Technical trousers. Do nice ones exist?

[MadMaryBoddington]

We are going on holiday to Norway in a couple of weeks. We will be doing some mild hiking. As the weather has suddenly changed, we felt the fear today and went for a walk up a hill in all our waterproof gear to check it is all up to the job - don’t want to be stuck inside if it rains.

I wore my ancient waterproof overtrousers, and they flapped around and didn’t keep me dry because the wind blasted them against my legs.

I have decided I need to invest in a pair of ‘technical trousers’ (I think that’s what they call them) - you know the sort of thing they sell in camping shops that are water resistant and dry quickly. I looked at them in Mountain Warehouse this afternoon and they were all truly hideous. I know it’s not a fashion show, walking in the mountains, and that comfort beats style blah blah blah BUT for the love of god, are there any out there that aren’t hideous? And which do what they need to do too, obviously.

Thanks.

Montane or Rab are good brands to look at. I have walking trousers by montane and they’re great and look ok too. I think they do a technical trouser in same style.

I've got a pair of Icepak trousers which I think don't look too hideous. They are softshell type fabric.

I have a reasonably non-hideous pair of Craghoppers Kiwi ones - had them years but they're similar to these.

Would these be any good?

Thank you. I will look up these brands. Those Craghopper ones look promising.

It is a sad fact that most technical clothing is ugly... until you spend a lot. Patagonia, Arcteryx, Mammut are all good but 3 x the price. Berghaus and the equivalents might be a reasonable compromise. As I spend a lot of hours each week, year round, walking in windy wet conditions, I spend the money to be comfortable, warm and dry simultaneously. The choice seems to be between black, primary colours and lurid neon, none of which is enticing.

Craghoppers are good but for 100% waterproof plus warm ( if you need it) look at Paramo trousers. They also have zips to let air in if needed.

I have some Rab ones which are completely black, zips and all. Look pretty good and do the job. I also have some Musto ones which are probably uglier but they also work well and are quite neat.

I don’t mind spending money on them because I have an outdoor job so they would also be very useful for work.

It would be handy to be able to try a load on and compare them, but I can’t find anywhere that stocks all the brands.

My best looking and most comfortable ones are from Decathlon and were really inexpensive compared to others I got.

I've got a navy Berghaus pair that are decent but not that attractive. They do the job. They have zips and poppers up the side. Served me well hiking in Skye and the Highlands in atrocious weather. Wind proof too. Have an amazing holiday, it sounds fabulous.

I like Arcteryx trousers. They are pricey but I bought mine in 2009 and they’re still going strong.

Have you got a Go Outdoors near you? They have a fairly good range of brands

Nearest Go Outdoors is an hour’s drive away. I’m not sure I’ll be able to fit that in before we go away, annoyingly.

There’s a Snow and Rock in my nearest town, so I might try there. It’s tiny though so I doubt they’ll have much stock.

Thanks sulflower I’m really looking forward to it!

I got some from the mountaineering section of Decathlon, which were fine for winter hiking in the Alps.

You may want to consider accepting that your legs will get damp/slightly wet underneath your so called 'waterproof' trousers, and so the essential requirement is to feel comfortable in that state and not shivering. Hence something like these RAB climbing trousers - rab.equipment/uk/womens/climbing-pants

I’m slightly overwhelmed by choice now! Thanks everyone.

Acai are a small brand but they sell skinny outdoor trousers, I think they are water resistant.
Makes a change from the straight leg styles which seem to be 90% of walking trousers anyway.

link

Oh I like the look of those Açai trousers. My problem with trousers of all types is that I need a petite length, else I need them altered.

Those are nice!

I rather like the look of those Acai ones! What is their sizing like?

I swear by my RAB trousers and wouldn't be without them.

Unlike some outdoor makes, I find RAB trousers to fit on the narrower athletic side, which suits me as I hate walking trousers with lots of bum/thigh room. It means sometimes I go up a size (I'm usually between 2 so pick the larger).

I have never come across any walking trousers or technical trousers that fit well and are not ugly! But has anyone mentioned Alpkit? These have a water resistant finish (but are thicker and warmer).

these are lighter weight, and dry in the breeze as you wear them if they get wet

I was going to mention Alpkit too.

I like to tuck trousers/leggings into my socks so they don't get muddy which is not a good look with wide leg trousers. I asked in a big outdoor shop last year and a staff member said ladies were always asking for slim leg trousers but nobody makes them. I've just resorted to walking in sports leggings or normal day to day stretchy trousers. Sainsbury's do some good ponte treggings but of course no pockets! Or waterproofing.