Best walking trousers of 2024 | Tested by experts over thousands of miles

This offering from Fjällräven is a lighter and even more flexible version of the Swedish brand's standard Keb trousers – a previous 'Best in Test' winner in our Trail magazine group test. It uses a zoned fabric construction, largely consisting of fast-drying, double-woven nylon stretch fabric. 

Thigh pockets, knee panels, hems and ankle scuff patches feature G-1000 Lite Eco reinforcements for extra durability. This is a tough ripstop fabric incorporating organic cotton and recycled polyester, which can be waxed for extra water resistance.

Pre-shaped knees and a crotch gusset allow superb freedom of movement, while the tapered legs ensure minimal flapping in windy weather. 

The lower legs have press-stud ankle cinches, and you also get zipped thigh vents to help dump heat when working hard uphill.

Twin zipped thigh pockets provide secure storage (the right-hand pocket has a stretch mesh inner to hold a smartphone). There are also two open hand pockets and a waistband fitted with belt loops, finished with a button closure and a zip fly.

These well-built and versatile trousers feel protective and robust without being too hot or heavy. They work well for hillwalking and scrambling in most conditions, from spring right through to autumn. 

There's no women's version yet. We think the hem cinches could use some additional snaps for an even closer fit with trail shoes or mid-boots. They're expensive trousers too.

At just £35, these hiking trousers are amazing value for money – it’s hard to believe the price is correct.

You get loads of features despite the low price-tag, including an integrated belt, ankle cuff drawcords, two zippered handwarmer pockets, one rear zippered pocket (right buttock), and two thigh pockets (one with a flap and press stud closure, one with a zip and an internal phone sleeve).

The left leg thigh pocket can just about take an OS map, but it sticks out of the top of the pocket.

Features are simple but effective, consisting of a zip fly and press stud waist closure, two secure zipped hand pockets, a zipped rear pocket and a side elasticated waistband fitted with a low-profile webbing waistbelt. But these trousers lack a thigh pocket. The plastic belt buckle is a side-release type that feels rather flimsy.

The fit is true to size with a slightly athletic cut – although we noticed a touch of tightness over the quads. Freedom of movement is generally good, however, thanks to the use of stretchier fabrics (88% polyamide, 12% elastane) across the seat, knees and lower legs.

Tougher nylon fabric inserts are used across high-wear areas to improve long-term durability, and the materials over the lower leg and seat are water-repellent. The ankle cuffs, which flare out a little, can be cinched-in using elasticated drawcords for improved syncing with your boots.

At 387g the MT500 trousers are midweight, but strike a nice balance between comfort, toughness and agility. All of this for £35 is quite remarkable.

Check out the women's version here

Montane's extensive and much-loved Terra range got a new addition in spring 2023, the Terra Lite.

From the name, you might think they're just a lighter version of the brand's best-selling Terra pants. Not altogether wrong, but in terms of fabric, construction and fit, they're very different.

These are made from Vector Lite fabric, a nylon-elastane blend, which ensures they're both lighter and stretchier than the standard Terras. It offers sun protection of UPF 50+ and is finished with a PFC-free DWR. 

The fit is closer than the Terra too, being slimmer through the seat and thigh. Knee darts and a small gusset panel in the crotch add some articulation. Other features include a zipped fly with button and secondary press stud closure and a removable webbing belt with a sturdy metal hook buckle. There are two open mesh-lined hand pockets and a rear zipped pocket, plus a zipped front thigh pocket. 

Essentially these are less of an all-mountain trouser than the Terra, instead being better suited to trekking in warmer climates. Having said that, they also work well for all-day wear on hot and humid hill days here in the UK. 

We'd like a more tapered lower leg or some ankle adjustment to cinch them in around trail shoes and mid-cut hikers. We wish the hand pockets had zips too. 

Check out the women's version here

These simple, no-nonsense trousers are lightweight, comfortable and technical, at an affordable price – impressive credentials for just £65.

They don't have any technical features, and you won’t find yourself getting too excited about them, but they quietly achieve almost everything you need from a pair of hillwalking trousers.

Out on the hill, they are comfortable with good freedom of movement, and the fit works well. Made from partially recycled 96% polyamide blended with 4% elastane, there is a nice bit of stretchiness to the material, although we’d like to see a hybrid design with more durable fabrics used across high-abrasion areas.

You do, however, get a stronger ‘heel tape’ around the ankle cuff for a slight durability boost. The trousers have a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish so they can withstand a light shower, and the waistline is elasticated with six belt loops, button closure and a zippered fly.

