Recommended men's trousers please

[NomadBoomer]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

 

[StevethePlanner]

I was very happy with my REI Sahara trousers. Mine are zipoff, but I think they have without also. Super fast drying.

 

[Martin 888]

Fallraven.....light, quick dry hiking shorts.....also their long hiking trousers made in their special cotton fabric......awesome !!

 

[Jeff B]

Prana hiking pants, with zip-off legs have worked well for me. These dry quickly and have some stretch to them.

 

[Jbirk]

I have used Kuhl Renegade zip-offs on three Caminos and they still look new. I bought two of the same color and only brought one pair of bottoms.
Buen Camino!

 

[dougfitz]

While I have used other pants, for summer walking, my preference is the Mont Light Adventure Pants. According to my wife, they always look like trekking pants with their cargo pockets on each leg, but I still wear them in cities at the end of my pilgrimage walks anyhow. The cargo pockets are zipped, and big enough for most guide books, but mine don't have a specialised phone pouch in the pocket. They dry quickly, and while this version is not stretch, they do have a similar product in a stretch fabric.

I do have Fjallraven pants, but anything made with their G1000 fabric has a high percentage of cotton (~35%) and I can assure you mine do not dry quickly. In my view, they are designed to be worn for days on end, not washed at the end of each walking day. I also have pants from Norrana, a Norwegian outdoors manufacturer. Their lightweight trekking trousers are pretty good too, but once again, still look like trekking trousers I am told! Both the Norrana and Fjallraven trousers that I own have phone pouches in one of the cargo pockets - it is a great feature to have.

Good luck with your search. I haven't found anything yet that hits every one of your criteria.

 

[Gwill21]

Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants - best ever! Wore them for the entire Camino and have been wearing them for 6 years now. Quick drying, light weight, long lasting, comfortable and can convert to shorts And back again in a heartbeat. Available on Amazon, at Rei, or Columbia stores.

 

[ezbeer]

Fjallraven Keb trousers

 

[TMcA]

My favorite - the CIMALP brand from France. But probably too hot for a June Camino.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/best-mens-hiking-pants-for-any-camino.62339/

 

[JanelMcB]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

Kuhl Renegade from REI. $99. Expensive but worth it. Comfortable, easy wash, and quick dry. Velcro tab on each of the back pockets that do not have a cover flap. Double cargo pockets on each leg; a pocket with the pocket. L leg inner pocket can be zipped shut. R leg pockets are just open, but both L and R leg pockets have a flap that snaps down and covers them. Wallet can be in zipped pocket and passport next to it. Flap can be snapped shut for total security. Guide book and Pilgrim passport in R pocket fit well. Can't snap the flap down, but no need to. If you want to travel with two pair of pants; buy two identical pair. Travel with 2 shorts and only 1 set of legs. I realize this could be a very expensive purchase from Australia, but you'll only need to make the purchase once, and the pants will last forever. Zipper on lower portion of legs allows for removal of the pant legs without removing shoes. Many pants with cargo pockets billow out and away from the legs. The pockets on these pants do not. Upper half of pants have a mesh liner that is very soft and comfortable. The liner can eliminate the need for a base garment. Many convertible pants have a flap that covers the horizontal zipper. These pants have a finished seem between the two. Best wishes.

 

[Terry Callery]

Rail Riders
Men's Eco-Mesh Pant with Insect Shield
$89.00
I really like the super light weight rip stop nylon. Plus they didn't crease when rolled up in the pack.

• UPF 30+ sun protection
• 2 ply 3oz Duralite Nylon with Insect Shield
• Side mesh zipper Vents with 2-way zipper
• Mesh front pockets
• Zippered back pocket
• Side zippered security pocket behind right pocket
• Elasticized side panels for easy fit

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I have walked CF three times. After our first camino, we bought a pair of Fjallraven pants and Fjallraven shorts (both for my wife and myself), and these were outstanding! They are comfortable and durable and have a great fit. We generally wear our pants or shorts for several days before they need washing. We love the durable fabric on the needs and seats. My wife liked the shorts so much, she asked for a second pair for Xmas. Fjallraven are a bit expensive, but you can sometimes find a reduced price on Amazon.

