability compared to three-layer alternatives.

Salomon’s AdvancedSkin Dry technology offers 10,000mm waterproofing and breathability of 40,000g/m²/24h, so they promise to keep you dry without trapping sweat. I couldn’t find any evidence to the contrary here, as I remained comfortable in both cooler and more muggy lower altitude conditions. (See also: What is hydrostatic head? How waterproofing is measured.)

Weighing in at just 8.36oz (237g), the Salomon Outerpaths are among the lightest waterproof trousers I’ve tested. However, compared to my Berghaus Paclite Gore-Tex overpants, I noticed the Outerpaths don’t pack down quite as small, which could be a consideration for those focussed on keeping pack size to a minimum. Still, these pants offer a great deal in terms of protection and breathability, and around 50g less than more expensive competitors such as the Rab Ladakh Paclite Plus Pants.

Meet the reviewer

Salomon Outerpath 2.5L rain pants: sizing and fit

The fit is pretty large on these trousers, and offers plenty of length in the leg, which is great for extending down over your hiking boots. I tested a men’s size M, and the pants provided plenty of room to comfortably layer over my hiking pants without feeling bulky or restrictive. The elastic waistband was just about tight enough for my 30” waist over some trousers, and the durable Ripstop fabric feels tough enough to handle rough conditions while offering plenty of freedom of movement. For context, I am 6ft tall, and quite a slight build at 70kg.

Salomon Outerpath 2.5L rain pants: in the field

I tested the Salomon Outerpath 2.5L rain pants over several hikes in the Swiss Alps, facing varying degrees of wet weather. In both heavy rain and persistent drizzle the Outerpaths performed admirably. The AdvancedSkin Dry membrane does a stellar job at keeping water out while still letting moisture escape, which – particularly at lower altitudes where it was still pretty muggy – was a really big help.

On warmer days, the breathability was noticeably effective, preventing the clammy, overheated feeling you sometimes get with waterproof gear. Though the trousers don’t feature a totally waterproof zip, the storm flaps provide ample coverage and prevented water ingress in all weathers.

The addition of a two-way zipper along the legs is a nice touch too. Not only does it make slipping the pants on over hiking boots far easier, but it also allows easy access to my phone or snacks without having to peel layers off. Though I did find that the combination of the storm flap and stiffer zip seam often made the trousers fold in a slightly odd way when walking, which was noticeable when hiking steeper trails. It’s not a deal breaker, far from it in fact, but worth noting, and something I haven’t noticed so much on pants with waterproof zippers and no storm flap.

Back-to-back wet weather days were where the trousers shone through most. When wild camping, you don’t always have access to much dry space, and therefore getting your gear ready for the next day can be a little bit of a struggle. I found the breathability aided drying time, making back-to-back days in poor conditions that little bit easier to handle.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Jack Wolfskin Rainy Day Pants 2.5L: first impressions 

In many climates, you'd be mad to hit the trail without a pair of rain pants in your bag, but often they can be bulky in your backpack and sweaty on your legs. The Rainy Day pants from Jack Wolfskin, however, are practically as light as can be and roll up into a tiny package not much bigger than an apple.

Made using 100% recycled polyester ripstop, there's nothing fragile about these rain pants, even though they are feather-light, and they're well-built for straightforward day hikes if not technical terrain.

If you're on a hike and the sky starts to look ominous, full-length zippers make it easy to haul these on over your hiking boots then you can just cinch them tight with a drawcord waistband, and two-way zips add a little ventilation on mild days.

We've found these to be really breathable for steep slopes on chilly hikes, even though when it warms up a bit any totally waterproof piece of kit is going lack at least some breathability. We are pleased to say the waterproofing is watertight thanks to Jack Wolfskin's PFC-free Texapore fabric.

If you tend to hike with gear in your pants pockets, you might find rain pants annoying as you can't reach your gear, but you'll love that these trousers have two zips right where your pockets would be so you can access your gear.

Right now, they only come in black in men's sizing and they do run a little large but we can't argue with their performance on the trail, especially as there's very little swishing when we walk.

Jack Wolfskin Rainy Day Pants 2.5L: in the field

For 11 years I lived in the Rocky Mountains, where I never dreamed of needing a waterproof jacket, never mind rain pants, but all that changed four years ago when I returned home to Scotland. Now, I never leave home without them.

I have a couple of pairs that I'm pretty happy with, one which is more technical and a little bulkier, and another that is super soft and casual, but not easy to pull on over boots, so I was excited to try a lighter pair that has all the bells and whistles.

Here’s how they perform:

Sizing and fit

I received a small to test, which is my usual size, and I was surprised at how baggy they were on me. Wearable, but loose. When I checked the website, I noticed that they do recommend you size down, but it was only later I realized these are men's, which is why are so big on me.

All that said, I can't really comment too much on the fit, but I can say that they are totally wearable for men, women, and everyone in between. It would probably just be good to size down as they say unless you like them super flappy.

Waterproofing and breathability 

With the Texapore fabric – that's Jack Wolfskin's PFC-free hardshell outer fabric plus waterproof membrane – and taped seams, these pants have been great at keeping me dry on my rainy Scottish jaunts. They're also good at blocking the wind, which meant I wore them on a dry day recently up a mountain named Ben Vrackie where there was a cold wind blowing at the summit and I just wanted to stay warm while I ate my lunch.

For that particular hike, it was mostly sunny but cold for the ascent, which is quite steep, and I didn't have any issues with clamminess while I climbed. On the descent, once I got out of the wind I was surprised at how warm I got quite quickly. Because I didn't get sweaty when I was climbing, I don't take this as a sign of substandard breathability but just that they're great at blocking the wind.

The fabric is so light and for milder, wet days the two-way zips on the legs mean I could cool off if I ever needed. It also makes hardly any swishing noise when I walk, which can be a little annoying.

Functionality and other features

The main thing I want from rain pants, besides breathable protection from the rain, is that they need to be easy to get on when it's suddenly bucketing down. With full-length zips, that's no issue even in my biggest boots, and in fact, mine are a little big and I actually don't even have to unzip them if I want to get them on over hiking shoes like my Columbia Konos TRS.

They have a simple drawcord waist and snap fastenings at the ankles, to help cinch them in against the wind that's all easy to operate and gets the job done.

The other feature that I love is the two zips where you'd usually find your hand-warming pockets. These allow you to access any gear or your phone that you might have stashed in the pockets of your hiking pants. However, I do caution you not to get confused and think these are actual pockets or you might find yourself accidentally dropping your phone down the gap between your rain pants and hiking pants, like I did.

Jack Wolfskin Rainy Day Pants 2.5L: the bottom line

As a pair of daily rain pants, these are nearly perfect: super light, breathable, not swishy and easy to pull on with access to pockets. They do run large and they only come in men's sizing, but we can't see why that should stop anyone from buying them and they're great for day hikes and even longer adventures.

They're not the most rugged pants for extreme environments, but if you're in the market for protection for more casual day hikes, you'll be happy with these. Compare them to the Columbia Hazy Trail trousers which weigh and cost just a little more and have added pockets.

• How Advnture tests products

“Oh God,” I groaned to myself as I opened the news story about a new pair of exoskeleton hiking pants designed to “power” people uphill. We’ve already got folk using helium balloons to carry their backpacks uphill – do we really need external muscles too? What’s next, escalators up the mountain?

On second look, however, I realized that this particular product was a collaboration between a mobility technology company named Skip and the renowned outdoor brand Arc’teryx. I’ve spent a fair amount of time with Arc’teryx in recent years, at their Alpine Academy in Chamonix and more recently their Climb Academy in the Lake District, and I’m pretty sure they’re not in the business of helping people slack off when they’re in the mountains. Gear I've tested, like their Beta Jacket, is generally extremely high quality – albeit expensive – and technical. It’s designed for serious explorers, even if you just want to wear it around town.

After a breathless CNN article titled “Are these exoskeleton pants the hiking clothing of the future?” I decided to approach Arc’teryx myself to find out what these futuristic hiking pants are – and who they’re actually meant for.

What are the MO/GO exoskeleton pants from Arc’teryx?

In the words of Cam Stuart, Manager of Research and Engineering at Arc’teryx Advanced Concepts, the MO/GO exoskeleton pants are “a wearable powered hike assist which supports users in getting out into the mountains they love.”

“Named after the Mountain Goat - one of the world’s best climbers that tend to gather in some of the most scenic, hardest-to-reach places – it enables users to tackle elevation like never before by providing a boost to the leg muscles on the way up.”

What do they look like? A pair of hiking pants that have carbon fiber wearable technology integrated into the outer shell that, according to the two brands, gives you a boost on the uphill by relieving up to 40 percent of your effort. In addition, they reportedly make you feel up to 30 lbs lighter – you know, how you feel when you get to the end of a long day on the trail and drop your heavy backpack on the ground.

On the downhill, they’re designed to support your knees. To the naked eye, it basically just looks like you’re wearing two leg braces over your regular hiking pants.

“Through this support, users will be able to go further, for longer, with reduced fatigue or discomfort," says Stuart.

The technology consists of a motorized wheel next to your outer knee that spins or turns as you move, triggering the boost when needed. To keep it working, a power pack sits at the belt line just at your lower back, which fuels these pants for up to three hours at a time.

I should note here that this isn’t the only exoskeleton technology to be making headlines – we’ve already reported on two other exoskeleton launches so far this year (one from Hypershell, one from Dnsys). What’s different about these is that the technology is integrated into a pair of hiking pants.

Who can benefit from this innovation?

So are exoskeleton pants like these really just to make hiking easier? While there’s nothing to stop a healthy person from using a pair to hike their next 14er, assuming you have a lot of money and don’t want to use your leg muscles, they’re really intended for people with mobility issues who want to get – or stay – active outdoors.

“Skip’s co-founders watched members of their family experience mobility challenges, and saw the direct link between their ability to move the way they wanted on a given day and literally every other aspect of their life – mental health, motivation, social connection,” explains Stuart.

“MO/GO is designed for anyone who suffers from mobility challenges which limit their ability to move in the mountains.”

This could be due to aging, fatigue or injury, and Stuart adds that he thinks the innovation is “an exciting step forward in creating more equitable access to the mountains.”

Personally, I can easily get my head around this as I spent a couple of years unable to hike or even walk properly after a knee surgery gone wrong. I also have parents in their late 60s and early 70s who recently got e-bikes and are suddenly rediscovering mountainous regions of Spain they haven’t seen in years. It’s brought them a whole new level of joy which I can only hope is as good for their health as the actual cycling.

Preliminary tests seem to be positive, too. Jason Ahn has a knee injury and was invited to try the MO/GOs out after being unable to hike for the past five years.

“After wearing these pants, it’s very life-changing actually. I don’t feel any pain in my knees, I don’t feel anything, my knees are good,” he says.

“To have something like this and just know that you can return to doing what you love is pretty powerful,” agrees another tester, Connor Hendry, while Trish Cizek says it has given her “the confidence to participate in more challenging hikes.”

Though it's early for this technology, studies have already been performed on how they improve user walking and running economy, and there's a wealth of scientific data that backs up any effort to get more people moving outdoors, known as green exercise.

How can you access this technology?

Based on testimonials, the MO/GO is a persuasive prospect when it comes to getting people with mobility issues up mountains – as long as you don’t want to hike for more than three hours anyway. But in addition to the time limit, there is another major drawback, and that is the price.

The MO/GO, which is currently available for pre-order only, is priced at $4,500, and while that will certainly make your eyes water if you’re just an avid hiker looking for new gear, it’s important to remember that this isn’t just hiking gear. It’s medical technology and perhaps could make the outdoors just a little more equitable.

• The best hiking boots: keep your feet warm, dry and protected on the trails with our top choices

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: first impressions 

At first glance, these technical hiking leggings are sleek and straightforward, but they're more technical than perhaps meets the eye. Could you do yoga in them? We have, and they have ample stretch for that, but they're also equipped with details that make them a great choice as a pair of women's hiking pants.

First off, when you're scrambling over rough rock, you need a pair of pants that can hold up and the abrasion-resistant fabric has these looking brand new after multiple hikes. If you end up hiking in a drizzle, they dry quickly and of course, it's much easier to pull rain pants on over leggings than traditional trousers anyway.

These supportive tights have a high waist design and are comfortable for wearing over long days. The Omni-Wick fabric manages to wick sweat well on hot days without being too thin for colder weather, and if you like to keep your phone to hand, there's a handy drop-in pocket on the right thigh.

There's not much to change, though a drawstring waist might make these perfect since the sizing won't work for all bodies. At a stretch, we wouldn't mind another small pocket for a car key, but overall we're impressed with the design, performance and price of these leggings, which are made with recycled materials for eco creds to boot.

Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: in the field

I recently admitted to becoming a bit of a convert to technical hiking leggings and it's largely thanks to the improvements Columbia has made to its tights over the past few years. 

I first tested out a pair of the Columbia River leggings about three years ago and while I found a few things to like, they lacked support and protection. A year ago, tested the Back Beauty Warm Hybrid leggings and liked them so much they've seen several hiking trips to the Alps, but they are too warm for year-round use.

I recently received these leggings to test out in the Swiss Alps where I was doing longish day hikes, and have since been wearing them on the trails of Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I tested a women's small, which is my usual size, and I'd say they fit nearly perfectly. There's the tiniest amount of wrinkling around my ankles, knees and hips which indicates someone a little larger than me could still wear a small, but that's common for me and leggings as I have quite lean legs. 

The high waist comes up just above my belly button and the length is just about right with no pointless reams of extra fabric around the ankles but enough of an inseam that a taller hiker could wear them (I'm 5' 4").

Comfort and temperature regulation

They are supportive without being restrictive, which is really important to me as I can have issues with tight waistbands, and they have enough stretch that I can move freely (I've even done yoga in them) but they don't slip down when I'm walking. That said, I think a drawcord waistband would be smart to accommodate people with different body proportions. However, the wide waistband has a soft lining and I've been able to wear these for all-day adventures without feeling like I need to tear them off the moment I walk in the door.

These leggings are made with Columbia's proprietary Omni-Wick fabric which is designed to let water vapor from sweat escape so when you get hot, you don't stay wet. I'll be honest that my legs don't ever feel hot or sweaty, but of course, a sweaty crotch is no one's idea of a good time and I've found these quite comfortable for warm weather hiking during the late summer months.

Durability and storage

These are not a thin, flimsy pair of leggings. The Titanium fabric is clearly quite tough and mine still look brand new despite coming out on multiple rugged romps. I'd say the Back Beauty tights feel a little more durable, but for that added protection you also trade the lightweight breathability of these leggings.

For storage, there's a thigh pocket where I can slide my phone in and pull it out whenever I want to check my route on AllTrails or take a photo. I suppose I could argue for a small key pocket, but realistically if I'm going to wear these for hiking I'll always have my backpack for gear anyway.

Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings: the bottom line

If you're looking for a stretchy, versatile alternative to hiking pants, you'll find lots to like in these comfortable but tough leggings. We love that they're made using recycled materials and think they're great for both warm and colder pursuits. If you're seeking something warmer and more rugged, check out the Columbia Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Leggings.

• How Advnture tests products

Fjällräven has slowly but steadily carved itself out a formidable reputation in the outdoor world, hitting the sweet spot between aspirational everyday gear for casual punters and desirable high performance kit for serious adventurers. The Swedish brand’s stuff is admittedly expensive, but the stylish, timeless aesthetics, coupled with its durability and functionality, makes Fjällräven gear highly sought after.

The brand craft kit for three purposes: mountaineering, trekking and everyday outdoor use. Within this trio are seven families of gear, each with their own characteristics. The Bergtagen family consist of high-end mountaineering products; the Keb, Abikso and Singi families are deisgned for trekkers and the High Coast, Övik and Greenland families are more for everyday outdoor: y’know, walking the dog, strolling to the local park or – in the case of TV series Succession’s Lukas Matsson – negotiating major multi-billion-dollar international business deals. The fact that Succession’s costume designers dressed the uber rich Matsson in a Fjällräven lambswool sweater indicates the brand’s upmarket clout.

Anyway, back to the trails. The Vidda Pro Trousers are part of the Singi family, which features durable gear designed with traditional aesthetics for multi-day journeys. I recently tested and reviewed Fjällräven’s Kajka 55 backpack, a member of the same family that boasted a hard-wearing design and a wooden supportive frame. True to the product family, I was fully expecting these hiking pants to promise years of use with a dash of timeless style.

Meet the tester

First Impressions

The Vidda Pros tick the boxes in terms of what you’d expect of a hardwearing, Scandi pair of hiking pants. They feel robust and are comfortable to wear from the off, though it’s immediately clear they won’t give the same level of carefree, unrestricted movement as something with plenty of stretch, like Inov-8’s VentureLite Pant.

However, they certainly seemed like highly functional pants that would be great for the more relaxed hikes in my life. Meanwhile, I immediately fell for the nice little details here, like the Sweden flag stitched into the seam and the textured Arctic Fox buttons. They’re stylish enough to wear out and about or to the pub too, unlike many hiking pants. There are plenty of nice color options for men, though it's a shame women aren't afforded the same level of choice.

