COLUMBIA

Peak to Point

RRP £50 Target price £45 The Peak to Point trousers (Triple Canyon for men) pack an awful lot of features into a good price tag and a mere 250g of polyester. The feature that always tops my list when it comes to trousers is comfort, and these get a big fat tick in that department. They are stylishly close-fitting without being restrictive. They were wonderfully light and stretchy while I puffed up and down Exmoor’s coast path – the articulated knees allowed for easy manoeuvring over stiles and the light fabric and UPF 50 sun protection were a blessing on a hot, sunny day. There are no ventilation zips, but I didn’t miss them. The three zippable pockets are small but perfectly useful for tissues, coins, sweets and other bits of everyday detritus. The waistband isn’t adjustable, but the ankle hems come with drawcords for a better fit around your boots. Despite the Omni-Shield technology, I didn’t find these trousers particularly weatherproof – either against water or wind. But for £50 that would be asking a lot. RB