Craghoppers Basecamp Trousers

Lightweight, fast drying, well constructed hiking trousers ideal for late-spring, summer, early autumn hiking. Very comfortable, good looking trousers at a great price.

According to Craghoppers:

The Basecamp Trousers are made with a poly cotton fabric, with a pocket that will fit an OS map, whilst a zipped pocket helps to keep your essentials safe. The part elasticated waist ensures that you can pull them on and off with ease.

• SolarDry polyester cotton
• 4 pockets including 1 zipped pocket and map-sized cargo pocket
• Part-elasticated waist

Fit and comfort: Craghoppers provides short, regular, and long lengths, so you can find the ideal cut. I am 5,10 1/2", size 36, and the short length fit me perfect (most UK brands tend to be cut leaner and longer than North American styles). Although some people find they have to go one size up with Craghoppers, I am usually waist size 34-36, and 36 fit me just fine.

While not as comfortable as their higher end Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers, the Basecamp still feel very comfortable, and more so than the standard Craghoppers Kiwi models. There also doesn't seem to be any point of chaffing or abrasion, although these are looser fitting.

Adjustability: Other than an elasticated waist belt, there is no adjustability.

Water Resistance/Moisture handling: The pants have a DWR coating which will bead water and shrug off a light shower or some coffee drips but don't expect it to do much more than that. Although this is entirely reasonable as they are very thin and light. Still, should you get caught in a storm, they will dry fairly quick.

Breathability: These are very light and reasonably loose cut, so there is no breathability issue.

Warmth and Layering: They are thin and lightweight, and while you will not be cold in moderate temperatures, do not expect them to keep you warm if it gets cold. However, since they are loose fitting, you could easily layer them over some thermal tights for winter use.

Abrasion: Although they appear well put together and the material is of reasonably good quality, it is thin, and I do not expect them to resist heavy abuse like scrambling or climbing. I have used them for hiking on grassy hill terrain, and they worked very well with no signs of wear yet.

Function: They work as pants should. Think of them as a mix between a pair of jeans and cargos. There are just the right amount of pockets without having too many.

Ease of use: As far as pants go, these are no harder to use than most pants I have encountered.

Features: Water repellent quick drying fabric, very light, lots of pockets without looking like cargo pants, great design.

Conditions: Hiking in mild but moist English weather.

These are great trousers, especially for the money. Much cheaper in the UK than in North America, but you can get them off Amazon for $50, which is really not bad at all for a great product. If you ever find yourself in the UK, pick up a few pairs as they can be found for 20-25 pounds quite often.