Oh, and there are six pockets! I just had a figure out what on Earth I was going to put in them…

Features

The Vidda Pros make use of Fjällräven’s G-1000 fabric, the brand’s PFC-free ‘cornerstone material’ that’s found in many products across its range, from hiking backpacks to jackets. This fabric is a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton, making it extremely durable. It's also wind and water resistant and the latter quality can be rejuvenated by applying Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax too.

If hardwearing trousers that’ll last for years and years of adventures are your thing, then the Vidda Pros hit the mark. If you’re a fastpacker looking for something lightweight that provides excellent freedom of movement, these probably aren’t the trousers for you, despite their pre-shaped knees. Weighing 645g (22.8oz) the Vidda Pros are at the heavier end of the hiking pants spectrum and they don’t provide the same unrestricted movement as something like Fjällräven’s Keb Trousers Curved, for example.

To add protection and to enhance their durability, the Vidda Pros are reinforced at the knees and the rear. These are the parts of the pants most likely to suffer rock abrasion – a welcome touch that’ll undoubtedly stave of tears and tears (yes, both) in years to come.

In keeping with the traditional ethos of the Singi range, none of the six pockets have zippers, instead you get flap pockets with button closure. The bronze metallic buttons look great, featuring the familiar Arctic fox logo, putting me in mind of something like a Game of Thrones sigil. And, yes, you heard that right: six pockets! There are two open hand warmer pockets, two flap pockets on the left thigh, a map sized thigh pocket on the right and a little multitool pocket just next to this.

The waist features belt loops, a button closure and a zipfly. The hems boast elastic strap adjustment and press button fastenings, which meant I was able to to loosen things up when putting a hiking shoe on and then tighten things up for maximum protection. There’s also a gaiter style lace hook, which kept the pants tethered to my hiking footwear.

The mountains were a bit of a stretch

I tested the Vidda Pro Trousers during summer hikes in England’s Lake District National Park and the Scottish Highlands, as well as on easier walks around my home city, Bristol, in England’s South West.

While I enjoyed wearing the Vidda Pros around the house and on easy walks, I didn’t enjoy wearing them in the mountains. The payoff for the durable, G-1000 fabric is a total lack of stretch and, therefore, freedom of movement isn’t great. Even something as simple as tying my laces is a bit uncomfortable – I had to rest my foot up on something significantly higher than the ground and, even then, the pants were at full stretch. Maybe I need to do more yoga so I can tie my laces without having to bend my knees, but you get my point. On long days in the mountains, the Vidda Pros’ restrictive nature starts to grate.

They’re the polar opposite of something like Páramo’s Alta Trek Trousers, which supply complete freedom on the trails, allowing you to scramble, run, clamber, dance – whatever it is you do up there. Having said all of this, the Vidda Pros were fine on less dynamic walks, so they’re better suited to short hikes and long-distance treks on moderately flat terrain. If you’re a mountain goer and your heart is set on a pair of Fjällräven pants, opt for something from the Keb or Abisko families instead, such as the excellent Keb Agile Winter Trousers or the Abisko Winter Stretch Trousers – basically anything that blends Fjällrâven’s hardwearing construction with a bit of stretch!

Protection-wise, the Vidda Pros are right up there. The face fabric is highly resistant to abrasion and the pants are excellent wind blockers. I wore them in hot summer weather, as well as in the more challenging wet and windy conditions often encountered in the British uplands. They coped well with both; they breathed nicely in the warmer weather, while they were able to fend off showery conditions and dried relatively quickly afterwards. Nevertheless, I’d add rain pants over the top in sustained downpours.

The number of pockets is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s nice having plenty of options and survivalists will applaud the dedicated multitool pocket. However, these are already pants that suffer from being a bit restrictive and heavy. Anything you add to the pockets simply adds more weight and means less flexibility. For me, four pockets is the sweet spot for hiking pants; six feels a bit overkill.

Having said all of this, I’m still a fan of the Vidda Pros. I like all the little design touches, such as the Arctic fox buttons, the adjustable hems and the metal lace hooks. I also liked being seen in them; they look smart. To say that they’re a case of style over substance would do a disservice to their obvious durability and the quality of their construction. They’re just not the pants for the kind of hiker that I am.

I never used to consider leggings to be a suitable option for hiking. I’m a yoga teacher, so I own piles of them, but most of them don’t offer enough protection for the type of rugged hiking I like to do, and the more robust styles seem to get wet and heavy if it rains. 

I also own lots of great traditional hiking pants that fit a little looser and are quite comfortable, like my Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants, so it never occurred to me to try anything else once the weather turned cooler. I kept my leggings for yoga and running and wore regular trousers for hiking.

Fortunately, over the past couple of years, technical hiking leggings have come along to prove me wrong. First, there was the Montane Ineo Pro pants, made out of a more familiar hiking pant material but in the cut of a legging. I got those back in the spring of 2022 and over the past two-and-a-half years I’ve found myself choosing them over more rugged trousers again and again, putting in hundreds of miles in them now.

Then a year ago, I wore a pair of Columbia’s Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Leggings on a hut trip to the French Alps. Those look and feel a lot more like regular leggings but pleasantly surprised me with their robustness and ample storage, and several of the men on that trip said they wished that the leggings weren’t available in their sizing. 

This summer, I've been hiking in the all-new Columbia Women's Cirque River II Hiking Leggings which I'm finding near-perfect for their comfortable support and protection that can be worn year-round.

It’s taken a couple of years, but I think I now have to admit that I’m a convert to technical hiking leggings – here’s why I think they’re so great.

1. They’re more comfortable than traditional pants

I know, comfort is a subjective thing, and it’s true that even the wrong pair of leggings can be uncomfortable. In general, however, I’ve found that the added stretch and the lack of a button-and-fly waistband eliminate a lot of the potential for discomfort that I often experience with traditional pants.

This is most obvious when I’m sitting down for lunch or using the hip belt on my backpack, which is just about any time I’m hiking. If you’ve ever used a hiking backpack, you’ll probably know that the hip belt doesn’t necessarily jive with the waistband of your hiking pants, especially if you’re wearing a belt or your trousers have a plastic buckle. Hiking leggings, however, work with any backpack without creating any pinching or friction.

If you’re not super keen on restrictive waistbands, get a pair of hiking leggings with a drawcord. This allows you to loosen them (which might be necessary if you’re on a backpacking trip where dietary changes can cause bloating), but it means you can also tie them tighter so they don’t slip down while you’re walking.

I will grant you that in very hot weather, leggings can be a little more sweaty around the crotch than looser trousers, but in those conditions, I'd be hiking in a pair of shorts like my North Face Trailjammers anyway.

2. They’re easy to layer

In addition to comfort, another reason leggings have grown so popular among hikers is that they’re easy to wear and layer, particularly with hiking gear. Often with a more traditional pair of pants, the waistband is a little uncomfortable next to my skin so I have to tuck my shirt in, something that can feel like a hassle when I’m wearing lots of layers and have to take a bathroom break. With leggings, I can tuck my base layer into my waistband if I want to, but if I can just as easily leave it loose if I want to. 

Additionally, even though I have several pairs of hiking pants that I doubt I’ll ever break up with, I have to admit that when it starts raining, it’s not as easy to pull my rain pants on over my beloved Fjallraven Keb Curved trousers as it is my leggings. 

On a similar note, I love being able to pull my Darn Tough hiking socks up over my leggings and then put on any height of hiking boots without the cuffs of my pants getting in the way.

3. They’re tougher than they look

Leggings might not seem like they’re tough enough for scrambling over sharp rock or wading through prickly undergrowth, and it’s true that your standard yoga pants probably aren’t. Technical hiking leggings, however, are built to withstand the types of rough surfaces and sharp edges you’re likely to encounter on the trail. In general, they’ll be made using a denser (more tightly woven) material that is surprisingly durable – don’t worry though, they’ll still be stretchy enough for clambering over boulders.

True hiking leggings will also have abrasion-resistant panels in areas that tend to take the most abuse, such as the knees and seat, and because they’re not loose they’re not likely to snag on obstacles like overgrown trails and crampons.

They’re also built to withstand a little wind, repel moisture, and be dry quickly if they get wet, so you’ll get decent protection against the weather even without waterproof trousers over the top.

4. They’re more versatile than regular pants

Finally, I know this isn’t a benefit for everybody, but if you’re like me and enjoy brisk adventures in your trail running shoes as well as slower saunters, you’ll appreciate the fact that you can wear hiking leggings for mixed-pace adventures. 

For a more dedicated run I’ll always wear run-specific leggings which are lighter, but several times I’ve opted for technical hiking leggings when my adventures have involved both hiking and running. First, there was a three-day trail run in the Swiss Alps where the weather meant I needed a bit more protection (and the terrain required a lot of hiking) and my leggings fit the bill without being too warm. 

Then when I was fastpacking a long section of Scotland’s West Highland Way last year, I loved being able to comfortably switch between hiking and running, especially when I realized I needed to hurry or I was going to be on the trail in the dark.

Best of all, when you finish your hike you're already dressed for that post-hike yoga session. 

• I've changed my mind about hiking in sandals – here’s the shoe that convinced me

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: first impressions 

These women's hiking shorts might look pretty basic, but there's actually lots going on to provide functional performance and comfort on the trail. Made with a blend of nylon and elastane, they're extremely lightweight, stretchy and wrinkle-resistant and an excellent choice for travel. The fit is flattering around the hips and loose enough around the thighs for comfort, breathability and movement.

The fabric is treated to repel a little moisture, making these shorts great for summer rain storms, and also stain-resistant, which means these shorts don't require a lot of care. If you do get wet, they dry in a flash.

We found them to run a little on the large side, with two lengths available. but fortunately they do have belt loops as well as a fly and snap button so you can size up or go for your normal size.

For those who prefer carrying gear close to hand, there's plenty of room between two hand pockets, a drop-in pocket on the right leg, and back pocket on the right side with hook-and-loop closure.

We did notice we got a little sweaty around the seat while sitting down in these indoors for a long time, but while we were walking, they were perfectly breathable. We'd like to see some recycled materials used, but we think they're a great deal for the price.

Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: in the field

I don't often wear hiking shorts, but when I was invited on a press trip to the Swiss Alps where the weather was forecast to be warm and dry, I was happy to get out of my leggings and into these shorts for the trails around Val d'Anniviers.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing, fit and comfort

I tested a US 4 which is my normal size (with the 7" inseam) and they definitely run large. I didn't need a belt (though they do have belt loops) and I don't mind my clothing being a little loose, but next time I'd definitely size down.

Despite them being a little loose, they are still flattering around the hips and I was able to see them on different bodies during the press trip and generally I think the streamlined design looks good. 

Between the stretch and loose fit, I found these to be really comfortable on the trail and in warm weather.

Breathability and weather protection

By nature, shorts are breathable and when I was on the trail, I had no issues with these shorts. However, twice when I'd been sitting down in them for a while (on a bus in warm weather) I was actually a little surprised at how sweaty my seat felt when I stood up so they're perhaps the fabric is not quite as breathable as I thought.

Obviously, you'll get a bit more leg protection from the longer inseam and while they're really lightweight, the material is pretty robust. The water-repellency works well although I might not choose these for a wet day, but if the weather caught me off guard they dry really quickly.

Storage and other details

I'd say these are almost deceptively simple. At first glance, they could be a fashion-friendly imitation of an old-school safari short (especially in the canoe color I tested) but they're actually quite technical and one of the great features is plenty of pockets. In addition to two hip pockets and a rear pocket that are all plenty deep, there's that all-important thigh pocket that I can just slide my phone into and easily grab for a picture without having to wrestle with my backpack. Granted, it could do with a zip, but nothing is going to fall out of it.

The only other features to mention are the belt loops, which help with the slightly odd sizing, and the traditional fly fastening which makes these easy to get on and off.

Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts: the bottom line

If you're seeking a functional, flattering and super lightweight approach to hiking shorts that have everything you need and aren't too showy, these are comfortable and get the job done. They can be a little sweaty if you're sitting around in them indoors, and they're not versatile enough to also double as running shorts, but they're low maintenance and likely to last a long time. If you're willing to pay a little more for a more fashionable approach, check out The North Face Trailjammer Shorts.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Montane Terra Lite Shorts: first impressions

Made specifically for hiking, trekking and backpacking during the summer months, these Terra Lite shorts from British outdoor apparel and equipment brand Montane are ultra thin and exceptionally light. But how do they compare to the best hiking shorts on the market?

Comfortable next to the skin, the Terra Lites are so breezy you barely know you have them on.

The fabric is cool and smooth to the touch and the fit is fairly relaxed too, with enough gaps to let a bit of breeze though, which can make a big difference on the hills and trails when the mercury’s climbing.

There’s also plenty of stretch in the material, for when you’re clambering over stiles or scrambling around a crag.

Available in three colors, these are specifically men’s shorts – the closest women's equivalent to the Terra Lite are the Montane Terra Stretch Lite Shorts.

Montane Terra Lite Shorts: design and materials

The super thin ‘Vector Lite’ fabric is a synthetic mix of nylon and elastane, none of which, unfortunately, is recycled. It is, however, dynamic (with a good amount of two-way stretch), and deliciously comfortable to wear, especially in warm conditions. This main fabric has been treated with PFC-free DWR (durable water resistance) to repel small amounts of water, and it’s also quick drying in the event of a proper drenching.

The shorts fasten with a button, popper and zip. The belt, which comes included, is thin, but works perfectly well, with a small aluminum featherlight hook-style buckle. Although it’s color-coordinated with the shorts, the belt isn’t physically integrated into the design, so you can remove it altogether, or use a different one if you prefer.

The Terra Lite shorts have two quite shallow hand pockets and a back pocket with a zip, for securing cash or a card. There are no thigh or map pockets.

Montane Terra Lite Shorts: on the trails

As I’ve been walking in increasingly warm weather over the last month or more, I’ve really embraced these light and breezy Terra Lite knee revealers. The Vector Lite material used in these in shorts stays very cool and comfortable next to my skin, even in the most hot and humid conditions, when many other shorts would start to feel prickly, scratchy and slightly annoying.

The amount of stretch in the material is enough to make them excellent for summer rock scrambling sessions, or even actual rock climbing, but not so full-on that they start to get clingy. The ‘Vector Lite’ fabric has been treated with a PFC-free DWR, so moisture from early morning dew, mountain mist and light rain just beads up and rolls off. I have been caught out in the occasional summer deluge while wearing these shorts, though, and while the water does soak through, they also dry extremely fast. 

Paired with a good pair of walking shoes and trekking socks, Montane’s Terra Lite shorts are perfect for fair-weather wandering, from casual summer strolls to hardcore hill hikes and multi-day adventures. They’re also excellent for weekend excursions when the weather is unsettled, and for bigger travelling experiences, taking up very little space in your backpack and barely bothering the scales at all.

• How Advnture tests products

Hiking exoskeletons certainly seem to be becoming popular. We’ve already reported on two exoskeleton launches so far this year (one from Hypershell, one from Dnsys) but this latest one is a little bit different. And no, noy just because you’ve actually heard one of one of the companies involved – Arc’teryx (though, be honest – knowing that Arc’teryx is on board does make us a little more inclined to take it seriously).

The Canadian outdoor apparel brand has teamed up with California startup Skip to bring you MO/GO. Apparently it’s short for mountain goat.

MO/GO is a pair of powered exoskeleton pants that give hikers a boost when they trek up and down hills and mountains. Arc’teryx have provided the pants; Skip have provided the carbon fiber wearable tech. That’s what different this time – the pants come as part of the package.

The MO/GO’s wheel – position next to the wearers’ knees – conceals the motors of the powered exoskeleton pants. As hikers move, the wheel spins or turns, depending on the movement, which triggers the boost when needed. The three-hour power pack sits at the belt line just above your backside.

Skip claim that the exoskeleton can give a boost to wearers’ legs by up to 40%, making them walk with less effort, which can also make them feel 30 pounds lighter as they move upward. When clambering down, they say, MO/GO will gently support hikers’ knees to prevent them from slipping and exerting too much effort.

All of which allegedly lessens muscle fatigue and joint discomfort by augmenting the wearers’ quadriceps and hamstrings.

The exoskeleton isn’t designed to make trails a breeze for the unfit. The company instead appears to be marketing the device as a kind of range extender, designed to help seasoned hikers go on for longer or for further, rather than something that will propel couch potatoes up slopes.

Skip is also clear that this isn’t a medical device: “We are not making any medical claims at this time. We are partnering with several leading clinics to develop a related product specifically designed to help people living with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease.”.

MO/GO pants aren’t commercially available yet, but when they do come on the market they will cost $5,000 (though there’s an onsite early bird price of $4,500 available). However, if you live in the western US or Canada you can take them for a test ride right now, for an $80 dollar rental fee.

