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Men’s & Women’s Hiking Trousers for Autumn Adventures
Choosing walking trousers for summer is relatively easy. When it’s warm and dry, lightweight and comfortable will usually do the job. Autumn asks a little more of them.
You still need freedom to move and enough breathability for long climbs, but there’s a greater chance you’ll be dealing with wet grass, muddy paths, colder winds and a fair amount of rain too. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to reach straight for the heaviest waterproof trousers you can find, though.
The best hiking trousers are the ones that suit the conditions you’re actually heading out in. For autumn, that usually means finding the right balance between weather protection and something you’ll be comfortable wearing for the whole walk.
What should you look for in autumn walking trousers?
Start with your usual walks. If most of your weekends are spent on lower-level paths and you’re happy to avoid the worst of the weather, a lighterweight, water-repellent pair may be all you need.
If you walk regardless of the forecast, spend longer in the hills or simply don’t want to stop and pull waterproof overtrousers on every time the rain starts, fully waterproof walking trousers begin to make much more sense.
Whichever route you take, your autumn walking trousers should allow you to move comfortably and manage heat when you’re working hard. A good fit matters, but so do details such as stretch, articulated knees and ventilation.
Lightweight or waterproof: which do you need?
This is probably the biggest decision to make.
Lightweight walking trousers are comfortable when you’re moving quickly and can be a good choice for milder autumn days. Look for a fabric that gives you some protection from wind and light rain without sacrificing movement or leaving you too warm.
Full waterproof trousers come into their own when the forecast is less forgiving. They make sense for regular hillwalkers, longer days outdoors, and anyone who doesn’t want to rely on carrying a separate pair of overtrousers.
There is a middle ground too. Water-repellent walking trousers can deal with the odd shower and wet vegetation when a fully waterproof pair isn’t necessary.
Knowing how much weather protection you genuinely need will narrow your options down considerably.
For lighter, faster autumn walks: Velez Trek Trousers
For days when full waterproofing isn’t necessary, the Men’s Velez Trek Trousers and Women’s Velez Trek Trousers offer a lighter option.
Made using Nikwax® Wind Resistor fabric, they’re windproof and water-repellent rather than fully waterproof. The fabric also has two-way stretch, giving you plenty of freedom when the terrain becomes steeper or more technical.
At 392g for the men’s version and 388g for the women’s, they are lighter than Páramo’s Cascada II waterproof trousers, and generous mesh-lined thigh vents release heat when the pace picks up.
They’re a particularly good fit for faster hikes, scrambles and active days when freedom of movement and breathability matter more than protection from hours of continuous rain.
For a dry but breezy autumnal walk, for example, you may find this type of trouser much more comfortable than wearing full waterproof legwear all day.
For changeable autumn days: Alta Trek Trousers
The Alta Trek Trousers sit somewhere between lightweight walking trousers and full waterproof legwear, making them a useful option for the mixed conditions we tend to see through autumn.
Made from Nikwax Wind Resistor fabric, they’re windproof, water-repellent and fast-drying. They’ll easily handle light showers and wet vegetation, while zipped thigh vents give you an easy way to cool down when you’re working harder.
Four-way stretch and an ergonomic fit give plenty of freedom to move, and adjustable hems help you get a closer fit around your walking boots.
For everyday hiking, longer countryside walks and days when the forecast looks changeable rather than relentlessly wet, the Alta Treks offer a good balance between protection and comfort
For wet autumn walks: Cascada II Trousers
The Men’s Cascada II Trousers and Women’s Cascada II Trousers are designed specifically for walking in wet, changeable weather.
Rather than acting as an outer shell that you pull over another pair of trousers, Cascada IIs are waterproof walking trousers intended to be worn next to the skin throughout the day.
They use Nikwax Analogy® Waterproof fabric, which provides waterproof protection while actively moving moisture away from the body. That’s useful when you’re walking in cool, wet weather, where staying comfortable isn’t only about keeping the rain out.
¾ -length leg zips allow you to ventilate as you warm up, while internal storm flaps mean you can continue to use some ventilation when the weather is poor. Reinforcement at the seat, thighs and knees adds protection in the areas most exposed to wear and pressure.
