Finding the perfect pair of walking trousers is about so much more than just comfort – it’s about ensuring you’re equipped for every step of your journey.
The right walking trousers can make the difference between an enjoyable trek and one marred by sweat or chafing, boasting features like durability, breathability and flexibility you won’t find in everyday trackies, jeans or chinos.
Whether you're preparing for a fortnight in the Himalayan hills or looking for something to walk the dog in, the best walking trousers will protect against the elements while enhancing mobility and regulating body temperature. They also come with practical additions like secure pockets, adjustable waists and zipped hems – essentials for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best men’s walking trousers currently on the market, having put the features through their pace. We’ve tested weather resistance, stretch fabrics, ergonomic design, and added extras. From versatile all-season options to those better suited for summer and winter hikes, these trousers are ready for any adventure.
What are the most important features in a pair of walking trousers?
Best walking trousers at a glance
How we tested
For our best walking trousers test, the ES Best Shopping team put these products through their paces on walks of several hours or more and in all weather conditions in and around London and the Southeast. We looked at factors including comfort, weather-proofing and added features to make hikes more efficient.
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Forclaz MT900 Trekking Trousers
Best for: unpredictable weather
If you spend enough time hiking in the UK, you’ll know that “four seasons in a day” isn’t just a saying – it’s a guarantee. This is where Forclaz’s MT900 trekking trousers come into their own. We put these through their paces in classic British conditions – sideways rain, unexpected sunshine, and the ever-present gusts of wind that make you question your life choices when out in the great outdoors. Safe to say, they handled it all impressively.
Designed by Decathlon’s trekking specialists, these trousers punch well above their weight in performance and with a refreshingly sensible price tag. The water-repellent fabric shrugs off drizzle and damp grass like it’s nothing, and the wind-resistant construction stops chilly breezes from cutting through. Crucially, they don’t feel like a pair of stiff, over-engineered rain trousers. Stretch panels and articulated knees mean they move with you, whether you’re clambering over stiles or tackling a rocky scramble.
Storage is another strong point. The multiple zippered pockets keep essentials safe – from an Ordinance Survey map and crucial snacks. The adjustable waistband and in-built belt ensure a secure fit, while the bungee-adjustable hems let you cinch them over boots when conditions take a turn.
After a good few miles in these, we’d say they strike the sweet spot between weather protection, mobility and comfort, making them a solid choice for anyone who refuses to let dodgy forecasts keep them indoors.
Buy now £64.99, Decathlon
Arc’Teryx Gamma Pant Men’s
Best: premium pair
Arc’teryx gear has a habit of turning heads – whether that’s on a windswept ridge or just in the coffee queue. After putting the Gamma Pant through its paces, we can confirm: these trousers aren’t just about the logo appeal. They deliver on all fronts.
From steep climbs to unpredictable weather, these trousers handled everything we threw at them. The Fortius DW 2.0 softshell fabric is impressively tough – wind-resistant, durable and shrugging off light rain with ease. Yet somehow, despite that toughness, they remain exceptionally lightweight and breathable, keeping things comfortable even when the pace picks up.
Movement-wise, these are some of the best-fitting trousers we tested. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch mean there’s no awkward pulling or restriction, while an integrated webbing belt keeps them locked in place and adjustable cuffs mean you can tailor the fit over boots.
Then there’s the Arc’teryx factor. Sleek, minimalist and quietly technical, with a low-profile alpine aesthetic that works just as well for backcountry treks as it does a dog walk followed by brunch. The subtle yet unmistakable logo on the knee lets fellow gearheads know you mean business, while zippered thigh and hand pockets keep essentials secure without adding bulk.
Yes, they’re an investment, but if you’re after a pair of high-performance, do-it-all outdoor trousers that can take a beating and still look sharp, the Gamma Pant is hard to fault.
Buy now £180.00, Arc’Teryx
Fjällräven Keb Trousers
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Best for: rugged durability
If there’s a gold standard for trekking trousers, Fjällräven’s Keb Trousers might just be it. Designed to withstand brutal conditions while keeping you comfortable, these are the kind of trousers you invest in once and then wonder how you ever hiked without them.
The secret to their durability? G-1000 Eco fabric, a rugged mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton that shrugs off wind, drizzle and general abuse. You can even wax them up with Greenland Wax for extra weather resistance – a nice touch for long treks in uncertain conditions. Out of the box, the stretch of the fabric feels entirely incongruous to their rugged looks, with strategically placed stretch panels (knees, seat and crotch) ensuring unrestricted movement, whether you’re lunging up a boulder or just squatting to lace your boots.
