12 Best Walking Trousers for Hiking

12 Best Walking Trousers For Hiking

Yeah, the big Covid Lockdown is over and we can finally get up mountains and down dales.  And I dont know about you but that means i am shopping for a whole new wardrobe of hiking clothes!

When I am shopping for hiking gear I am looking for trusted brands, stretchability, durability and comfortable.  Walking Trousers and Walking Leggings aren’t normally waterproof (so order some waterproof over-trousers too for long hikes) however they are normally showerproof, dry quickly and use wick away sweat!

There is so much choice in hiking trousers to suit every body shape and size, even the kids.  For our star buys its Marmot women’s waterproof walking trousers for me.   My husband’s choice is the Fjallraven mens walking trousers though.

Do you need kids walking trousers? Then I’ll recommend the Craghoppers Cargo trousers. all our star buy hiking pants are reviewed in depth here.

No time to read reviews? I present the quick links to buy your best walking trousers and water-resistant hiking pants right now from our star picks:

Fjallraven Men's Vidda Pro Trousers M Reg Sport Trousers, Blue, 52 UK
  • Sport type: Outdoor Sports Apparel
  • Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers M Reg Sport Trousers - Blue, 52
Marmot Women Minimalist Hardshell Rain Proof Pants - Black, Medium
  • Rugged, 2.5-Layer rain trousers for women with complete protection in wind and inclement weather; absolutely water and wind-proof; These hiking trousers protect you on hikes, treks and bike rides
  • Equipped with the absolutely water-proof and very breathable GORE-TEX Paclite Technology with drip-off effect, These hard-shell trousers are a hit in any weather, without making you sweat
Craghoppers Children's Kiwi Cargo Pants, Black, 11-12
  • 4 pockets - 2 with zippers
  • Elasticated waist adjuster at the back
Columbia Men's Convertible Hiking Trousers, Silver Ridge II
  • Men's hiking trousers with capability for quick conversion to shorts, Ideal combination of breathability and stretch
  • Durability and comfort thanks to material of breathable Ripstop nylon and comfort stretch, Quick drying capability thanks to Omni-Wick technology
Sale
Berghaus Women's Ortler 2.0 Walking Trousers, Water Resistant, Comfortable...
  • WATER REPELLENT: Stay dry and comfortable for longer as the main fabric has been treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) technology to resist water absorption
  • UNRESTRICTIVE: IDEALer freedom of movement thanks to articulated knees and stretchy, durable fabric
Mountain Warehouse Trek Youth Trousers – Quick Drying Children's Pants, 4...
  • Isotherm - Densely packed fibres to retain heat & warmth without adding weight or discomfort
  • Fleece Lining - Extra warm, cosy and very comfortable
Berghaus Men's Paclite Gore-Tex Waterproof Overtrousers, Lightweight,...
  • ALL-DAY COMFORT: Once you're wet, everything seems ten times harder and it can put a dampener on the day Keep the Paclite Gore-Tex Overtrousers on hand and you will wonder how you managed without them on every adventure
  • INTERACTIVE DESIGN: Paclite technology means this pair can be squished right down in your rucksack while 3/4 length water-resistant side-zips help with ventilation and make pants easier to remove while an elasticated waist provides a comfortable fit
The North Face Venture 2 Casual Pants TNF Black-TNF Black XS
  • High-rise pants
  • Elastic waistband with internal drawcord
Mountain Warehouse Pakka Kids Waterproof Over Trousers - Taped Seams Rain...
  • IsoDry - Waterproof & breathable material allows moisture out & prevents rain getting in
  • Taped Seams - All seams are taped to make this item fully waterproof
Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Sport Trousers - Black, M
  • Technical trekking Tights
  • Reinforcements at knees and rear
Fjallraven Women's Abisko Trekking Tights W Sport Trousers, Grey, L UK
  • Technical trekking tights in stretch fabric
  • Comfortable wide waistband that can be adjusted with a drawstring inside
Canterbury Kid's Thermoreg Compression Leggings, Thermal Baselayer, Navy,...
  • Young rugby players can tackle the cold in confidence even when conditions get tough with these leggings
  • Made with ThermoReg technology they will keep little ones warm when they need it most providing essential insulation by creating a barrier against the cold so the body can retain heat for longer

Ready to order now then check out our in-depth review of walking trousers here.

Guide to Buying the Best Walking Trousers

A wide variety of walking trousers and hiking pants are available in the market today. How do you decide what’s right to buy? Answering the questions below can help:

  • What type of walking/hiking am I going to do?
  • How long is my hike?
  • Do I need protection from the rain, wind, or both?

Types of Walking Trousers

Windproof/water-resistant walking trousers:  Have plans to do a lot of winter walks? Then you should get windproof trousers that are warm and water-resistant. They’ll protect you against windstorms and drizzles. But they can’t keep you adequately dry when it rains heavily for that I recommend adding waterproof over trousers to the shopping list.

