WALKING TROUSERS

Don’t underestimate the importance of having a comfortable pair of trousers that protect your legs from undergrowth, bramble and insect bites.

RegattaLeesville Zip Off/Chaska Zip Off£50

Low-priced trousers with zip-off legs are ideal for hillwalking as it means you don’t need to buy shorts and long trousers, as these serve both needs very well. They are made from 100% lightweight nylon, so are durable, fast-drying and reasonably weather-resistant. A part-elasticated waist with belt loops improves fit and comfort. Three zipped pockets along with a small Velcro closure pocket are provided and there are drawcords at the ankle cuff. A good versatile choice for low-weight and low-budget backpacking and hillwalking.

Weight 437g (size 34 regular) Sizes 30-34 with three leg lengths (men’s Leesville); 8-20 with three leg lengths (women’s Chaska) + low price; zip-off legs; comfort - less durable and less weatherresistant than higher-priced trousers Trail tested Planned for Trail June 2017 issue

Vaude Defender Pants III £150

A winner of Best in Test awards, these trousers are made from Schoeller Dynamic fabric, a woven nylon that is tough, stretchy and resists wind and light rain well. The materials are also Bluesigncertificated for being good for the environment. They have an elasticated waist with an in-situ belt, a crotch panel for extra freedom of movement, and also stretch knee and seat panels for even more comfort, plus an ankle cuff zipped gusset for a neater fit over boot ankle cuffs. There are five pockets, but sadly none is OS map-sized.

Weight 399g (Size 52 regular) Sizes 46-56 with two leg lengths (men’s); 34-44 with two leg lengths (women’s) comfort; durable stretch fabric; ankle zips; five pockets pockets are a little small for OS maps; price of trousers was £130 in October 2016 Trail tested Oct16 4.6/5 Best in Test

CMP Man Pant Softshell / Women Pant Softshell £60

CMP is a new Italian brand to the UK, with a range of mountaineering, trekking and trail running clothing. The trousers are made from relatively heavy and tough stretch soft-shell fabric with a thermal insulation layer sandwiched between the waterproof and breathable fabrics. But as they are without sealed seams, they are not waterproof trousers. This makes them ideal for ski and Alpine mountaineering use, as well as winter use, but they are too warm in summer. There is no adjustment at the ankle cuff though, which higherpriced soft-shell trousers may provide.

Weight 524g (size 50) Sizes 32-44 (men’s); 8-24 (women’s) + weather resistance; durability, stretch; comfort in cold weather - warm; heavy; no ankle cuff adjustment Trail tested No, new

MammutBase Jump SO Pant £150

The Mammut Base Jump Pant is a well-proven design and, for 2017, this new version is made of a Schoeller fabric, comprising 88% nylon and 12% elastane. It is very durable but it’s also a thin fabric suitable for year-round use, and has more water and UV resistance than other materials. There is also Cordura reinforcement on the seat, knees and ankle cuff, while a zipped and gusseted ankle cuff improves fit. The four pockets have zipped closure but none is large enough for OS maps to completely fit. Great trousers for mountain use if you have the cash.

Weight 430g (size 50 regular) Sizes 30-40 and three leg lengths (men’s); 6-20 and three leg lengths (women’s) durability; secure pockets; ankle adjustment pockets don’t fully take an OS map; price Trail tested No, new

Mountain Equipment Ibex/Chamois£80

These trousers have repeatedly come out as ‘best at its price’ thanks to their good use of materials and design. You get Exolite Stretch woven fabric that is made of 92% nylon for durability, and this also resists wind and rain a little better than standard trousers. The gusseted zip ankle cuff allows some adjustment to fit neatly over boot ankle cuffs, and the waistband is wide and lined with a soft brushed material for comfort. There are four zipped pockets on the front for safe storage of items and two of these are OS map-sized. Great general trousers.

Weight 437g (size 34 regular) Sizes 30-38 with two leg lengths (men’s Ibex); 8-16 with two leg lengths (women’s Chamois) weather resistance; durability; pockets; ankle cuff higher-priced trousers are even more comfortable and durable Trail tested Oct16 4.4/5 Best Value

Fjällräven Abisko Lite Trekking Zip Off £160

Based on the popular Abisko Lite Trekking trousers but with zip-off lower legs to make them more suitable for a wide range of weather. The material is the hard-wearing G-1000 (polyester 65%, cotton 35%) with stretch panels at the back of the knees and waist. There are four front pockets that are all OS map-sized, with two having zipped closure. The fit is closer than many trousers and ideal for backpacking and hillwalking, to prevent snagging on undergrowth. The ankle cuff has reinforcement and also a webbing buckle for adjustment. You even get a lace hook.

Weight 487g (size 50 long) Sizes 44-60 and two leg lengths (men’s); 34-48 and two leg lengths (women’s) durability; four map-sized pockets; neat style price Trail tested No, new

Montane Super Terra Pants £130

These are very rugged trousers that are ideal for backpacking. They are made of a Cordura fabric, comprising 97% polyester and 3% spandex, which offers a little stretch and is quite a heavy fabric to give it ruggedness. Reinforcement at the knees and seat is made from waterproof Cordura Hydro that is 93% nylon and 7 % PU. There is also triple stitching for more durability. Two of the four front pockets take an OS map, while the smaller thigh pockets are still useful. The ankle cuff is not gusseted but you can adjust the cuff for size. These are a great backpacking workhorse.

Weight 693g (size L regular) Sizes S-XXL with three leg lengths (men’s) durability; two large OS map-sized front pockets no women’s option; heavy; no internal gusset at ankle cuff Trail tested Oct16 4.2/5 Best Value

Arc’teryx Gamma AR pant £160

Very popular trousers made from a very tough Burley Double Weave nylon with 4-way stretch for added comfort and freedom of movement when scrambling or mountaineering. The fabric is very comfortable against the skin due to having some polyester in the mix on the inside face. There are three front pockets that are OS map-sized and zipped for security. You don’t get a zipped ankle but there is an internal cord and a lace hook, and the fit is quite neat anyway. Some trousers have more water resistance or extra reinforcement at the knees and seat, but for most these are ideal.

Weight 541g (size L long) Sizes XS-XL and three leg lengths (men’s); US0-14 (women’s) durability; comfort; four-way stretch; three map-sized pockets price; no ankle cuff zipped adjustment (but they are quite neat anyway) Trail tested Oct16 4.2/5