The wrong trousers

[Stephen]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

 

[Bradypus]

I see you are in Belfast. Craghoppers are a good brand that are widely available in the UK and not too expensive. I wear them or a knock-off equivalent almost all the time whether I'm walking or not. Big outdoor places like Go Outdoors are a good place to look and decide what you fancy. The weight of material varies and you can find lined versions for cooler months. For me the deciding factor is that I want two zipped pockets at the hips for wallet/passport and at least one decent sized zip or button pocket on the leg for maps, guides and the like.

PS. I see you say metal zips. Craghoppers tend to be plastic. Work quite well though.

 

[jsalt]

"The wrong trousers"

Why does this make me immediately think of Wallace and Gromit?

 

[Deleted member 36903]

Second @Bradypus's suggestion for Craghoppers, they are hardwearing and dry quickly . Often you can find them at bargain prices at this time of the year - I've just searched & the Craghoppers website & many other online outdoor retailers are offering good deals. My Kiwi Craghoppers (reinforced knees and backside areas) got me through two Caminos and are still going strong as heavy duty gardening trousers. Buen Camino!

 

[C clearly]

It would be helpful to know what's wrong with the ones you have, in order to give advice for a replacement. What's wrong for one person might be right for another!

 

[Stephen]

It would be helpful to know what's wrong with the ones you have, in order to give advice for a replacement. What's wrong for one person might be right for another!

I stumbled and fell onto a cow pat while walking the Camino Primitivo. I removed one of the detachable legs to wash it but the plastic zip had given up the ghost and I couldn't get it back together.

 

[tjb1013]

I stumbled and fell onto a cow pat while walking the Camino Primitivo.

Oh man, I had just stopped worrying about bed bugs!

 

[Former member 49149]

if you are not in a hurry, you could haunt a few charity shops... I got a Quechua pair just before heading out this time..

 

[Jill81]

When choosing walking trousers make sure that any upper zippered pockets sit clear of your backpack waist belt so you can access things easily and the zipper pull doesn't irritate your skin.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Oh man, I had just stopped worrying about bed bugs!

I suppose the upside is that at least those pants don't need to be soaked in Pemetherin but rather just a 'little' Frebreeze...!!

 

[trecile]

I very much doubt that you will find lightweight trousers with metal zips.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

These excel at safe pockets:

https://www.clothingarts.com/products/pickpocket_proof_adventure_travel_pants

 

[mark connolly]

@jsalt , that's what I was thinking too. Speaking of Wallace & Gromit, did anyone else notice that the
Hospitalero, Tony, at Refugee Gualcelmo, sounded like Wallace from Wallace and Gromit?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

REI Sahara pants with zip offs. There are also zips that open up the cuff so that it is easier to take them off or put them on without having to remove shoes or boots. Light, tough, lots of pockets, dry quick if wet. I used them, both as shorts and pants, for 5 months on the Pacific Crest Trail. Those same pants may end up with me on Camino, if I decide against just using shorts.

https://www.rei.com/product/861660/rei-co-op-classic-sahara-convertible-pants-mens-32-inseam

 

[NualaOC]

Hi Stephen, Damian and I both wear Craghoppers Kiwi trousers. They are very durable and cheaper than the 'premium' bands.
We also wear them for winter hiking at home, with merino base layers.

 

[ChristianSdeM]

Lidl brand Crivit Northcamp 100% synthetic, very lightweight and fast drying, with metal zips. €19.99. Have 2 pairs, great for summer walking. Not always available, and vary each time they are released.

 

[Former member 62607]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

Definetly craghoppers kiwi STRETCH trousers, dry very quickly, and the stretch makes all the difference, esp going uphill as it doesn't restrict your knee movement. Have had some pairs for years, wash brilliantly.

 

[Stivandrer]

the reason that zip off trousers are not metal zipped is that they get ever so hot when the sun is out, hence that feature disappeared years ago.... imagine a strand of hot metal mid-thigh !!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

the reason that zip off trousers are not metal zipped is that they get ever so hot when the sun is out, hence that feature disappeared years ago.... imagine a strand of hot metal mid-thigh !!