Waterproof walking trousers/ Packable rain pants: Need lightweight packaway trousers? Then these bergahaus rain pants that pack down small are ideal. You can wear them as they are or as over-trousers and throw them in the Rucksack when not needed! They offer you outstanding rain protection and still allow you to move freely. The fabric has a waterproof coating so you’ll stay dry and comfy even when it rains heavily.  

Mountaineer trousers: They are more rugged and durable than standard walking trousers. Made of hardwearing materials, they are typically abrasion-resistant. They’re lightweight and can endure extreme weather conditions and contact with rocks.  

Fleece-lined walking trousers: Are you looking for thermal walking trousers? If yes, the ones with an inner fleece lining are just what you need. They’re ideal for your hikes in winter.

Zip off walking trousers/ 2 in 1 walking pants: You can zip their bottom section off to transform them into shorts. If it feels too hot or you need to roll up your trousers, these zip-off walking trouser shorts would be ideal to wear.

Walking Leggings: These hiking leggings are a new idea,  lightweight, skin tight and offer you an active fit so you dont get walkers chaff! Since they stretch easily, they let you become more active during hikes and are perfect for fell runners. Hiking leggins are also brilliant for keeping midges and mosquitos from biting you as they cant penetrate the fabric.

Things to Consider When Buying Your Walking Trousers

Type of activity: What type of activity will you be taking on? Does your hike involve simple walking like those pub walks or dog walks wearing your shorts? Or do you need something more rugged and durable to deal with rocky and challenging terrains?  

By answering this you can decide if you need walking leggings, the best waterproof dog walking trousers  or tougher mountaineer trousers.

The season, temperature, and weather: Are you planning to engage in lots of winter walks? If yes, you’ll need windproof, warm, and waterproof walking trousers. 

Plan to walk or hike mostly in summer instead? Then something breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking would suit you just fine. How hot or cold the temperature will be and if there’s likely to be storm or rain too would be decisive factors to think about.  Remember if you think it will rain then packaway waterproof trousers are your friend!

Breathability: Walking trousers made with breathable fabrics can wick away moisture and help in ventilation. This means even when the temperature soars and you sweat, you’ll stay cool, dry, and comfy.

Stretchy:  Walker trousers made of flexible fabrics can stretch easily as you take long strides, jump over, or climb. This allows dynamic movements and added comfort as your knee can move more freely and flexibly.  

Fit: Your chosen walking trousers shouldn’t be too tight to keep you gasping for breath or too loose to make you prone to trips and falls. They should give you a snug fit. It’s a bonus if they have features like articulated leg pads or elasticated ankle and waists covers.  Make sure the cuffs as snug but not scratchy or itchy (nothing hurts more on a hike than bad cuffs lol)

Also look for high wasted walking pants…it makes all the bending and stretching easier and stops a cold back!

Weight: Your walker trousers should be lightweight and allow dynamic movements. When you’re already lugging your hiking gear, you definitely don’t want your trousers to add more weight and woes to your hike.

Durability: These walker trousers will be on your body for hours on end and face the elements. You definitely don’t want them to get torn or damaged. Else, they’ll let in the elements.

Pockets: yes one we dont think about when we buy pants but when hiking you want heaps of on body, easy access storage.  ON any hiking clothes look for a couple of warming hand pockets and at least one zippable storage pocket.  I always look for walking pants with a phone pocket…we dont carry maps now but a phone in our cargo pant pockets!

Before we go into our in-depth reviews of our best walking trousers, here are quick links to our other picnic and hiking essentials on the site.  If you have all these, you are sure of the perfect time when you go outdoors!

Can you think of another essential outdoor or picnic items I need to include? If so, drop me a line in the comments.

12 Best Walking Trousers For Hiking

In-depth reviews of Walking Trousers

Overall Best Men’s Walking Trousers

Fjallraven Men's Vidda Pro Trousers M Reg Sport Trousers, Blue, 52 UK
OVERALL BEST Men’s Walking Trousers - These lightweight, water resistant trousers are ideal for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. They’re robust as they’re made of G1000 fabric. They’re reinforced in high-wear areas.

Pros

Cons

Overall Best Women’s Walking Trousers

Marmot Women Minimalist Hardshell Rain Proof Pants - Black, Medium
OVERALL BEST Best Women’s Walking Trousers - These windproof and 100% waterproof walking trousers offer optimal breathability. They have a minimalist design and provide ultra-light protection against the elements. They pack a lot of extras for ergonomic walking movements.

Pros

Cons

Overall Best Kid’s Walking Trousers

Craghoppers Children's Kiwi Cargo Pants, Black, 11-12
OVERALL BEST Kid’s Walking Trousers - These waterproof and windproof trousers are ideal for keeping your kids comfy during their outdoor adventures. They feature brilliant pockets and elastic waist buttons to offer a snug fit.

