What to look for in hill-walking trousers

07 July 2008 17:06

These will protect your legs while you walk, scramble and climb over the mountains. But not all trousers are the same, so read on…

Durability
For increased durability when scrambling, climbing or mountaineering, look for trousers with knees, seat or ankle abrasion panels. If the trousers don’t have extra durability in these areas, they might be better suited purely to walking rather than mountaineering.

Waist design
A stretchy waist, either with a belt or the option of adding one, gives all-round adjustability. Some waistbands have a soft lining for extra comfort.

Ankle cuff
Your trouser cuffs must accommodate your boots by fitting over them, otherwise you’ll need gaiters to prevent grit entering your boots. If possible the fit should be snug, as this will keep them from flapping. Ankle cuffs that can be adjusted are best as this allows them to be used with different pairs of boots. Draw cords and press studs are ideal, while Velcro can be problematic when muddy. Zipped ankle cuffs allow trousers to be fitted more closely over the wide and higher ankle cuff of a ski boot or taller mountaineer boots.    

Freedom of movement
Restriction of movement while out on the hill can be a danger. Test for this by squatting down in the trousers, while wearing your boots. Also stand up and bring your knees up to your chest, or place your legs wide apart and bend to touch your toes. Well- fitting trousers will not move excessively or feel tight in areas such as the crotch and knees.

Stretch
The best fabrics will have stretch in both the horizontal and vertical direction. However if the cut of the trousers is good, stretch in one direction is fine.

Ventilation
Ventilation allows you to cool down. It will also make more insulated trousers versatile enough to wear in a wider range of conditions. Look for vents on the trouser leg, or mesh-lined pockets.

Pockets
It’s good if some pockets have zips to keep items safe. Pockets that will accommodate a map are particularly practical, but make sure you can access them while wearing a rucksack hipbelt.

Fly opening
A zip fly as opposed to an elasticated waist makes ‘comfort breaks’ so much easier, and most trousers have them.