YOUR COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE TO
Expert advice on the kit that makes a difference
SOME TYPES OF walking gear are easier to compare than others. Take waterproofs, for example. Regardless of warmth, colour and style of hood, every waterproof needs to fulfil the basic task of keeping water out without making you too sweaty in the process. But with legwear, it’s a different story. Legwear is such a broad term that comparing apples and oranges comes to mind. For instance, other than both having to keep your modesty intact, the job of a pair of lightweight shorts is entirely different from that of winter softshell trousers. If the winter softshells are keeping you warm, then it’s a big thumbs-up; if the shorts are doing the same, then you have a problem.
So in this test we’ve gone for a wide range of legwear, covering a whole range of activities and seasonal needs. Much of the focus is on walking trousers for winter and for summer, but we’ve also tried out leggings, shorts and a pair of convertible zip-off trousers that aim for the best of both worlds. We’ve split the reviews into three categories, depending on the type of legwear it is, then placed each product in price order to make it quicker for you to find the leg covering you’re looking for. So fair enough, you can’t compare apples and oranges. But you can enjoy them both at different times, right?
About our reviews
For this test we’ve selected 12 pairs of trousers, shorts and leggings that should be available online and/or in the shops at around the time we go to press. Matthew and Sarah tried out six pairs each and have rated each on comfort, weatherproofing, ventilation and – new this issue – performance. The new category gives an overall impression of how well the product does its job. Matthew and Sarah have also selected a tester’s choice each, plus the one that we think offers best value for money. Blue and pink dots indicate whether the legwear is available in men’s and women’s sizes.
TROUSERS
QUECHUA NH500 Regular Off-Road Hiking Trousers
RRP £25 Target price £25
It’s refreshing to see a price tag like this, especially for a pair of walking trousers that are accessible to so many – there are 27 size options in all, so however tall, short, broad or narrow you may be, you’ve got a decent chance of finding a good fit. They’re also comfy to wear – they’re fairly spacious, they feel good around the waist and they fit comfortably over my walking boots. And although they’re not water-resistant they remain pretty light in rain and will dry reasonably quickly. They’re well blessed with pockets too – two fairly deep hip pockets, two at the back and two zipped thigh pockets. Being at the cheaper end of the scale, they don’t feel quite as luxurious as others, nor do they offer the stretch that others do – they’re
