Trousers for some hiking

[hippospot]

Going to the Highlands for a bit of walking (probably nothing longer than 6/7 miles). I have hiking boots, a waterproof, and some soft layers for the top half. Just wondering what one wears on one's legs. Presumably not jeans in case of rain.

I don't want to look like a hiking nerd though I suspect I will :)

Thanks!

I second the Craghoppers trousers - I love mine.

Mountain Warehouse also have some options which are slightly less £££.

Yes, jeans are a no no for hiking, especially if they get wet!

Full length trousers tucked into your socks helps to avoid ticks. Apparently light colours are also less attractive to ticks. Other than that anything lightweight with plenty of room and pockets. Zip off legs are also good if you want trousers for multitasking.

Everyone looks like a hiking nerd on the Highland walking routes so I would say it is the only way to fit in. It also works as the goto outfit for a day out at the Edinburgh Festival

I like substantial leggings for hiking, usually worn with longer top/tunic or a pair of lightweight shorts. Easy to move in and tuck into socks so no ticks get access!

I was going to recommend the craghoppers walking trousers but I see two posters have beaten me too it. Definitely worth the money.

Craghoppers are good and fine unless you want to spend a lot of cash. The stretch ones are great but the standard Kiwis are perfectly adequate. Not jeans as they do not dry if it rains and will rapidly drain your body heat. Even in summer, the scottish hills should be treated with respect and assume a good chance of heavy rain and windchill even if the sun is splitting the pavements when you set out.

I wear running tights or running shorts in warm weather. Just add waterproof over-trousers if it's wet. In winter I have walking trousers that I bought from Trespass. I've survived some pretty arduous treks like this. 3 peaks, Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp like this.

You'll look a lot more of a nerd in jeans or dickish fashion gear, and really piss off any rescuers if you get hypothermic.

The proper gear need not cost a bomb and will make a day out much more comfortable.

I hike, but hate hiking trousers. I wear running leggings instead.

Lycra leggings are popular & work pretty well, they insulate when wet & are still breathable. Sadly no pockets.

I have Craghoppers I picked up in a charity shop (!), probably for about £4. Go me.

That said, I'd wear any light cotton or poly-cotton mix trouser, no specific brand required. Jeans stay wet too long if they get wet, but fine in dry.

Some heavier weight running leggings ideally with a pocket are great. Craghoppers did some legging trousers last year but they are horrible, don't know if they brought out anything better.

The best walking trousers I've ever had were Jojo maternity cargo pants.. lightweight polycotton, just the right amount of bagginess.

Regatta Dayhike trousers- waterproof, hard wearing and comfy!

Do please take seriously the above advice about tucking hiking trousers into socks/wearing leggings with socks over. Yes, it can look naff but it's a quite a bad year for ticks this year. If possible, invest (only about £5) in a pack of little tick-removing hooks - they are widely available. (I even saw a display of them on Rannoch railway station just a couple of weeks ago.) They work well and if used promptly remove ticks before they cause problems.

My first choice www.royalrobbins.co.uk/womens-c2/trousers-c12