Outdoor kit can probably be divided into two categories – essential and ‘nice to have’. For walkers, a well fitting pair of walking boots and outdoors jacket are pretty much essential if you plan on walking regularly. Unless that is, you enjoy being wet, cold and having sore feet.
Trousers on the other hand, are a grey area. Can you get away with jeans? Do you really need those zip off versions that turn into shorts? Why do they always make that swishy noise when you walk?
I have to admit that unless rain is looking pretty certain or I’m doing some fairly serious hiking, I’ve been known to opt for jeans and trail shoes on many occasions (hangs head in shame). However, when Outdoor Look sent me a pair of Craghopper Basecamp Women’s Trousers to try out, I decided it was time to end the walking trouser debate once and for all.
The product description says “relaxed lightweight trousers with a water repellent and stain resistant finish. Comfort fit with ample pockets and belt.” True to their word, the trousers were indeed incredibly light and comfortable to wear. They have a tapered leg which isn’t the most flattering look (gives a peg-leg effect), but it is more practical than having excess material flapping around.
I also gave them a good hose down for a couple of minutes to recreate a rain shower and they held up well, though persistent ‘rain’ might require more substantial waterproof trousers.
How outdoor clothing is produced has come under scrutiny recently for it’s impact on the very environment it’s being designed for, so I thought it was worth checking out Craghopper’s eco credentials as well. The company says it constantly reviews its carbon footprint and was the first outdoor company to be confirmed as CarbonNeutral®. It is also increasing use of Fairtrade and organic cotton, and packaging is made from recycled products and is biodegradable where possible.
So overall, will I reaching for these swishy Craghopper trousersin future instead of my well worn jeans? Well another advantage of being so light is that they roll up conveniently small, so can easily be stuffed in your rucksack in case the weather changes, so I would probably take them along as an optional extra, rather than wearing them out on every walk. They make a very practical addition to anyone’s outdoor wardrobe, and at around £35, won’t break the bank either.
What’s your take on walking trousers? Are they an essential, or a ‘nice to have’? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Hi and welcome. I'm a freelance travel and lifestyle copywriter and editor, with a passion for the great outdoors. This is my personal blog all about getting out in the fresh air and reconnecting with our green spaces and countryside.
I am a huge fan of outdoors/walking trousers. I wear them pretty much every day because they are comfy. I’m not big on style or fashion (!) so I can’t comment about how good I look but for everyday work wear I love them. I work form home as an outdoors journalist so that might have something to do with my love of these type of trousers! I also own a pair of Craghoppers and I think they’re one of my most comfortable pair of trousers. Oh, and I also wear them when walking hills and Munros in Scotland.They are ideal!