Best walking trousers 2024: flexible hiking pants for men and women

We round up the best walking trousers for men and women, to keep you comfortable and protected on your adventures

Best walking trousers 2024: Quick links

Klattermusen SS23 collection

(Image credit: Klattermusen)

01. Best overall: Fjallraven Keb Agile
02. Best for women: Montane Tucana Pants
03. Best convertible: Columbia Silver Ridge Trousers
04. Best for durability: Fjallraven Keb Hiking Pants
05. Best for men: Finisterre Basset Trousers
06. Best waterproof: TNF Resolve Trousers
07. Best premium: Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0
08. Best for warm weather: Arc’teryx Alroy
09. Best lightweight: Jack Wolfskin Overland Pants

When hitting the trails, a reliable pair of the best walking trousers is your legs' best friend. So put those tracksuit bottoms or (eek!) jeans back in the drawer – they're just not going to cut it.

The below women's and men's hiking trousers are flexible and fast-drying, lightweight yet tough, won't chafe or fall, and come with pockets for all your valuables and even knee zips to let you air out your lower legs when/if the sun comes out.

Whether you're headed out on a strenuous multi-day trek or a casual stroll in the country, or even if you're just planning some sightseeing that requires comfortable attire, a pair of the best walking trousers is a good choice.

Add a couple of the best hiking boots and the best waterproof jacket, and you're all set for a comfortable, protected trip.

Best walking trousers to buy right now

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Best overall

Fjallraven Keb Agile TrousersT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
Best walking trousers overall

Specifications

UPF: Not stated
Material: Polyester, cotton, polyamide, elastane
Pockets: Four

Reasons to buy

+
Lighter weight than original Kebs
+
Reinforced sections for toughness
+
Great range of movement

Reasons to avoid

-
No women's version

New for A/W 2022, the Fjällräven Keb Agile are the best walking trousers for men. They're a lighter-weight version of the original Keb trousers (below), and come with a similar mix of fabrics to deliver comfort as well as toughness. The majority of the Keb Agile trousers are made from stretch fabric, with a gusseted groin area allowing for impressive freedom of movement, while reinforced patches on high-wear areas like the knees ensure you don't wear through these immediately. The Agile version is pitched as three-season and is slightly wind-resistant, with vents to prevent overheating.

Read our full Fjällräven Keb Agile trousers review.

Best for women

Montane Women's Tucana Pants review

(Image credit: Sophie Higgs)
Best walking trousers for women

Specifications

UPF: N/A
Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane double weave
Pockets: three
Waterproofing: PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and durable 
+
Slim fit and clean aesthetic 
+
Perfect for hiking, climbing and city walking alike
+
Short, standard and long length variations are available

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 2 colour options

The Montane Women’s Tucana Pants are, without a doubt, the greatest pair of trousers for any tall, slender woman who likes to be active outdoors. They look great, feel great and are lightweight compared with other walking trousers we have tried that we honestly think we could walk even further because of them. The design has been well thought out to provide movement and flexibility, and the variety of sizes and leg lengths means you can find a pair that fits perfectly.

Read our full Montane Women's Tucana Pants review.

Best convertible

Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best convertible walking trousers

Specifications

UPF: Broad Spectrum UPF 50 sun protection
Material: 100% recycled polyester
Pockets: six

Reasons to buy

+
UPF 50 sun protection
+
Convertible design allows for on-the-fly change to shorts
+
Super lightweight and well-ventilated
+
Made from 100% recycled polyester

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively thin material makes it only suitable for warm weather hikes
-
Hem isn't adjustable

The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Walking Trousers can be considered niche and general appeal hiking clothing. On the one hand, they are best suited for summer hikes when the weather is all over the place; on the other hand, the 2-in-1 design enables you to use the trousers in a variety of situations and makes them especially well-suited for ultralight hiking when you don't want to pack more than what's absolutely necessary.

We wish you could pull the trousers tighter around the ankles, but if you have taller hiking boots, you can always tuck them in to prevent any issues that might arise from bugs crawling up your legs. It might not be the most fabulous look, but as long as it works, who are we to criticise the technique...

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

Best for durability

Fjallraven Keb Curved trousersT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Best rugged walking trousers

Specifications

UPF: 50+
Material: G-1000 Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton/63% polyamide, 26% polyester, 11% elastane
Pockets: Four

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent quality
+
Removable knee pads 
+
Eco-friendly, stretchy fabric 
+
Thigh-front pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavier than the Agile version

The Fjallraven Keb hiking pants are available in men's and women's cuts (whereas the Keb Agile, above, is currently men's only). They're heavier weight than the Agile version, but they're still outstanding walking trousers. Up close, the first thing you'll notice is the use of two completely different fabrics. The main one is a polyester/elastane mix that gives you silky stretch where you need it.

Fjallraven's own G-1000 Eco fabric (made with recycled polyester) toughening up the legs, bum and knees, the latter cleverly articulated, which makes ascents so much easier. There are also ventilation zips along the thighs and calves to let air in on hot days. However, it's the thigh pockets we love most; one popper, one zipped, they're the perfect place to store a phone (and maybe a small hip-flask) when hiking.

Read our full Fjallraven Keb hiking trousers review.

