Fjällräven Keb £200

A perennial favourite and multiple award-winner, it’s hard not to love the Keb trousers. Undeniably Scandinavian in their toughness, materials and styling, these technical trekking pants employ a hybrid construction of weatherproof and tough G-1000 Eco – a sustainable polycotton blend that can be waxed for additional water-resistance – with four-way stretch fabric panels. This offers good durability yet top-notch freedom of movement, with the fabric mapping cleverly designed.

They come in various fits and the women’s ‘curved’ cut sits relatively high on the hips, hugs comfortably around the waist and rear while providing a touch of extra room in the legs. They’re neither tight like hiking leggings, nor cumbersome, ill-fitting and unflattering like some walking trousers – instead they strike an excellent middle ground.

Features are superb too, including large thigh and ankle vents, belt loops, distinctive front leg pockets, lace hooks, suspender attachments, and ankle cuff adjustment via press stud buttons.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

They’re astronomically expensive, rather heavy and arguably overkill, unless you’re planning on bushwhacking through brambles or getting very close and personal to jagged rocks. Ankle adjustment is a little clunky and the thigh pockets are perhaps superfluous (too small for OS maps).

■ WOMEN’S SIZES EU 32-48, Standard or Curved fit options

■ MEN’S SIZES EU 42-60

■ LEG LENGTHS Short, regular, long

■ WEIGHT 535g (women’s EU 38)

Verdict

Fully-featured and superbly-engineered, these rugged Scandinavian trousers are undoubtedly winter-ready – but they’re expensive and heavy.