Berghaus Extrem Fast Hike £95

+ Fully-featured, very lightweight

- Prominent seams, no women’s version

These lightweight trousers have a slim, tapered fit, with a hybrid design that incorporates two different fabrics. The main fabric is a robust and hard-wearing nylon, which has no stretch. Fortunately, secondary stretch panels on the knee panels and seat provide the articulation. They also have a small crotch gusset, which isn’t made from the stretch fabric. Though we can see the logic in this construction, it does mean the high-wear areas are actually slightly less robust, as well as being more prone to snagging and soaking up moisture.

Otherwise, the features are excellent, with a microfleece lined waistband, zip fly and press-stud closure, removable webbing belt, two hand pockets, a zipped thigh pocket, a zipped back pocket and Velcro ankle tabs. You also get two-way thigh vents, backed with an extremely lightweight mesh, for cooling airflow and tick protection.

Overall comfort is reasonable on the hill, although all the panelling results in some prominent seams. These are all doublestitched for durability though. So, although not flawless, these trousers strike a good balance between low weight, freedom of movement and toughness.

Weight 374g (men’s 34) Women’s sizes n/a Men’s sizes 28-42in Leg lengths Short/Reg/Long Fabric Nylon with stretch panels