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Páramo was founded in 1984 by Nick Brown, the same chap we have to thank for popular clothing and gear aftercare brand Nikwax. In fact, you’ll notice the Nikwax logo on all of Páramo’s products, the brand constructs all its clothing using various Nikwax directional textiles to achieve the desired performance.

What are directional textiles? I hear you ask. Well, pretty much all of Páramo’s fabrics are designed to let moisture escape while keeping varying degrees of wind, water and cold out, depending on the fabric. It’s the brand’s own take on performance fabrics and it means you won’t find any hint of a Gore-Tex or Polartec logo here – everything is done in-house.

I was eager to test the Alta Trek Trousers (available direct from Páramo), which boast the Nikwax Wind Resistor fabric, to see how they’d perform when hiking, scrambling and generally having a jolly good time in the mountains of North Wales.

Meet the reviewer

First Impressions

Some of the benefits of the Wind Resistor fabric are apparent immediately. The Alta Trek Trousers are supremely comfortable. In fact, I’d go as far as to say they're the most comfortable hiking pants I’ve ever worn, certainly in terms of everyday wear. Not only is the fabric wonderfully soft against the skin, its 4-way stretch provides excellent freedom of movement. I’m someone who liked to move fast, light and unencumbered, so I felt as though I’d found the pair of hiking pants I’d always wanted.

Features

As its name suggests, the Wind Resistor fabric blocks gusts and gales but isn’t fully waterproof. However, it is water-resistant thanks to a Nikwax PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, which can easily be reapplied with Nikwax’s aftercare products when performance starts to suffer. This means that the Alta Treks are fine in changeable conditions and they kept my legs dry even in some pretty heavy showers, though I’d always carry a lightweight pair of rain pants to throw over the top in case of prolonged downpours in the mountains.

The fabric is also highly breathable, moisture wicking and fast drying. My small pair of men’s trousers weighed in at 428g (15oz), which is relatively lightweight for a pair of hiking pants. It will be interesting to see how hardwearing they prove to be in the long run but, having tested them for several months, I’ve no complaints as of yet.

Personally, I like plenty of zippered pockets and the Alta Treks come with four. There’s two hand-warmer pockets above larger, map-sized thigh pockets, which gave me ample storage on the trails. Perhaps the top pockets would have been better as open pockets for those who like to rest their hands in there, after all, that’s why they’re called hand-warmers.

But, hold on, there’s zips down the side too? These aren’t pockets, but zippered openings that reveal an interior mesh that's designed to be opened up to provide additional ventilation. The openings aren't huge and I was dubious about how much of a difference they would make, yet I was surprised at just how much airflow they provided on warmer days.

Another plus are the adjustable hems at the bottom of each leg. Three popper closures enabled me to open them up for fitting around a pair of hiking shoes, before tightening to the inner closure to keep everything snug. I’ve snagged loose fitting hems in the past, which can have dangerous consequences when scrambling, so these little touches go a long way in terms of performance in the mountains.

The waist features dual popper closure, a zipfly, belt loops and three brace loops. There’s a little bit of stretch here and for casual wear you can get away without having to wear a belt. However, once out and about in the hills, the ability to tighten them up is a big help. At the back, the yoke is high sitting, providing additional protection.

The Alta Treks are only available in black but they’re smart looking. Besides, black goes with everything, doesn't it?

In the mountains

I tested the Alta Treks on various hikes and scrambling routes in North Wales' Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, as well as for everyday wear. Aside from a cozy pair of jogging bottoms, these are pretty much the comfiest pair of pants in my closet.

I hugely appreciated the freedom of movement they provide in the mountains, allowing me to scramble totally unrestricted. If you like dynamic hiking adventures, these are the trousers for you.

When the side vents are zipped up, they’re pleasantly warm, which is great for shoulder season hiking. They’d be too warm for balmy summer afternoons, were it not for the zippered side vents. Yet, vents open, I was totally comfortable scrambling around on hot days.

Now then, the Alta Trek Trousers aren’t marketed as rain pants, though Páramo say the Wind Resistor fabric "deflects the rain". I'd previously questioned Páramo's claims about rain repellency when testing its otherwise great Páramo Bentu Windproof Jacket, although the jacket used the brand's Duology fabric, not the Wind Resistor fabric used here.

However, my experience of wearing the Alta Treks in relatively heavy rain was overwhelmingly positive. Somehow, my legs stayed remarkably dry, even though the trousers appeared to be saturated. Not only this, once the deluge ceased, it wasn’t long before they were totally dry again. I’m not saying that they’d keep you completely dry for several hours in sustained downpours, but they do cope very well in the wet, better than the vast majority of standard hiking pants.

All in all, I can highly recommend these excellent and highly useable pants, both for everyday wear and fast adventures in the hills.

Meet the reviewer

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: first impressions 

Anyone hiking in wet weather needs a reliable set of rain pants in their backpack to pull on at a moment's notice and this pair gives you a sturdy shield against a proper deluge. Using Columbia's innovative OutDry Extreme technology, which wears the membrane on the outside, they're reasonably light, fully waterproof, breathable and easy to care for.

These rain pants are designed to be over pants, worn over your leggings or hiking trousers and because the membrane is worn on the outside, they're lightweight which makes them a good choice for both summer and winter hiking. The OutDry membrane works a treat against a heavy downpour and we couldn't find any weak spots anywhere thanks to a good design and fully taped seams.

We were able to pull these on and off in the field while wearing hiking boots, but the leg zips only go up to the knee and full zips might make things a little easier. An adjustable waist and ankles mean you can cinch these tightly when it's blowing a gale, and three proper zipped pockets are handy if you have to wear them for hours.

They're breathable in milder, wet conditions and roll up into quite a small package (about the size of a regular water bottle) so they're easy to cart around, although they're a little pricey for something you might just bring along as a backup.

The OutDry membrane is a little unusual looking, but it's getting less shiny and more palatable with each passing design, and one of the great benefits of it is that it's easy to wipe clean. This combined with the recycled polyester, lack of PFCs and no need for a DWR make these a good sustainable choice for the eco-conscious hiker.

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: in the field

I've got to test out a few pieces from Columbia made with their OutDry Extreme membrane in the past couple of years, including their OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Hooded Shell Jacket and the Coral Ridge ODX waterproof jacket. I like the technology. It looks a bit like an old-school oil cloth which takes some getting used to, and the fact that I was sent a cream pair of pants to test certainly didn't help my self-consciousness on the trail, but there's no denying that it works against the rain.

This is the first time I've got to test it out the fabric in a pair of rain pants and I've been wearing these around the UK for a couple of months now.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I am somewhere in between an XS and a small and Columbia's sizing can be a little erratic in my experience. I tested an XS in these pants, which overall fits well, but they sent me them in short, which is maybe a little short. Anyway, I think they run slightly on the large side since they're meant to be worn as an overpant.

The fit definitely isn't the most flattering on me, and I think that's made worse by the fact I tested a pair with a short inseam. I wouldn't usually expect a pair of rain pants to be hugely flattering, but there's something about the design of these that doesn't look great on me. However, they're not too loose or too tight so that's a good start.

Weight and packability

These aren't quite as light as my Hazy Trail Waterproof trousers, but they are pretty light and very packable, rolling up nicely to the size of my Contigo Cortland Autoseal water bottle. That means they're no problem to bring along on any hike.

Waterproofing and breathability 

If you don't know, the OutDry Extreme technology puts the membrane on the outside so there's no outer layer of fabric to eventually wet out. That means these trousers, and any other clothing that uses the membrane, will actually keep you dry. That's assuming, of course, that they're well designed, and with taped seams and zipped pockets, I've yet to find any place where water will breach my defenses.

The membrane is also designed to be more breathable, since the fabric part is next to your skin, and that is a surprise, because the touch and feel of the material definitely feels as though it would be anything but breathable. In the conditions I've tested them in so far, however, they appear to be as breathable as the jackets I've tested, which is to say they do a great job.

Functionality and other features

With articulated knees it's easy to move around in these pants (again, they appear stiff but aren't) and I was able to get them on and off recently while wearing a pair of fairly large hiking boots. However, the 3/4 length zips really only go up to the knee so I had to work a little harder than I'd like and I'd prefer a full leg zip. 

The pockets, on the other hand, are great. Deep enough for gear, zipped and protected by little flaps. But probably the detail I appreciate the most is how easy these are to clean. I won't lie – I balked when I saw the color, as I wouldn't normally willingly wear anything cream out in the mountains. I made a point of kneeling down in the mud in these while camping in South Downs National Park, however, and was able to wipe them clean with my camping towel, which is a great perk of any garment that uses the OutdDry Extreme membrane in my opinion.

Columbia Wyldwood Waterproof Hiking Trousers: the bottom line

As usual, the OutDry Extreme membrane is a little strange-looking and you can feel a bit conspicuous wearing these on the hill, especially if you wear any color other than black. If you're interested in staying dry though, these rain pants will definitely do the job, though they're a little on the pricey side. If you're in the market for a more traditional look at this price point, check out the Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants which are the same weight.

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The North Face Trailjammer Shorts: first impressions 

Looser and better designed than last year's Stolemberg Alpine Slim Straight shorts from The North Face, these hiking shorts make a cool option for various warm weather activities. With good coverage but a loose fit, you'll enjoy adequate sun protection but avoid overheating.

The breathability of the nylon fabric is enhanced by laser-cut holes and a good serving of elastane means you can wear these for rock climbing as well as hiking and biking.

For stashing gear, there are four zipped pockets to choose from: two on the hips and two on the thighs which make accessing your phone easier even when you're mountain biking on rough terrain. 

The stretchy waistband is really comfortable, but it's not adjustable, so size carefully and we do recommend sizing down. The men's version doesn't have a real fly, and we'd like to see some recycled content used, but we've enjoyed various activities wearing these in warm weather and been comfortable all day long.

The North Face Trailjammer Shorts: in the field

Last year I tested The North Face Stolemberg Alpine Slim Straight shorts and liked them a lot, but had issues with the waistband and fit. These shorts strike me as the new-and-improved version. We haven't got to shorts weather in Scotland yet, but I recently tested them on a hike, a mountain bike ride and a via ferrata during a press trip to Corsica with The North Face.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested a small and I would say these shorts run a little large. It wasn't a problem, but I'm aware that the waistband doesn't tighten, so if they were any larger I would have had difficulty keeping them up. I'd be better off with an XS. 

The fit, however, is flattering around the waist and hips, coming down to the top of my kneecap for decent sun protection. The legs aren't as flappy as they appear when you pull them out of the packaging and I had no problem wearing these with a climbing harness. They're also loose enough to be worn over padded bike shorts, or leggings if you like that look.

Comfort and breathability

The loose fit is comfortable and airy, with no annoying catching or rubbing around the waist and hips and if you do size down, there's loads of stretch. The fit also means that there's barely any chance of getting sweaty, never mind needing the moisture-wicking properties that nylon provides. The breathability is enhanced by small, laser-cut holes on the backs of the things and sacral area, which is handy when wearing a backpack. 

Weather protection and durability 

I do find it interesting that these shorts are treated with a DWR, since I can imagine that I'd only wear them on warm, sunny days, but it didn't seem to affect their breathability during a warm via ferrata. They're also quick drying, which I tested after having to cross a river during our mad mountain bike ride, which is a huge plus if you're wearing them for water sports.

They're a sturdy enough construction, but one thing that gives me pause regarding their durability is the high content of elastane. While this makes them really versatile, it can also mean they don't stand up to as many washes before losing their shape. That said, because they're on the baggy side, they might not get as sweaty and need as much washing.

Storage and other details 

Probably my favorite feature of these shorts is the excellent pockets. The hip pockets are fine for hiking, but once I got on my mountain bike I wanted someplace else for my phone and the thigh pockets are perfect. They keep the phone out of the way but still within easy reach, and all four pockets are zipped for security.

There aren't any other real features to speak of, and I did notice that the men's version doesn't have a real fly, which I'm guessing could be annoying on long adventures, but the same is true for lots of shorts especially bike shorts.

The North Face Trailjammer Shorts: the bottom line

Loose, comfortable, stretchy and breathable, these shorts are a good choice for anyone planning lots of warm weather adventures where they might be seeking one outfit to wear across several activities, and if those activities include getting wet, you'll quickly be dry again. They don't use any recycled content and they're a little on the pricey side, but we can imagine wearing them for the entire summer.

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Revolution Race Nordwand Pro: first impressions

Revolution Race's Nordwand Pro pants are a slightly improved version of the brand’s excellent flagship Nordwand pants. Designed iteratively over several years, this product helped turn Revolution Race into one of the biggest Scandinavian outdoor brands today thanks to the well-thought-out features, the pants’ durability, and their stretchy yet comfortable fit. So, how do the ‘Pro’ trousers compare to this already beloved line, and are they worth splurging £30 more on?

Weighing 620g in size medium, Nordwand Pro trousers from Revolution Race are a thick, durable and relatively heavy pair of hiking pants that are designed for reliable year-round use on the toughest adventures. Windproof, water resistant and stretchy along both the knees and in the crotch in order to deliver maximum flexibility when traversing arduous terrain, these trousers have been ‘built to last’ – and they’ve quickly become one of the Swedish brand’s most popular trousers.

When bought directly from Revolution Race, Nordwand Pros will set you back $149 / £119. While that’s by no means cheap, they still come in almost £100 cheaper than the ever-popular and eerily similar Fjällräven Keb trousers, which will set you back £215 when bought directly through Fjällräven.

Revolution Race Nordwand Pro: in the wild

I’ve had the Revolution Race Norwand Pros for quite a while now, and in that time I’ve been able to test them in a ton of different conditions. Wearing them through the winter, I’ve taken them on icy climbs in the Cairngorms, snowy walks through Bannau Brycheiniog (née Brecon Beacons), on rainy woodland wanders through the Chiltern Hills and even on a rare balmy winter’s day in the Alps when the temperature hovered around 18°C. 

I’ve put them up against howling wind and pouring rain, as well as snow, crampon spikes and the odd rocky scramble. So, while I’ve not been able to test these pants long-term or over multiple seasons, I still feel pretty informed in regards to how they perform. So, what are they like? 

The first thing I really appreciate about the Revolution Race Nordwand Pro pants is the clear consideration that’s been made on the panelling. When you first put them on, they can feel super thick and a little wooden, like you shouldn’t be able to move in them at all. But the second you start going, the stretchy panels around the knee, groin, rear and hips literally spring into action. There’s no chafing, no rubbing and no restriction in movement whatsoever. These perform more like a pair of jogging trousers or long, stretchy running pants than a pair of heavyweight hiking pants – only that they keep you warm and dry in wet and windy conditions.

What’s more, the pockets and – perhaps more importantly – where they’re placed is also really smart. For starters, you’ve got the standard hip pockets you get on most trousers, as well as two larger zipped pockets above the thigh. These are perfect for storing bits and bobs you want in easy reach when ascending or descending, and the left one even comes with an internal net pouch that’s the perfect size for a smartphone. As all of the pockets are built into the hypershell material, anything you put in them will be safe from wind and rain showers. Which brings onto another feature I found particularly useful when out on winter hikes: their ability to keep you dry.

Revolution Race Nordwand Pro: how dry do they keep you?

Now, just to be clear, the Revolution Race Nordwand Pro trousers are not waterproof – nor does Revolution Race claim them to be. Instead, they’re sold as being water ‘resistant’, which means they’ll put up with light showers. 

In my experience, however, this is often meaningless, implying little more than the material comes with some sort of DWR coating. But not with the Nordwand Pros. 

I wore these on a rainy hike out to a bothy in the Cairngorms in January where, because the forecast promised a dry day, I packed my waterproof rain pants right in the bottom of the main compartment of my bag. Not wanting to pull everything out just to put them on, I walked over 10km in sustained (albeit light) rainfall, assuming I would now have to spend the whole night drying out my trousers over the stove in the bothy. 

To my surprise, however, these trousers fended off the rain the whole time, with my legs arriving bone dry after about two hours of wet weather hiking. And I didn’t even need to take them off, let alone dry them over a stove. That’s not to say that you should wear these in a deluge, but it is nice to know that you’re still safe if you get caught out and can’t get your overtrousers on immediately, as tends to be the case with most ‘water-resistant’ products in my experience.

How windproof and warm are Revolution Race Nordwand Pro pants?

What’s more, the Revolution Race Nordwand Pro trousers also perform excellently in the wind. Even when trekking through 80km/h gusts across the summit of Cairngorm, these trousers shut it all out completely.

Thanks to the windproof nature of the trousers, as well as the durable material they’re made from, I’ve found them to be a little too thick when hiking on the warmest days. For hikes in anything above 20° Celsius, I’d therefore opt for something thinner and more breathable, which is a rare consideration in the UK. For that reason, I see the Nordwand Pros as solid three-season legwear, the type of trousers you’d wear through fall, spring and winter.

What extra features do Revolution Race Nordwand Pro pants have?