Actually, in many pants, like REI Sahara Zip Offs, the zipper never touches bare skin. The zipper sits between two flaps, one that covers the outside and one that covers the inside which sits next to the skin. The reason for the nylon/plastic zips are 1. they are lighter in weight; 2. they are far less susceptible to jamming from dirt and wear; 3. the zippers perform more smoothly; 4. many times if the zipper has problems with jamming or separation, they can be self-repaired by zipping them passed the problem and then zipping them up and down. Sort of self-healing.

Contrary to some views, the nylon zippers used in quality backpacking products are tougher and last longer than metal. This is one time when you definitely get what you pay for.

 

[gittiharre]

I only ever wear shorts. In winter wear merino or silk leggings under the shorts.
Feels much better than long pants.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I only ever wear shorts. In winter wear merino or silk leggings under the shorts.
Feels much better than long pants.

Exactly what I do most of the time. Its either bare legs, light weight Smartwool longjohns, or if its really cold, heavy weight Smartwool

 

[Stivandrer]

I only ever wear shorts. In winter wear merino or silk leggings under the shorts.
Feels much better than long pants.

´xactly !

 

[HedaP]

The craghoppers look nice but are there any recommendations for granny style walking trousers with an elastic waist? Nothing much in the camping shops here. I've been walking in whatever lightweight trousers I can find but they wear out each camino so I would like to find some proper walking trousers.

 

[rickricher]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

Go to Railriders .com and check out the Bushwacjer Weatherpants. Lots of zip pockets to hold your passport, credential, euros Nd credit cards. I wore mune every day on my teo caminos and was very happy with them. I promise you won't regret using these.

 

[C clearly]

granny style walking trousers with an elastic waist?

I love these ones - slightly stretchy fabric, stretchy "yoga" waist band, and deep pockets. Quick dry and comfortable. There are quite a few newer ones in the hiking stores with these characteristics.

 

[Kanga]

These excel at safe pockets:

https://www.clothingarts.com/products/pickpocket_proof_adventure_travel_pants

Have you tried them @Anemone del Camino ? I think they look great and tried to order a pair, but they seem to be out of stock - nothing available in my size in any colour until the end of September.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Have you tried them @Anemone del Camino ? I think they look great and tried to order a pair, but they seem to be out of stock - nothing available in my size in any colour until the end of September.

I have not tried them, just got my local seamstress to copy eir hidden pocket concept on the ones I use which are these:

https://www.sportiveplus.com/fr/vetements/bas/pantalons/cherokee-10-sand.html

Have been using them since 2007. Went through one pair, but practically wearing them all the time I am not in work clothes. Super fast drying.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

My Lowe Alpine pants now 9 yrs old 23 caminos and 9000km later still perfect. Never leave home without them.

 

[Akbunny59]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

I can recommend the Craghoppers brand. I've had two pairs (not zip offs) for a few years. They have been washed a zillion times and are still going strong.
One thought on trousers.......
I have bought two pairs of 'Hi Gear' (Go Outdoors own brand), zip offs. I intend taking both pairs of the 'shorts' and only one pair of the zip off legs, when I attempt the Camino de Portugues next month.
Ok, I may look a prat with Brown shorts and blue lower legs (or vice versa), but who cares.....?!! I'm saving on space, weight and will still have options.....
Take care guys and girls......

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I'm looking for recommendations for trousers. It's clear to me now that the pair I've been wearing were the wrong ones.
They don't need zip off legs but do need lots of pockets. A few of those should have secure, metal toothed, zips.

As you're in the UK have you considered Regatta brand? Huge (70%) discounts in their current sale.

 

[susanawee]

"The wrong trousers"

Why does this make me immediately think of Wallace and Gromit?

Have to admit that I thought exactly the same thing when I read the headline.....lol...lol......seriously though, I agree with another poster, the Craghoppers Brand of trousers are really good.....I bought myself a pair in Scotland last year when I'd finished walking the West Highland Way......(we don't get this brand here in Australia), and have found them excellent in terms of pockets, comfort etc.....susanawee.

