Honestly, we’ve been bombarded (okay, stop peering over your glasses, we’ve been asked a handful of times) since we wrote about what you need on the DofE kit list, asking for more advice and tips on kit;
‘Which are the Best Walking Trousers for DofE’ (see below),
‘Will my kid be okay in trainers for the first one’ (possibly, but not ideal),
‘can they carry eggs for breakfast’ (yes, but very c a r e f u l l y…).
So as I honestly need no excuse for a little shopping research, I thought I’d start with an easy one – the best walking trousers for DofE (*now updated for 2024!)
Firstly: No.
NOT jeans.
Not now, not ever for hiking.
You might think they’re tough and practical, but when they get wet they get heavy and they stay wet. Awful.
First choice is usually sturdy cotton trousers – walking trousers are perfect, oddly enough. Remember if your teen is a cadet, they can walk in their MTPs, they’re perfect. Scouts can walk in their uniform trousers too.
Cargo Trousers – £35
We find that work trousers are actually some of the best Walking Trousers for DofE. And they come in a much wider variety of sizes and lengths than standard ‘outdoor gear store’ walking trousers.
They’re immensely hardwearing, will always have a fit that works for every body shape, and they have a huge array of pockets (never underestimate the usefulness of many pockets). Trousers are one of the few bits of hiking kit I think it’s worth concnetrating on women’s clothes for girls – the shaping on the hips is never totally comfortable in men’s trousres. they can work – and sometimes there’s a trade-off as the womens do inevitably have less in terms of pocket space. Don’t get me started.
I spotted these really practical work trousers at engelbert strauss (no, I’d never heard of them either – but I now love them. This is no make-it-cheap outfit on the high street. Oh no. This is a fourth generation German family firm, which is Europe’s leading manufacturer of workwear. Cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and in-house craftsmanship means apparel that really works. Like I said – I love!). The cargo trousers have ‘two very spacious side pockets, two large functional thigh pockets, mobile phone pocket and tool compartment all with flap and Velcro fastening. The elasticated waistband ensures a comfortable fit without restricting movement. Metal fly zip and waist adjustment button.’
My daughter is a huge fan of these Women’s Highton Stretch Walking Trousers from Regatta – they have plenty of stretch, are water repellant (they’ll not keep you dry in a solid hour-long downpour, but the odd shower will be fine), have a part-elasticated waist which is super-comfy, and for a perfect fit they’re actually available in short, regular and long lengths.
The Trek outdoor trousers are a great budget option from Mountain Warehouse – at just £20 they’re a bargain. Typically, as these are men’s trousers, they actually come with decent practicality in the pockets – two front pockets, two zipped side pockets, two back pockets (one with security zip). Lightweight & quick drying, they’re perfect for UK walking in the warmer months.
Not a specific trouser, but do keep an eye on brands like Craghopper who have an excellent clearance section on their websites – you can snap up an absolute bargain on some top quality gear just by being eagle-eyed and ready to swoop
But actually? Our teens (boys AND girl) much prefer hiking in running tights – and they’ve converted me too. They really are the best Walking Trousers for DofE. There’s zero restriction of movement which you can get with sturdier trousers, they dry almost instantly, and you can always layer up with your waterproofs in really chilly weather.
My own personal favourites are these IUGA ‘yoga’ leggings – thick, super stretchy, brilliant side pockets big enough for a phone.
But also keep an eye on your local supermarket’s clothing section: ASDA’s sportswear leggings are a steal at £12.50. They don’t come with any kind of practical pockets, they’ll not provide much protection against a biting East wind… but in the warmer months they are the most comfortable thing to hike in that I’ve found.
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