Speaking of boots, reinforced cuffs protect against scuffs and wear, while the adjustable ankle straps are a nice touch that feels far superior to the faff of elastic bungees. Ventilation zips along the thighs and calves mean you won’t overheat on tough climbs, and the well-thought-out pocket layout provides ample storage without making you feel like a pack mule.
Fit-wise, Fjällräven gets it right with regular and long-length options, which is a rare but welcome detail. And if you’re picky about colour, there’s everything from understated greys to full-on army camo for the hardcore adventurers. They’re not cheap, but if you’re serious about hiking, we’re confident the Keb Trousers will outlast and outperform just about anything else out there.
Buy now £194.12, Amazon
Columbia Men's Triple Canyon II Hiking Trousers
Best for: warm-weather walks
Some walking trousers feel like they were designed by people who’ve never actually been on a hike – stiff, heavy, and about as breathable as a plastic bag. Not so with the Columbia Triple Canyon IIs. When we took these out for a proper test run, they proved themselves as a ridiculously comfy, no-fuss option for long days on the trail.
Straight out of the bag, the stretchy fabric and partially elasticated waistband make these some of the most forgiving trousers we’ve hiked in. No digging in, no restriction – just easy movement. Articulated knees flex exactly where you need them to, and on warmer days, the lightweight, breathable design keeps things pleasantly cool. That said, if you’re heading out in chillier conditions, you’ll probably want to add a base layer underneath.
Tech-wise, Columbia has packed in some neat touches. Omni-Shield repels light rain and stains – handy when your lunch ends up on your lap instead of in your mouth – and Omni-Shade UPF 50 protection helps keep your legs safe from sun exposure, making these a solid pick for summer hikes or far-flung trekking trips.
Style-wise, they’re also refreshingly sleek. The tapered fit means you can just about get away with them at the pub post-hike, and multiple zippered pockets mean there’s room for snacks, keys, or whatever else you need to stash.
The one potential downside? While they held up fine in testing, they don’t feel quite as bombproof as some of the more rugged, expedition-ready options out there. If you’re the type to batter your kit over endless mountain miles, you might want to look elsewhere. But for everyday hikes and lightweight comfort, the Triple Canyon II trousers are an excellent choice.
Buy now £75.00, Columbia
Quechua Men's Hiking Trousers MH500
Best: on a budget
Let’s be honest: high-end outdoor gear can leave your wallet feeling like it’s done a thru-hike of its own. Thankfully these Quechua hiking trousers punch well above their price tag. Designed by another of Decathlon’s in-house hiking lines, they deliver comfort, mobility and just the right amount of weather resistance at a fraction of the cost of their big-brand rivals.
Now, they might not have the same rugged durability as a premium Arc’teryx or Montane pair, but for casual hikers and weekend warriors, they do the job surprisingly well. The lightweight, stretchy fabric offers excellent freedom of movement, handling uneven trails without restriction. They’re also quick-drying and moisture-wicking, staying comfortable in light rain and moderate activity – though I’d be less confident in them for hardcore mountain scrambles or in relentless downpours.
That said, Quechua hasn’t cut corners where it counts. The reinforced knees and seat add durability where you need it most, while an adjustable waistband with a built-in belt ensures a snug fit. Articulated knees mean easy movement, and plenty of pockets keep essentials within reach.
If you’re after high-performance technical trousers for extreme expeditions, look elsewhere. But if you want a budget-friendly, comfortable and trail-ready pair that can hold their own against premium options, these are a seriously solid choice.
Buy now £29.99, Decathlon
Montane Men's Tenacity Pants
Best for: technical hiking
If you’re the kind of hiker who doesn’t do half measures, Montane’s Tenacity Pants are built to match your ambition. Whether it’s steep ascents, rocky scrambles, or multi-day treks, these trousers don’t just keep up – they push you forward.
Straight out of the pack, they feel soft and flexible, but don’t let that fool you; this Granite Stretch fabric is seriously tough. It moves effortlessly, thanks to articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, but also stands up to abrasive rock and rugged terrain better than most. In fact, of all the trousers we tested, Montane nailed the balance between comfort and durability best. And the water resistance? Easily one of the top performers in its class.
