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How to choose hiking trousers

The choice of trousers when hiking is important to feel comfortable. Follow our tips to make the right choice of hiking trousers!

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Summary

1/ THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY AND ELEVATION
2/ WEATHER CONDITIONS
3/ HIKE IN SHORTS OR TROUSERS?
4/ DIFFERENT CUTS OF HIKING TROUSERS
5/ WHICH HIKING CLOTHING, ESPECIALLY TROUSERS, FOR KIDS?

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How to choose a good pair of hiking pants?

Are hiking trousers just like any other trousers? We reveal our little designer secrets! Firstly, hiking trousers are differentiated by their comfort giving greater freedom of movement so you feel at ease in your clothing on your outings. Forget everyday jeans, although protective they are sometimes stiff and thick. The aim of the trousers is to wick away perspiration as quickly as possible so your legs stay dry even after a long slope leading to a view that takes your breath away. You see us coming: There are 2 main criteria to consider: the intensity of your activity and the weather conditions.

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1/ The level of difficulty and elevation

First, ask yourself what kind of physical exercise you will be doing when wearing the pants. To do this, take into account the elevation, duration of your hike, as well as your physical conditions (we’re not all equal faced with activity and perspiration, etc.).

Low intensity hike

For a low intensity hike, choose trousers with a blend of synthetic and natural fabrics, for example with cotton. For maximum comfort, opt for a slightly looser cut.

Sustained intensity hike

If you sweat a lot or the terrain is steep, you will have a dynamic gesture. In this case, go for trousers with specific materials, especially technical, for example synthetic and breathable fibres that dry quickly. Some models are more stretch as they contain elastane which guarantees greater freedom of movement when walking.

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Hiking for several days ("trekking" for close friends)

Hiking fans who go bivouacking will like trousers with good freedom of movement but are still protective enough to face different weather conditions. Fortunately, amongst our wide range of hiking trousers, we have the perfect all terrain trousers for you:

See the trek pants

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2/ THE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Which trousers to choose for winter hiking in the cold and snow?

On winter hikes, it’s important that your trousers insulate you from the cold without retaining your perspiration (your legs will take you hiking, they haven't signed up for a hammam session...). Choose warm trousers either fleece-lined or made from thicker fabric with a brushed inner side. The latter are slightly cooler but more breathable. Also remember to take water-repellent and waterproof trousers to face all weather conditions.If you want to wear lightweight trousers, the trick is to wear wool tights (opt for Merino wool that keeps you at the right temperature thanks to its excellent thermal regulation) or a technical base layer underneath to protect you from the cold.

Discover our winter pants

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Which trousers to choose for hiking in summer or under the sun?

Long pants are an advantage, as they protect your legs from the sun in a natural way. However, in summer weather, sweating can become excessive more quickly. We recommend that you choose breathable pants or pants with ventilation zones or to favour clothes with synthetic fibres that dry quickly.

Which hiking trousers to wear in the rain? Do they really have to be waterproof?

Rain, a shower or a storm can happen in any season. You have two options:
- Wear waterproof trousers. All is well in the best of worlds.
- The other option is to buy over trousers that you can wear over your trousers to protect you. They are easy to put on with their ankle openings if you ever have to confront unexpected showers or sudden and unforeseen rainfall.

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Hike in shorts or trousers?

Don't compromise any more! Pants named modular, transformable or even detachable are accessible! Depending on the weather conditions, go from shorts to trousers easily with two zips, and vice versa. So when the weather is hesitant you can leave with peace of mind. Wear trousers in the early morning when it’s still cool. Move to shorts on the climb when the temperature increases. Then go back to trousers when you stop for a break and don't want to get cold. Modular pants are finally the possibility of changing whenever you want between shorts and pants.

Discover in particular the Quechua modular pants, you don't even have to take off your footwear! Changing is easy using 2 zips. To restore the length, visual cues are there to guide you!

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4/ Are there different cuts of hiking trousers?

Depending on your gender, the features and small details vary by model to best adapt to user needs and desires. However, the most common cuts are regular, loose and fitted.
The difference in cut are:
- diameter of the thighs, buttocks with a wider shape or stretch fabrics for larger pelvis and thighs
- pre-formed knees or not
- length
- more adjustable waistband on the women's trousers
- accessorisation, the number and size of pockets for example.
In recent year, hiking leggings have become popular, as flexible and comfortable as running or yoga leggings but made from more durable material and above all, with pockets!

Which hiking pants for men?

Men's selection

How to choose women's hiking pants?

Women's selection

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5/ Which hiking clothes, especially trousers, for kids?

When it comes to kids’ hiking clothing, of course you need to look at ranges designed for kids as their proportions aren't the same. Beyond this notion of common sense, there are no major anatomical differences between girls and boys before puberty. Your pre-pubescent kids can wander around the entire department without paying too much attention to the "girl"/"boy" labels.

When it comes to trousers, since that’s the subject of this article, go for those that are reinforced and breathable. To manage hot flushes after a peak of activity (or because your kid spends their time saying "I’m cold, I’m hot, I’m cold, etc.), there are trousers with a zip fastening that convert from trousers to shorts in kids’ sizes. Finally, go for big pockets (as a kid you can bring back half the mountain, sea or forest to the mountains with small stones, feathers, foliages, etc. Be careful however not to pick any protected species).

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BONUS: Which brands of hiking clothing to choose?

A range of "outdoor" brands are available on the market at all prices and for all activities. The most important is to find the hiking trousers that meets your needs and activities that falls within your budget. Of course, price should be put in perspective with product quality (the famous "quality/price ratio"), but also the product's durability as you’re investing over time and not just in the moment! The slight advantage of the Quechua teams is that they’ve designed a range of trousers, and also more generally an entire hiking outfit, in a durable and eco-designed way.

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Agathe

Avid hiker

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How to dress a baby that is being carried during a hike?

When you carry a baby in a baby-carrier, it protects you from the wind and is almost an extra "layer" of clothing. It is preferable to dress the baby in a light and breathable bodysuit. Be sure to cover as many parts of the body as possible to protect from the sun, and don't forget hat and glasses!

WINTER HIKING : CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFIT

Functional features, utility, warmth, durability… these are just some of the criteria to be considered when buying snow hiking gear. Depending on your level of ability, we can help you make the right choices!