When it comes to extra features, the Nordwand Pros also come with handy clips around the ankle to cinch these trousers down over boots. They also come with a clip to attach the front of the pants to laces, as well as reinforced panelling around the sides of the boot for extra protection against crampon spikes.

Finally, it’s also worth noting what these trousers cost. Coming in at £119, they’re substantially cheaper than many of the alternatives out there, and are remarkably reasonably priced for what you get. Especially when you compare these with the Fjällräven Keb trousers (the design I suspect Revolution Race was inspired by), the difference in quality, utility and feature set is minimal, whereas the Nordwand Pros cost almost half as much. 

That’s why, for me, the Revolution Race Nordwand Pros represent serious value for money, and I think they offer some of the best bang for your buck on the market right now.

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Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: first impressions 

Named for the Swedish National Park, the Abisko Hike Trousers are built for adventures where you're expecting mild or hot weather, but still want the protection of a technical hiking pant. These hiking pants are about as light as they come, made with a breathable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester that feels soft against the skin. Two mesh thigh pockets can be unzipped to act as small vents, though you're unlikely to need them with this fabric.

A relaxed fit, articulated knees and stretchy fabric mean you're free to climb, scramble and sit down comfortably for lunch. Adjustable hooks on the waistband allow you to cinch the pants properly without needing a belt, and drawstring ankle cuffs keep the ticks out and make it easier to roll these up to a three-quarter length pant when you're not walking through the long grass. Their lightweight comfort and packability makes them a perfect choice for active travel, where you want something you can wear on the plane as well as on the trail.

They're available in three different lengths, and between that and the adjustable features, they're easy to tailor to lots of different bodies.

These trousers are intended for fair weather hiking, but they are water-resistant and will hold off a sprinkle no problem. When you forgot to bring your rain pants and they get soaked in an unexpected downpour, they dry quickly.

The pocket situation could be improved. Two zipped hip pockets are well-sized, but the thigh pockets don't seem to know whether they are for storage or for venting. They're not really big enough for a map and the vertical zip is a bit awkward for carrying your phone, so they're probably better used as vents.

The fabric might be light, but it's tough enough for hiking, though there aren't any reinforcements around the seat or knees so they might not be the best choice for rocky scrambles. They're a little pricey, but if you're familiar with the brand the price tag won't surprise you and you're getting Fjallraven's reliable quality and excellent performers for when you want to feel comfortable and protected.

Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: in the field

My first introduction to Fjallraven's hiking pants was the Keb Curved, which are pretty much the perfect pair, so on the one hand, I'm always comparing other models to them, but on the other hand, I generally have high expectations from the Swedish brand. 

These hiking pants are very much intended for warm weather, however that has not been on offer yet this year in Scotland so I've been testing them out anyway on some low lying trails and more rugged Scottish peaks.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested a US size 4, which is my normal size, in the regular length. For my first hike, I hadn't yet discovered the adjustable waist which you can tighten with two small hooks on either hip, and they were a little loose. Though I think they run a little large and I could have got away with a size down, once I figured this out the fit was much better. They're reasonably snug around my waist and hips so that they're flattering but not uncomfortable, and loose around the legs.

Before I tightened the waist, they were catching around my knees when I went up a steeper slope or any steps, but this resolved once I adjusted them. However, I wouldn't recommend sizing up for this reason.

Comfort and temperature regulation

These trousers are fantastically comfortable, with a sort of airy, barely-there feel against the skin, helped by the relaxed fit and lack of a need for a belt.

They are extremely breathable, which is ideal for hot hikes, though I'd ideally want them in a lighter color for sunny days. They're not built to keep you warm, but I've been quite happy wearing them on cold hikes, since my legs don't get cold anyway, and there's plenty of room to layer them over some thermal underwear.

Storage and weather protection

The two zipped hip pockets are the perfect size, though I'll be honest I don't use this type of pocket since any bulk there inhibits my ability to climb. The thigh pockets are a bit of a head-scratcher. They're not totally impractical, but they're in a slightly odd position to carry my phone (which is what I'd usually use a thigh pocket for) and the vertical zip means means your phone might tumble out when you unzip. They're mesh-lined so I think they're better suited as vents than storage. Together, it means there isn't a ton of practical storage for my purposes, but since it's been cold I've been wearing a jacket. However, I can see wanting one really decent thigh pocket come summer.

They're not waterproof pants, but they can handle a light rain. Recently, however, I was walking the last mile or so of an eight-mile hike when the heavens opened. Because I was so close to my car, I couldn't be bothered stopping to pull out my rain pants so I just got wet. Needless to say, the trousers were completely soaked through, but I was curious to see how long it would take them to dry out. By the time I reached home 40 minutes later, they were bone dry and honestly, that's what I want from a summer pant.

Durability and value

The poly-cotton blend isn't just breathable, it's quite rugged despite being so light. I expect these to last well, however they don't have reinforcements in the seat and knees, so for a tougher adventure, I'd probably want my Kebs.

Though Fjallraven is a pricey brand, the quality is always excellent and these pants are no exception. They're thoughtfully designed, comfortable and could be your go-to pant for summer hikes and active vacations for years to come.

Fjallraven Abisko Hike Trousers: the bottom line

If you're going on a hiking vacation and want one pair of pants that can last you for the entire trip, or plan to do enough summer hiking that you can justify buying a designated pair of warm weather hiking pants, you love the comfort and performance of this model. 

The price tag will be a deterrent to some, as will the lack of usable pockets, but you can find similar performers in both the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant (similar price, lighter and better pocket situation) and the Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Pants which are a little easier on the wallet though not quite as light.

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Montane Women's Terra Stretch Lite Trousers: first impressions

For some reason, hiking pants don’t inspire a flutter of excitement in the same way other items of outdoor kit do. Yet when I got the opportunity to test the Montane Women's Terra Stretch Lite Trousers – on the dusty, limestone trails of the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan – I had some specific requirements in mind. Would the trousers be the right length (tick), would the trousers have a means of adjustment at the top (tick), would they be okay temperature-wise if the thermostat reached over 30°C / 86°F (tick)?

Packing for exploration in a mountainous environment meant passing through lowlands with people, often in rural remote communities not used to western visitors, so I was also conscious of dressing modestly, covering my hair in areas with other people in the vicinity, making sure not to expose my shoulders or chest, and having a top that covered my bottom. I found the Montane Terra Stretch Lite trousers one of the most worn pieces in my wardrobe on this trip, simply because they could be worn outdoors but were also casual enough to be worn in the city.

Montane Women's Terra Stretch Lite Trousers: on the trail

The Montane Terra Stretch Lite trousers were worn over a three-week trip in the Fann Mountains and Pamirs in Central Asia. I wore them in harsh, sunny conditions, where there was strong UV light, and also wore them while trekking over mountain passes with fluctuations in temperature and camping in remote backcountry. Often the main challenge faced was wearing them on back-to-back activity days where we weren’t guaranteed running water, instead resorting to using water from streams and rivers. I liked the construction of the trousers, which seemed well made, and the addition of the belt made sure there wasn’t too much strain on the button alone. I would have liked to have seen a slightly thicker reinforcement panel near the bottom of the trousers, though, so they could also be worn for climbing / mountaineering.

I particularly liked the fact you could remove the belt, which had a smart metal buckle and webbing loop that was very lightweight. However, it would have been good to see this incorporated into the trousers more, as it was quite easy for this to detach and get lost – so maybe slightly stronger belt loops are needed.

Another benefit to the Montane Terra Stretch Lite trousers is the use of the PFC-free DWR – a durable water repellent coating that makes these trousers showerproof – though I’d still opt to wear a pair of waterproof trousers if it was really bucketing it down. In Tajikistan, we were fortunate to have stable mountain weather and this coating kept my legs dry when it looked like there was a chance of moisture.

Two features I felt needed improvement were the lack of roomy pockets and the thickness of the fabric on the back. There were two mesh-lined pockets, which were good for ventilation but not for storing anything practical, like a map or a smartphone. I would have liked to have seen a pocket across the front leg to store a phone for easy access. I’d also suggest that there needs to be a slightly thicker material across the seat of the trousers, as this material seemed quite thin at times and I had to think about practical undergarments that wouldn’t cling to the trouser material.

I did like the way the trousers moved, though, meaning it was comfortable to walk on all terrain regardless of how high the steps were – they were super-flexible and easy to wear hiking trousers that could withstand the changeable mountain weather.

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Patagonia Women’s Hampi Rock Pants: first impressions

Patagonia Women’s Hampi Rock Pants are a lightweight pair of pants that combine natural materials with recycled polyester and elastane to make comfy rock-climbing or hiking pants. Designed with rock climbing in mind (but also suitable as everyday wear on the trails), the pants have a high waistband, flat pockets, diamond gusset and an articulated cut in the leg that allow for clear visibility of your feet without lots of excess material. The slightly shorter leg makes them perfect for a day of climbing, traveling or hiking in hot weather.

The Women’s Hampi Rock Pants are marketed as a classic cragging/boulder climbing trouser, thanks to a regular sizing that fits at the waist but isn’t super tight on the seat, plus there’s a nod to the bouldering crowd with a specific pocket that fits a boulder brush. But that shouldn’t limit the possibilities as these are a fantastically versatile and comfortable pair of pants for cultural exploration, thanks to the full leg coverage and ease of wear in hotter temperatures.

Patagonia Women’s Hampi Rock Pants: on the trails

The Patagonia Women’s Hampi Rock Pants are made with an organic hemp material, which allows the skin to breathe and moisture to wick easily, ensuring legs don't overheat. This maximizes the wear of the pants as they are surprisingly versatile for hot weather travel, offering good ventilation as well as coverage when exposing legs is less culturally acceptable. Traveling in Tajikistan, I wanted a pair of pants that could be worn in the city as well as in more rural provinces, so the trousers were great worn under a long tunic-like top. I found them a brilliant addition to my wardrobe in a culture that was more conservative, choosing trousers that had a slightly looser fit over skimpy or figure-hugging outdoor clothing.

When buying climbing trousers, it’s important to choose a fabric that doesn’t restrict high steps or block your view of foot placements. The Hampi Rock Pants are a perfect combination of 53% hemp, 44% recycled polyester and 2% elastane, which gives unrestricted mobility and resistance against tears, with articulated knees for high stepping, stemming and heel hooking. They also have an elasticated cuff that makes rolling them up much easier, and a small drawstring cord at the waist which can be adjusted for a closer fit.

I found the Hampi Rock Pants comfortable to wear when out climbing and walking and had the opportunity to test these through rock climbing and hiking in a hot, lush alpine climate in the Fann Mountains where the altitude was between 2500m/8200ft and 4000m/13,123ft. I also wore these trousers in temperatures ranging from 18°C / 64°F – a warm summer’s afternoon in the UK – to 48°C / 118°F, in a boiling car driving along the Silk Road to explore the lesser-visited corners of the mountains on dusty trails. Comfort wise, the pants allowed my legs to breathe, and they didn’t feel too sweaty.

I wear a US size 6 in Patagonia clothing, which equates to a US size 10, and find it feels true to size, even if you have an active body type with more curves. I tested the trousers in a relatively hot, conservative and rural country, so it was important that the pants could be worn with tops that were long enough to skim over my body.

Patagonia is a known leader in transparency around its manufacturing practices, so it’s no surprise that most of the fabric’s construction is made using recycled materials. Using recycled polyester certified by Ocean Cycle, Patagonia is clearly conscious about using recycled materials to close the loop in sustainable manufacturing, using materials from coastal communities at risk of plastic pollution. The pants also use an elastane fabric that is PFC-free, to minimize the amount of harmful chemicals added to the environment. 

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Fjällräven is one of those gear brands that has achieved aspirational status among lovers of the great outdoors, and attracted mainstream admiration too. Its popular Kånken backpack, originally designed and launched in 1978 as functional bags for schoolchildren, propelled the brand to global renown. Meanwhile, the eagle-eyed among you watching the final season of HBO’s Succession last year might have noticed Swedish tech billionaire Lukas Matsson sporting Fjällräven apparel on more than one occasion. Told you it was aspirational.

However, it’s among outdoorsy types that Fjällräven is most lauded, and it has garnered a reputation for top quality, uncompromising gear. The brand strives to develop outdoor clothing and kit that’s ‘functional, durable and timeless’, with the idea that its products should last its customers a lifetime, serving both them and the planet in the process.

At Advnture, we previously tested and absolutely loved the standard Keb Trousers, so I was intrigued to see how this winter version would fare. The standard Kebs are our top-rated hiking pants, along with the Revolution Race GP Pros. I own a pair of the GP Pros, so a direct comparison was due to be very interesting and would hopefully ascertain who really wears the trousers in the hiking pants world.

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First impressions

Hiking pants from Scandinavia always seem to have a bit of a patched-together aesthetic, with their colored panels and reinforced zones. For me, it gives the impression of rugged gear that’s ready for the Arctic ice and loveless rock found in the kind of places you’d expect, or hope, to see the Aurora Borealis by night. The Keb Agile Winter Trousers' three other colorways certainly give this impression, though I was testing the Black/Black (that’s black reinforcements on a black face fabric) version, which look very sleek by comparison.

They’re a classy looking pair of trousers, with nice little touches like the embossed mountain fox logo and the little Swedish flag tab on the upper left leg. Excellent design and craft are obvious, from the quality of the stitching to the hidden lace hooks. Fit wise, they’re about right, with room for base layers beneath, but close-fitting enough that you can wear rain pants over the top in a downpour.

Features

Fabrics first: the Keb Agile Winter Trousers are crafted from a double-weave, four-way stretch blend of polyamide, polyester and elastane, with a brushed inside for comfort and warmth. The quality of this hard-wearing, comfortable yet flexible fabric is one of the reasons these pants have such a high price point. It’s the four-way stretch, as well as the pre-shaped knees, that gives them the freedom of movement needed to take on wintry scrambles and more technical mountaineering objectives.

Then there are the reinforcements at the thighs, knees and lower legs, which provide increased durability. This fabric is Fjällräven’s G1000 Stretch, featuring a mix of recycled and non-recycled polyester and organic cotton. The brand champion the hardwearing G1000 as its ‘cornerstone material’ and it’s used in everything from its hiking backpacks to its jackets. The fabric's ability to resist the weather is very good and it can be maintained by treating it with Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax too.

The top two G1000 panels are placed on the zippered thigh pockets, which are located as to still be accessible when wearing a climbing harness. The right pocket has a little internal mesh compartment too for small items. You also get two open front pockets above these.

At first glance, there appears to be zippered pockets to the side of the thigh pockets too. However, these are ventilation openings, basically the same idea as a waterproof jacket’s pit zips. When things get a little too hot on steep ascents, simply open them up and dump that heat.

As dedicated winter pants, the Keb Agile Winter Trousers boast a zippered, gusseted bottom, which allows you to open them up when putting on high-cut winter hiking boots. One of the neatest design features is also found down here, with a hidden lace hook that allows you to attach the trousers to your boots. There’s no internal tightening system around the waist, but loops allow you to pair the pants with your favorite hiking belt.

In the mountains

I’ve been wearing the Keb Agile Winter trousers throughout the cold season, donning them for local walks, moorland hikes and winter mountaineering days in the Scottish Highlands. From the get-go we were fast friends. They blend style, comfort and functionality, with several little touches that elevate them above most of the competition.

The main fabric is pleasingly warm and windproof, even in pretty challenging winter conditions. It’s worth pointing out that they’re water-resistant rather than waterproof and rain pants are needed over the top when heavy rain is on the cards. When moving onto technical terrain, the freedom of movement provided was ample and really impressive considering the hardwearing nature of these pants.

I like the options provided by multiple pockets, having been a long-time fan of Mountain Equipment’s Ibex Mountain Pants, which offer up a quintet of compartments. Fjällräven provide four here, which gave me more than enough quick storage options.

I’m yet to test them during summer but I’ve already noticed my legs running quite hot when moving quick or ascending in warmer conditions. The side ventilation zips helped with this, cooling my legs down. But, even so, it’s likely that when the sunnier months come around they’ll be a little too hot. This isn’t a criticism though, the Kebs are winter trousers after all and it’s not like I’d scorn a down jacket for being to warm in an August heat wave.

My only qualms with the Kebs is that the main button fastening above the fly has a habit of coming loose when I unzip them. Perhaps Fjällräven could have put something a little more secure in there. Also, the zip pulls are a little short for a pair of dedicated winter pants, so they’re not as easily grabbable when wearing thick gloves as some.

So, what’s better? The Fjällräven Kebs or the Revolution Race GP Pros. In terms of quality, freedom of movement and comfort, the Kebs definitely take it. They’re the better hiking pants. However, you can get hold of three pairs of the GP Pros these days before you hit the price point of the Winter Keb Agiles. So, if you’ve got the money to spare, go for the Kebs. However, the GP Pros represent far greater value for money in my book.

