Best walking trousers and waterproof overtrousers 2026

You don’t need to spend over the odds to find comfy walking trousers and waterproof overtrousers that will actually keep you dry.

We asked more than 1,000 Which? members to rate their walking trousers and waterproof overtrousers to uncover the best brands. The top scorers have secured our new Which? Recommended Brand endorsement for the first time.

The finest trousers for hiking are stretchy and breathable enough to prevent that clammy feeling if you're out on a strenuous trek or the sun is shining. They're not usually fully rainproof, so it's advisable to have a pair of waterproof trousers in your bag in case you're caught in a shower. Superior brands not only keep you dry and protected from the elements, but are also easy to pull on quickly over your walking trousers.

We've found options to suit any budget, and a brilliant walking trousers brand that breaks the mould with five-star waterproofing built in. Each pair is pricey, but you won't need an extra pair of overtrousers to go on top in the rain. Read on to see which brands scored highly and where you can buy them.

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What are the best walking trousers and waterproof overtrousers according to Which? members?

Best walking trousers by brand

Best waterproof overtrousers by brand

Best walking trousers

Rohan walking trousers review, Which? Recommended Brand

Verdict Unbeatable for the price

Customer score 87%

Average price paid £79

Pros

• Last the test of time
• Excellent fit and easily adjustable
• Comfortable materials

Cons

• Like most walking trousers, they're not very warm

Rohan's walking trousers tick all the boxes. Owners commended them for their comfort, durability, and how well they're made. The fabrics are breathable enough to let moisture out, and some styles unzip and transform into shorts for sunny days. One loyal customer raved: 'They cope with all weather conditions, from hot dry summer days to cold wet winter ones. They are also easy to clean and have the added benefit of drying quickly.'

These positives led to Rohan's table-topping customer score, likely helped by its reasonable prices. Customers paid an average of £79 a pair, but several owners in our survey got a bargain in the sales. 

Shop direct from Rohan.

Paramo walking trousers review, Which? Recommended Brand

Verdict Comfortable trousers/ overtrousers in one

Customer score 86%

Pros

• Superb water resistance
• Great value for money
• Breathable fabrics

Cons

• Not a huge variety of styles

Unlike most of the market, Paramo makes walking trousers that are fully waterproof; it scored five stars for this in our survey, a feat achieved by no other brand. It’s a pricey option, but justifiable given you don’t need two to invest in two sets of trousers. That’s why Paramo doesn’t feature in our overtrousers results table – it doesn’t manufacture them because it doesn’t need to. As one customer explained: '[They] keep me dry in wet conditions without overheating, and the fabric is durable yet flexible – ideal for long hikes in varied terrain.'

They fit the bill for a lot of customers; one liked the fit around the knees, and another praised the sensible pocket positioning.

Shop Paramo walking trousers directly, at Go Outdoors, Taunton Leisure, or The Mountaineer Shop.

Best budget walking trousers

M&S walking trousers review

Verdict Affordable and durable

Customer score 83%

Pros

• Tempting prices
• Well-fitted
• Comfortable to wear, and nice and warm

Cons

• There are only a few types to choose from

Customers who bought M&S walking trousers were impressed. The trousers were praised for their quality materials, drying quickly, and great level of robustness. One customer told us that they love the plentiful pockets, which are deep enough to keep items secure.

The best news is the price; we found multiple styles for £30 to £40.

Buy a pair directly from M&S or in an M&S store.

Best waterproof overtrousers

Helly Hansen waterproof overtrousers review, Which? Recommended Brand

Verdict Premium without too high a price

Customer score 79%

Pros

• Comfortable and fit well
• Easy to pull on and off
• Very good water resistance

Cons

• Not available at many retailers

'They did the job perfectly, with no fuss,' is how one customer summed up their Helly Hansen overtrousers. It's a sentiment echoed by most. The brand's waterproof 'rain trousers' kept those we surveyed dry, comfortable and protected against the elements, even on wet hikes.

It had the highest customer score along with Arc'teryx, whose products cost nearly three times more. In contrast, Helly Hansen's waterproof trousers start at £50 and are regularly on sale for less.

Available at Helly Hansen, Amazon, or OutdoorGB.

Best budget waterproof overtrousers

Craghoppers waterproof overtrousers review, Which? Recommended Brand

Verdict Great price and performance

Customer score 77%

Average price paid £47

Pros

• Very water resistant
• Easy to pull on and off
• Breathable and durable fabric

Cons

• Nothing major

Craghoppers' overtrousers received high marks in our survey for their weather resistance without compromising on fit or comfort. They're all-rounders, with one customer praising how 'they were reasonably priced, they keep out the water, and they fold up into a small pouch'. The brand has a broad range of styles that you shouldn't have trouble finding at major retailers.

Owners were also pleased with the fit and how the fabric 'seems tough and robust yet provides great flexibility'. It's this pliability that makes them easy to pull over walking trousers – not something all brands have yet mastered.

Browse lots of styles at Craghoppers, Cotswold Outdoor, or Go Outdoors.

Other Which? Recommended waterproof overtrousers brands

Columbia waterproof overtrousers, 78%, Which? Recommended Brand

Pros Very comfortable, highly water-resistant, top-notch fit and adjustability

Cons Some styles are quite pricey

Available at multiple retailers including Columbia, Alpine Trek, or Sports Direct.

Highlander waterproof overtrousers, 77%, Which? Recommended Brand

Pros Durable and water-resistant, comfortable and breathable, great value for money

Cons Nothing major

Available at multiple retailers including Highlander or Lakeland Country. 

What is the point of walking trousers?

While it may be tempting to wear gym leggings or jeans on hikes, walking trousers are better at keeping you protected from the elements, thorny woodland and insect bites. Plus they often have lots of useful pockets, and some even zip off at the knees to turn into shorts.

They're made with materials that wick away sweat while allowing good freedom of movement, which is useful when navigating uneven terrain and climbing hills. And though they usually aren't fully waterproof, hiking trousers should have decent water resistance and dry quickly if you get caught in the drizzle.

Find out more buying advice: how to buy a good pair of walking trousers.

How waterproof are overtrousers?

You can see how waterproof a pair of overtrousers is by looking at their 'hydrostatic head' measurement. This is measured in millimetres and tells you how much water the fabric can stand before the water seeps through.

Waterproof overtrousers with a rating of up to 5,000mm will be the most lightweight and packable, but they won't cope with consistently heavy rain. So if you're walking in the wetter months, it's best to go for a pair with a 5,000mm rating or higher.

Find out more on how to pick the perfect pair, as well as how to take care of them, in how to buy the best waterproof overtrousers.