BERGHAUS COLUMBIA

Embira Tights Maxtrail II Hiking shorts

RRP £70 £50

The Embira tights looked so tiny when I first laid eyes on them that I couldn’t imagine how they’d possibly fit over my thighs, let alone feel comfortable. But, amazingly, they not only pulled all the way up, but once on, actually felt more like a second skin than the boaconstrictor garment I’d been fearing. Somehow, the fabric – a mix of polyester and elastane – moulds to the body without throttling it and allows for complete freedom of movement. What’s more, the tights were incredibly breathable too – I found them to be a truly dynamic piece of kit, which could handle heat from both the outside climate and my own body temperature. When climbing steep hills in the Cotswolds, they kept me cool and fresh, and the water repellent finish also kept off a light shower, though they wouldn’t handle much more than that. The only problem with such a skimpy pair of leggings is the lack of pockets. There are two tiny slip pockets, but you won’t get much in them other than spare change. At only 170g, these leggings are perfect to carry on multi-day trips, or for fast and light day adventures.

INFO: Sizes:

elastane Weight:

0770, berghaus.com

Brilliant freedom of movement, good weatherproofing, light

COMFORT: ★★★★

WEATHERPROOFING: ★★★★

VENTILATION: ★★★★

VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★★★

BEST FOR:

Fabric: 76% polyester, 24% Contact: 0800 151

High-energy, dynamic days out in the hills and lowlands.

RRP £65 Target price £32.50

When temperatures soar, and I can be cautiously confident that a tromp through scratchy, bug-infested vegetation isn’t on the cards, there’s nothing I like more than walking in shorts. I like my shorts to be baggy but not too baggy; fairly long but not drooping below the knees. The Maxtrail IIs fit the bill. Gloriously draughty, these cargo shorts are a pleasure to stride out in on a hot day. They are largely made from nylon (most of which is recycled), with a dash of elastane mixed in for added stretch. This light and fast-drying fabric blend is infused with Columbia’s proprietary water and stain repellent, Omni-Shield. If you’re a beachcomber like me, you’ll appreciate the array of pockets. More than enough for your phone, wallet and keys, there are six in total: two snap-fastened ones at the rear, another on the left hip, two meshlined hand pockets and a secure zipclosed one on the right thigh. Should you ever manage to fill all these pockets, it’s just as well there’s a belt to hold up the partly elasticated waistband. Great though the Maxtrails are, I can’t help thinking £65 seems steep for shorts.

INFO: Sizes: 28-44 Fabric: 93% nylon, 7% elastane Weight: 205g (34) Contact: 0800 464 0876, columbiasportswear.co.uk

Great fit, superb ventilation, lots of pockets, recycled materials

Comparatively pricey

COMFORT: ★★★★★

WEATHERPROOFING: ★★★★ ★

VENTILATION: ★★★★★

VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★ ★★★

BEST FOR:

Hot-weather hikes, both high and low, on nettle-free paths.

BEST FOR:

Active hikes on moderate paths on still, warm days.