Fjällräven Abisko Women's Winter Stretch Trousers: first impressions 

Built for those who love winter hiking and snowshoeing, these women's hiking pants offer solid protection when you're contending with cold, snow, wind and even a light rain. Fjällräven sets you up for protection against a cold wind with a softshell pant made using recycled nylon and polyester that's tough against abrasive rock and overgrown trails. 

The lining is brushed so it's insulating on a cold day and soft against your skin, while the face fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR so you'll stay dry in a light rain without having to whip out your rain pants.

Four-way stretch and articulated knees mean you'll be able to move in any way you like when you're negotiating steep slopes, boulders and stiles or just want to sit down for lunch in comfort. You can adjust these pants at the cuffs while the elasticated waist has belt loops for easy tailoring. If you buy your regular sise, there's enough room to layer these over your thermal leggings and they're not loose enough that it's difficult to wear waterproofs on top, but you might want to size down for a more flattering fit.

Three zipped pockets (two hand warming and one thigh) are practical enough to carry small items, and we like that the thigh pocket is towards the back of your thigh so it doesn't get in the way of you stepping uphill. That said, none is big enough for a map. These hiking pants are on the pricey end of things, but they're tough enough to withstand years of hiking and worth the money if you plan to be out in the cold, and they're easy to wipe clean if you encounter mud on the trail.

Fjällräven Abisko Women's Winter Stretch Trousers: in the field

Cold weather has not been in short supply in Scotland this winter and while my legs don't suffer too much from the cold when I'm hiking, I do like to switch to a softshell pant at this time of year to keep the chill off. I've had great luck with Fjällräven hiking pants in the past so when I was offered the chance to test these, I jumped and I've been wearing them outdoors exclusively for the past couple of months.

Here's how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I tested a US 4 which is my typical size. I wear the Fjällräven Keb Curved in this size and they are a perfect fit, however I think given the choice I'd go down a size in these ones. They do fit and they're very comfortable but they're just a little long and have a bit of extra of fabric around the knees. That said, overall they have a flattering, high waisted cut and I can tell they'd look really nice if they were just a little smaller and would probably wear them all day.

Temperature regulation and weather protection

I've been testing these in cold weather since that's what they're designed for and that's what we have and I've been benefitting from the brushed lining. I haven't got too warm in them, though I don't really get sweaty legs, especially in cold weather. I also haven't overheated in them when I've worn them indoors, so I'm working on the assumption that the breathability is good. That said, I wouldn't wear them in warm or even mild conditions.

The wind protection is great and I'm never aware of a Scottish breeze getting in through the pores, and while they're not waterproof, the DWR holds up against a drizzle and even wet snow.

Comfort and durability

Not all hiking pants are very comfortable, and that seems to ring extra true for heavier winter trousers, but these are really comfy, so much so that I've worn them for a few trips where I'm going to be sitting in the car or on a train for hours. It's a combination of lots of stretch and the brushed lining combined with a well-designed fit that makes them so comfortable, even when I'm sitting down.

The face fabric is tough enough to withstand your typical trail hazards from abrasive surfaces to thorny branches so I expect to be able to wear these for years, and they're really easy to maintain. If the legs get muddy, I can just give them a wipe so they don't require lots of washing which means they should hold up to the test of time.

Fjällräven Abisko Women's Winter Stretch Trousers: the bottom line 

If your regular hiking pants aren't cutting it against the cold and you want something that offers more protection without being overly warm, swishy or bulky, these trousers will keep you warm and dry in most cold weather excursions and are comfortable and good-looking to boot. They're definitely at a higher price point, however, so if you want something that's more affordable with the same benefits and a nice fit, check out the Rab Women's Sawtooth pants.

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Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers: first impressions

These down-to-earth Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers do their main job well, without making a massive song and dance about it. They have several good features – including proper pockets, an integrated carry pouch, reflective details and calf zips – but they’re really just designed to do one thing: keep your legs and hiking pants dry during sudden rain and snow storms when you’re out hiking.

The 2.5-layer Hazy Trail trousers are made with Columbia’s own Omni-Tech material, with a microporous membrane incorporated into a polyester-based laminate (none of which is recycled, sadly) that is tasked with keeping wind and water out while allowing the wearer’s body to breathe. 

According to Columbia’s own tech scale Omni-Tech provides protection against “light to medium rain and snow” in “mild conditions” and during “moderate activity”. So let’s be clear: while these pants are well suited for day walking, hiking and trekking at up to low alpine level, they’re not designed or intended for climbing mountains or taking on anything too extreme.

I’ve been told that, as a public-listed company, Columbia don’t publish the results of technical testing on their garments or the materials used (which seems odd, frankly), so I’ve no idea what the verified hydrostatic head (HH) or breathability rating of these pants is, but third-party sources (and Dr Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s Vice President of Innovation) quote figures of HH: 10,000mm or more for Omni-Tech, and give the material a breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24hr.

There are rain pants and waterproof jackets out there with bigger numbers, but these ratings are good (larger than those given to the flysheets of many decent backpacking tents) and comfortably high enough for a garment to be considered reliably waterproof and comfortably breathable (textile experts say any garment with a HH of at least 5,000mm can be considered waterproof). Furthermore, the seams of the trousers are fully sealed (as you would expect), the pockets (which zip shut) have a waterproof overflap, and the trousers appear to have been treated with a water repelling (DWR) substance.

All of which sounds and looks great, but obviously I had to put the Hazy Trail trousers to a few real tests on some soaking wet walks in order to see how their performance compares with those of the best rain pants on the market.

Columbia Hazy Trail Waterproof Walking Trousers: on the (hazy and hydrated) trails

Luckily, while I was testing Columbia’s Hazy Trail waterproof trousers, Britain was battered by a sequence of storms that ensured the trails weren’t just hazy, they were downright drenched during the days I was out and about. The walking wasn’t especially pleasant, but at least I was able to really put these pants through their paces in the conditions they were designed for.

Weather Protection

The Hazy Trail trousers worked just fine in terms of doing their primary job: keeping my legs dry. As noted above, these pants are designed for use in wet but non-extreme conditions, which is the sort of scenario the majority of us face most of the time, as we go for day walks and the occasional backpacking trip or overnight trekking adventure. (If you’re climbing a mountain or going somewhere very cold, wet and challenging, look for a hardier pair of protective pants such as the Haglöfs LIM ZT Shell GTX Pro Pants, but know that you’re going to pay a lot more for them.) 

Light rain beads on surface of the Hazy Trails and rolls off, and the trousers didn’t wet out during the testing process (which is more to do with the DWR than the membrane) or let water through to my under garments. In my experience they supplied good protection from the elements, being both water- and windproof. 

In terms of breathability, microporous systems like Omni-Tech (and Gore-Tex) breathe best in low humidity, and in the UK we experience quite high levels of humidity (even in winter), especially around the coast where I live and do most of my walking – so the conditions were quite challenging for these trousers. Nevertheless, they still performed reasonably well – I didn’t accumulate too much condensation and I’m confident they will work even better in drier, colder, less humid conditions. 

Design

These are over-trousers, designed to be pulled out of a pack and used as a shell layer on top of your hiking pants when the heavens open while you’re out walking. As such, it’s important that they’re simple and hassle-free to carry, and accordingly the left pocket on the Hazy Trails doubles up as a stuff sack, swallowing the rest of the garment and zipping shut to form a neat package that can be stuffed into the pocket of a hiking backpack and easily located when it starts raining. 

Aside from this capability, I was pleased to see proper pockets on these rain pants – there are two, and both zip shut and have a waterproof protective flap to cover the zip. Note: the zip itself isn’t fully waterproof, so I still avoid putting anything that absolutely needs to stay dry in them, but these pockets can still prove very useful when you’re out and about.

A calf-length zip on each leg allows you to slide these trousers on without taking your walking boots off (because, by the time you’ve done that, you’ll be soaked through). You can tighten the bottom of the legs with a cord and toggle, and loop the cord over the speed hooks on the top of the lacing system of your hiking boots or walking shoes (if they have such a feature), to keep the pants in place and stop your best hiking socks getting wet.

The waist also tightens with a toggle, which I had mixed feelings about (the closed loop prevents one end getting lost, but the cord is far too long and it’s hard to get a tight, secure fit).

The Hazy Trail Waterproof Trousers are only available in one color – black – but they do have several reflective elements on them – around the back of the knees, on the bum and at the ankles – that make hiking at night on shared lanes a little safer.

Durability

With waterproof over-trousers, there’s always a trade-off between robustness and weight and bulk. At 320g for a pair of men’s large, Columbia have prioritized ease of carry over longevity, and there are no reinforced areas on these pants. If you typically time your hikes to happen in the drier months, but still need some just-in-case wet weather protection, these will be perfect; but if you’re looking for waterproof trousers you can wear for long periods of time throughout extended periods of the year, in conditions that are in any way rough, then you’ll need a tougher pair.

Fit and comfort

On test I found that these trousers have been appropriately sized to comfortably fit over hiking pants. One thing I did find was that the leg length on the regular-sized trousers was a tad short, so if you’re in any doubt, opt for the longer leg. (And, while we’re talking about sizing, it’s great to see Columbia recognizing that the outdoors is for everyone and making these waterproof overpants available in extended sizes up to 6X, albeit for an extra tenner – although they’re very often reduced by up to 50%.) 

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It's amazing how often I hear about how crucial a waterproof jacket is for hiking adventures, while rain pants barely get a mention. If it’s so important to make sure you keep your upper half dry, surely the same goes for your lower half too? In fact, yes, it does! This is why I’m here to reveal my 5 reasons that you need rain pants for your outdoor exploits.

The majority of my hiking takes places in Britain’s mountains which, while they're undoubtedly beautiful, have been known to experience rainfall from time to time. I’ve learnt the hard way how much of a game changer rain pants can be, having suffered plenty of miserable hikes without them.

One time, in the Scottish Highlands, the conditions worsened so gradually that I ended up getting thoroughly soaked even though I had a pair of rain pants stashed in my backpack. At first, I thought “this will pass,” and didn’t bother getting them out. Once I realised that putting them on would’ve been a good idea, it’d got to the point that they wouldn’t have made a difference, as my standard hiking pants were already sodden. “What’s the point, now?” I thought. Fortunately, I've learned from such mistakes. These days, I always get a pair of rain pants out at the first sign of trouble.

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What are rain pants?

Unsurprisingly, rain pants are waterproof pants that are designed to be worn in the rain. There are broadly two types. Firstly, there are over-trousers that can be worn on top of a standard pair of hiking pants. They’re made from similar materials to waterproof jackets, containing moderately breathable and water-repelling membranes, such as Gore-Tex. These kinds of rain pants are usually lightweight and feature zippered sides that enable you to put them on quickly, without having to take your hiking shoes off. However, they often don’t have pockets or a fly zip for when nature calls.

Then, there are rain pants designed to be worn on their own from the start of a hike to the, hopefully dry, end. They’ll have all the usual features of a good pair of hiking pants but are often quite a bit pricier. They also sacrifice a certain amount of stretch and breathability for their water resisting qualities.

So, do you really need rain pants for hiking? That depends on where you hike. We wouldn’t pack them for a desert expedition. However, if you hike anywhere that experiences rainfall, think the Scottish Highlands or the Pacific Northwest, here are 5 good reasons to get hold of a quality pair.

1: Comfort on rainy days

Nothing dampens (see, the word even refers to what’s going on!) a hiker’s mood like soggy pants that become heavy and cold. As wonderful as many of the best hiking pants are, the vast majority are merely water-resistant, rather than waterproof. They prize breathability and freedom of movement over being a protective screen against the rain. You can’t blame them really, when you consider the amount of work and movement your legs go through on a day spent in the mountains.

However, when it rains, not having a pair of rain pants can lead to abject misery. The best rain paints perform exactly the same task as your waterproof jacket and will keep your lower half dry even in a deluge. Simply put, although they’re not the most breathable, nor the most flexible, you’ll be much more comfortable in a pair of rain pants when its pouring.

2: Protection for insulated trousers in winter

Those of us who enjoy adventuring into frozen white wonderlands with spikes on our feet and an ice axe or two in our hands know the value of waterproof over-trousers in winter. Best practice is to wear a pair of insulated pants for maximum warmth. However, insulated pants are usually less protective and less durable than standard hiking pants, while their insulating materials often also lose their thermal qualities when wet.

This is why a pair of insulated trousers underneath a pair of rain pants is the go-to approach for many winter walkers and mountaineers. The more durable over-trousers provide a layer of protection from both the elements and abrasion (rocks, crampon spikes, vegetation – you name it!), while the insulated trousers work their warming magic.

3: They're an effective shield against the wind and cold

If you’re already wearing hiking pants, you don’t really need to worry about your legs suffering from windchill, as they won’t be particularly exposed. However, from a comfort and warmth point of view, rain pants provide an additional shield against the cold wind in the same way that a protective waterproof jacket enhances your upper layering system. I’ve certainly experienced many winter and shoulder season hikes where I’ve not opted for the addition of rain pants and my legs have been much colder than my upper body because of it.

4: They’re lightweight and packable

Let’s be honest, we’d rather not have to wear rain pants at all. They’re less breathable than standard hiking pants and they often don’t have pockets. Plus, if we’re having to wear rain pants, it’s probably because something else has happened that for most hikers is a negative – it’s raining!

However, a decent pair of rain pants is highly packable and barely adds much weight to a daypack. They often fold down into a fist-sized stuff sack for easy transportation, so on most dry weather hikes, you’ll forget you’re even carrying them. However, carry them you must! Given the changeable nature of the weather in our upland regions, a downpour can occur even on days where you thought the forecast was firmly on your side.

5: They’re great for getting in and on the water

You might want to actually seek out water during your hiking and camping adventures. Here, I’m talking about pursuits like packrafting, kayaking and paddleboarding. Wearing rain pants will keep you dry while you're happily sat inside your vessel. But, what about when you have to get into the water to launch said vessel? Well, in conjunction with waterproof hiking boots and a quality pair of gaiters, rain pants should also keep you dry when you step into the shallows.

On a similar theme, hiking days can often involve some 'interesting' river crossings. It’s fairly common to have to step into shallow, fast-flowing river water, using trekking poles for additional stability. There’s nothing wrong with this approach at all, especially if you’ve got the golden waterproof trio of gaiters, rain pants and quality hiking footwear.

• The best waterproof jackets: tested by experts in seriously wet weather

Patagonia Triolet Pants: first impressions 

Patagonia’s Triolet Pants aren’t new, but the 2023 model features a more planet-friendly approach to design. These hardy rain pants (and snow pants)  are made using a three-layer construction that sandwiches the new GORE-TEX membrane in between recycled polyester inner and face fabric. The face fabric is then treated with PFC-free DWR which helps repel moisture and leaves a smaller footprint.

Though these are a pair of over pants, they are packed full of features. Full length outer leg zippers are fully waterproof and have two-way zippers which makes it easier to pull them on and off when you’re already wearing your hiking boots and also means you have built-in vents for warmer days. 

If you’re wearing these for winter sports like snowshoeing, they have snow gaiters to keep the snow from sneaking in and a RECCO reflector so you’re traceable if an avalanche strikes. A fully adjustable zip fly waistband with belt loops mean you can wear these over leggings or bulkier winter gear, and two waterproof pockets are functional for small pieces of gear you want close to hand.

In terms of waterproofing, these pants pack a real punch, and while we haven’t tested their breathability against milder conditions, our hopes are high. They’re also features-packed and more environmentally responsible than many other models. They’re not the lightest rain pants out there and the price tag for such premium performance is definitely a little eye watering, but you’re getting tremendous quality and a fairly versatile layer of protection against the weather.

Patagonia Triolet Pants: in the field 

The Triolet pants are an existing Patagonia model, but the new design features recycled materials, the new GORE-TEX membrane and a PFC-free DWR for a more planet-friendly approach. Thanks to a very rainy end to autumn and start to fall, I’ve had ample opportunity to try these out lately. In fact, I’ve just kept them in my car so I can whisk them out for hiking In Scotland and the Lake District, a few shorter jaunts around town where I really didn’t want to get soaked, and I even tested them out in GORE-TEX’s rain tower testing facility.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit  

I tested a small which is my usual size and though they’re on the large size, I’m not sure I’d size down. It definitely makes it easier to pull them on over just about anything, though the one day I wore them over leggings for a walk in the country I probably could have used a belt. They’re a bit baggy on me, but not so much as to be difficult to walk in. If they didn’t have the full-length zips I’d say this is great, but I suppose it’s not really necessary as I can always pull them on over my hiking boots. 

Weight and packability

For an unlined pair of rain pants, these aren’t the lightest and in fact, they weigh nearly twice my other pair of GORE-TEX rain pants. That said, they’re not enormously bulky when rolled up – I think most of the weight must be in the hefty zippers – so I wouldn’t necessarily be deterred from bringing them along in my backpack, but if I wasn’t sure I was going to meet rain, I might opt for a lighter pair. 

