For any hiker or trekking enthusiast, the hiking trouser is, after footwear, the most important garment. A trekking trouser protects your legs and ensures good freedom of movement — making it essential for real comfort on the trail!
But how do you choose the right one? What criteria matter when buying a walking and hiking trouser? Should it be warm above all, made from a stretch fabric, or should you prioritise waterproofness? Here is everything you need to know before choosing your new hiking trouser and hitting the trails!
Trouser cut
The cut of a hiking trouser has an obvious aesthetic impact, but it also affects ease of movement and comfort. For example, very tight and fitted cuts should be avoided as they cause repeated chafing and restrict movement.
Conversely, cuts that are too wide will create resistance as you move. You should also make sure you can finely adjust the fit of a trekking trouser with a sufficiently elastic adjustable belt.
What fabric for a hiking trouser?
For your walking and hiking trouser, the fabric will have a direct influence on the comfort of your garment and its range of use. To maximise ease and comfort, prioritise natural fibres. But for a trouser that is a bit more all-terrain and technical, synthetic fibres will serve you well: they offer unrivalled waterproofness and excellent protection against low temperatures.
In hot weather, opt for a trouser with a breathable fabric: it will wick away moisture and sweat, keeping you comfortable throughout.
Resistance and longevity of your trekking trouser
The durability of a hiking or trekking trouser is an important factor. When you set out on a multi-day hiking trip, taking a whole range of spare clothes is simply not an option.
You need to be able to rely on a garment that is resistant and built-to-last. The most heavily used parts of the trouser must be reinforced and must not be compromised by wide movements such as big strides, bends or twists.
You should also look for a hiking trouser with reinforced pockets, as well as reinforced knees and seat. Durability in these high-wear areas is a mark of a long-lasting trouser.
Stretch in your hiking trouser
A hiking trouser is a trouser built for movement! It should let you walk, crouch, stride over obstacles, run when needed, scramble over barriers… In short, it must move with you at every step without limiting or hindering you.
The stretch quality of the fabric is therefore essential. Pay attention to the stretch of the hiking trouser you choose. Depending on the manufacturer, you may see references to Flex, stretch or 3D — these indicate the stretchability of the fabric.
A non-stretch fabric isn't necessarily a problem if you're sticking to easy trails, but make sure you then choose a roomier cut to avoid restriction.
Versatility and practicality of walking trousers
Modern hiking trousers are packed with small but important details. These include:
- Number of pockets: for easy storage of your phone, map, compass…
- Belt loops: they allow you to wear a belt
- Zip fastenings: for quick opening and closing
- Ankle laces: they allow you to close the trouser around the ankle for better waterproofness
- Ventilation zips: for improved ventilation and moisture management
Pay attention to these small finishing details and accessories — they make all the difference and ensure lasting satisfaction with your choice over the long term.
Thermal insulation in a hiking trouser
Depending on the season, you won't need the same trouser for hitting the hiking trails.
In winter, choosing a hiking trouser with good insulation is essential to stay warm. You could opt for a softshell trouser, which will provide sufficient warmth thanks to its inner fleece fabric. A warm trouser that is also waterproof will be a valuable ally for tackling cold snaps or altitude during your winter hikes. Another option is to add thermal tights under a standard hiking trouser to stay warm enough.
In summer, opt for a lightweight and breathable trouser to efficiently wick away moisture and sweat and stay dry. Good UV protection and a mosquito-repellent fabric are also features not to overlook during the summer season. Finally, a convertible hiking trouser is an excellent alternative for easily adapting to changing temperatures without packing too many clothes. Also check out our guide on how to choose your hiking short.
Waterproofness
Water-repellent treatments (often combined with stain-resistant treatments) offer good waterproofness for your trouser. They also provide a windproof effect, which is essential for protecting you from wind chill. There's nothing more unpleasant than walking with wet legs and little hope of the fabric drying out. A water-repellent treatment won't protect you from a heavy downpour, but it will at least shelter you from light or brief showers while you find cover.
To stay dry in extreme conditions, you'll need to opt for a breathable waterproof membrane for optimal protection. You can choose a waterproof hiking trouser directly, or a rain overtrousers that slips on quickly in the event of a shower and packs down easily into your rucksack.
Finally, to wrap up: invest in a proper hiking trouser! Too many people head out hiking in joggers or jeans. If your walk is just a loop around the block, that's fine — but if you're serious about hiking, kit yourself out properly. You'll never regret the investment and you'll get so much more enjoyment out of walking in greater comfort.
A well-designed, purpose-built technical trouser is the guarantee of optimal, long-term performance. A quality hiking trouser will accompany you for many kilometres and many years. For mountain walks in fine weather, explore our hiking and trekking shorts.
If you'd like to know more about trekking clothing, follow our advice on how to choose your hiking socks.
Photos: ©Cyrille Quintard
