Sherpa Kalpana Hike Tight £50

+ Stretchy, comfortable, practical - Only one leg length, no water-repellent treatment, women’s-fit only

As comfortable as gym leggings, but robust enough to cope with life in the great outdoors, the Sherpa Kalpana Hike Tights are a great concept. They’re super stretchy thanks to a high elastane content, which is combined with closely-woven Supplex nylon – a fibre normally used for swimwear – to ensure they are soft and extremely quickdrying. However, the heavier fabric weight ensures good durability. It means these are thicker than most gym, yoga or running tights too, providing a bit more warmth on the hill. The fabric is also treated with Polygiene odour control to help them stay fresher for longer, and it has a 40+ UPF rating. All seams are flatlock stitched to ensure zero irritation, and the panelling incorporates a gusseted crotch that offers excellent freedom of movement. The high waist gives good coverage, while the low-profile design that means they sit easily underneath a climbing harness or a rucksack hipbelt. They don’t tend to sag, though perhaps the addition of an internal drawstring would have helped to keep them a little more firmly secured. We loved the practical zipped pockets on both thighs, and we also discovered a small, hidden internal security pocket in the waistband. Compared to a lot of women’s outdoor legwear, we think these tights offer good value. It’s just a shame they only come in one leg length.

■ Women’s sizes XS-XL

■ Men’s sizes n/a

■ Leg lengths One size

■ Fabric 76% Supplex nylon, 24% elastane; reinforced panels 88% nylon, 12% elastane

■ Weight 307g (women's XS)