Weatherproofing and breathability

I’ve worn these out in some absolute deluges and between the membrane, DWR and waterproof zips, there’s no way a drop is getting through, so I certainly feel safe wearing them in typical Scottish weather and that counts for a lot. I have worn them on a few steep hikes, but mostly in really cold weather, so I must admit that I’ve not had a good chance to test their breathability in milder conditions, but of course the full length zippers bode well for letting a little air circulate on sweatier days. 

Comfort 

 My main complaint about these trousers is that, for some reason, when I sit down in them they’re uncomfortable enough around the waist that I have to unfasten them. The problem isn’t that they’re too small – in fact there’s quite a bit of extra room around the waistband, but for some reason they dig in to my tummy when I’m seated, which I can only deduce is down to the design. That aside, they’re great for walking in which is mostly what I’m doing in them. 

Storage and other features 

These pants come with two waterproof, zipped hand warming pockets which I don’t use as I prefer my jacket pockets, but they’re definitely functional. Beyond that though, there are loads of other great features, starting of course with the full length two-way zippers. Basically, it means I can easily pull these on over my big hiking boots in a hurry, and as I mentioned earlier, they can be unzipped to let in a little air as needed. It’s also easier to pull them off when I get back to my car. 

They’ve also got built-in snow gaiters and tie down loops for winter adventures, a RECCO reflector if you’re wearing them for backcountry adventures in avalanche-prone terrain. The waistband is also adjustable and customizable with elastic tabs which lend versatility to these pants and makes them usable for winter sports as well as hiking in different seasons.

Patagonia Triolet Pants: the bottom line 

Feature-packed, practically bulletproof and more eco-friendly than their predecessors, there’s a lot to love about these rain pants for those venturing into wet landscapes. That said, they come with a hefty price tag, so if you’re seeking something that delivers a comparable performance at a lower price point, check out the Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants which are lighter on the scale and on your wallet, but use the same waterproof membrane. 

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Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm walking pants: first impressions

Extremely comfortable to wear – whether you’re lounging around in a hut or campsite, or striding out tackling some trails – Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants are made using the large American brand’s Omni-Shield shell fabric. This is a material mix that includes recycled and non-recycled polyester (with the latter being the largest ingredient). 

Windproof and resistant to rain (up to a point), they retain their thermal properties when wet, and dry quickly if you do get a drenching. There’s also an Elastane element in these trousers that supplies a decent degree of flex, which means you can move freely on trails and crags.

They come with a belt, albeit a pretty basic one, and the ankle-ends of the legs have a cord and toggle so you can hitch them up three-quarter-style in warmer weather, or when going barefoot through shallow water crossings (or when paddling in rivers or bays). 

The design includes a pair of nice, deep hand pockets, a wide thigh pocket with a popper for carrying a map or other sizeable objects (although it’s not large enough to accommodate an OS-size map with the flap shut) and a single zipped rear pocket for keeping precious things (such as credit cards) safe.

So, are they good enough to join our illustrious list of the best hiking pants on the market today? I’ve been putting them to the trail test in a range of locations over fall and winter this year.

Columbia Maxtrail Midweight Warm walking pants: on the trails

I first wore these trekking trousers on the alpine trails that wend around the ankles of Mont Blanc, during a hut-based hiking adventure in Les Contamines-Montjoie in France’s highest nature reserve. It was early fall in the Alps, and while the day walks were warm, after-sunset temperatures plummeted quickly and the night hikes we went on were a whole lot chillier. These versatile pants served me well throughout however, providing plenty of thermal protection from the icy breezes that met us on the peaks and passes.

In the months since then, as the fall intensified and then segued into winter, I’ve been wearing the Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants during day walks and overnight hikes in the southwest of Britain, including on the exposed, wind-whipped tors of Dartmoor and along gusty sections of the South West Coast Path.

While they are not fully waterproof – meaning you’ll require proper rain pants if you’re hiking in heavy rain – the Omni-Shield material does deflect misty moisture and light showers, and continues to keep you warm even soaked. Although lightweight, they’re also pretty warm. Besides their thermal properties, one of the best things about these trousers is their windproof performance – which I have found to be brilliant.

Once the cold and wild weather has passed, I look forward to having a chance to wear the Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants hiked up around my shins while wading through river crossings and during beach-based ambles.

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Helly Hansen Vandre Tur Pants: first impressions

Using soft, stretchy and lightweight fabric, Helly Hansen has done a good job of creating a casual pair of hiking pants here that are suitable for long days on the trail with lots of features. These aren’t your rugged pants designed for extreme conditions or overgrown trails, but sometimes all you need is a straightforward pair of walking pants and you get that in these. Made using a blend of recycled polyester and cotton, they breathe well when you’re warm and are treated with DWR to withstand a light rain. If you get drenched in them, they do dry quickly.

They have a decent amount of pocket space, with two hip pockets and two more cargo-style thigh pockets that seal with velcro flaps, though neither is quite big enough for a map. Other features include adjustable hems to keep the ticks out and make it easier to pull on rain pants, boot hooks to keep debris out of your hiking boots, and though the waistband isn’t adjustable, it comes with belt loops. 

In our field tests, we found these ran really large, so you might consider sizing down, and while they look a lot like the Fjӓllrӓven Keb Trousers, they’re substantially less robust and better suited for more casual adventures. That said, they come at a good price for a good, comfortable pair of hiking pants.

Helly Hansen Vandre Tur Pants: in the field 

I tested these hiking pants on a recent excursion in the Scottish Highlands with members of Arrochar Mountain Rescue. It wasn’t forecast to be cold, but Storm Babet was hitting Scotland that day, bringing lots of moisture, and while the conditions meant we didn’t venture up into high elevations, I still spent the day bushwhacking through rugged terrain as we performed safety drills and carrying a stretcher out.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit

I usually wear a small and that’s what I tested and they were really big on me. So big, in fact, that I had to stop and buy a belt on my way to Arrochar, but fortunately they have belt loops. Even with a belt, they were a bit large and baggy, so I’d definitely recommend trying them on before you buy to see if you have to size down. That said, these are cargo-style pants so they’re meant to be a little loose-fitting (though too loose isn’t ideal for hiking) and there’s no concern about wearing them over thermal underwear.

Comfort and temperature regulation

My first thought when I pulled them on was how comfortable they are. The fabric is really quite soft against the skin (and there’s an extra soft lining to the waistband) and they’re light and loose so they’re really quite enjoyable to wear. It was mild the day I was wearing them and they don’t have leg vents, but they’re definitely breathable enough for humid and warmer conditions. They don’t provide a ton of protection against the wind, though, so I might not choose them for frigid days, but I could see myself wearing these year-round back in Colorado where it's arid.

Storage and other features

For me personally, these have plenty of pockets, and the velcro fastenings help keep the weight down, but for those of you who like to carry a map in your thigh pocket, you won’t find these big enough. 

I was kicking myself for forgetting my rain pants but the weather actually wasn’t as bad as forecast and the DWR treatment went a long way. They did eventually get soaked as the long grass we were in was really wet, but they dried quickly and the boot hooks are super handy in that type of terrain to keep rocks and critters out of my boots.

Durability and value

These are a good quality, well-constructed pair of pants and will do you for most day hikes, though they’re neither warm enough for icy days nor rugged enough for overgrown trails which I discovered when I was carrying a stretcher past a prickly bush. Ouch. That said, they’re a decent pair of general hiking pants at a decent price.

Helly Hansen Vandre Tur Pants: the bottom line

If you want a functional and comfortable pair of lightweight hiking pants built for day hikes where you don’t meet too many extremes, these are good quality and you’ll like them. If you’re seeking something tougher to take on rugged trails or wintery conditions, look instead at the Fjӓllrӓven Keb Trousers Curved.

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Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: first impressions

Made with warm, sweat-wicking materials, these women's hiking pants are designed for those who want freedom to move when they hit the trails. With a robust, stretchy polyester/nylon blend, these pants offer more protection than your average pair of leggings, keeping you warm when a cold wind blows and wicking sweat when you get too hot. Also placing them ahead of your average yoga pants, they feature abrasion-resistant paneling on areas where you tend to come into contact with rough rock surfaces, on the seat and knees, and they have ample stretch for scrambling.

These trousers are body-hugging without being uncomfortably compressive if you wear them in your regular size, and the elasticated waist means no annoying draw cord is required. If you like to keep your phone close by and have a secure place for your car key, there’s a roomy thigh pocket and a zipped pocket on the rear of the waistband – however, that pocket hasn’t been sewed up at the sides so if your key seems to have disappeared, it might just be in your waistband. Beyond that, these are a good looking and affordable option for those who prefer hiking in leggings or want to make it easier to pull on rain pants in a hurry. They’re versatile enough to be worn to the climbing wall, the gym or around town as well.

Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: in the field

I don’t often hike in leggings, though I’m not totally opposed to the idea; it’s just that, as a yoga teacher, I spend way too much time in stretchy pants as it is and just generally prefer a looser fit on the trail. However, I received a pair of these to wear on a gear testing trip with Columbia to the French Alps and got to wear them over three days of hiking and they’re probably my favorite pair of hiking leggings now.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit

Columbia gear has a tendency to run large on me, except for the Silver Ridge Convertible hiking pants which bizarrely were too tight, but I tested my usual size with these (small) and they fit perfectly. They’re tight but not too compressive, which I really don’t enjoy, and I didn’t spend the entire trip yanking them up. 

The high waist isn’t just flattering, it’s really more functional when you’re wearing a heavy backpack, as I was on this trip, and layering for hiking. Finally, they’re the perfect length, meaning they don’t have five extra inches of fabric bunching up at the bottom like some leggings.

Comfort and temperature regulation

In general, I find these really comfortable, especially when I compare them to some of my yoga leggings which are sometimes so compressive they give me indigestion. The elastane content is quite high, but they also don’t feel insanely stretchy which I think is good as I wouldn’t want them to lose their shape.

They’re designed for warmth on cold hikes, but we ended up experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures on our trip so under normal conditions, I’d have rather worn my lighter Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers instead. 

However, I was there to test gear so that’s what I did and, while I was a little warm in the middle of the day, these are breathable enough and wick sweat well enough that I wasn’t suffering, and I was glad to have them on for our post-hike yoga session which was outdoors during the warmest part of the day. They do provide some insulation and I really appreciated them for an evening hike when the temperatures dropped.

Storage and other features

As long as my leggings have at least one thigh pocket, I’m happy, and these have just that where I can stash my phone no problem.

They have a zipped rear pocket, which is in theory good for keeping a key, but they’ve forgotten to sew it up so it goes all the way around the waistband, which could mean you lose track of gear. These pockets are handy when you’re upright, but I do find the zip uncomfortable if I lie down in them for yoga afterwards.

Durability and value

They’re definitely hardier than basic leggings or any of my yoga pants. The abrasion-resistant panels on the seat and knees means I could sit and scramble on rocky surfaces and they look as good as new, plus they lend a flattering shape to the design. The remaining panels are made from a smooth, but not too shiny, pill-free fabric.

These leggings are a really fair price for most people and you definitely get a pair of hiking leggings that you could wear across other activities, like rock climbing, scrambling, yoga and the gym, plus you can wear them around town without looking like a hiker. As a result, I think you get a fair bit for your money and will find these more flattering, versatile and functional than the Columbia Women’s River Leggings.

Columbia Women's Back Beauty Warm Hybrid Legging: the bottom line

If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of hiking leggings for cold days that give you plenty of room to move, these pants lack nothing and come at a good price. The only reason you wouldn’t like them is if you don’t like hiking in leggings to begin with, in which case there are plenty of other hiking pants in the sea. It’s only a shame that they don’t come in men’s sizing.

• How Advnture tests products

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: first impressions

These women's hiking pants are built for fair-weather day hikes when you want to be comfortable and aren’t too bothered about technical performance. The Omni-Shield Summiteer Lite nylon is soft against the skin and these have enough stretch (plus articulated knees) that you can move comfortably. They’re water-repellent in a shower but breathable enough to wear on hot days. They can also be rolled up and fastened into capris if you’re feeling sweaty, plus the fabric offers UVA and UVA protection.

The design does have a few flaws for hiking, however. First of all, though they have five pockets, none are really big enough to be functional, and the two rear pockets are so well disguised that it took us a while to notice them. If you want to roll them up into capris, you might find that the snap fastening is really fiddly to use and doesn’t stay put. That said, these are a great price and extremely comfortable, making them a solid choice for casual day hikes and brilliant for travel.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: in the field 

I got to test out a pair of these hiking pants on a hut hiking trip in the French Alps where we were testing the new line of Columbia gear. The weather ended up being unseasonably warm for the fall, so I was happy to get such a lightweight pair of trousers for my alpine adventure. Since I’ve returned from that trip, I’ve actually been wearing them loads around town and for other trips as well as for local hikes.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I tested a US size 4 which is my usual size and they fit perfectly. I have a slim/athletic build and they’re loose enough to be comfortable but not so much that I need a belt or that they flap around, and they also don’t catch anywhere. I was pleasantly surprised by this as I’ve had trouble with Columbia pants fitting me right in the past.

Stretch and breathability

These pants are stretchy enough for any scrambling you might want to do in them, and have articulated knees. They’re comfortable for sitting on a plane, so I wore them as my travel pants for my Alps trips as well as several other quick trips I’ve taken since. They also have great breathability for warm weather hikes, which is what I experienced during the days in France.

Weather protection

I was surprised to discover that these pants are water-repellent, which I did recently when I got caught in a light rain while wearing them and the water just beaded and rolled off nicely. I certainly wouldn’t wear them for a hike I knew was going to be rainy, but they will deter a splash.

They also have UVA and UVB protection, which I tend to think most hiking pants are since they’re not generally made from a loose-weave material like linen that could arguably let some sunlight in, but I’m mentioning it out of due diligence.

What these pants won’t protect you against is the cold. They’re built for fair weather and as we’ve had a few very cold weeks here in Scotland, I’ve switched to my more rugged trousers for getting out on the trail.

Pockets and other features

These trousers have five pockets, including a zipped thigh pocket, but honestly none are big enough to really be functional. I suppose you could put a car key or a credit card in the zipped pocket, but basically I just ignore them. Because these are fair weather pants, I can see this being a problem for some as you’re less likely to be wearing a jacket with pockets, but if you’re like me you’re usually wearing a backpack for gear anyway. It would be annoying to have to find a place for your phone if you like to have it handy though.

Another odd flow is that once I met up with the rest of my group in France, I saw that some of my fellow journalists had rolled theirs up to capri-style and fastened them. I tried to do this but found that the snap fastening is so well-concealed that I couldn’t get it to fasten, and the only time it did it quickly came undone. It definitely doesn’t work on my pair, but as I’ve said others seemed to have managed it, so perhaps there’s an inconsistency in the design. In any case, I wouldn’t rely on this function.

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Hiking Trousers: the bottom line

If you’re looking for a comfortable and largely practical pair of pants that you can wear on a mild-weather day hike, for adventure travel or for lounging, you’ll like these trousers, but if you’re seeking something rugged and technical for hardy adventures, keep looking.

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Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers: first impressions

Nordic outdoor specialists Fjällräven are well-known for premium gear, and their Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers from the Swedes’ High Coast range are absolutely bang on brand: these are definitely up there with the best rain pants on the market.

The first thing you notice about them is how soft, flexible and lightweight they feel – very different to lots of other shells that crinkle and feel more, well, shell-like to the touch.

As you would expect from Fjällräven, the stats related to these pants are all fairly impressive. The Hydratic Trail Trousers boast a lab-tested hydrostatic head / water column rating of 10,000mm, which, while it certainly isn’t the biggest I’ve seen in shell layers, definitely means they should be comfortably waterproof enough to deal with sustained and heavy downpours. 

Their breathability rating (10,000 g/m²/24h) is excellent, and I was looking forward to testing out these waterproof pants in some wet and wild conditions. Luckily, as I live in the southwest of Britain, I didn’t have to wait too long for exactly that sort of weather to arrive.

Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers: on the trails

I’ve been testing these Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Trail Trousers during hiking escapades in persistently wet conditions on the South West Coast Path for several weeks now. The trail is very often exposed and conditions have been extremely wet and windy on many days – perfect for assessing the performance of these waterproof pants.

Lightweight and easy to pack and carry, the High Coast Hydratics are reliably weatherproof shell pants that easily slide over the top of your hiking trousers to provide protection against rain and biting winds when you’re trekking, hiking or biking in challenging conditions.

The first thing to emphasize is how simple and hassle-free they are to get on and off. There is a full-length zip on each leg of these trousers, with a double zipper, which makes them extremely easy and quick to put on over the top of your hiking pants without the need to stop and remove your hiking boots – ideal for those times when the clouds suddenly start leaking and you want to cover up fast.

The double zip means you can also take them off just as quickly, or simply open the zips up slightly when you need to let some air in, or access trouser pockets below. Although the zip itself doesn’t appear to be waterproof, there’s a leg-long fold of material that covers each one, and this is held in place by the aforementioned velcro straps. Once they’re on, you can pull these pants tight at the waist with a simple-to-operate cord and toggle, and they seem to stay in place with no problems thereafter. The only omission, in my opinion, is the lack of a boot hook, which would have been helpful for keeping them in place even more securely.

