Walking trousers - I am so bamboozled by choice

[PacificDogwod]

I am in the market for a pair of walking trousers, or maybe 2?

For waterproofness overtrousers seems to be the done thing - so any recommendations for something that is not stiff and not sweaty like polybag??
And for something simply showerproof/quick drying there's just too much choice - i don't do well with choice.

Somebody choose for me!



This must be the very definition of First World Problem.
In my defence, I live in Scotland, I walk a lot and I have spent a very wet time last winter...

[Mouthfulofquiz]

I've just bought a pair of Berghaus Ortler trousers - really comfy and almost flattering for walking / outdoor trousers. They are quite water resistant but not waterproof.

[Fuzzywuzzywasabear]

I find you need to try them on as women's trousers can be cut differently depending on brand. My favourite for fit are north face but they are sized small so my size 10 arse is more like a 14

Waterproofs I have berghaus I think with poppers up the side so they can easily be pulled on over muddy boots

[PacificDogwod]

I think I looked at those, Mouthful, I certainly tried a pair of Berghaus ones on - they were about £120-140, is that about right?
Yes, v comfy and acceptable looking, but the price put me off, I have to be honest.

Otoh, if I wear them for 10+ years, like I did my current ones...

[IminaPickle]

TK maxx usually have a good selection.

[PacificDogwod]

Right now I am liking these ones

[PacificDogwod]

Oh, good idea, I always forget about TKMaxx!
Thanks, Imima.

[ErrolTheDragon]

I have berghaus goretex overtrousers with full zip/poppers up the legs. Really good, comfortable, and easy to put on. Mine are 10, short length, accurate sizing. DD doesnt like their slight rustle so she went for some cheaper Peter Storm ones for DofE - did the job but I dont think they have the breathability and not so durable.

'Normal' overtrousers I like the non-lycra'd polycotton type, unlined for summer, lined for winter. My favourites are hawkshead own brand but they dont seem to do them anymore, but craghoppers do something similar. I got caught out with a pair I ordered online recently, it didnt say they were low waist (why would anyone want walking trousers liable to fall off your arse).

[Mouthfulofquiz]

I just got them off amazon for about £30 - I'll try and pop a link on. They are really lovely...

[Mouthfulofquiz]

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B013VA15OK/ref=ya_st_dp_summary?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Mouthfulofquiz]

Hopefully that link works...
Anyway, I sized up to a 14 (I'm nearer to a 12) and went for the shorter length and I'm around 160cm. Fits lovely. Almost looking forward to some bad weather...

[MrsJayy]

I dont do outside very much but Dd does she hasafew pairs of mountain warehouse trousers and they are showerproof you need the teflon ones apparently

[rubybleu]

I've got Craghoppers Kiwi walking trousers which are fantastic. They have a bit of stretch and look decent.

For over trousers I've got some Mountain Warehouse ones - they're called "Spray".

[BikeRunSki]

A lot of walking trousers are showerproof now, meaning you only beef overt rousers in complete downpours. These for example.

Key words to look for are "DWR" (durable waterproof repellant) finish, Schoeler and Epic (brand names for shower proof fabrics).

[OnlyHereForTheCamping]

I second Craghopper kiwi , they look nice (as these things go) and comfie

[PepeLePew]

I like Craghoppers. But my favourites are Arcteryx - they have a v light synthetic pair which are comfortable and dry incredibly fast when it stops raining. I can't bear overtrousers and now only use them
when getting cold and wet would be a very bad idea. Otherwise I just get wet and dry out in my Arcteryx. They aren't completely hideous either which helps!

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

I have Craghoppers kiwi pro stretch trousers. I've got full length, convertible, Capri length and the shorts. They re so comfortable and not too bad shape wise. Well the Capri length look pretty awful with walking boots but the full length are a reasonable shape.

[FrustratedFrugal]

I have several and my favorites are lightweight windproof black no-name trousers from the local outdoor store. They are waterproof for about an hour in normal rain.

I would advise you to try on lots of pairs instore, that way you can choose ones that fit right and feel right, are the right length and not too noisy.

[PacificDogwod]

Thank you, all

Yes, I think I need to go and try a few more on - only went to one shop so far and tried 3 pairs (Berghaus, Craighoppers and Sprayway).

Good to know about the technical phrases for 'really quite showerproof', thanks, Bike - that's probably all I need tbh. No arctic expeditions planned here

[specialsubject]

Those makes will do - and as always, try the.mens ones which are better and cheaper. You want quick dry jobs - overtrousers are waterproof but get sweaty.

Never buy showerproof, suitable for office to lunch only, waste of time otherwise

[PacificDogwod]

Men's trousers are unlikely to fit me (big arse/hips, smaller waist) but yes, I had noticed that they are better/cheaper. AND have more pockets - an old bugbear of mine

No, was not going to buy 'shower proof' - could just wear jeans instead

[MigGril]

Pockets was one of the reasons I went for the mountain whearhouse ones when I bought some new ones this summer. They seemed to have more pockets then the more expensive makes like Craghoppers.

They seem just as good as my husband Craghoppers to so I'm happy.

[user1471462362]

Thank you for the berghaus suggestion, Mouthfulofquiz! Sized up to a 14 as you advised, and they came in a 33" inside leg which I normally struggle to find! They arrived in time for me taking DD out in the rain this afternoon and I was smug and dry while the other parents were damp and uncomfortable!

[OCSockOrphanage]

Do you have a Go Outdoors store nearby? I ask because I spent the afternoon there today, and they seemed to have tons. We are on the edge of Dartmoor, so the need exists. Size range seemed a bit patchy TBH.

[Citizenerased123]

I live in Rohan dry roamers in Autumn/winter when I'm in the lake district:
www.rohan.co.uk/Womens-Trousers-for-Outdoor-Use-Dry-Roamers?ocode=03437595

They're proper trousers (not over trousers), are waterproof, non rustly and very comfortable. And they last for ages; I've been wearing mine regularly for about 5 years and they still look like new. I know they're expensive but if I consider price per wear they're definitely worth it.

[CallarMorvern]

I've got Berghaus over trousers, have had them about 15yrs, I imagine they are men's as DH has the same ones, they fit fine despite me having a 'womanly' shape. Poppers and zips down the outer legs are an absolute must, so you don't need to take your boots off. They are also lined, so I will wear them by their selves if it's wet but warm. I don't bother with walking trousers, hate the fabric, feel and look of them ( make my arse look like a barrage balloon). Normally wear tencel or other synthetic jeans. Wish someone would come up with decent fully synthetic walking jeans.