You get four pockets – two polycotton-lined handwarmer pockets, one mesh-lined central thigh pocket, and one rear right buttock zippered pocket. The trousers weigh 339g (men’s 32in), which is surprisingly lightweight considering the price.

Check out the women's version here

The Mountain Equipment Makalu Pants make use of a new Gore-Tex membrane that's been 10 years in the making.

It's called ePE and has exactly the same waterproof rating as Gore-Tex's membrane it's used for decades (ePTFE) but is more sustainable.

People can be suspicious of a performance drop when a bigger focus is put on sustainability, but if we hadn't told you this, you wouldn't notice. The only detectable giveaway is that ePE is marginally lighter and thinner than the old membrane.

The Makalu Pants are highly waterproof, quite breathable, and tough thanks to a recycled 75D fabric.

We liked the 3/4-length zips, which make the Makalu Pants easy to put on and take off. They also boost ventilation thanks to the use of two-way zips.

Check out the women's version here and head to our list of the best waterproof trousers for more options like this.

Our female gear reviewer Ellie is an avowed fan of Acai's summer-weight Max Stretch Skinny trousers. She's also tested its cold-weather, fleece-lined Thermal Skinny trousers. But the brand's Aventurite Stretch Skinny are probably the best all-round option from Acai yet.

They're also the most eco-friendly since they incorporate recycled nylon and are finished with a PFC-free DWR treatment.

Otherwise, the formula is familiar. These are technical, performance-focused trousers developed for women, by women, with the look of skinny jeans. That means riveted front pockets, twin back pockets (one of which is zipped), belt loops and a rear leather-look logo patch for on-trend casual styling.

But the fabric is a hardwearing and quick-drying nylon polyester with four-way stretch, delivering great comfort and flexibility, plus decent durability.

They have a high waist to prevent a draughty back, even if your base layer rides up. And they come in a wide range of sizes, including four leg lengths. However, there's only one small rear-zipped pocket. And despite the fabric's high level of stretch, the skinny fit might not suit everyone.

Patagonia has long been the gold standard for sustainability in outdoor gear, and the Women’s Point Peak Trail Pants embody that ethos beautifully.

These trousers are built for demanding adventures, but it’s their eco-friendly credentials that really set them apart, making them a win for both you and the planet. Just don't call them Patagucci.

The first thing to highlight is the sustainable fabric: Patagonia has used a blend of recycled nylon and spandex for durability with a conscience. This is tough enough to withstand rugged mountain trails and scrambling over rocks, but you can feel good knowing it’s made with materials that reduce waste and have a lower environmental impact.

Patagonia has also ensured that the fabric is Fair Trade Certified sewn, meaning the workers who made them were treated ethically – a big plus for those of us who care about the entire production process.

Performance-wise, the Point Peak Trail Pants don’t cut corners. They’re durable, breathable, and comfortable. I tested them on a challenging hike on the west coast of Scotland and they held up through rain, wind, mud and scrambling.

The double-weave fabric provides excellent abrasion resistance, particularly around the knees and seat, where wear and tear tend to happen fastest. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish also kept off light rain, keeping me dry through misty, damp conditions.

However, the fabric is still breathable enough that you won’t overheat on warmer days or during intense activity.

Comfort is spot-on, thanks to the four-way stretch. These trousers move with you, allowing for full freedom whether you're climbing steep terrain or hiking long distances. The waistband is a particularly well-built feature, complete with a lovely high-quality brass button.

Patagonia also thought about practicality here, as all pockets are secured with zippers to keep things safe on the move. A nice feature is the metal lace hook, which attaches the bottom of the trousers to your boots for added warmth and security. 

The real standout with the Point Peaks, however, is Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability. These trousers are designed to be repaired and reused, with Patagonia’s Worn Wear program encouraging customers to repair their gear instead of replacing it.

This extends the life of your kit and cuts down on consumption, which is a rare and refreshing approach in the world of fast outdoor fashion.

Yes, they’re a bit pricier than some alternatives (but then again, less costly than some of the other brands on test) but the performance, durability, and eco-conscious design of the Point Peak Trail Pants make £140 ($139) of your hard-won pounds worth it.

For those who want technical outdoor trousers that not only perform brilliantly but also align with sustainable values, these are a top-notch choice.

These trousers take things up a notch or two in terms of technicality. While other pairs we’ve tested this year, such as the Forclaz MT500 and Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II feel like simple pants for bimbling around the UK’s grassy hills, the Salewa Terminal Durastretch are unapologetically alpine in their build, style and performance.