Best for men

Finisterre Basset Trouser review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best walking trousers for men

Specifications

UPF: N/A
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Pockets: five
Waterproofing: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Five reinforced pockets
+
Durable construction
+
Certified B-Corp company
+
Ideal as an all-rounder

Reasons to avoid

-
No waterproofing
-
No zipped pockets

The Basset Trouser is exactly the kind of product you'd expect from sustainable outdoor brand Finisterre. These amazing walking pants are durable, utilitarian and also look pretty darn cool. They might not be water-resistant or have many technical features, but the Basset is an excellent choice if you're looking for heavy-duty trousers that you can wear both on and off the beaten track.

Read our full Finisterre Basset Trouser review.

Best waterproof

The North Face Resolve trousersT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: The North Face)

6. The North Face Resolve trousers

Best waterproof walking trousers

Specifications

UPF: Not stated
Material: Nylon
Pockets: Two

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof DWR finish
+
Adjustable velcro cuffs
+
Breathable

Reasons to avoid

-
Too warm for hot weather

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

Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 reviewT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best premium hiking trousers

Specifications

UPF: not stated
Material: Hirsutum technical cotton weave
Pockets: five

Reasons to buy

+
Stretchy material allows for a full range of motion
+
Easily accessible leg pockets
+
Quick drying fabric
+
Durable construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof or water-resistant

You should get the Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 pants if you need comfortable, durable and versatile outdoor-focused trousers for walking, hiking, climbing and beyond. We used them for months, and the more we wore them, the more we wanted to wear them. Better still, they look as fresh as they looked on day one, despite the stuff that we put them through, which is impressive, although not surprising.

They do come at a price, but it's worth noting that the Gefjon 2.0 pants are likely to last longer than your average retailer's own-brand trousers, so one wonders which is better for the planet and your wallet. We'd say owning the right equipment trumps owning many copies of the wrong one. It might just just be us, though...

Read our full Klattermusen Gefjon 2.0 review.

Best for warm weather

Arc’teryx Alroy walking trousersT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Sian Lewis)
Best walking trousers for warm weather

Specifications

UPF: 50+
Material: Aequora AirPerm fabric
Pockets: Five

Reasons to buy

+
Super comfortable
+
Flattering fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Not true to size
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No belt loops

For a pair of women's walking trousers that are perfect for the summer months, Arc’teryx's Alroy hiking pants are definitely worth investigating. They're designed to be cool and flexible on warm-weather adventures and made with comfort and breathability in mind. They weigh in at just 225g, they're water-resistant enough to repel light rain, and they feature five pockets, including a thigh pocket that's ideal for holding your phone.

There are three colourways available – black, navy and khaki – and they're smart enough to wear when you're not out walking, as well as being tough enough to be scrunched up into a bag and not need ironing afterwards. Our one question mark is around the sizing; in our review, we found them to be far too big, and a lack of belt loops means you can't hitch them up if they're too roomy for you. We'd advise you to try before you buy (or at least order a range of sizes to see what suits you).

Read our full Arc'teryx Alroy walking trousers review.

Best lightweight

Jack Wolfskin Overland Zip Away trousers

(Image credit: jack Wolfskin)

9. Jack Wolfskin Overland Zip Away trousers

Best lightweight hiking trousers

Specifications

UPF: 40+
Material: 94% polyamide, 6% elastane
Pockets: Two front, two back, one leg

Reasons to buy

+
Men's and women's cuts, and colourways
+
Lightweight and breathable
+
Option to zip off into shorts

Reasons to avoid

-
Women's version fits smaller around the thighs
-
There are more robust options for hardcore hikes

Jack Wolfskin's softshell Overlands make their way into our best hiking trousers guide thanks to their flexible fabric and versatile design. Available in women's and men's cuts and colourways that range from the understated to 'wouldn't miss you on a mountainside', these include pretty much everything you need from a pair of hiking trousers. The fabric is breathable, lightweight and stretchy for good freedom of movement as you hit the trails (although we found the cut on the women's pair was a little tight around the thighs). 

Should the sun emerge halfway through your trip, there's a zip-away option to free your lower legs, as well as standard UV protection to stop you from burning. There are also lots of useful pockets, including one on the leg. If you're heading off in the warm weather and want something lightweight and flexible, these are a great shout.

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. 

FAQ

What are the different types of walking trousers?

Also known as trekking trousers, this type of active clothing can be split into sub-categories depending on the fabric they’re made from, the fit and the features. 

Softshell walking trousers, for example, are commonly made from synthetic fabrics. They’re often windproof and rain-resistant but not fully waterproof. You can buy them with a mesh or fleece lining and wear them over base layer leggings in winter. People tend to wear softshell trousers during winter walking and hiking.

You can also buy hardshell walking trousers, which are hard-wearing and breathable, providing impressive protection from wind, rain and rough and tumble. These tend to be worn during winter or in environments when you’re susceptible to harsh weather and need a sturdy extra outer layer over your base layers.

The best hiking trousers are usually made from blended fabrics and are suited to pursuits such as backpacking, hiking, trekking and robust outdoor walking where you’ll be encountering varying terrain and surroundings. 

Common materials here include polyester or polyamide and cotton, which are used to construct trousers that are tough yet feel soft against the skin. You can buy walking trousers that are resistant to thorns, brambles and even mosquito bites, while any with a wax coating put in a good water-repellent performance. 

Due to their lightweight design, walking trousers can be rolled up and stashed neatly away in backpacks, making them the ideal choice of lightweight clothing for backpacking holidays, hiking trips and general adventuring.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from