Of course, none of that would be worth much if the pants didn’t perform their primary job of keeping you dry, but fortunately they do that exceptionally well. With an aforementioned water column rating of 10,000mm, these 2.5-layer overtrousers are genuinely waterproof. Light rain beads on the surface thanks to the PFC-free water repellency treatment impregnated into the material, and the PU membrane does the rest, keeping rain, snow and trail juice out, while letting your legs breath when they’re doing all the heavy work such as propelling you up hills.

And these trousers are much more comfortable to wear than many other waterproof pants I’ve tested out in the past. Despite their relatively high hydrostatic head rating, they feature an impressive degree of stretch. Importantly, they are also beautifully quiet when you’re walking in them; this may seem like a petty point, but so many waterproof pants rustle loudly and have loose legs that rub noisily together with each stride you take, which can be surprisingly irritating when you’re out and about.

There are velcro straps on the knees and at the ankles, so you can pull them tight to your legs and around your boots, which keeps drafts out, maintains the best level of protection against the elements, and means there’s no excess material left to flap around. 

These trousers are only available in black, but the velcro straps have reflective features, which help with safety when you’re walking or riding on lanes and roads with vehicles in poor conditions or low light.

These are premium quality weatherproof pants, which perform well and are carefully constructed with good robust materials to last a long time, but you do pay a premium price for them. Impressively, though, they’re made with 100% recycled polyester, with a PU membrane and PFC-free impregnation.

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If you’re anything like me, the more you get into the outdoors, the more technical you want your hiking gear to be. Waterproof jackets need to be 3-layer, down must be hydrophobic and hiking pants have to feature articulated knees.

But what are articulated knees in hiking pants, anyway? It’s one of those terms you’ll often see on the label, assume is a good thing, but have zero clue what it means. And again, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to know – is it a real benefit, or just another crafty means of making a garment seem more high-performing, and justifying that eye-watering price tag? Read on to find out what articulated knees are, and why you want them in your hiking pants.

What are articulated knees in hiking pants?

Articulated knees are created by sewing darts into the knees. A dart is simply a seamstress term for a fold that is sewn into a garment’s fabric, either to make it contour better to the body or to improve its functionality. If you have any nice dresses or suit jackets in your closet, you can take a look now and you’ll likely see that darts have been sewn around the waist to make the garment contour to your body better and appear more flattering.

In the case of articulated knees in hiking pants, the point of darts has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with function. Darts, or folds, are sewn into the fronts of the knees to essentially leave a little outward curve of the fabric which leaves more room for your knees to bend. 

When you look at a pair of hiking pants – including rain pants – to see if they have articulated knees, you should see a short horizontal (or near horizontal) seam leading from both the inseam and outseam. In the case of some hiking pants, like my Arc’teryx Gamma Pants, there are darts underneath the knee only, while my Fjallraven Keb Curved trousers have darts both above and below the knee.

What’s the purpose of articulated knees in hiking pants?

When you’re hiking up a very steep slope or come upon a section where scrambling is required and you need to lift your knee higher than usual, articulate knees mean your trousers won’t prevent you from achieving the range of motion needed, even if your pants don’t contain much (or any stretch).

Now you might be wondering why all pants don’t have articulated knees, since even if you’re not going hiking in them you’ll still want to climb stairs and sit down in chairs, and the short answer is that, back in the days when all things weren’t mass-produced and were tailor-made, they probably did have articulated knees. These days, however, many clothing manufacturers rely on adding more stretch to garments to make sure they move with your body. 

This of course can work quite well, but the more stretch a fabric contains, the more likely it is to lose its shape with washing and wearing. So for hiking pants, your best course of action is to choose a pair with just a little stretch, and articulated knees so you can get your legs up and over that boulder or stile without hearing that alarming ripping sound of seams bursting.

• Best thermal underwear for women

Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants: first impressions

These rain pants provide everything we want from a pair of waterproof trousers. They’re not bulky or heavy, so you can easily roll them up and carry them in your backpack on any hike, but when the heavens open, they deliver total protection. Made using the new fully waterproof GORE-TEX with ePE membrane and FC free DWR, they seal out a heavy rain but leave a light footprint on the planet.

One of the best features of these rain pants are the two-way 3/4 length side zips that mean you can pull these on even with hefty hiking boots on your feet, and you can dump a little heat if it’s getting steamy. The drawstring waist is easy to cinch tight and adjustable hems mean you can fit them securely over your boots. If you’re striding up steep slopes or scrambling, the gusseted crotch and articulate knees mean you can move easily while enjoying a practically impenetrable shelter. They’re not the cheapest rain pants on the market, but with a robust 75D fabric and GORE-TEX’s frequent opportunities to repair your gear, they could last a lifetime. 

Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants: in the field 

I received these rain pants as part of a test of the new GORE-TEX membrane where I wore them hiking on a blustery day in the Cairngorms, and since then I’ve managed to hike near Glasgow several times in exclusively rainy conditions that ranged from a shower to a deluge.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I tested a UK women’s 10 in regular length, which is actually a size up from my normal size and, though they might look less streamlined on, I think they’re ideal for pulling on over other trousers. They’re not so baggy as to be super flappy in the wind, but I can easily haul them on in a hurry even if I’m wearing bulkier hiking pants, which bodes well for winter. 

I suppose if you exclusively hike in leggings or are at the bottom end of your size, you could wear your normal size but I’m happy with the regular fit of these. Between the adjustable waist and hem, there’s plenty of room to tailor them once they’re on too.

Weight and packability

There are definitely lighter rain pants out there, but these are on the lightweight end of the spectrum and they pack up nicely to about half the size of my water bottle, which means I can’t find any excuse not to bring them as backup on every hike.

Waterproofing and breathability 

The new GORE-TEX fabric works brilliantly to keep rain out and I feel quite happily sheltered from the rain and the wind in these, even when it’s been ghastly out. The fabric itself is quite breathable, and the two-way zips mean that even when the rain stops, I usually just keep them on as a wind shelter and unzip if I need to.

Functionality and other features

The gusseted crotch and articulated knees mean I’ve no problem climbing and scrambling in these pants, with lots of room to move. Adjustable hems mean I can tighten them around my ankles no matter which hiking boots or shoes I’m wearing, and the side zips mean I can pull them on with my boots on, which is just what I want from a pair of rain pants.

Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants: bottom line 

Light enough for warm summer rain and protective enough against a harsh wind all while being easy to pull on over any shoes, the only thing that might make us blink about these is the price tag and even then, if they last a lifetime, they're worth it.

• How Advnture tests products

I’m not exactly Cher Horowitz in Clueless, but I definitely have a closet full of pants. There are jeans and cords, dress pants and light summer pants, yoga pants and leggings, joggers and “all terrain” travel pants that are light and comfortable. If your wardrobe looks even a little like mine, then, you might be asking yourself if you really need hiking pants, too.

If you’re just getting into hiking, you might be slightly surprised to discover the sheer volume of new clothes you apparently need to go for a walk. There are hiking boots to keep you from losing your grip on a muddy trail, a base layer to wick moisture and help to regulate your temperature when you’re getting sweaty and there’s a cold wind, then there are mid layers, insulated jackets, waterproof jackets, so many jackets. So you could be forgiven for wondering if you can cut down on your costs a little and just use some clothing you already own.

As we’ve already explained in our article on wearing gym clothes for hiking, it’s definitely possible to make do with general exercise gear, assuming you also have protection against the weather (extreme cold and moisture) but there are always benefits to hiking-specific clothing like hiking pants, which is why it exists in the forest place. In this article, we’ll explain the key characteristics of a pair of hiking pants, and help you decide whether you really need them.

What are hiking pants?

The best hiking pants come in many shapes and sizes, from simple legging-style trousers like the Montane Ineo Pro all the way to the rugged Fjällräven Keb Trousers. They should all have some characteristics in common, however.

First, hiking pants should be light, comfortable and have a little stretch in order to allow you to hike and scramble without restricting your movement. They should also be made from a breathable fabric, for when you’re working up a sweat, and may have zipped vents on the inner thighs so you can dump some heat. Hiking pants are almost always made using synthetic materials which means they should be quick drying if you get soaked and don’t have your rain pants.

Hiking pants should also offer a bit of protection from the various elements that nature hurls your way on a hike, be that a prickly bush on an overgrown trail, a cold wind or even in some cases, a light rain can be staved off with a DWR treatment. 

Most good hiking pants will have plenty of pockets in the thighs as well as the hip area so you can easily stash and grab items like your hiking gloves, compass and phone.

Hiking pants intended for really cold conditions will be insulated, while those meant for spring, summer and fall may come in hybrid models, such as the Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants which can turn into shorts when things heat up.

Are hiking pants worth it?

Hiking pants definitely sound technical, if you choose the right pair, but are they really necessary? After all, they can easily cost upwards of $200 for a good quality pair and you might have some old cargo trousers kicking around that you’re certain will fulfill at least some of the requirements of hiking pants.

In truth, whether or not you need hiking pants really depends on what kind of hiking you’re doing. That is to say that if hiking for you really means gentle-to-moderate walking on a well-maintained, low elevation trail in a place or season where the weather is fair, you can most likely get away with doing it in leggings, joggers like the Royal Robbins Women's Spotless Evolution Jogger or really any pair of pants with a bit of stretch and breathability that’s suitable for active pursuits.

However, if you’re going into more remote areas where there might be some bushwhacking involved, a sturdier material is helpful to protect your legs from thorns and sharp branches and while jeans are much more protective, there are other good reasons not to wear them for hiking, especially if you’re likely to see any rain.

If you’re expecting any kind of extreme weather, which is always a possibility in areas of elevation, you’ll want to start to think about wearing something that offers you a little protection from wind and rain. Clothing that holds onto moisture can mean you get really chilled on a hike and that can leave you vulnerable to conditions like hypothermia. You really don’t need insulated pants unless you’re hiking in very cold climates at high elevations, but breathable and quick drying fabrics are a must.

That said, for hot hikes where you don’t want to wear shorts (perhaps you want to avoid ticks or snake bites), warm weather hiking pants should be designed to let you hike more comfortably with thigh vents whereas regular workout trousers might leave you feeling pretty clammy.

Finally, the lack of pockets that a non-hiking specific pair of pants might present isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, because you can make that up with a backpack or even a fanny pack, but a little stretch definitely goes a long way when you’re climbing over boulders or sitting down on the ground for lunch.

Basically, if you’re likely to see any challenging conditions at all, from weather to trail hazards, then you’ll be happiest wearing a pair of hiking pants.

• Do you really need a knife for hiking?

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants: first impressions

Having already tested a Silver Ridge shirt I was looking forward to testing these Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants, which are made from completely recycled fabric. However, one of my advnture colleagues had reported some serious negative issues with the sizing and cut of the women’s trousers, so I did wonder how I would get on with them – or whether I’d even get them on.

Happily, when they arrived I discovered that the “body skimming” fit that makes the women’s trousers look and feel so ridiculously tight doesn’t seem to have been applied to the men’s version. While not as loose as some other hiking pants I’ve tested, these trousers don’t feel restrictive. It’s worth noting, however, that even Columbia admit the sizing tends to be a bit small, and they recommend going a size up if in doubt. (I also found my regular length test pair a little short in the leg.) 

The major selling point of these very reasonably priced pants is that they’re a two-in-one garment: long trousers that transform into shorts if and when you choose to remove the legs. Color-coded, for ease of organization and reassembly, the legs simply unzip from just above the knee.

Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants come with a belt – albeit a pretty rudimentary one – but the trousers also feature a semi-elasticated waist, so a belt isn’t strictly required if you get the sizing right. However, as we have noted, getting the size correct can be tricky.

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants: on the trails

I’ve been testing the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants for several weeks, during which time I’ve been using them pretty intensively while walking and hiking across a range of terrain, from semi-urban trails to remote, craggy coastlines and moors. 

Overall, while I haven’t been blown away by them, I have found the pants to be a comfortable and reasonably functional pair of fair-weather walking trousers, which breath well in warm conditions, and feel light on the legs.

The weather has been warm during the testing period, and I have really appreciated the ability to remove the legs and air my legs when the sun is out.

However, the addition of a small zip on the bottom of the legs would make taking them on and off a whole lot quicker and easier, allowing you to keep your footwear on while you make the transition from long pants to shorts. This feels like a real omission.

Also, while I love the fact that the main material is 100% recycled, there is no elastane content in these pants, so there’s no stretch in the legs at all, which is pretty restrictive when you’re climbing over rocks and stiles.

They offer excellent protection from the sun (UPF50), but being very thin don’t shield you from prickly plants and stings. These trousers are not water repellent either, but because they’re so thin, on the few times I was caught in downpours they dried out very quickly, so I didn’t really count this as a negative.

These pants have six pockets: two on the rear, a pair of hand pockets at the front, a right thigh pouch that closes with velcro and a left thigh pocket accessed via a vertical zip. On test, I thought the hand pockets were a bit too shallow (things occasionally fell out when I was sitting in a low car seat), but I really liked the vertical zip on the left thigh pocket, which is the perfect place to stash some cash and/or a credit card. Neither thigh pocket is big enough to take a sheet map, but you can easily carry a smart phone.

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Klattermusen Misty 2.0: first impressions

As you’d expect from this Swedish brand, the Klattermusen Misty 2.0s (available to buy direct from Klattermusen) are super smart, premium hiking pants that immediately impress you the minute you stick your legs in them. They have a soft inner, which feels lovely next to your skin, and boast a whole host of functional features, as well as claiming top-end capability on crags and among the hills and peaks.

Rated as MFR6, according to Klattermusen’s “Mass Flow Resistance” system, Misty 2.0 pants have “good” wind resistance, offer a decent degree of water repellence and are ideal for adventures at medium-to-high altitude in temperatures between 3°C and 10°C, in gusty and occasionally damp conditions.

The softshell “WindStretch” material employed in these pants is bluesign approved and made with 70% recycled polyamide. It also contains 10% elastane and offers a serious amount of dynamic multidirectional stretch, and has been doused in a fluorocarbon-free water repellent treatment. The seat and the knees have been reinforced with a Duracoat layer, and the inner leg seams have been deliberately curved to avoid stress being placed on the material during hill hiking and other high-impact activities, such as climbing. 

The Misty 2.0 pants offer multiple pockets and pouches, including open hand pockets and a zipped back pocket for keeping things secure. There are large pouches on each thigh too, both of which close with zips and feature a protective over-flap to keep the elements out. Both are mesh-backed, and the one on the right leg has internal dividers, including a phone-sized inner pocket, to help with organization.

All of the zips on these trousers, including the fly, have cord pull-tags so you can operate them with hiking gloves on, or when your hands are cold. The waist closes with a snap button, and there are good-sized belt hoops all the way round.

These pants have an elasticated adjustable hem on the bottom of each leg so they can be tightened around boots, plus there’s a detachable hook for securing them onto laces. Other clever features include triangular reflectors on the front and back, for increased visibility and safety when you’re walking on roads and lanes used by vehicles in poor light or complete darkness.

Klattermusen Misty 2.0: in the wild

I’ve been walking and climbing in the hills in the Klattermusen Misty 2.0 trousers for several months, and they are absolutely among the best hiking pants I’ve ever worn. They are certainly right up there with the most dynamic, offering an incredible degree of stretch. On test, while climbing and scrambling, I found that they didn’t inhibit my freedom of movement at all, and I could clamber over boulders and other obstacles easily, and contort myself into all sorts of undignified shapes and positions while reaching to get a foothold on ridges and crags. 

With a very forgiving soft-feel inner lining, the Misty 2.0 pants have a luxurious next-to-skin feel and are extremely comfortable to wear. But these are tough trousers too, built to last in properly rough and rugged environments, and areas susceptible to heavy wear-and-tear – such as the bum and the knees – have been reinforced with a Duracoat layer. This bodes well for the longevity of the trousers (a very serious consideration when the price tag is as high as the one attached to these premium pants).

Pleasingly, though, despite all this extra padding, they remain fully flexible, and they are quiet to walk in – unlike some reinforced pants, which feel stiff and rustle annoyingly every time you take a stride. The fabric is quite thick, and these pants will keep your legs warm on even the most exposed crags, ridges and hillsides. In fact, they can get a little too toasty at times, when you’re climbing hard or the weather is warm, and there are no vents.

To be fair, I’ve been testing my Misty 2.0 pants in fairly warm conditions so far, but there has also been plenty of rain and I’ve discovered that the water-repellent treatment on these trousers does successfully keep light rain from soaking into the material.

I’ve found the pockets and storage on these trousers to be excellent. The thigh pouches are large enough to take an OS sheet map and zip shut (only just, but that still counts), and the internal sections are useful. I’m looking forward to getting out in some higher and colder conditions in the Misty 2.0s, when I’m sure the pull tags on the zips will be very handy (the one on the fly in particular is a simple but clever design addition missing from most other technical pants).