The articulated knees and gusset also help with movement, so you’re not trading flexibility for weather protection.
For regular hillwalking, long-distance walking or simply heading out when the forecast looks thoroughly wet, the Cascada II’s are a strong choice.
Don’t forget about ventilation
It’s easy to associate overheating with summer, but anyone who has climbed a steep hill in autumn while wearing waterproofs knows otherwise.
Even on a cold day, your body can generate a lot of heat once you’re moving. If your trousers don’t give that heat and moisture anywhere to go, you’ll quickly become uncomfortable.
This is why ventilation is worth paying attention to when comparing autumn hiking trousers. Both the Velez Trek and Cascada II take slightly different approaches: the Velez Trek uses mesh-lined thigh vents, while the Cascada II has three-quarter-length leg zips.
Being able to open a vent while you walk is much easier than having to change what you’re wearing every time your effort level changes.
Fit matters more when you’re walking all day
Walking trousers shouldn’t feel restrictive when you take a longer stride, step up onto a rock or crouch down to adjust your boots.
Look for enough room through the hips and thighs to move naturally, but not so much excess fabric that the trousers become cumbersome. Stretch fabrics, articulated knees and gusseted construction can all help here.
Length matters too. Trousers that are too short can leave a gap above your boots when you’re moving; too long and they’ll drag through mud or catch beneath your heels.
Páramo offers different leg lengths for certain trousers, so it’s worth checking the individual size guide rather than automatically choosing your usual clothing size.
Men’s and women’s hiking trousers: is there a difference?
The performance you need from a pair of walking trousers doesn’t change according to gender, but fit does.
Men’s and women’s hiking trousers are cut around different body shapes, which can affect everything from where the waistband sits to how much room you have through the hips and thighs.
The women’s Cascada II’s, for example, are available across extended size fits, while both men’s and women’s Cascada II’s and Velez trousers include different leg-length options.
Rather than focusing solely on the number or letter on the label, use the garment measurements and fit guide to find the shape that will give you comfortable movement.
So, which hiking trousers are best for autumn in the UK?
If your autumn walking is generally fast-paced and you tend to choose better-weather days, the Velez Treks give you a lighter, highly mobile option with protection from wind and light rain.
If you want to walk through prolonged rain without stopping to add overtrousers, the Cascada II’s offer full waterproof protection in a trouser designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day.
Neither is automatically the better pair. It comes down to how much protection you need.
For many walkers, that’s the most useful place to start when choosing hiking trousers for autumn in the UK: buy for the walks you actually do, rather than the worst conditions you can imagine encountering.
FAQs: Hiking Trousers for Autumn
What are the best hiking trousers for autumn in the UK?
For mostly dry autumn walking, look for breathable trousers with good freedom of movement and some protection from wind and light rain. If you regularly walk in prolonged rain, fully waterproof walking trousers may be more practical than relying on separate overtrousers.
Do I need waterproof trousers for autumn hiking?
Not for every walk. Water-repellent trousers can be enough for dry days, light showers and damp vegetation. For longer walks in persistent rain or more exposed conditions, full waterproof protection is worth considering.
Can you wear waterproof hiking trousers all day?
Yes, provided they have been designed as walking trousers rather than simply as waterproof overtrousers. Features such as ventilation, moisture management, articulated knees and a comfortable fit make a considerable difference if you’ll be wearing them for several hours.
Are lightweight hiking trousers suitable for autumn?
Yes. Lightweight hiking trousers can work very well during early autumn and for faster-paced walking. Look for some wind and water resistance, and carry additional waterproof protection if heavier rain is forecast.
What should I wear under waterproof walking trousers?
That depends on the trousers. Some waterproof walking trousers are designed to be worn directly next to the skin, while waterproof overtrousers are designed to go over your usual walking trousers. Always check how the particular garment has been designed to be worn.That depends on the trousers. Some waterproof walking trousers are designed to be worn directly next to the skin, while waterproof overtrousers are designed to go over your usual walking trousers. Always check how the particular garment has been designed to be worn.
