Walks And Walking – Top 5 Walking Trousers

Walks And Walking – Top 5 Walking Trousers

I have been meaning to do a Top 5 Walking Trousers review for quite some time now but I haven’t had 5 pairs of trousers to write about! So now, thanks to a recent delivery from Go Outdoors, I now have 5 pairs of different walking trousers to review from my walks.

For me, I like walking trousers that have lots of easily accessible pockets – one for my paper map, one for my little bits and pieces, a zippable pocket for keys and one that stays relatively sweat free for my mobile phone and money. There’s nothing worse than trying to pick out your mobile from a sweaty pocket with the screen all covered in perspiration making it difficult to swipe through my ViewRanger map app. Likewise, there’s nothing worse than handy over a damp £10 when you’re buying your beer at the end of a day long walk!

I have used the product photos and some descriptions from the relevant websites, photographing me wearing trousers didn’t really ‘work out’, to say the least, but I did take a ‘cupboard shot’ so you all know I definitely own them all.

Top 5 Walking Trousers Review – Walks And Walking

The North Face Paramount Walking Trousers

So, first up, in terms of time owned, one of my Top 5 Walking Trousers are the The North Face Paramount Walking Trousers. These were my first pair of walking trousers that I have owned for nearly 3 years now and they are still going strong. I tend to save these ones as my day long ‘serious’ walking trousers as they are highly durable and extremely comfortable on long walks. My dislike is that they have poppers and not a button, and for somebody with my waistband that can be annoying because they don’t stay closed. I bought these from Go Outdoors and their website says:

“Designed for the weight conscious traveller or the walker who needs comfort and flexibility for changeable weather, The North Face Paramount Peak Convertible Pants are ideal for using when you’re short on space, or if you aren’t sure if it’s ‘Short’s weather’ or ‘Trouser’s weather’.

Designed to zip off from a full length trouser to a pair of shorts, these handy convertibles are made with The North Face quality, perfect for withstanding a whole gap year of use, or season after season on the hills or during the Spring – Autumn months.

Made with multiple pockets, belt loops as well as a zip fly, these comfortable easy fit trousers are easy to wear and great for a huge range of activities, in fact, after you use them once, you won’t want to be without them.

Whatever the weather, be prepared and pack your Paramount Peak Convertible Pants.”

And the tech spec says:

Convertible trousers for the space conscious traveller or walker.

177g (Midweight)
100% Nylon
Quick drying
Zip off function to create a 10 inch short
Front cargo pockets, back pocket and secure zip pocket
Abrasion resistant
Elastic waist
Belt loops
Zip Fly
Colour coded leg zips
Side leg zips for easy removal
Crotch gusset with strong threads

Top 5 Walking Trousers Review – Walks And Walking – The North Face Paramount Walking Trousers

The North Face Paramount Peak Cargo Walking Shorts

In my early days of walking I used to favour the ‘walking short’ in almost all weathers. I think I used to somewhat admire the hardy walker who wears shorts and sandals all year round but I found getting stung by nettles, brambles, bugs and insects too much of a hassle so now tend to stick to walking trousers all year round. However, I still bust out my The North Face Paramount Peak Cargo Walking Shorts when I know I will be mainly walking in low risk areas, like a beach. Again, they have a popper waistband and not a button. The Go Outdoors website gubbins says:

“Designed for the traveller or the walker who needs style and breath-ability in good weather, The North Face Paramount Peak Shorts are ideal for staying cool whilst the suns beats down, whatever it is you’re doing.

These Nylon and Elastane shorts are made with The North Face quality, perfect for withstanding a whole gap year of use, or season after season on the hills or during the Spring – Summer months.

The inbuilt UPF of 30+ ensures protection from harmful UV rays, so you spend less time reapplying sun block and more time sightseeing.

Made with multiple pockets, a belt and a zip, these comfortable easy fit shorts are easy to wear and great for a huge range of activities, in fact, after you use them once, you won’t want to be without them.

Whatever the weather, be prepared and pack your Paramount Peak Shorts as one of your Top 5 Walking Trousers.”

