Damian Hall Reviews Walking Trousers

Price: £100
Weight: 360g
www.berghaus.com
Women’s version? Yes

Designed for fast and light, active use, I know these are impressively quick drying, because I cleverly split a cup of tea on myself as I was driving once. The water-repellent finish, too, worked well and meant getting out the car 20 minutes later my trousers were dry and it no longer looked like I’d wet myself. They’re a slightly thicker material than some options, but side-leg zips open to utilise ventilation panels for increased breathability – neat touch. Four pockets is a decent offering, though the hand pockets aren’t zipped and they’re all fairly shallow. Stretchy sections over the knees add to flexibility and comfort.

Pros: Super-comfy, unrestrictive, water-repellent, quick-drying material.
Cons: Pockets could be better.
Verdict: An excellent, stylish year-round option.
Rating: 9/10

Price: £130
Weight: 590g
www.fjallraven.co.uk
Women’s version? Yes

Though these are a rusty red, the colour wasn’t the first thing that struck me when these arrived to test. Rather it was the fact they came with a little bar of natural wax, to keep the water resistance topped up. Made from durable wind- and water-resistant fabric, with a double layer over the rear and knees, these are a rugged material anyway. The wax means they offer excellent, best-in-test protection. Six pockets include one for a map and another for an axe (eh?), while the bottom of the leg can be adjusted with press studs. They’re heavy compared to the Berghaus option, so not necessarily suitable for peak-bagging, or indeed mid-summer use. But I wore these all autumn and winter and they’re definitely a pair I’ll continue to wear long after this test. Love ‘em.

Pros: Excellent protection, stylish, great features.
Cons: Comparatively heavy material.
Verdict: An excellent, stylish option for cooler months.
Rating: 9/10

Price: £60
Weight: N/A
www.columbiasportswear.co.uk (best stockist www.cotswoldoutdoor.com)
Women’s version? Yes

The most impressive feature about Columbia’s “pants” is their quick-wicking capabilities, while they also boast built-in sun protection – so they’re clearly aimed more at summer use. They’re light and comfy, too, with six pockets (some are ventilated, helping give the trousers good breathability) and zip-off lower legs. So functionality and features are excellent, and the price makes them good value for money, too. They’re perhaps not as stylish as some options here, but who’s really thinking about that when you’re halfway along Crib Gogh?

Pros: Price, functionality and features.
Cons: Lack the stylishness of some options here.
Verdict: A good, versatile and value for money option.
Rating: 8/10

Price: £30
Weight: N/A
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Women’s version? Yes

The Hi Gear Nebraskas are made from a lightweight, quick-drying fabric. They’re zip-offs too, and have six pockets – though they’re a little shallow and you’ll feel your keys, for example, in them. These can also be a little more restrictive than some options here, if the fit isn’t perfect. But then you look at the price: £100 cheaper than the Fjӓllrӓven trousers. For that price you can’t really complain.

Pros: The price. An excellent budget option.
Cons: More basic than other trousers.
Verdict: A great value for money option.
Rating: 7/10

Price: £105.45
Weight: 602g
www.trangoworld.com
Women’s version? Yes

These are designed primarily for mountaineering, but offer the hiker excellent protection for winter walking. They’re warm and comfy, with superb leg cover. They boast detachable inner gaiters, detachable braces, super-tough fabric all round, especially on the knees, while remaining breathable and windproof. Other features include four pockets (two are zipped) and velcro hem adjuster. I’ve been wearing these for three years and in them, above all, you simply feel ready for anything.

Pros: Extraordinary protection, good comfort.
Cons: Heavy and too warm for summer.
Verdict: Best-available protection for unfriendly weather.
Rating: 8/10

*** Damian Hall is an outdoor journalist, long-distance walker and GB ultra-runner, who’s completed many of the world’s famous and not-so-famous long-distance trails. The tea-loving hillbilly is author of the official Pennine Way guide and his newest book, Long Distance Walking in Britain, is out now. There’s plenty more self-aggrandising hogwash on Twitter (@damo_hall) and at www.damianhall.info. ***