WALKING GEAR

What to wear and what to pack when you head out into the elements this season

The best kit for autumnal adventures.

THREE OF THE BEST: MEN’S STRETCHY WALKING TROUSERS Wayfarer Straight Pant Salomon, £90

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

neat, uncluttered appearance with four zippered pockets (two hip, one leg and one rear), making them pretty adaptable to the workplace or pub. At only 292g and compact when packed, these are great for mild-weather backpacking. Also available in a women’s version. • 86% polyamide, 14% elastane salomon.com/en-gb

Odin Huginn Pant Helly Hansen, £160

These technical trousers come into their own between autumn and spring. The softshell fabric is windproof, but also has Helly Hansen’s top rating for breathability; it feels substantial while the pants remain fairly light at 570g. There is plenty of

stretch, and some neat articulation to help you flex knees comfortably on uphill stretches. A hook on the hem allows you to attach the trouser-leg to your bootlaces in lieu of gaiters, and ankle cuffs can be secured neatly around your boot-tops. Zips on the lower leg allow you to pull the pants on and off without removing your boots. The three pockets are zippered: two at the hip and one on the thigh. Women’s version is the Odin Muninn Pant. • 94% polyamide, 6% elastane hellyhansen.com/en_gb

Kiwi Pro II Trousers Craghoppers, £50

Like the other trousers on test, these are not bulging with bellows pockets and other technical bells and whistles, but they quietly include some useful features for walkers. There are four zipped pockets, two at the hip, one each on the rear and thigh. The fabric is stretchy enough to allow you to move freely. On test, the fabric felt a little less breathable than the Salomon trousers, but would offer better protection in colder weather, and yet the trousers remain light at just 340g. The neat appearance also makes them versatile – you can wear them to the pub without being accused of dressing like Indiana Jones. As usual with Craghoppers gear, the price is relatively

affordable. A women’s version is available. • 96% polyamide, 4% elastane craghoppers.com