And the tech spec says:

Nylon and Elastane Mix
4 Way stretch Apex fabric
Ripstop at knees and seat for abrasion resistance
Elasticated waistband
Belt and zip combo
Front fly
Two deep pockets with mesh lining
Zipped pocket for security
UPF of 30
Quick drying design

Top 5 Walking Trousers Review – Walks And Walking – The North Face Paramount Peak Cargo Walking Shorts

The North Face Meridian Convertible Pants

Perhaps my most worn Top 5 Walking Trousers are the The North Face Meridian Convertible Pants which I have in Asphalt Grey and Dune Beige, including that all important button waistband. They are super lightweight and the only walking trousers that I do zip off the legs for during the summer months for short walks and general wear. I tend to use these for everyday wear rather than walking trips. I still get stung by nettles through these trousers so they’re not that suitable for forest, woodland walks or going a bit off-track… which I normally do due to getting lost rather than being adventurous.

The website says:

“When you want the convenience of trousers and shorts along your trek or travel expedition, check out the Meridian Convertible Pant.

This free fit pant’s nylon construction resists abrasion and shrugs off the odd splash thanks to a water resistant finish. Then, when the sun puts in an appearance, zip off the legs at the thigh to leave a great, chunky-style short. Gargantuan side pockets hold everything you would normally stash in your jacket and then some; side and back pockets store essentials, plus you have a passport-sized internal space at the waistband. The Meridian Convertibles are lightweight and easy to care for too, making them ideal for travel.”

And the tech spec says:

Fabric: Meridian 100% nylon with Durable Water Repellent
¾ elastic waist with belt loops and drawstring cord
Front slash pockets with mesh lining, rear stow pocket, internal passport pocket at waistband, utility side pockets, patch pocket with zip
Roll up leg feature
Crotch gusset
Mid-thigh shorts

Top 5 Walking Trousers Review – Walks And Walking – The North Face Meridian Convertible Pants Walking Trousers – Asphalt Grey

Bear Survivor Trousers

I was particularly excited about buying these at the time because they really do include ‘all the toys’ when it comes to a pair of walking trousers with a surprise bonus waterproof bag to keep your valuables in which I didn’t actually find until about 2 months and 6 washes in the machine afterwards. It was so secure and well hidden I didn’t even know it was there! These tend to be my back-up Top 5 Walking Trousers that I always take with me but seldom ever wear. Although there are plenty of pockets they have too many buttons, elastic openings and they’re too deep. It all gets a bit too complicated and when you’re walking at pace you want to get your essentials out quickly and easily.

The website says:

“With updated style and fit it’ll take more than a week on the trail to get the better of these technical trousers. Primed with all the performance features you’d expect and agile enough to keep up when you’re on the move, Bear Grylls’ signature trousers are constructed from tough, sun-protective supplex with stretch panels for an active fit. Get out and put them to the test!”

And the tech spec says:

Fabrics: SolarDry polyamide supplex with stretch panels
Weight: 450g
Active fit
Drying loops
9 pockets
2 with zip-fastening
Tough supplex combined with stretch panels for unrestricted movement
Heel tape
Lifetime Guarantee

Top 5 Walking Trousers Review – Walks And Walking – Bear Survivor Walking Trousers

Craghoppers Nosilife Cargo Trousers

These are the newest edition to my Top 5 Walking Trousers and the 5th piece of my walking trousers review jigsaw. They offer me the same lightweight and easy wear walking trousers I’m used to with The North face but also include Craghoppers Nosilife technology. I tested these out in the nettles in Epping Forest and they passed with flying colours! OK, so not the hardest test of their durability but so far so good. They fit like a dream and include traditional a button waistband that doesn’t keep popping open. They also have a more convenient drawstring, rather than a belt which, again, makes them easier and lighter to wear.

The Go Outdoors website says:

“Designed primarily for travellers, these Craghoppers NosiLife Cargo Trousers are a classic pair of trousers for an amplitude of situations and environments.

Loved by travellers to hot climates for their anti bacterial qualities, sun protective levels to UPF40+ and inbuilt insect repellent, these are a must if you are heading into the wilderness, but are also great for everyday wear when you want something lighter than jeans and more comfortable for travelling in.

However, many walkers staying closer to home are enjoying the Craghopper’s Nosilife Cargo Trousers as well. Made with 100% polyamide, a part elasticated waist and moisture control inbuilt, the NosiLife are able to be worn on long hikes and rambles in all good weather conditions.

At 430g these are a good weight for anyone wanting strength from a fabric, and although not as lightweight as some trousers, these make up for the extra grammes by being as protective as possible.

With the Nosilife you also get an impressive 8 pockets made up of 2 mesh hand pockets, 1 security pocket, 2 buttoned rear pockets, 2 cargo as well as 1 phone holding pocket and weighing 430g….. and they come with a Craghoppers dry bag in the pocket”