Need to choose hiking trousers but not sure which type to go for? Cimalp is here to help you see things clearly and choose the right trousers for your hike. Today, trousers need to meet several criteria, including comfort, performance and style. They vary depending on the time of year, weather conditions and the environment in which you're active. Find out right now how to choose your hiking trousers.
Choosing based on the environment
Winter trousers
If you're going hiking in winter, it's essential to have good trousers to keep the cold out. The best option is fleece-lined trousers, specifically designed for winter hiking. Another solution is to choose a standard pair of long hiking trousers and wear tights underneath to stay warmer.
Summer trousers
In summer, you have more options. Long trousers have the advantage of protecting you from UV rays, which can be very strong, especially in the mountains. Your best option is to choose trousers in synthetic fabric for better breathability. You can also go for a hiking short in the same material. A very practical alternative is convertible trousers that zip off into shorts in just a few seconds.
Rain trousers
If you're going hiking in wet weather, it's important to have the right trousers for the job. Gore-tex trousers offer good waterproofing as well as good breathability. If yours aren't, you can get a pair of rain overtrousers, quick and easy to pull on when a sudden shower hits.
Choosing your trousers based on the type of hiking
For light hiking
Light hiking doesn't involve major physical effort or highly technical movements. You can therefore use fairly roomy hiking trousers, less lightweight than standard trousers and made from a blend of synthetic and natural fibres.
For intense hiking
If you're heading out for an intense hiking trip or into mid-mountain terrain, your best bet is to go for synthetic fabric trousers. They have many advantages: they are lightweight, water-repellent, stretchy, windproof, breathable and quick-drying. It's better to choose a close-fitting pair of trousers that will move with you.
For high-mountain hiking
High-mountain hiking calls for trousers that are waterproof, breathable and stretchy to adapt to body movement. If you're heading out in winter at high altitude, your best option is a softshell-style pair of trousers. These trousers are generally heavier but offer greater comfort, insulation, flexibility and protection against the cold.
Other criteria to consider
Some trousers can be more advantageous than others depending on your needs. From a practical standpoint, it's worth having trousers with several pockets so you can keep essential items within easy reach: map, compass, phone… The closure of the pockets is also worth considering: you might prefer zipped pockets to be sure of keeping your belongings safe (especially in wet weather), or press-stud pockets if you need quicker access to your things.
Some trousers also feature ventilation zips. These side zips with mesh lining improve ventilation and help regulate body moisture. Other styles, such as rain overtrousers, often have zips at the bottom of the legs so you can pull them on easily without removing your hiking shoes.
The choice of belt and closure for your trousers is also down to personal preference. Finally, bear in mind that light-coloured trousers will absorb less heat than dark ones, but will show the dirt more.
We advise against heading out hiking in simple jeans or ski trousers. These trousers are not designed for this type of activity and won't allow you to move comfortably while hiking. It's better to go for trousers specifically suited to your needs, depending on the type of activity and the time of year you're doing it.
