Rugged Outdoors Trousers for walking and bushwacking/pioneering

[Redknight]

Hi All,

I want a GREAT pair of outdoor trousers for the outdoors. Something with a reinforced seat and knees (preferably waterproof-ish) air vents on the side to cool me down when walking and a few pockets for maps, compasses etc. They don't need to be massively waterproof as I already have a pair of good over trousers for that.

I take scouts and we're constantly on our knees and sitting on cold damp rocks outside so the normal craghopper style trousers don't last long enough and I'm always cold! At the same time, my thick work trousers with heavy knees etc are rubbish for hill walking in as they are more of a workman's trousers and I get far too warm and struggle with the lack of articulation in the knees when climbing.

I have seen these;

http://www.haglofs.com/en-us/products/clothing/layers/shorts-pants-skirts/men/rugged_mountain_pant_en-us.aspx

The problem is I cannot find my size anywhere in the UK as I'm quite short. Has anyone any suggestions for a good alternative?

[Rusty Madra]

I know this might sound a little simplistic to the gear junkies on here but personally I've found all the good outdoor shops have a good selection of trousers that are all on a par with eachother: it's much of a muchness, they're all pretty good.

Usual rules apply: spending a few quid on one quality pair will probably save you in the long run and get you a pair your happy with (trust me: my local charity shop is filled with impulsive buys from sports direct that just didn't make the grade for me!). Kinda hard to buy this stuff straight off the Internet if it's your first time getting a pair.

Would recommend heading into Jacksons or Cotswalds or similar and trying a few pairs on. Seeing what feels right. Once you know your size etc and the brand you like it gets easier to shop about on the Internet for bargains. Although I'd definately get my first pair from a shop.

Really you only need one good pair: enjoy them!

[Redknight]

Really you only need one good pair: enjoy them!

I always like the buy once mantra, something in my head makes me dislike the idea of having to buy a pair every year even if it's cheaper than buying a really tough pair.

[whoRya]

If it was buy once then these look like the bomb!

Fjallraven

They cost a bomb too.

[Redknight]

If it was buy once then these look like the bomb!

Fjallraven

They cost a bomb too.

Damn! Those look nice!

You know you're paying too much when 3 swedish guys stand around demonstrating them http://youtu.be/nFs8ii1TvO0

[velvetmonkey]

I have a pair of Fjallraven Barents Trousers.
Yes they did cost a lot, but are VERY durable and will more than likely outlast me.

Unfortunately I only went for the "buy it once" option AFTER spending a small fortune on cheap and nasty alternatives.

Even if you have to wait a month or two - hold off and get a decent pair.

There are items of kit which you can get away with the cheap and cheerful approach. But there are some things where you don't want to scrimp . I would put clothing into the latter

[Redknight]

I have a pair of Fjallraven Barents Trousers.
Yes they did cost a lot, but are VERY durable and will more than likely outlast me.

Unfortunately I only went for the "buy it once" option AFTER spending a small fortune on cheap and nasty alternatives.

Even if you have to wait a month or two - hold off and get a decent pair.

There are items of kit which you can get away with the cheap and cheerful approach. But there are some things where you don't want to scrimp . I would put clothing into the latter

Would you say they are suitable for hill walking or are they too thick? It's hard to see from the pictures. I'm tempted to get them just for camping and Scout nights regardless of their ability to keep me cool and free from restriction whilst walking.

[velvetmonkey]

Hi RedKnight,

There are those on this forum who would be better placed than myself to recommend hillwalking trousers, so I would defer to them, suffice to say that I've used them for hiking, wild camping and canoeing and they are more than suitable for hill walking.

They're definitely heavier than any quick dry trousers, but on the other hand, much more durable.

Horses for courses I guess............

[RedLeader]

I've been wearing the same pair of Craghoppers for over 4 years. They weren't pricey and have worn really well. Montane Terrapants are the ones that I hear the most about and you can pick them up online for around £50 which isn't bad.

[LandyLiam]

I do love my terrapants, but they are more of a summer trouser. Starting to show signs of wear after a year now. They're great if your moving a lot, can easily jog in them, but not much in the way of insulation so I tend to wear waterproof trousers over them a lot when the weather gets cooler. Also they have very few pockets, just 2 

[RedLeader]

Coincidentally, MandMDirect have the Craghoppers trousers I've been wearing for £14.99 + £3.99 delivery. They're £40 in Cotswolds online at the moment reduced from £50 so it's a bit of a bargain.

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/CG161/Craghoppers-Mens-Basecamp-Cargo-Trousers-Granite

[Redknight]

Coincidentally, MandMDirect have the Craghoppers trousers I've been wearing for £14.99 + £3.99 delivery. They're £40 in Cotswolds online at the moment reduced from £50 so it's a bit of a bargain.

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/CG161/Craghoppers-Mens-Basecamp-Cargo-Trousers-Granite

As an FYI to anyone in the Scouts Cotswold do 20% for leaders and 15% off for kids

http://members.scouts.org.uk/offers/35/scouts-and-scout-leaders-get-more-from-cotswold-outdoor

[RedLeader]

How do you get the 15% off for kids, that's a new one on me?

Coincidentally, MandMDirect have the Craghoppers trousers I've been wearing for £14.99 + £3.99 delivery. They're £40 in Cotswolds online at the moment reduced from £50 so it's a bit of a bargain.

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/CG161/Craghoppers-Mens-Basecamp-Cargo-Trousers-Granite

As an FYI to anyone in the Scouts Cotswold do 20% for leaders and 15% off for kids

http://members.scouts.org.uk/offers/35/scouts-and-scout-leaders-get-more-from-cotswold-outdoor

[Redknight]

How do you get the 15% off for kids, that's a new one on me?

Coincidentally, MandMDirect have the Craghoppers trousers I've been wearing for £14.99 + £3.99 delivery. They're £40 in Cotswolds online at the moment reduced from £50 so it's a bit of a bargain.

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/CG161/Craghoppers-Mens-Basecamp-Cargo-Trousers-Granite

As an FYI to anyone in the Scouts Cotswold do 20% for leaders and 15% off for kids

http://members.scouts.org.uk/offers/35/scouts-and-scout-leaders-get-more-from-cotswold-outdoor

In store - Kids show their scarves and Adult leaders show their warrant/membership card, although I just told the girl on the front desk the last time I went in I was a leader and had forgot my card and she gave me the discount.

Online - You use discount codes;

Youth members: AF-SCOUTS-AF
Adult members: AF-SCOUTSL-G4

The thing to be aware of is in Cotswold they will ONLY give you discount on items that don't already have a red tag with discount already. I noticed quite a lot of things were already discounted but it's still worth using.

[Typo-On]

I'd mostly agree with Liam about the Montane Terra's.
I wear worn mine year round ok. But I don think they are for you.. They have 'reinforced bits' but I've found the other material really doesn't like granite! I've a fair bit of wear around a pocket caused by a pocket knife being in said pocket as I clambered through Percy byshee caves. I thought that was pretty bad but for everything else I think they are the dogs nutts