FJÄLLRÄVEN

Abisko Lite

RRP £160 Target price £145

As soon as you put these on, they feel strong and durable. The toughened fabric feels sturdy enough to take an almighty battering, with added reinforcement at the calves and the hem. Yet it’s also stretchy enough to permit almost limitless freedom of movement. The articulated knee joints work like the knee itself, providing a full range of natural movement. The hand pockets are a good size, as are the thigh pockets which both have zips. They kept my legs reasonably cool throughout a hot, sweaty hill-walk in Wales, and I had the added luxury of totally open vents running from the top of the thigh down almost to the knee – a luxury for me, though a little unsightly for my walking companions, who caught more than a glimpse of pasty upper leg. I’d have liked an elasticated waist, and the strap adjustment at the hem is fiddly to tuck away. Price is the drawback – but this is aimed at the type of seasoned high-end walker who may be more willing to make this long-term investment.