 

[JillGat]

REI Sahara pants with zip offs. There are also zips that open up the cuff so that it is easier to take them off or put them on without having to remove shoes or boots. Light, tough, lots of pockets, dry quick if wet. I used them, both as shorts and pants, for 5 months on the Pacific Crest Trail. Those same pants may end up with me on Camino, if I decide against just using shorts.

https://www.rei.com/product/861660/rei-co-op-classic-sahara-convertible-pants-mens-32-inseam

I am just taking Sahara shorts; no pants. The same shorts I wore on the Camino last year.

 

[tjb1013]

Go to Railriders .com

I had never heard of this brand, but visited and snagged a pair of convertible pants (Zion) on a very good sale. They arrived very quickly. Seem perfect: lots of zippable pockets, very lightweight fabric, generous fit. Thanks for this tip.

 

[Glenn Rowe]

The "pockets vs. packstraps" conflict is perennial, both with trousers and with shirts/vests/jackets.

As for the zippers, is there any reason Velcro closures aren't desirable? Aside from that annoying "r-r-r-rip!" sound, I mean?

 

[Anemone del Camino]

As for the zippers, is there any reason Velcro closures aren't desirable? Aside from that annoying "r-r-r-rip!" sound, I mean?

Velcro is great is vwry short strips, like on Tefa sandals, but for anything much longer it's a pain as ot needs to be aligned perfectly or will create humps and bumps.

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Velcro is great is vwry short strips, like on Tefa sandals, but for anything much longer it's a pain as ot needs to be aligned perfectly or will create humps and bumps.

Yes, I meant for pockets and the like, because there the Velcro is usually in small squares or short strips. I wear "tactical" pants all the time now, primarily due to all the Velcro-secured pockets. Hey, I'm retired and there's no one I need to impress!

 

[Stephen]

I like to carry my passport, credit cards, and money in a securely zipped trouser pocket.
I don't like the thought of carrying them in a 'bum bag' as there's a chance I might lose or forget it.
If I ever forget my trousers it will be time to call an end to my walking.

 

[Former member 49149]

I like to carry my passport, credit cards, and money in a securely zipped trouser pocket.
I don't like the thought of carrying them in a 'bum bag' as there's a chance I might lose or forget it.
If I ever forget my trousers it will be time to call an end to my walking.

Ah, Stephen, you gave me a good laugh! A horror story: the last day of San Fermin, just past. Got off train from Oviedo in Pamplona, plenty of passengers; walking away from station with my walking companion and suddenly: 'my ... my ...' I saw straightaway: no bumbag. Friend dropped backpack and ran like the clappers to find a very kind young woman standing at the door of the carriage, holding out the bumbag!!! Because of so many passengers, train had not pulled out. So yes, stick to zipped pockets!!!

 

[hotelmedicis]

Zippers:

YKK are widely recognized as producing the world's best zippers. Whatever you choose, whether it's a pair of trousers, a jacket, a bag or anything with a zipper, make sure that it has a YKK zipper on it. If it's unclear, contact the manufacturer. I won't buy anything if it has a zip from another manufacturer.

Article on YKK zippers: http://www.slate.com/articles/busin..._zippers_why_so_many_designers_use_them_.html

Trousers:

Columbia Silver Ridge. These are lightweight cargo trousers that dry very quickly and protect from the sun. I'm on my third pair. Highly recommended. If you wear shorts during the day these are great in the evenings!

http://www.columbia.com/mens-silver-ridge-cargo-pant-AM8007.html

Good luck!

 

[Akbunny59]

I like to carry my passport, credit cards, and money in a securely zipped trouser pocket.
I don't like the thought of carrying them in a 'bum bag' as there's a chance I might lose or forget it.
If I ever forget my trousers it will be time to call an end to my walking.

Hey Stephen, I went on a motorcycle tour to Holland and forgot to take trousers - I was 19 at the time....!!
Age has no barriers to memory loss.....

 

[Glenn Rowe]

Hey Stephen, I went on a motorcycle tour to Holland and forgot to take trousers - I was 19 at the time....!!
Age has no barriers to memory loss.....

Ah-hem! I don't think I'd have told THAT. You're a braver one than I!

 

[Akbunny59]

Ah-hem! I don't think I'd have told THAT. You're a braver one than I!