 

[JamesVT]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

I tried on a lot of pants while preparing for my Camino. I finally chose LL Bean Cresta hiking pants— reasonable price, good fit, some water resistance, color choices, extra pockets, but simple design. The best aspect was that the pants are loose enough that if you want you can roll the pants legs up to above your knee to effectively turn them into shorts on a hot day. The pants legs stay rolled up as you walk. The pants look respectably decent as you walk around and wash and dry quickly. I was very happy with these— not sure if you will be able to get these from AUS.

 

[Jeff B]

checkout this website:

The 6 Best Hiking Pants of 2024

We have bought the best hiking pants for a decade and counting, with almost 50 pairs tested. For this update, we put the best 13 pairs side by side for...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[JamesVT]

checkout this website:

The 6 Best Hiking Pants of 2024

We have bought the best hiking pants for a decade and counting, with almost 50 pairs tested. For this update, we put the best 13 pairs side by side for...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

I tried out the Outdoor Research Ferrossi hiking pants and found them to be quite unsatisfactory. Poor fit, poor appearance, and didn’t like the rear pockets that lacked zippers. The leg roll up feature didn’t work well. Sizing seemed unreliable also. Not recommended despite all the positive reviews.

 

[lt56ny]

If you live near or in a big city go to a big outdoor store that has the biggest selection of pants and try them on. . Everyone has different feelings and fit requirements. If that isn't possible, do what my daughters do in the United States. I bet you can do this in Australia also. It seems like every one of the manufacturers offer free shipping and free returns and shipping with their online orders. My girls order stuff, try it on and if they like it they keep it and if they don't they send it back in the envelope that the manufacturer supplies, (postage paid and already pre-addressed) and their credit cards amount gets deducted within a few days of return.

 

[Marcus-UK]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

Being a cheapskate I have used the Regatta budget action trousers that come in both zip off and normal length.

Lightweight breathable and quick drying.

 

[tpmchugh]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

Just one word 'Rohan'.

 

[RussB]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

Montane Terra trousers, light and dry quick, different leg lengths to suit.

 

[Juspassinthru]

I was very happy with my REI Sahara trousers. Mine are zipoff, but I think they have without also. Super fast drying.

My go to trekking/hiking/Camino pants. May be hard to come by in Australia.

REI Co-op Classic Sahara Convertible Pants - Men's | REI Co-op

Lightweight men's REI Co-op Classic Sahara convertible pants offer comfort for the trail and a zipper design that provides a quick and easy transition from pants to shorts.

www.rei.com

 

[Airfix]

I've walked 2 CF, and half a Vdlp, hoping to do norte starting June 2020, virus permitting.

By now I think I am happy with everything I bring on the way, except my pants. Living in Australia I am one of those who tend to walk in shorts regardless of the weather and have a couple of Columbia walking shorts I bought on previous cF caminos I love. I have Prana pants I don't love, like cargo shorts extended into pants. Pockets are great but too heavy too baggy.

Finding it hard to find something online. Perfect option is, light for pack, quick drying, stretch for comfort, not cotton, at least one decent pocket. Smart enough to wear after camino in Madrid.

Any suggestions?

Try Rohan Trailblazers. I switched years ago and now only have these and shorts. Usual Rohan quality with zip and open pockets, Elastane for stretch, UV, insect repellent, very quick drying etc. I believe you can get zip off bottoms if desired.

 

[NomadBoomer]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for posting all of the suggestions. I have a bit of research to do checking out all of the recommendations. Shipping costs from some suppliers can be prohibitive to Australia and I am reluctant to buy trousers without trying them on.

