Outdoorsy shite. Best all round outdoorsy walking, scrambling trousers

[FryingNemo]

What would you recommend?

Waterproof or not?

I have eventually reached the conclusion that, for this sort of thing, cut and fit is more important than brand. I have a cheapy, in-the-sale-so-even-cheapier Peter Storm pair bought in an emergency and have realised that the reason I like them more than the expensive whatever-it-was brand I had before, is that these are the right length (ie don't flap irritatingly at the ankle, but also don't trail in mud), and have enough space round the knee and thigh for me to be able to bend my legs right up when climbing over rocks.

After a year of pretty regular use the material hasn't given way anywhere yet.

So I would say try lots of pairs on and squat energetically in the changing room.

I have a few pairs of the Craghoppers Kiwi Stretch and they're fab. The fit is great and they do various leg lengths. They have a DWR coating and dry really quickly if they do get wet. The stretch makes them perfect for scrambling. I was worried that they'd get trashed as the material is quite lightweight but they're actually really hardwearing.

I tried loads of different brands before I found these and they are often in the sale on the Craghoppers site or on Amazon for less than twenty quid.

My current winter trousers are Blacks Technicals soft shell type things and they're pretty good too but I've no idea if they still do them.

Rohan. Mainly because they make them in short arse size i.e. I can get them in a 28/29 inch which means they are the right length. Plus I have some rather lovely winter ones that are showerproof and cosy. They are also slightly stretchy so really good for walking and scrambling. Not cheap but is possible to get some offers/sales from time to time.

Rohan bags. I love my rohan bags. Fit like a dream and dry just like that

I've got some Craghoppers and some Hawkshead - winter lined and summer unlined. Both fine - not waterproof but turn a shower. I've got some on now because I was gardening this morning, battling pyracanta and they're still intact. If I want waterproof there's nothing to beat Goretex overtrousers (mine are Berghaus). All these are short length, I'm 5'1" and they are the perfect length for me.

thanks everyone. I think I will try a craghopper pair. Do you recommend ones that zip off at the knees or is that a silly gimmick?

Also, walking skirts - have you tried these? I thought I'd hate them but instead I fell in lurve. It's about the only time I skirt up.

I once tried on a pair with zip-off legs - can't remember the make - found they were rather uncomfortable as the zip rubbed round my thunder thighs.

This is such a good question and never dared ask it in Style and Beauty! I guess it does depend on your shape.

Another vote for Craghoppers Kiwi Stretch, they are in a league of their own, I have them in dark grey. Zipoff legs are too thigh-magnifying for me but I do like ones that button up a few inches into capris so you can cool your feet at the end of the walk. I might add some buttons to my Kiwis.

DH has some Patagonia stretch trousers, there might be a ladies version? they do have elasticated ankles though

IMO unless want them baggy, stretch is essential if you are going to as much as climb a stile never mind scramble up something.

I have multilevelled zip-offs from Peter Storm. Have had no zip chaffing to date. I quite like the cargo pant zip off level as it's by far the best trouser to mooch around a UK campsite on (covers the purple mottled knees and yet the hems don't drag in the dew laden grass).
They are also in my Death Collection (to go with the Death socks, shirt and buff) as they are impregnated with the anti mossie chemical. They are pretty comfortable but still the Rohan bags are my faves.

I have various Craghoppers ones. Their winter-lined ones are fantastic when it's cold. The Solardry fabric ones are great for warmer weather. I have a separate pair of waterproof over-trousers for if it's really wet - a bit like a kagoule for the legs. I don't have the zip-off ones because I walk in the countryside, if it's hot it's also nettle and bramble season, I prefer to keep my legs protected from scratches & stings.

Strawb... that was timely, I was just beginning to wonder about zipoffs but you've reminded me why I like long trousers all year! (You forgot gorse, that's a bastard too, though I adore the scent).

IMO the best thing about waterproof overtrousers isn't so much keeping your legs dry when walking - its being able to sit down anywhere

Oh yes, gorse! Nasty spiky stuff!

I've never tried a walking skirt but am intrigued. What do you wear on your legs? Tights? Or are they a summer thing, with bare legs? I do lots of geocaching, involving crawling into hedges and the like with my bum stuck in the air, I think it has to be trousers all the way.

Waterproof overtrousers are indeed great for sitting down anywhere! And invaluable when walking through a field of rapeseed in summer, after it's rained a lot. Without them you're soaked to the skin in seconds.