05 June 2008 11:30
I have some good walking trousers but they flap around at the ankle and get caked in mud. I don't see many trousers on sale with ankle cuffs. Any advice?
Answer
By Trail magazine
Ankle cuffs are an important consideration when you're buying trousers. Your cuffs must accommodate your boots by fitting over them, otherwise you'll need gaiters to prevent grit getting into your boots. Ankle cuffs that can be adjusted are best as this allows them to be used with different pairs of boots. Drawcords and press studs are ideal, while Velcro can be troublesome when it's muddy. Zipped ankle cuffs allows trousers to be fitted more closely over the wide and higher ankle cuff of taller trekking boots. For many years, there was only a choice of "flappy" walking trousers and the classic Ron Hill tracksters. Then a few years back, one or two companies started importing trousers that were stretchy, more durable and better designed for the hill. They had been available to walkers and mountaineers
in the French Alps for many years. There are now lots to choose from, but most are similar. They are more expensive than the basic style of polycotton trouser, though. See the March 2008 issue of Trail for a rigorous test of these kinds of trousers.
A good bet, though, is the Mammut Base Jump pants (£100). We have reviewed them several times over the years and they are regular winners. Other favourites are Paramo, Haglofs, Vaude and Mountain Hardware. It may not suit some, but my advice would be, if you really want great trousers, then be prepared to look a bit more like a mountaineer!
