Best walking trousers 2024: step up your hiking game

When it comes to walking, whether you’re hiking up a mountain or just taking the dog for a spin around the park, your legs are the real MVPs. And just like any MVP, they deserve to be treated right by sheltering them from the elements with the best walking trousers.

Think of them as the unsung heroes of your wardrobe, like the best base layers, offering comfort, durability, and maybe even a touch of style. Whether you're braving the unpredictable British weather or simply want something with enough stretch to handle that extra slice of cake at the pub, there’s a pair out there with your name on it.

But where do you even start? With so many options boasting fancy features like water resistance, quick-dry fabrics, and more pockets than you have snacks to fill them with, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve scoured the market to find the best walking trousers that combine practicality with a dose of style, so you can focus on enjoying your walk rather than constantly adjusting your waistband.

Our current favourite walking trousers are the ever-so-reliable Fjallraven Keb Agile Trousers. They are tough, comfortable, and practically lasts forever. For women, we can wholeheartedly recommend Montane's Tucana Pants – they fit like a dream. Finally, if you like your trousers to be versatile, check out Columbia's Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers, which transform into shorts in a matter of seconds.

Best walking trousers to buy right now

Best overall

The Fjällräven Keb Agile hiking trousers are made with high-quality materials, are comfortable, and are versatile across three seasons (spring to autumn). The trousers' lightweight, stretchable fabric allows for flexibility in outdoor activities like walking and climbing. Key features include reinforced high-wear areas and effective ventilation, although the lack of mesh lining in the vents may let in insects. We assume not everyone will be on board with the "tactic-cool" aesthetic, but overall, they are deemed durable and practical for outdoor use. 

Read our full Fjällräven Keb Agile trousers review.

Also consider: there is a women's version of the Keb, made with G-1000 Eco fabric, offering a mix of stretch and toughness, ideal for hiking in varied conditions. They feature multiple zippered pockets, adjustable cuffs, and ventilation zips for temperature regulation. 

Best for women

The Montane Women's Tucana Pants are crafted from durable, stretchy, and wind-resistant Granite Stretch fabric with a PFC-free DWR coating for added water resistance. These lightweight pants offer a slim fit that is both flattering and breathable, making them perfect for active outdoor use.

The large stretch waistband provides comfort, even allowing room for a post-hike meal without discomfort. The pants feature two zip hand pockets and a zipped rear pocket, ideal for storing essentials like a phone, tissues, or a map, though bulkier items might not fit due to the slender cut.

Tested on a coastal trek in varied weather conditions, the Tucana Pants lived up to their promises. They are not waterproof but handled light rain well, drying quickly thanks to the water-repellent coating. The snug fit is stylish yet practical, and the Granite Stretch fabric allows for easy movement, making them suitable for all-day wear.

Perfect for tall, slender women who enjoy outdoor activities, the Montane Women's Tucana Pants combine great looks with functionality. Their thoughtful design and range of sizes ensure a perfect fit, making them a top choice for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Read our full Montane Women's Tucana Pants review.

Best convertible

Columbia's Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers stand out for their versatile two-in-one design. With zips just above the knee, you can quickly convert these trousers into cargo shorts, perfect for unpredictable summer hikes.

Made from 100% recycled polyester, these trousers are environmentally friendly and offer sun protection, making them ideal for summer. They are lightweight (men's 34W 30L weighs only 322g), breathable, and quick-drying, outperforming standard cotton in sweat-wicking and drying speed.

The trousers feature ample storage with two hand pockets, two back pockets, a cargo pocket, and a zipped pocket, all located on the shorts section, so you don't lose storage space when converting them. 

Designed for the UK's variable weather, the Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers provide light wind protection and excellent sun coverage. Despite initial concerns about the zipping mechanism, the colour-coded zips make reattaching the lower leg sections easy.

However, they lack an adjustable hem, which would help prevent critters from entering when hiking through thick undergrowth.

The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers are perfect for summer hikes and ultralight hiking.

Read our full Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers review.

Best for durability

Premium outdoor brand Mammut's lightweight Zinal Hybrid Pants are made from quick-drying, breathable fabric with 8% spandex, offering comfort and flexibility. The PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment makes them weather-resistant, and they offer UPF 50+ protection against strong sunlight.

Despite their light design, these pants provide longevity, thanks to the reinforced areas around the knees, edges, and seat. The Zinal Pants feature five pockets (two at the front, two on the legs, and one at the back), a concealed fly with zipper and press studs, belt loops, side ventilation zippers, and adjustable hem width for a perfect fit.

Speaking of belt loops, we recommend getting a belt for the trousers, as the non-stretchy waist can be quite revealing when squatting unless tied up. (If you catch our drift.)