A part-elasticated waistband and built-in belt ensure all-day comfort, which we particularly appreciated on longer, sweaty ascents. The streamlined fit keeps things sleek – no excess fabric flapping about in the wind – and adjustable ankle cuffs mean you can tweak the fit over boots with ease. Practicality is covered too, with zipped hand and rear pockets to stash essentials.
They’re an investment, but if you want trousers that can handle serious hikes without weighing you down, the Tenacity Pants are as close to perfect as it gets.
Buy now £90.00, Amazon
Berghaus Men's Trail-Explorer Pant
Best for: everyday versatility
Not every hike calls for ultra-technical looking, summit-bagging trousers. Sometimes, you just want something comfortable, practical and easy to wear – and that’s exactly where the Berghaus Trail-Explorer Pant shines.
We wore these on a mix of woodland trails and hill walks, and the lightweight, stretchy fabric made movement effortless. There was zero restriction on steep climbs, and the water-repellent finish handled light rain without a hitch. When we did get caught in heavier rain, they dried impressively fast, with no damp, clingy fabric to contend with.
Berghaus has kept the design of its Trail-Explorers refreshingly straightforward and functional. The elasticated waistband with an integrated belt means a secure, fuss-free fit, and the three well-placed pockets are perfect for stashing essentials. While they don’t come with loads of high-tech extras, that’s part of the appeal – sometimes, you simply need a reliable, comfortable pair of trousers that won’t get in the way.
For easy-going hikes and weekend adventures, the Trail-Explorer Pant is a no-nonsense, no-regrets choice. Simple, practical and seriously comfy.
Buy now £95.00, Berghaus
Finisterre Walker Trousers
Best for: a casual look
If you’re after a pair of hiking trousers that don’t shout “I’m about to conquer a mountain” but could still do the job, look no further than Finisterre. We took these Walker Trousers for a test run on meandering woodland trails (with the occasional pub pit stop), striking the sweet spot between performance and urban style. So discreet is this pair, we even donned them in the office.
Crafted from a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, these trousers offer the kind of comfort you’d expect from your favourite joggers but with just enough rugged durability to keep up on moderate hikes. The PFC-free water-repellent finish fended off light rain without the plastic-y feel of full waterproofs, making them ideal for unpredictable weather.
What sets them apart is their fit. They’ve got a more tailored, slimmer cut than most hiking trousers, giving a more refined look without sacrificing functionality. Articulated knees and reinforced panels add toughness in high-stress areas, but no one would guess you’re wearing anything more technical than a regular pair of chinos.
These aren’t the trousers you’d want for a hardcore, multi-day trek, but for weekend hikes or days where you know your step count is going to be well above average, they’ll keep you comfy, protected and stylish from start to finish.
Buy now £110.00, Finisterre
Adidas Terrex Xperior Trousers
Best for: all-hours walkers
Walking trousers can often feel like a confusing mix of high-tech wizardry and over-the-top prices. The Adidas Terrex Xperior Trousers does a superb job of proving you can have the best of both worlds.
Designed for cooler weather, these trousers are a great balance of wind resistance, breathability and stretch. The softshell fabric keeps blustery winds shut out, while still giving the flexibility to tackle steep inclines or breakneck descents. We found they handled light rain surprisingly well, thanks to the PFC-free water-repellent finish that makes light drizzle just roll off – though don’t get caught in a downpour without a trusty pair of waterproof overtrousers.
The slim, tailored fit keeps you looking sharp and doesn't interfere with movement (no awkward tugging here). Articulated knees made a big difference when we needed to stretch or squat, and the zipped pockets offer peace of mind, knowing phone, keys and sugary snacks are safely stowed. Plus, reflective details mean you’ll be seen when the sun starts to dip.
But here’s the rub: these aren’t for extreme conditions. The fabric won’t stand up to rough brush or rocky scrambles the way something like Fjällräven’s Keb or Arc’teryx’s Gamma will. Plus, if you’re out in sub-zero temps, you’ll need to layer up, as these trousers are built more for mild to moderate cold.
Buy now £100.00, Adidas
Verdict
If you’re looking for a long-term investment in your outdoor endeavours, we’d point you in the direction of Arc’Teryx and Fjällräven’s premium pairs.
That said, for an outstanding balance of weather resistance, comfort and affordability, we took a real shine to the Forclaz MT900 Trekking Trousers.
