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Stay dry and warm on your next expedition

Weekends were made for exploring the great outdoors, facing the elements without a care in the world and seeing where the wind takes you. Perfection.

That said, if you’re an avid hiker or rambler, you’ll know that preparation is key. And one of the most important ways to prepare is your clothing. Thanks to the uncertainty of our ‘glorious’ British weather, being set for all eventualities could be the difference between an enjoyable afternoon, or a soggy, uncomfortable one.

Here, we share the best men’s and women’s hiking trousers for your next adventure –whether it’s a 20km hike or a meander to the next country pub.

Our trusted panel of testers tried a variety of waterproof trousers during different conditions, from light rain to heavy downpours.

They scored each pair on ease of use, design and performance. Here’s how they were rated:

Ease of use: Testers assessed how easy they were to put on over boots or shoes, how well they layered up, and crucially, how comfortable they were to wear during a hike or walk.

Design: The trousers were rated for design and style. Our testers rated features such as zipped pockets, reflective panels, adjustable toggles and carry bags for when you’re out and about and need to shed a layer.

Performance: Finally, we asked testers to report back on the trousers’ breathability and waterproofing capabilities. How did they perform during light and heavy rain and did they keep our panel dry when they worked up a sweat?

We also used a machine – called a hydrostatic head tester - to measure the water resistance of the fabrics and seams of each pair. The below were the best waterproof trousers of the bunch, and the ones you can rely on come rain or shine.

Our best-rated pair performed well across the board – considering they’re mid-range in terms of price, we’re pretty impressed. They were effective during both light and heavy rain; one of our testers even reported they stayed dry during a heavy storm.

Made from a stretchable nylon/ spandex blend (with a teflon finish), they proved easy to put on and take off, and offered flexibility when facing turnstiles and uneven terrain. The lightweight material also kept our testers comfortable during warmer spells. A solid choice.

Another top performer, Keela’s unisex trousers fitted our testers well and kept them at an optimum temperature. If you’re fond of added design features, then the velcro fastenings on the ankles are a handy feature, as well as reflective trimming for when the sun sets.

If you’re on the shorter or taller side and struggle to get trousers to fit, these are available in short, regular and long lengths, meaning there’s something for everyone.

A good investment for those days when you’re going to be facing colder conditions, as well as light and heavy rain – because, the British weather can do them all in one day – these performed well, and kept our keen hikers warm and dry.

Our panel was also impressed with the Deluge’s design features including handy side zips and poppers for ease when taking them on and off over hiking boots or shoes.

If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, then these waterproof trail running trousers from Decathlon certainly fit the bill.

Lightweight, easy to clean and including handy zips down the side of the legs for easy wear, these certainly performed well among our panel, especially considering their price tag.

Our testers rated the fit, which includes an adjustable waistband for a snug fit. What’s more, they pack away neatly into a nifty little back pocket.

Women’s available: SHOP HERE

When it comes to outdoor gear, style can often fall by the wayside over functionality. But not where The North Face is concerned. Our panel loved the flattering fit and design. Not only that but our testers gave a solid score across the board when it came to waterproofing capabilities, comfort and design features such as the decent zippable pockets. No damp smartphones here!

If you’re interested in eco-credentials, TNF claim the trousers – made from recycled materials – are its most sustainable product to date. If you struggle with length, you might like to know that these are available in short, regular and long so you won’t be tripping over your feet mid-hike either.

Designed for all-weather wear – think light showers, heavy downpours and snow – the clever brains at Arc’teryx have used Gore-Tex and Gore C-knit fabric for enhanced comfort and breathability.

While our panel of testers gave them a thumbs up for their waterproof and quick-drying capabilities, the metal buttons and openings around the ankles did cause a little discomfort – worth bearing in mind if you’re someone who goes for long trail walks and hikes.

Men’s available: SHOP HERE

If your weather app is forecasting a chance of light showers, then these unisex Rainy Day pants from Jack Wolfskin could be a great option to pack into your rucksack – they even come with their own dinky storage bag.

Super lightweight (a medium pair weighs just 170g), they’re a good option if you’re planning a mammoth hike. Generally, our testers found the trousers to be a comfy fit but the waist drawstring was a little tight, so perhaps not ideal if you’ve got a big pub lunch in your sights at the end of your route.

If you’re a fan of classic styling and design, then these waterproof trousers from Adidas might be up your street. Made from recycled polyester and with handy side zips and adjustable poppers for ease of wear, our keen testers rated these for their design.

What’s more, they’re super lightweight and pack down for when you need to de-layer. And de-layer you may want to; our testers reported that they warmed up pretty quickly when they were on the move, so keep these for shorter, less demanding hikes or for when the temperature drops.

Weighing just 150g and packing down into a compact bag that can fit neatly into the palm of your hand, the lightweight benefits of these trousers by Montane were one of the key selling points among our testing panel.

If you prefer a slick, simple design over frills and excessive detailing, then these are a good option too. Some of our testing panel found the trousers to be a little too fitted, so if you like a bit more flexibility when you’re hiking, then you might want to go up a size to be comfy.