Trail Gear Guide 2022
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MAGAZINE<br />
BEST<br />
VALUE<br />
NEW<br />
FOR<br />
<strong>2022</strong><br />
ALPKIT ARDENT £95<br />
The Ardent trousers deliver great practical performance at a pleasantly affordable<br />
price. Made from a double-weave soft shell material (92% nylon, 8% spandex) with<br />
a water-repellent coating, they are protective and tough, with a tight weave that<br />
withstands wind and a light shower very well. Reinforcements at the knee,<br />
instep and rear add further sturdiness.<br />
VERDICT Warm, weatherproof and comfortable soft shell trousers<br />
at a superb price, but they may be too toasty for spring and summer.<br />
SALOMON WAYFARER TROUSERS £80<br />
Comfortable, stretchy, nicely cut and quick<br />
drying too, these practical outdoor trousers<br />
are ideal for 3-season hiking and hillwalking,<br />
whether you’re a recent mountain convert or a<br />
seasoned summit-bagger. The nylon-elastane<br />
soft shell fabric offers decent durability, while<br />
the durable water-repellent finish will fend off<br />
light drizzle.<br />
VERDICT With practical features and<br />
a technical fabric but understated looks,<br />
these are versatile walking trousers that<br />
don’t scream ‘hardcore mountaineer’ –<br />
ideal for use from peak to pub.<br />
LONG-TERM TESTS<br />
MAIER SPORTS KLUANE<br />
3/4 PANTS £80<br />
It turns out German<br />
brand Maier Sports is<br />
rather good at making<br />
walking trousers. In<br />
fact it’s Maier's speciality. I have<br />
to say that I don't own better<br />
fitting leg-wear than these<br />
Kluane shorts. It’s not just the<br />
fit that’s great either – they're<br />
lightweight and quick-drying,<br />
plus they're super flexible and<br />
comfy with their four-way stretch<br />
material. There are two main<br />
zipped pockets, although these<br />
could be a little larger, and<br />
a small zipped inner pocket.<br />
VERDICT So comfy, I’ve been<br />
living in these, on and off the hill!<br />
USED BY Jenna Maryniak,<br />
<strong>Trail</strong> deputy editor<br />
MONTANE<br />
NE<br />
TERR A<br />
STRETCH<br />
TCH<br />
PANTS £100<br />
I’ve<br />
used<br />
these<br />
every<br />
week for 4 years,<br />
all year round, and<br />
they’re still going<br />
strong. Leg vents mean<br />
they're nice and cool in the<br />
summer. The stretchy material<br />
makes them super flexible when<br />
you're scrambling. I find them a<br />
slightly strange cut at the top of the legs,<br />
but other than that they’re money well spent.<br />
VERDICT Even comfy enough to sleep in.<br />
USED BY Tom Bailey, <strong>Trail</strong> photographer & writer<br />
USED FOR 4 years<br />
GEAR GUIDE <strong>2022</strong><br />
TRAIL<br />
42
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