I think my perfect combo of light, warm enough to sit out at night, non crease, quick drying, no cotton, smart enough to wear when travelling post camino and a reasonable cost probably does not exist. Hopefully one of the suggestions above will be an acceptable compromise.
Cheers Paul

 

[RJM]

Having worn Columbia, North Face and Kuhl brand pants for outdoor activities, hands down I think the Kuhl brand are the best (and probably most expensive). They have a wide variety of styles, colors and fabric types. It is a bit difficult choosing a type. My favorite with the pants are the Revolvr as they have some cotton in them, but still dry quickly and do not have the flimsy 1980's parachute pajama pants feel and look to them that some of the all synthetic ones do.
If you like the convertible type pants, their Liberator convertible pants are really good.

 

[Boot of the Beast]

I have prana shorts and long zip offs, both of which I like. I also love my Mont shorts. I haven't tried Mont long trousers.My only misgiving with prana is that the mesh pockets don't feel like they will be long lasting.

 

[David Tallan]

Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants - best ever! Wore them for the entire Camino and have been wearing them for 6 years now. Quick drying, light weight, long lasting, comfortable and can convert to shorts And back again in a heartbeat. Available on Amazon, at Rei, or Columbia stores.

These are what I wear for the Caminos and on weekends (except in the depth of winters). My son also took them on his Camino and, after that, they remain his pants of choice for everyday life, too. SPF 50, shade your legs to keep them cool in the heat and cover them to keep them warm in the cold. Very light and quick drying. I tend not to use them as shorts (I like the coolth provided by the shade) but the option is there. And if you have knee problems, the convertible natiure allows you to put on or remove a knee brace without taking off your trousers.

 

[Former member 35551]

Prana Stretch Zion Straight Pants. Comfortable, fast drying and most importantly, fancy.

 

[Peligro]

Maybe too much cotton for your liking, but I concur in the three votes above for Kuhl. I'm pretty particular with hiking/camping pants and I've been very happy with the comfort, utility and look of both Kuhl shorts and full length trousers (I haven't tried their zip offs). Even straight out of an albergue dryer you would be fine to wear them out to dinner when you get to Madrid.

 

[RJM]

Maybe too much cotton for your liking, but I concur in the three votes above for Kuhl. I'm pretty particular with hiking/camping pants and I've been very happy with the comfort, utility and look of both Kuhl shorts and full length trousers (I haven't tried their zip offs). Even straight out of an albergue dryer you would be fine to wear them out to dinner when you get to Madrid.

Yeah, the Revolvr ones I have are about 70% cotton and 30% nylon, but they are really lightweight and dry fast and yeah, look good to just wear around town and they also have a gusset crotch which really helps in comfort.

 

[Sunrayrob]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for posting all of the suggestions. I have a bit of research to do checking out all of the recommendations. Shipping costs from some suppliers can be prohibitive to Australia and I am reluctant to buy trousers without trying them on.

I think my perfect combo of light, warm enough to sit out at night, non crease, quick drying, no cotton, smart enough to wear when travelling post camino and a reasonable cost probably does not exist. Hopefully one of the suggestions above will be an acceptable compromise.
Cheers Paul

Try these pants from Patagonia: https://www.patagonia.co.nz/products/mens-quandary-pants-reg-55181-asht? variant=29494425321541&sfdr_ptcid=35619_389_564804439&sfdr_hash=46e1ffd3348e58f4fdbbe3860c5b0c59&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5qag4KP6AIVR5WPCh1j7A7OEAQYASABEgJrFfD_BwE

Theyre smart, light, and look good walking or travelling.

 

[CAJohn]

I walked the Camino Frances last year and did not bring pants/trousers. I wore jogging tights under light weight soccer type shorts and was very happy with the results. Not exactly ”smart atire” after the camino, but I was very happy with the choice. It is super light, dries very fast, cool in heat and warm enough in cold. I wore them in place of underwear.