Non-stick keks

ACAI Granite outdoor trousers £70

I’d be quite happy to wear most of my outdoor kit down the pub. But walking trousers? Comfy, yes. Stylish, erm… no. Not that my wardrobe is the height of fashion, in fact I’m still mourning the lack of flares on shop shelves. But when I heard about ACAI’s outdoor jeans I was curious. Could there be a trendy walking trouser option at last?! Alas for me, it turns out they are all skinny fit, no boot cut in sight. But in the interests of the female Trail readers out there, and with an understanding that I am seriously behind the fashion curve, I took one for the team and gave them a try. With a range of different fabric and styles, plus sizes 6-16 in three leg lengths, I’ve got to say that the ‘Granite’ option is impressive. A tough, abrasion-resistant nylon and polyester mix is coated with Teflon for high durability, perfect for mountain abuse. They have a four-way stretch which, although I’m not a superfan of the tight skinny fit, does allow freedom of movement over rocky ground. The waist is high, which avoids any embarrassing ‘builder’s bum’ while scrambling around. But most impressively water just seems to run off the water-resistant fabric, which dries super fast even after a good soaking. Oh, and I guess they look pretty good for walking trousers too, if you like that sort of thing!

Verdict

Technical trousers with the style of skinny jeans could just be a winner for the hills.

USED BY Jenna Maryniak, Trail deputy editor USED FOR 2 months