Hiking trousers or walking trousers: what’s the difference?

Both terms refer to the same type of garment. For Nordic walking, where the pace picks up, the BERGEN PANT has a windproof, water-repellent front and a back that stretches in every direction.

Are shorts a better choice in summer?

Trousers protect your legs from scrub and sun. If it gets too hot by midday, a 2-in-1 style like the ARCALOD converts into shorts without you having to pull another garment from your pack.

How do I care for water-repellent hiking trousers?

Wash them without fabric conditioner, which can clog the treatment. When water no longer beads on the surface, restore the water repellency with a suitable product from our waterproofing and care products.

What size men’s hiking trousers should I choose?

Choose your usual size for most models. The KATMANDOU, BERGEN PANT and STORM PRO PANT run slightly large: if you’re between sizes, size down. The CARLIT and PITON run small: size up. If you’re under 1.72 m, choose a COURT version, made with a shorter leg length.

Which men’s hiking trousers should I choose for a multi-day trek?

Choose a pair that dries between stages and has pockets that fasten securely: the KATMANDOU (360 g) has eight pockets, including two concealed ones, and legs that detach at the sides; the water-repellent ARCALOD (350 g) converts into shorts by unzipping the legs.

Men's hiking trousers

Cimalp men’s hiking trousers: lightweight for summer, warm for winter, waterproof or 2-in-1. Many styles also come in a shorter leg length for smaller builds.

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Which men’s hiking trousers should you choose for each season?

On a sun-exposed trail in July, thick trousers start sticking to your thighs on the first climb. For summer, choose a style that’s lightweight and stretchy, weighing under 300 g in size M : the OCHE weighs 219 g, the JOCOU 285 g and the PLARET 299 g; all three release heat during exercise. For spring and autumn, the ALBARON (375 g) blocks moderate wind with its double-sided bi-stretch fabric; the EXPLORE has a water-repellent treatment that withstands brief showers.

In winter, the ROCKFIT, a 240 g/m² bi-stretch softshell with a water-repellent treatment, blocks winds of 60–90 km/h; the insulated, waterproof QUEBEC COURT softshell also protects you from the cold. The summer selection is in our ultralight hiking trousers, the winter models in our warm trousers. You’ll find the women’s fits in our women’s hiking trousers.

Men’s trekking and travel trousers: quick-drying with secure pockets

On a trek, you wash your trousers at the end of the day and need them dry by morning. Choose fabric that dries in a few hours and pockets that fasten securely: the KATMANDOU (360 g) has eight pockets, including two concealed ones for your passport and bank card, and its legs detach at the sides without you having to remove your boots. The water-repellent ARCALOD (350 g) converts into shorts by unzipping the legs; the lightweight, breathable CARLIT (289 g) is designed for treks in hot, humid regions. All convertible models are in our convertible 2-in-1 trousers.

Water-repellent or waterproof trousers: staying dry while hiking

A water-repellent treatment makes water bead up during a brief shower. In prolonged rain, water eventually penetrates the fabric: according to the HOGGAR product page, a water-repellent treatment is rarely enough beyond the first hour of rain. For days when rain is forecast, choose a waterproof trousers with a membrane : the HOGGAR (424 g) combines a waterproof, breathable membrane, heat-sealed seams and reinforcements that protect against ski edges.

If you hike in lightweight trousers, keep a pair of overtrousers in your pack. The TORRENT (360 g) has a 3-layer construction and opens along the full length of each leg, so you can pull it on over your boots, even with crampons fitted. You’ll find all the models in our waterproof trousers.

Men’s stretch, reinforced mountain trousers: what to check

On scree or rock slabs, trousers take the most strain at the knees and lower legs. Check these areas on the product page:

Stretch fabric: the EXPLORE (430 g) has 100% stretch.
Knee reinforcements and ski-edge protection at the lower legs, on both the EXPLORE and the LAOS (475 g).
Gusseted crotch for freedom of movement on steep climbs.
Wind protection: 40–60 km/h on most models, 60–90 km/h on the ROCKFIT and QUEBEC COURT.
Zipped pockets and concealed pockets, as on the KATMANDOU.

For fast walking and Nordic walking, the BERGEN PANT (345 g) combines a windproof, water-repellent front with a back that stretches in every direction: it moves with long strides without trapping heat. The guide hiking trousers: how to choose the right pair covers the fabric and insulation; the full range, including women’s and men’s fits, is in our hiking trousers.

Men’s hiking trousers in shorter leg lengths, with sizing guidance

Shortening waterproof trousers yourself risks damaging their sealed seams. Cimalp offers several styles in a COURT version, made with a shorter leg length for shorter builds: ALBARON COURT, EXPLORE COURT, LAOS COURT, JOCOU COURT, PLARET COURT, CARLIT COURT, HOGGAR COURT, KATMANDOU COURT and QUEBEC COURT. Each product page specifies the intended height: under 1.70 m or 1.72 m, depending on the model. The HOGGAR COURT has legs 6 cm shorter, with its heat-sealed seams intact; the QUEBEC COURT is shortened by the same amount.

If you’re between sizes, follow the size guide on the product page. Most models fit true to size; the KATMANDOU, BERGEN PANT and STORM PRO PANT run slightly large, so size down. The CARLIT and PITON run small, so size up. End-of-line styles are grouped in our men’s outlet.

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