Pros

Cons

Best Budget Men’s Walking Trousers

Columbia Men's Convertible Hiking Trousers, Silver Ridge II
OVERALL BEST Budget Men’s Walking Trousers - These comfy walker trousers are lightweight and ideal for spring/summer walking. They come with cargo pockets suitable for right or left-handed wearers and a belt.

Pros

Cons

Best Budget Women's Walking Trousers

Sale
Berghaus Women's Ortler 2.0 Walking Trousers, Water Resistant, Comfortable Fit, Breathable Pants, Black, 12 Regular
OVERALL BEST Budget Women's Walking Trousers - These super comfy water resistant trousers are lightweight, warm, and ideal for random wet walks and hikes. They offer you a snug fit and are affordably priced.

Pros

Cons

Best Budget Kid's Walking Trousers

Mountain Warehouse Trek Youth Trousers – Quick Drying Children's Pants, 4 Pockets, Shrink & Fade Resistant Kids Trousers...
OVERALL BEST Budget Kid's Walking Trousers - These warm, fleece-lined, breathable, and roomy kid's walking trousers are ideal for forest school or the park when it's a bit wet. For a lovely fit, the waist has adjustable elastic.

Pros

Cons

Best Men’s Waterproof Walking Trousers

Berghaus Men's Paclite Gore-Tex Waterproof Overtrousers, Lightweight, Durable, Eco-Friendly, Black, XXXL Long (33 Inches)
OVERALL BEST Men’s Waterproof Walking Trousers - Need comfy zip-off walking trousers? Then these lightweight Bergahaus walking trousers made of super-light Gore-Tex are ideal. They not just keep you dry but even pack down small, which makes them easy to carry.

Pros

Cons

Best Women’s Waterproof Walking Trousers

The North Face Venture 2 Casual Pants TNF Black-TNF Black XS
OVERALL BEST Women’s Waterproof Walking Trousers - Need walking trousers for long hikes? These lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and easily packable North face walking trousers are your answer. For a comfy fit, they feature an elastic waist, velcro ankle tabs, and knee-length zips.

Pros

Cons

Best Kid’s Waterproof Walking Trousers

Mountain Warehouse Pakka Kids Waterproof Over Trousers - Taped Seams Rain Pants, Lightweight, Rip-Stop, Packaway Bag - for...
OVERALL BEST Kid’s Waterproof Walking Trousers - These walker trousers feature elasticated waist and press stud on bottom of legs. They are windproof and waterproof, offer a good fit, and are ideal for biking in the rain or weekend scouts camp.

Pros

Cons

Men’s Trekking Tights

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Sport Trousers - Black, M
OVERALL BEST Men’s Trekking Tights - These heavy-duty walker trousers combine the flexibility of tights with durability, breathability, and useful features like pockets, belt loops, and a fly. These trekking tights are comfy to wear and dry fast.

Pros

Cons

Women’s Trekking Tights

Fjallraven Women's Abisko Trekking Tights W Sport Trousers, Grey, L UK
OVERALL BEST Women’s Trekking Tights - These are comfy, can stretch to fit every shape, and have a few leg pockets for things like keys, phone, and money. Mosquitoes and horseflies can't get through the material. These pants never pinch or cut uncomfortably.

Pros

Cons

Best Kid’s Trekking Tights

Canterbury Kid's Thermoreg Compression Leggings, Thermal Baselayer, Navy, MB
OVERALL BEST Kid’s Trekking Tights - These walker trousers help keep your active kids warm and comfy while providing a great fit. They dry quickly and are designed to withstand regular use and multiple washes.

Pros

Cons

Extras for Walking

When you plan a walk in the nearby park or a hike into more challenging areas, you should wear the right clothes. You already know about the best walking trousers. Other essentials to consider are walking boots, walking rucksacks, and walking jackets.

You can also check out walking socks like FEIDEER Multi-pack Outdoor Recreation Socks to go well with your walking boots. 

Planning longer hikes or walks? Then adding in the following hiking supplies is a great idea:

Want to have a picnic with your loved ones when walking or hiking? If yes, make sure to carry along picnic rucksacks. And don’t forget your thermos flasks and reusable water bottles to ensure your body gets enough fluids when you’re out there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Trousers

Most frequent questions and answers

What is the best rain gear for walking?

First of all, you should get decathlon waterproof walking trousers and walking jackets. But don’t forget to buy suitable walking boots, walking socks, and walking rucksacks for adequate protection against the rains.  

What is the best waterproof walking trouser?

Some great brands offering walking waterproof trousers are Rab, North Face, Marmot, Fjallraven, Bergahaus, and Craghoppers.

From the walking trouser reviews above, our star buys were:

Is Gore-Tex the best waterproof material for walking trousers?

Yes. Apart from excellent waterproofing, Gore-Tex is breathable and extremely comfy.

Have you used any of these walking trousers or walking leggings? Then please leave your review in the comments box below. Is your favourite beach cart not on the list? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can review it.

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Last update on 2025-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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