• How Advnture tests products

Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers

Given that the word “utility” is used in the name of these hiking pants, you might expect a rugged design built to withstand both the elements and abrasive rocks surfaces, but the reality is that these are a lightweight pair of summer hiking pants. They do easily convert into shorts by zipping them off just above the knee, which as Columbia points out makes them versatile for changing weather conditions and trails, but their lightweight and breathable composition really makes them best suited for warm days, regardless of whether you go full leg or not.

The fabric is 100% recycled, so they have good eco creds, and it’s rated with UPF50 sun protection, but sadly they don’t do much to protect your skin against thorny bushes or even a light rain. That said, they are super quick drying when wet. They are listed as having a relaxed fit, we found them to run small around the thighs and with zero stretch, this made them difficult to hike on an incline in. Fortunately, they have belt loops so you can size up. There are five pockets, but none are very functional since they are all a bit shallow and tight and none have a zip, though the left side thigh pocket will fit a regular sized smartphone. All in all, though the price is decent, we think there are better budget options out there.

Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers

I’ve been wanting a pair of convertible walking trousers for ages since for traveling, it’s nice to have a pair of pants and shorts in one, however after testing these out on a cross country walk, I think I may have to keep looking.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I usually wear a US 4 (UK 8) in hiking pants and historically, Columbia clothing is always too big for me in my regular size. So when they sent me these trousers in a 2 (UK6) I was actually quite pleased. However, because of the very odd dimensions of these pants, things didn’t quite work out.

Basically, these fit me nearly perfectly around the waist and hips, with a little breathing room, but for some reason the thighs are really tight. I don’t know if you can tell from the pictures here, but I’m not exactly known for my hefty thighs. In fact, in 42 years this is the first time I’ve ever tried on trousers where the thighs were too tight, and as far as I know I haven’t dramatically changed shape.

Now, if I had tested my usual size, I assume there would be more room in the thighs, but then I think I’d have my usual Columbia problem of them being too big around the waist and hips, although at least there are belt loops to solve that problem. Anyway, the end result is that while Columbia describes these as having a generous, relaxing fit, I can’t imagine them working on anyone who doesn’t have a bigger waist and extremely scrawny thighs, which doesn’t describe most hikers. But by all means, try them on yourself and see what works.

Comfort and stretch

Because these were a bit tight around the thighs, they weren’t the most comfortable to wear, but that aside, they are reasonably comfortable. The fabric doesn’t rub or chafe anywhere. 

However, the lack of stretch is an issue, especially with the odd, tight thighs. It means I couldn’t actually test these out going uphill because I can’t step up in them easily (though they did stretch out a little with wear) so I had to wear them for a long distance walk instead. They were fine for standing upright or walking on the flat, but for actually climbing mountains, I’d need a bigger size or some elastane.

Breathability and weatherproofing

The good news is that these trousers are plenty breathable, with a nice, light fabric that is quite comfortable for sweaty days. So much so that I never needed to unzip and turn them into shorts. They are rated with UPF50 sun protection for bright days, but I have to think that most decent hiking pants provide good sun protection anyway so I’m not sure that’s a true selling point.

The bad news is that they don’t have any waterproofing or windproofing at all, so when it started raining I was quickly soaked through. The good news? They do dry in a flash. However, I’d save these for warm, dry days.

Storage and protection

Sadly, storage is another place where these pants fall short for me. They have two hip pockets, one back pocket, a thigh pocket and an unspecified very long rear thigh pocket that seems to only exist so you can carry a ruler on a hike. None of the pockets are zipped, though the thigh pocket has a Velcro flap, and all are two shallow and tight to really be of any use, though I was able to carry my phone in the thigh pocket. Also, annoyingly, every time I went to the bathroom I later discovered that the back pocket had turned inside out and was flapping in the breeze behind me.

Because these trousers are so thin, but the fabric feels like it might offer a little protection from abrasive rocks and branches, I did try brushing against a thorny bush in them only to discover that they offer no protection. Overall, for a basic pair of hiking pants I think you can probably find a more robust pair at a similar price point that will fit your thighs.

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Arc'teryx Essent High Rise Legging: first impressions

Sometimes leggings are just leggings, and other times they’re a surprisingly versatile piece of kit. In the Essent High Rise, we think we’ve found a pair of leggings built for lots of mountain adventures. We’ve been trail running, hiking and rock climbing in these stretchy-but-tough leggings and we’ve enjoyed serious freedom of movement, protection and breathable comfort on hot days.

With a high rise design, these leggings are comfortable, and for the most part, they stay put even when you’re running, without being too tight. Two deep thigh pockets work with your climbing harness and are big enough to stash your phone when you’re hiking and running. Theyr’e reasonably breathable for hot weather hikes and runs, but we’ve tested them out in plenty of rain storms and are happy to see that they dry quickly. The abrasion resistant material holds up well against the rock, so even though these are on the pricey end for running leggings, we think they’re good quality and therefore good value.

Arc'teryx Essent High Rise Legging: in the field

Most of my Arc’teryx gear is a little more mountaineering-focused, such as the impenetrable Beta Waterproof Jacket, so I was curious about how their reputation for mountain-ready, high performance gear would translate into a pair of leggings, which are arguably more of an everyday item. 

Though I tend to prefer regular hiking pants on the trail, as a yoga teacher and runner, I do wear leggings a lot. Since receiving the Essents, I’ve worn them for a lot of sweaty runs, one warm weather stretch of the West Highland Way, several bouldering sessions and a fair bit of yoga. In short, I’ve probably stretched them to their limits.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I tested a UK size 8, which is my regular size, and I’d say these fit true to size. I tested the 28” length and there’s a tiny amount of extra fabric at the bottom, and a tiny amount of wrinkling around my bum, but not so much that I’d say these run especially large. I might just be on the smaller side of my size and prefer a looser fit. I do occasionally have to give them a tug on a run, but I wouldn’t want them any tighter as that wouldn’t be comfortable and the seams already leave marks on my legs which makes me think they’re tight enough. 

They pretty much fit like any spray-on pair of leggings and you might want to try on a couple of sizes depending on whether you like them super figure hugging, or with a little room to breathe.

Comfort and stretch

I find some leggings are so tight around my middle that I get indigestion if I eat while wearing them, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s too tight. I do know that a lot of people feel differently, however with that in mind, I find these comfortable enough to wear all day, even when that involves riding my bike, climbing, running and working on my laptop. I like the high waist that doesn’t cut in anywhere. The fabric is silky against my skin with no chafing anywhere.

As for stretch, well these leggings are nearly a third elastane, so I have absolutely no problems scrambling over boulders on the West Highland Way, working on my heel hook at the bouldering gym or doing the splits on my yoga mat. No problems there.

Breathability and temperature control 

We’re not having the hottest summer on record here, but I have been wearing these in mostly warm and humid conditions and I’ve been happy with their breathability, even when I’m on a long trail and I've never felt clammy or overheated. They're not super thin, so I think I'll be happily running all winter in them too.

Storage

For functional leggings for running, I absolutely need pockets to carry my phone, especially in warm weather when I’m not wearing a running jacket, so I was pleased that this pair has two deep thigh pockets. I can run with my phone in either pocket and not have my leggings being tugged down.

Durability 

I haven’t been testing these for too long, so I can’t say what condition they’ll be in after heavy use for a year, and I am curious because the more elastane content leggings have, the more they tend to lose their stretch as time goes on. That said, because I’ve been climbing and scrambling in these several times, I can definitely say that the abrasion-resistant material is pretty robust. In fact, they still look as good as new.

• How Advnture tests products

The North Face Dawn Turn Hybrid Trousers: first impressions 

Whether you’re venturing into the snowy backcountry in winter or trekking glaciers in the summer months, the Dawn Turn Hybrid ski pants offer both versatility and protection from the elements, though they’re better suited to arid conditions than heavy, wet snow. These medium weight, super stretchy pants are built for ski touring, so they provide plenty of breathability and mobility for sweaty pursuits, but WindWall technology also means you can wear them without thermal underwear in arid conditions and stay comfortable heading both uphill and downhill.

Inner gaiters keep the snow out of your boots when you’re hiking through deep snow. Rear zips on the ankles mean you can always access your ski boot mode switch and though the zipped thigh pockets are roomy, we’d prefer them on the outer thighs rather than the front where bulky objects get in the way of hiking. Venting zips let you dump heat on the uphill, but we can’t help but think that these would be more beneficial in the traditional inner thigh locations. They could also use belt loops or an adjustment at the waistband for some users. Bottom line: these pants are really flattering, let you move freely and do the job when it comes to breathable cold weather protection, but there are a few design quirks that had us scratching our heads.

The North Face Dawn Turn Hybrid Trousers: in the field 

I received these ski pants all the way back in January and then lo and behold, we had barely a snowflake fall in Scotland this winter which meant I wasn’t able to do any ski touring to test them out. This summer, however, I had the opportunity to go glacier trekking on the Mont Blanc Massif and decided to test them out in those cold, high alpine conditions to see how they held up.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I am a small and I tested a small and these fit true to size. They are slightly roomy, but that's what you want for anything you might layer over thermals. They stay up without a belt, but aren’t too tight around the waist, and though the legs felt slightly too long and flappy, they’re perfect once they’re on over a pair of mountaineering or ski boots. They have a flattering fit that’s snugger around the hips and gets a little wider at the lower leg but plenty of room to wear over thermals, which is just what I want from any pants I’m going to be skiing in.

Breathability and weather protection

I tested these out on a fairly vigorous trek through the snow while wearing crampons and winter hiking boots. It was a summer’s day, but we were also at 11,538 feet and the wind was cold enough that I had to wear gloves and keep my hood up, so I think it was a pretty good simulation of what I’d usually expect ski touring somewhere arid like Colorado. I found these to be breathable enough that the I never needed to unzip the vents, and offered enough wind protection that my legs didn't feel cold. 

Speaking of the leg vents, however, I do find it odd that they’ve placed them on the outside of the thighs rather than inside. I don’t know about you, but when I need to dump heat, it’s my inner thighs and groin that are most sweaty.

Also, while they have some water repellency, they’re not waterproof so they’re not ideal for more humid conditions and wet, heavy snow, such as what we usually experience in Scotland, but they’re ample for drier, high alpine jaunts.

Comfort and stretch

These pants are really comfortable to wear and have lots of stretch, which is just what I need when I’m struggling to get crampons or ski boots adjusted, or climbing up a steep slope. They worked well with my mountaineering harness too, with no annoying bunching.

Weight and packability

Because these are designed for ski touring and not downhill skiing, they’re not insulated and therefore are reasonably lightweight. They also roll up to about the same size as my water bottle, which makes them a good choice for traveling.

Features and versatility 

Two roomy zipped pockets were ample to hold my phone and map, plus there’s a hidden pocket inside the right pocket where you can stash any small items you don’t want to lose (I used it for the safety guard of my ice pick). The storage is great but the pockets are located on the front of the thigh, rather than the side, and while this wasn’t exactly a problem, I can’t help but think that the more traditional side of the thigh area is more practical when you’re trying to hike or ski. If they moved the thigh vents to where they’re usually positioned, they could move the pockets too.

As for durability, though I haven’t been able to test these out for an entire season, I can say that they help up against my crampon teeth, which is a good testament to their robustness.

• How Advnture tests products

A mainstay on Britain’s trails, Northern English brand Berghaus has a solid reputation for its high quality, functional outdoor kit. Its range of products contains everything from entry-level hiking gear right the way up to its Extrem range, which consists of premium, high-performance clothing and equipment that's designed for mountain professionals and winter mountaineers.

Down the years, this kit has been tested and developed by some of British mountaineering’s leading lights, such as adventure climber Leo Houlding and exploratory Himalayan climber Mick Fowler, three times winner of the prestigious Piolet d'Or award. The range received a fresh injection of new blood (a particularly apt description given the vivid red colorways on show) in late 2022 and I was stoked to get my hands on some of the key pieces.

Two of the flagship products in the ‘Guide’ pillar (products designed for mountain pros) of the Extrem range include the MTN Guide GTX Pro Jacket and the matching overtrousers: the MTN Guide GTX Pro Pant. Both boast a premium polyamide fabric featuring 70 denier Gore-Tex Pro 3L Most Rugged and strategically placed Gore-Tex Pro Stretch 70 denier panels. In other words, both should be highly effective, waterproof shields against the kind of brutal conditions you can get in the winter mountains.

So, it’s fair to say the Pro Pants are more than simply a pair of hiking pants, which is a good thing too considering they’ll set you back about three times as much as a standard pair of quality outdoor trousers. However, they're actually quite competitively priced when you look at similar offerings from the likes of Mountain Equipment and Rab.

Meet the reviewer

First impressions

Bold and bright, with their vivid red face fabrics, large zippers and chunky poppers, there’s nothing subtle about the Pro Pant. Then again, the last thing I’d want in a blizzard is subtlety when it comes to manipulating garments with hiking gloves on – so this is a good thing. On first wear, they feel reassuringly rugged, though the fit feels pretty generous at first, particularly towards the lower leg.

This is because the Pro Pants are primarily overtrousers, rain pants that are designed to be fitted over an insulated pair. So, there has to be a bit of room underneath. It’s the same scenario as a waterproof jacket worn over a mid-layer or down jacket. More layers equals more warmth.

They also come up quite high at the waist which, when combined with the below-the-bottom low fit of the Pro Jacket, means that you get plenty of protection around your middle region.

Closer inspection reveals a raft of features that your standard overtrousers can’t match. So, let’s get into them…

A premium feature set

As mentioned, when I first put the Pro Pants on, they gave quite a generous fit, especially lower down, where they’re almost baggy. I’ve snagged a crampon on ill-fitting trousers before and it’s not something you want happening high up on a narrow, snowy arête. However, unlike with a standard pair of overtrousers, there are plenty of ways to adjust the Pro Pants in order to achieve the desired fit.

Robust Velcro tabs at the ankle and the calf allow you to tighten everything up, while the nicely elasticated waistband features belt loops and is designed for compatibility with braces.

Like the Pro Jacket, the trousers combine two leading Gore-Tex Pro technologies: Most Rugged and Stretch. The strategically placed Stretch panels provide the necessary freedom of movement, while still providing high levels of durability and protection. Meanwhile, Most Rugged is hugely hard-wearing and resistant to snags and rock abrasion. If the Pro Pant was a tank, the Stretch would be the capapillar wheels, while the Most Rugged would be the reactive armour.

As mountaineering pants, the Pros are designed to be worn with a climbing harness, which is why the waistband has a low profile. It’s also why the large thigh pockets are placed lower down than on a standard pair of pants. With just about enough volume to take a topographical map, there’s plenty of additional storage here.

Running the length of either side of the Pro Pants are 2-way, fully opening side zips. This makes it easy to put the trousers on or take them off, even when wearing mountaineering boots or similar.

A really neat feature is the internal gaiter, which is hidden beneath the main fabric on the lower leg. The bottom is elasticated, while there’s a lace hook for attachment to a winter hiking boot or similar. The ankle also features a kick patch for increased protection, something that will please snow sports enthusiasts.

Of course, all these features and the quality of the Pro Pants’ components add up to give them the very high price point. If you’re after standard rain pants for hiking exploits, the Berghaus’ Deluge 2.0 overtrousers do the job at a fraction of the price.

Mountaineering and scrambling in the mountains

To test the GTX Pro Pant, I coupled it with the GTX Pro Jacket and other items from the Extrem range (such as the MTN Guide MW Hoody) and set out to tackle some mountaineering objectives in the Scottish Highlands and to negotiate some scrambles in the English Lake District. Scotland enabled me to test the pants in the gnarly winter conditions they were designed for, while the scrambling days allowed me to assess their suitability for lighter adventures where freedom of movement is key.

I felt almost bulletproof throughout, with the Pro Jacket and Pro Pants swatting away any bad weather and keeping me well shielded from the wind too. In Scotland, I paired the Pants with my insulated trousers, which worked brilliantly. The insulation kept me warm in some pretty Arctic-like weather, while the shield provided by the pants protected me from the snow, windchill and rock abrasion. On the warmer days in the Lake District, I employed them as a standalone pair and found them to be perfectly comfortable.

For such rugged trousers, the freedom of movement they provide is a real strength. I indulged in some tricky scrambling and challenging winter climbing, with some interesting foot placements at times. Now, I’m no gymnast or yoga expert, but for my range of motion, the Pro Pants were never inhibitive. Clearly the GTX Pro Stretch panels and the articulated design do their job.

As mentioned, there’s nothing subtle about the size of the Pro Pants' poppers, Velcro tabs and zippers and I found accessing pockets, adjusting the fit and access and egress easy, even when wearing gloved hands.

What I love about the GTX Pro Pant as an outer layer is the fact they still have pockets, which is something many overtrousers lack. The integrated gaiter is a nice touch too and meant I could leave my separate pair in the kit bag. My boots stayed dry throughout out my days in Scotland, despite often crunching through snow deep enough to get in over the top.