Ultimate guide to the best walking trousers and shorts
Our gear testers, Jen and Sim Benson, test dozens of walking trousers and shorts for comfort, durability, style and storage to help you find the top bottoms for your summer rambles
Walking trousers are an essential but often overlooked piece of kit. Get them right and you'll barely notice they're there. But a walk can be ruined by trousers that are too tight, too warm, or worse still, lacking in pockets!
To help find the perfect pair, remember the three Fs: fabric, fit and features.
Fabric
The weight and breathability of a fabric determines how it performs under different conditions, from the weather to your activity level. The most versatile trousers strike a balance between offering sufficient protection from sun, wind and even a little rain, with a pleasant, breathable environment for your skin.
Fit
Too loose a fit can feel baggy and unsupportive. Too tight is uncomfortable and restrictive. Along with choosing the perfect size, look for trousers made with articulated panels and stretch fabric for freedom of movement.
Women's trousers
Alpkit Teleki Zip
RRP £49.99
Lightweight, stretchy, packable and protective, these zip-off summer walking trousers quickly and easily convert into smart, longer-length shorts. Alongside handwarmer and rear pockets, there's a smartphone-sized zipped thigh pocket for secure storage. Some users report tightness around the zip, so try before committing. Great value and versatile.
Rab Incline Pants
RRP £90
These versatile trousers are light and packable enough for summer trips, but protective enough for year-round walking. With articulated panels for great fit and movement, the softshell fabric is stretchy and unrestrictive, comfortable all day long, and dries quickly. There are three good-sized zipped pockets, a double-snap closure at the waist and drawcord adjustment at the ankles. The roomy fit at the waist may not suit all.
Salewa Alpine Hemp Light Pant
RRP £115
Light, breathable and flexible for rock climbing, these smart-looking trousers are ideal for hiking, scrambling and travel. The main fabric is an innovative hemp ripstop with a linen-like feel (hemp is a more sustainable crop than cotton), while Durastretch knee panels allow unrestricted movement. The fit is slim but comfortable. Features include drawcord adjustment at the waist and ankles, and four pockets, two zipped.
Klattermusen Grimm Pants
Walk magazine Best in Test
RRP £209
These lightweight trousers are made from a soft and stretchy yet hardwearing organic cotton/elastane-mix Oxford fabric. The result is a superb balance of breathability, protection and comfort, with a good range of pockets. Double-layer fabric on the front thighs and knees plus Cordura edging add durability. Not cheap but they'll last a lifetime.
On Running Pants
RRP £135
Designed for running, these versatile, technical pants are also great for warmer weather hiking or just walking the dog. The lightweight, windproof fabric is comfortable against the skin. Knee vents provide breathability and freedom of movement, and zipped ankles easy on/off. There's a drawcord waist for a secure fit, two pockets - one with a zip - and reflective details for extra visibility.
Sherpa Kalpana Tight
RRP £65
With a high, wide waistband and light all-over support, these are incredibly comfy. The fabric is heavier and more durable than running tights, with UPF50+ and HeiQ Fresh odour control. Two zipped thigh pockets and a hidden key pocket offer great storage. The fit gives good protection against biting bugs, though we'd like a drawcord at the waist.
Men's trousers
Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants
RRP £140
A heavier-weight softshell fabric means these are warmer and more protective than other trousers on test, but breathable so suitable year-round. The weather-resistant material is recycled nylon with a little elastane for stretch. The cut is slim but articulated for movement and there are six pockets. Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Craghoppers Kiwi Classic Trousers
RRP £65
Kiwi trousers have been around since 1996, a testament to their value and function. The relaxed fit, integrated belt and size range means most walkers will find a comfortable pair. The fabric is a soft, breathable Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton and recycled polyester mix; reinforced on the cuff, knees and seat. Nine pockets include one that fits a map.
Fjallraven Keb Agile Trousers
RRP £185
These tough, lightweight trousers are protective enough for winter and cool in the summer. The organic cotton/polyester mix fabric is reinforced at the knees and cuffs; it's breathable, comfortable, weather resistant and should last for years. Apply Fjallraven's Greenland Wax for extra weatherproofing. Features include two handwarmer pockets, two zipped pockets, thigh vents, belt loops and adjustable cuffs. The priciest men's style on test but justified by their details and performance.
Inov-8 Venturelite Pant
RRP £110
Inov-8's first foray into lightweight trousers is designed for fasts hiking. The lightweight nylon/elastane mix fabric is weather resistant without being too warm. We like the athletic cut, but belt loops would be welcome for a perfect fit. There are two zipped pockets while zipped cuffs allow you to get them on over shoes (not boots). Overall, comfy and versatile.
Sprayway Comfort Combi Pant
RRP £70
Zip-off trousers offer versatility and value, as you also get shorts for your money. Made from a durable lightweight nylon/elastane mix fabric, these have enough stretch for comfy movement. The fit is relaxed, with an elasticated waist, three zipped pockets and Velcro rear pocket. Fair Wear Foundation certified.
Jack Wolfskin Glastal Pants
Walk magazine Best in Test
RRP £95
These great-looking trousers are a brilliant mix of lightweight, durability and packability, with a good set of pockets and a relaxed fit. The weather-resistant Texashield Core softshell fabric is a stretchy nylon/elastane mix that feels tough yet light and breathable. Bluesign and Fair Wear Foundation certified, they come in a range of sizes.
Women's shorts
Patagonia Quandary Shorts
RRP £55
These brilliantly designed, sustainably made shorts look and feel great to wear. The super-soft, lightweight, stretchy nylon-mix fabric is airy, dries fast and packs small. They're highly practical, with drawcord adjustment at the waist and a good range of pockets.
Salomon Bonatti Trail Shorts
RRP £75
A bit niche, but these super-lightweight waterproof shorts are ideal when it's both warm and rainy, or if you need extra weather protection over your usual shorts/tights. The minimalist design has drawcord adjustment at the waist and reflective details for visibility.
Fjallraven Abisko Short Tights
RRP £100
Based on Fjallraven's popular trekking tights, these fitted, longer-length shorts are a superb choice for warm-weather walking. Offering great comfort and support, with a high, wide waistband and drawcord adjustment, they're also very practical, with two smartphone-sized thigh pockets.
Men's shorts
Helly Hansen Quick-Dry Cargo Shorts
RRP £65
These knee-length cargo shorts have a slim cut that works brilliantly with the slightly stretchy nylon/elastane mix fabric. They're durable, light and quick-drying, with cargo pockets, normal pockets and a zipped back pocket. Spot on for walking shorts.
Columbia Titan Pass Shorts
RRP £65
Techy and sharp-looking knee-length shorts with an active fit. The lightweight fabric is a stretchy and quick-drying recycled polyester/elastane mix, treated with a water-repellent finish. Features include three zipped pockets and an integrated belt.
Smartwool 8" Shorts
RRP £69.99
A lightweight, soft-feel recycled polyester/elastane mix outer short with a wicking merino wool/recycled polyester mix lining. The just-above-the-knee cut is casual and pleasant to walk in. There are two front pockets and a zipped one at the rear.
Explore more
Our gear testers, Sim & Jen Benson have a wealth of outdoor and walking experience. They provide regular gear reviews and kit advice in Walk magazine, the Ramblers quarterly magazine that forms part of your Ramblers membership benefits. Join today from only £3.21 per month.
Ramblers Members also receive a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, home to many of the outdoor brands featured in this article and a great place to get expert advice on walking gear. When this discount is used a percentage of the purchase price is returned to the Ramblers to help us look after the places you love to explore.
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