They are highly technical softshell trousers (66% polyamide, 23% polyester, 11% elastane), with an athletic cut, excellent freedom of movement, loads of stretch and superb comfort levels.

We absolutely love them – although the fit might not suit all body shapes and the alpine style is clearly better suited to those who move fast and light in the mountains.

At just 350g, they are ultralight, and breathability is pretty decent too. Features include a PFC-free water repellent finish, two zippered handwarmer pockets, one zippered left thigh pocket, and ankle cuff adjustment via an integrated drawcord.

The waistband is elasticated with five belt loops, press stud closure and zippered fly. Neither vents nor integrated belt are included.

Despite being lightweight, these versatile trousers are suitable for year-round use, bar the coldest of winter days.

Check out the women's version here

The recipe for creating these trousers was simple and superb: take Montane's popular Terra Mission Pants, and make them a bit tougher and more weather resistant.

The result is (perhaps predictably) excellent. Weighing in at half a kilogram, the Tenacity XT Pants (women's version called Terra Stretch XT) are a very good balance of mountain-ready toughness, and comfort.

We found the 260gsm softshell fabric had good stretch and overall mobility. To help improve ventilation, there are zipped, mesh-lined thigh vents, which work a treat. The fabric also does a great job of cutting out the wind and also has a PFC-free DWR to keep light rain at bay.

We were pleased with the use of a super tough Schoeller-Keprotec Kevlar panel on the instep. This material was originally developed for motorcycle racing and is extremely hard wearing. So, the instep was well and truly reinforced but the knees and seat don't receive any.

While the price is still 'premium' for lack of a better word, these are less expensive than many rivals and are fully featured, technical mountain trousers.

From the inclusion of zipped gussets for accommodating mountain boots, to Montane being a Fair Wear Foundation member, these are a fantastic option for demanding cold weather mountain hikes.

Check out the women's version here

66°North is an Icelandic clothing brand that allows hikers and runners to continue their outdoor pursuits even when mother nature suggests they don't. 

Its Straumnes trousers provide exactly that service to runners and hikers. We found for high-octane walking or running in deep winter, these trousers are exceptional. Eye-wateringly expensive but exceptional.

In terms of breathability, they're the easily best option here. And they're on par with the best for wind-resistance too. This is courtesy of Gore-Tex Infinium fabric. It's stretchy and lightweight yet keeps out the wind and even light drizzle.  

66°North is a reasonably sustainable brand too. It's a certified B-Corp and offers a repair service on all garments it's ever made and a return recycling scheme.

Read our full 66°North Straumnes review

Check out the women's version here

If you’ve not heard of Keela, you’re in for a treat. This Scottish Highlands-based brand offers an impressive mix of practicality, performance and affordability, making them a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts looking for high-quality gear that doesn’t require a premium price tag. Their Nevis Trousers do all of this perfectly, offering exceptional value.

Let’s start with the fabric. Keela’s own Stretch-Tec material offers both wind resistance and breathability, giving you reliable protection from the elements while keeping things comfortable during high-output activities.

I tested these trousers on a gusty hike in the Trossachs and they were fantastic—blocking out the wind while still letting air circulate enough to prevent overheating. The material is also tough enough to withstand scrapes and rough use, which means these trousers will last through many seasons of wear and tear.

One thing I loved about the Nevis Trousers is how well they balance comfort and movement, with a great fit around the waist – although I'm not as impressed with the skin-feel of the fabric in comparison to other trousers on test.

Performance wise, the four-way stretch fabric allows for as much bouncing around as you can muster, whether you’re scrambling over rocks or hiking steep, uneven trails. The fit on the leg is slightly more relaxed than other technical trousers, but this allows for layering in cooler conditions. 

In terms of practicality, Keela has packed these trousers with useful features. There are multiple zippered pockets—great for storing snacks, a deck of well-thumbed playing cards, or even a syrian hamster securely.

The reinforced knee panels are a nice touch for anyone who finds themselves regularly kneeling or plonking their behind down on rough ground, and the water-resistant finish holds up well in light rain – although heavy downpours would call for waterproofs.

The real standout, though, is the value. For the price (£74.99 / $84), the Nevis Trousers offer an impressive mix of durability, comfort, and technical features that easily match more expensive alternatives. Sure they're not a £30 Decathlon number, but you're getting far more than double the trouser for the price.

If you're after a pair of trousers that can handle long treks, mountain hikes, or even casual weekend rambles without emptying your wallet, these are a smart investment.