The majority of the material here is the G-1000 Eco, a hard wearing, breathable and shower resistant fabric. It’s also a more sustainable version of Fjällräven’s standard G-1000 fabric, as it uses organic cotton and recycled polyester, limiting the use of raw materials in the creation of the product. Take the Fjällräven Kaipak Curved trousers, for example. They are specifically built to accommodate a more curvaceous body type, including features like an accentuated waistband, a body mapped construction and stretch panels for freedom of movement. Are you going hiking in the mountains this summer and need functional hiking clothing that breathes? Here you will find everything from hiking shorts to t-shirts for hiking. The great thing about hiking is that you always discover something new every time. The best thing about hiking is that there are hiking trails for both beginners and hiking professionals. The equipment is an important part for the hiker and choosing the right clothes is a must. Your hiking clothes must withstand wear, moisture and wind but also be compliant and comfortable against the body. On hot summer hikes, swapping from hefty trousers to slim cut, stretchy walking leggings can make things much more comfortable. Super stretchy and breathable, the Galbella tights are so comfy you’ll barely notice you’ve got them on, but offer more warmth and protection than shorts. They’ve also anti-microbial, so you can get a good few days wear out of them before they need a wash.

These trousers are already highly regarded, but the latest version has an improved fit and functionality. They still employ a hybrid construction of weatherproof and tough G-1000 Eco – a sustainable polycotton blend that can be waxed for additional water-resistance – with 4-way stretch fabric panels. This offers good durability yet exceptional freedom of movement. Selected for our Outdoor 100 2022/23 – Read our full Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants review. BUY NOW: EU.PATAGONIA.COM The stretch panels ventilate beautifully, giving you a very comfortable fit, while zippered ventilation panels mean you can open things up when you’re working hard on the trail. Importantly, the trousers are tight fitting but stretchy enough to give you excellent freedom of movement, which is why they work so well for a range of applications. Full Specifications OK, they’re not walking trousers per se, but they still deserve to be on this list – especially when you consider that many women (and men as well) choose to hike in leggings these days.Highly versatile hiking trousers with strategically placed stretch panels and added ventilation zippers for optimal comfort and flexibility. If you’re all about wearing outdoor kit that provides first-rate freedom of movement, you’ll dig these.” The excellent Firewall hiking pants look bulky but actually feel very comfortable on, and have been designed with trekking in mind to provide freedom of movement as you hike. Zips to mid-thigh make it easy to get them on and off, and we liked the high waistband and the under-boot loops on the cuffs for wear with hiking boots - Ideal when the weather looks varied and you don’t want the faff of pulling waterproofs on and off. If you’re heading to a climate where mosquitoes and other biting nasties may lurk, a pair of trousers impregnated with insect repellent can be a very clever shout. Craghoppers rightly call their Nosilife Pro II a ‘travel standard’ - this smart pant boasts a hidden superpower – it’s made with Craghoppers’ own-brand Nosilife material, which has an insect-repellent treatment to provide permanent protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. They feel very durable, with plenty of resistance to abrasion as well as a little stretchiness. This makes them perfect for three-season use, and since the generous cut allows for layering, they could even be combined with baselayer tights underneath for full-on winter weather too. Full Specifications

The Point Peak pants are made from 90% recycled nylon, 10% double-weaved elastane, and a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. In fact, Patagonia are working on converting 90% of their waterproof products with a DWR finish to a PFC-free finish by autumn of this year. Pretty impressive stuff. They feel very durable, with plenty of resistance to abrasion as well as a little stretchiness. This makes them perfect for three-season use, and since the generous cut allows for layering, they could even be combined with baselaye tights underneath for full-on winter weather too. Full Specifications Many outdoor brands, such as Halti and Sasta, now include plus size options to accommodate a wider range of builds too. Though a long time coming, it’s refreshing to see these companies leading the way, with hopefully more to come across the industry. The cuffs on the bottom of the trousers are fitted with strap adjusters which can be easily changed to fit around your boot and there’s also a handy hook which can secure the ankle cuffs to the boot laces like a gaiter. Full SpecificationsThe articulation is impressive – we’d say they’d not only be a good option hillwalkers and scramblers, but for climbers and boulderers as well. Full Specifications While Sasta include sizes starting at 34 (25”waist, 31” length), they also include plus size options ranging from an EU size 38 (33” waist, 32” length) to 54 (50” waist, 33” length). It’s worth noting that while the ‘regular’ Taival W trousers also have a size 38, the Taival W+ size 38 has been built specifically to accommodate larger builds. Full Specifications Halti’s Pallas 2 are designed for stretch and breathability, while also being windproof and water-repellent. Refreshingly, there’s also likely to be a pair to fit you even if you don’t conform to the slim outdoor stereotype, since they also come in plus sizes (up to an EU 46, or a UK 18). The Rugged Flex by Swedish brand Haglöfs are an evolution of their original Rugged Mountain Pant. You could call this new design a 2020 makeover with new stretchy fabrics and a much, much slimmer fit. Looking for something else? If you’re looking for some alternative options for your hiking leg wear, then why not take a look at our zip-off walking trousers, walking shorts, or even our range of walking leggings. WATERPROOF WALKING TROUSERS