Sasta Jero £160

+ Rugged, sustainable, comfortable - Single leg length only, no leg vents, expensive

If you haven’t heard of Sasta, it might help to think of it as the ‘Finnish Fjällräven’. Like the Swedish brand, it is renowned for producing durable kit for fishing, hiking and bushcraft, with an emphasis on sustainability. The Jero trousers are made from a polycotton blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton, which is pre-treated with Nikwax for added weather resistance. Knees and insteps are reinforced with polyester-Kevlar panels for durability, and there’s a stretch gusset for added freedom of movement. So, they’re rugged yet comfortable, though perhaps don’t offer quite the same articulation as full-on stretch soft shell pants. But that reflects their intended use as all-round outdoor trousers rather than technical mountain legwear. Still, they’re pretty versatile, though we found they really come into their own on long moorland yomps through ankle-shredding bracken, since you can cinch in the Velcro tabs at the ankle and mid-calf for a neat and precise fit. There are also hidden lace hooks that attach to your boots. Other features include two hand pockets and a large, zipped thigh pocket, which also has a press-stud flap. The semielasticated waist is fitted with belt loops and buttons for braces. Given their tough construction, they’re neither stiff nor heavy.

■ Men's sizes EU 46-60

■ Women's sizes EU 32-46

■ Leg lengths One size

■ Fabric 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton, wax- and Nikwax Cotton Proof treatments; reinforced panels 93% polyester, 7% Kevlar

■ Weight 500g (men's EU 50)

Verdict

These uber-tough yet eco-friendly trousers are most at home in gorse and bracken on open moorland.