Overall, the Mammut Zinal Hybrid Pants are a solid choice for hikers who like to get their hands (and knees) dirty.

Best for men

Finisterre's Basset Trousers are crafted from heavyweight organic cotton with a brushed finish that feels soft yet durable. Thanks to the thick material and triple-stitched seams, they feel soft yet durable.

Storage is plentiful with five reinforced, deep pockets around the crotch area. Although not cargo pants, the pockets are spacious enough for essential items. The fifth pocket, a larger 'watch pocket,' can hold more substantial items like a compact flashlight.

While the Basset Trousers aren't highly technical, this enhances their versatility. Their durable construction makes them suitable for various environments, and their stylish design ensures you look good around town.

However, the lack of zip-fastened pockets and water resistance limits its functionality in more demanding conditions. Despite this, the trousers are tough enough to handle rough use and are designed to last. Finisterre also offers a repair service and workshops to teach repairs, promoting sustainability.

Read our full Finisterre Basset Trouser review.

Best waterproof

While many of the best walking trousers have some kind of contingency for inclement weather built-in – be it a quick-dry fabric or water-resistant finish, sometimes a properly waterproof pair of kecks will do. Our pick for the best waterproof walking trousers to buy now is the Resolve from The North Face.

These employ DryVent technology to keep the wind and rain securely out whilst still letting the air in, so your legs won't end up cooking on your wet-weather hike. Adjustable velcro cuff with knee-high zips means you can pull these on over your boots and get the fit sung once they're on. An elasticated waist and two zippered hand pockets round out the offering.

Pick up a bargain using one of our The North Face discount codes.

Best premium

The Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 pants initially appear to be premium straight-fit cotton trousers with a simple design. They feature two hand pockets on each side and a zipped pocket with an internal mesh pocket for phones on the right leg. 

Beneath the surface, these trousers boast technical details. Made from Klattermusen's Hirsutum cotton weave, they offer enhanced breathability and flexibility. The trousers have reconstructed seams for a cleaner look and a new front closure for quick and reliable fastening. The slightly higher waist at the back provides added protection, and the reinforced crotch area enhances agility, reflecting their design for climbing.

Despite initial concerns about their fashion-forward appearance, the Gefjon 2.0 pants prove highly functional. The relocated rear pockets, now on the sides, increase comfort and accessibility. The breathable Hirsutum fabric ensures comfort in various weather conditions, although the pants lack waterproofing. They are ideal for activities like walking, hiking, and climbing and are comfortable in diverse settings, from the beach to the office.

The Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 pants are durable and versatile, making them a great choice for outdoor activities. They maintain their fresh appearance despite extensive use, justifying their higher price with longevity and performance. Investing in these pants could be more sustainable and cost-effective than frequently replacing cheaper alternatives.

Read our full Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 review.

How to choose the best walking trousers for you

From walking trousers with zip-off legs that convert longs to shorts in seconds to multi-pocket trousers that have space for every outdoor gadget, this activewear hero is a game changer when it comes to trekking.

When choosing, consider what weather and terrain you want to wear your trousers in. Also, think about how you want them to fit and how important style is to you, as well as how many pockets you need. For example, are you hoping a wealth of pockets will suffice in place of a backpack?

There’s also the question of breathability. Highly breathable hiking trousers are great for keeping you cool when trekking in hot weather or for long periods, but this isn't always necessary. We mention this feature in particular because it can increase the cost of trousers, so you might be spending more than you need to.

Fit and style are down to personal preference, but the majority of walking trousers are styled on the looser side – when striding in the wilds or clambering up hills, you want to feel as comfortable as possible. And remember, you can tighten up the belt fastening on your trousers, but you can't magically make them bigger.

Another big consideration is budget and exactly how technical you need your trews to be. Serious hikers should consider technical walking trousers from the likes of Fjӓllrӓven, Vidda Pro, Montane and Arc'teryx. Their use of the latest tough, weatherproof yet breathable fabrics – as well as features like articulated knees and stretch gussets – put them a cut above, though they're generally expensive. 

For more casual walkers and hikers, check out brands such as Jack Wolfskin, Maier and Saloman. Even these more basic walking trousers are much better than a pair of jeans – which become heavy and uncomfortable in rain, but are often more casual in design, with everyday wearable credentials.

For travellers and adventurers after something they can wear around the world, it's still difficult to look past styles like the Royal Robbins Men's Bug Barrier Active Traveller Stretch Zip 'N' Go and Berghaus Explorer Eco. Trousers that convert into shorts are something of a backpacking cliche, but there are good reasons for that. If you've either a small budget or you're trying to build a capsule wardrobe for a long trip and still be ready for anything, these two-in-one garments are worth their weight. 

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