Hiking trousers

[Potplant2]

I’m doing a lot of hiking this summer and need a couple, at least, of pairs of trousers to do it in. Weight loss recently means I’ve got to build up my wardrobe from scratch.

I like slim fitting trousers, and am thinking of getting leggings to walk in but they’d need to be able to cope with days on end of walking (with some washing out in between, so quick drying a bonus). I’m also considering slimmer fitting trousers. I’m a size 10-12.

In terms of weight it’ll be mostly summer walking but as it’s in the UK perhaps one slightly heavier pair would also be good!

Oh, and ideas for lightweight wicking T-shirts would also be welcome. And none of this too expensive as I’m on a budget.

The brand Craghoppers is quite extensive in various outdoor gear.

Yes, I’m looking at Craghopper, particularly their leggings. But I’ve been disappointed with their kiwi trousers before, both in fit and quality. I do like the idea of insect repellant clothing though so will have another look.

I use either running/gym leggings or craghoppers kiwi pro stretch trousers. I was in go outdoors yesterday and noticed that the craghopper trousers have been redesigned to be a bit slimmer fitting and lower waist.
I use them all year round, in chilly weather I wear base layers underneath.

I use to walk in craghopper style walking trousers, but now wear my running leggings...more robust than normal leggings, mud brushes off the easily, dry quick if they get wet, and I prefer the cut. I have several pairs ranging from some cheap karrimor ones from SportsDirect, through to some thermal Nike ones. I noticed the other day Mountain Warehouse had some nice ones in too.

Thanks. I think running leggings might be the way to go.

I also prefer high to low waist trousers as I seem to always be having to stop and hitch up the low waist version. I think I’m a weird shape!

Craghoppers have always been my go to walking trouser. When I walk I go for comfort over fashion. It depends on what type of walking you are doing. For me climbing over stiles or stonewalls, slightly baggy , or good material on the bum for sliding off things is better than leggings material. But obviously it's personal choice.
Try a few brands and give them a workout in the changing rooms 😁

Rohan are really thoughtfully designed with great features - think lots still in the sale but also worth looking on eBay for really good prices (I kitted myself out with amazing barely used gear for a week in Iceland this way and still use all the stuff every winter for cold city breaks and walks etc)

I like the Scandinavian brands Fjallraven or Noronna.

I also prefer high to low waist trousers

I'm the opposite, and find the north face the only place to do trousers that don't have a waist somewhere near my bra, so avoid TNF if you want high waisted.

If cost is a consideration, Decathlon is a good place to start.

I saw these mentioned several times on another thread

acaiactivewear.com/

I've just bought a pair of the Acai trousers mentioned above. Haven't tried them in earnest yet, but they feel robust and incredibly comfy, and look great.

Yes, I’m looking at Craghopper, particularly their leggings. But I’ve been disappointed with their kiwi trousers before, both in fit and quality

Have a look at the kiwi pro stretch version. They are not nearly as baggy as the regular kiwis, lighter weight, faster wicking/drying and have elastane in the mix hence the "stretch".

Yeah the Kiwi Pro Stretch are kind of the go to trousers. I have a couple of pairs for when I begrudgingly accept that they are a sensible idea, otherwise I tend to go gym leggings (I like the H&M ones).

I second the acai trousers. Fit perfectly and are very durable and waterproof.

I do multiday hikes each year and am obsessed with outdoor trousers. I like columbia saturday trail, and a surprisingly good find was karrimor panther trousers from sports direct. I mean the plain, not convertible versions, which always look frumpy. The kiwi pro stretch, i found less comfy, less flattering and the legs seemed to shorten in the wash, even though i followed care instructions.

Thanks so much everyone, that’s given me some leads to try

A bit left field, but if you're interested in running leggings also have a look at horse riding tights. I have both and they are very similar in material, but my riding tights are a fraction of the price.

Try arion equestrian, they have a sale on atm making their tights £20 rather than £25. They are supportive and have a nice high waist and plenty of stretch for movement. Also rise out and dry quickly. I hike regularly and will often choose my riding tights over anything else to walk in, in fact sometimes it feels like I live in them!

Ooo interesting, I’ll have a look at the horsey ones

I have the mid weight stretch skinny waterproof trousers and the thermal leggings from Acai- both are fantastic.

I've also got the Acai ones. I've just given the new mid weight ones a good testing on a weeks walking holiday and they were brilliant.

I also love the thermal ones, which have had plenty of testing over the winter. I don't find the summer ones quite as good, the fabric is really light and so bags a bit at the knees and can feel a bit clammy.

I always wear leggings - thicker ones in winter and the 3/4 length ones in summer. If the weather is really bad i have some waterproof over trousers.

I bought some from H&M! They do a small outdoor range, and I found some slim outdoor trousers (they do leggings as well) with sufficient pockets and in a technical fabric.

I like Jack Wolfskin as I am a bit straight up and down (not much difference between waist and hip size), but I only buy in the sale as they are £££. I find Craghoppers a bit snug on the waist, so if you want a high-waisted style they may be for you. Also, you can sometimes get them at a discounted price on sites like Sportpursuit and some others. To get maximum wear out of my walking trousers I like to get convertible ones where you can zip off the lower legs to turn them into shorts if the conditions permit (not recommended in forests in Europe - you want to avoid ticks!).

Forgot to say that Jack Wolfskin also do walking leggings that look nice and tough, but I prefer something a bit looser.