Choose your perfect Alpkit trousers: The complete buying guide

From hiking to cycling, discover trousers that balance durability, fit and flexibility. Choose the right pair for your outdoor activity.

Every outdoor adventure covered. Find your ideal pair of trousers in minutes.

The Alpkit trouser collection

We've spent 20+ years perfecting our legwear range, meticulously improving it for specific adventures and conditions. From the Bloc's climbing-focused stretch to the Arnison's all-weather versatility, each pair is designed to be worn on mountains, crags, and trails across the globe.

Shopping for trousers made easy

In a rush? We just need two words to match you to your trousers.

Rock Climbing > Bloc
Outdoor Stuff > Kraft
Technical Jeans > Jeanius
Lightweight Hiking > Teleki
All-Season Hiking > Arnison
Active Softshell > Chilkoot
MTB Softshell > Floe
Winter Mountaineering > Ardent
Trail Running > Koulin Trail
Comfortable Waterproofs > Parallax
Bombproof Waterproofs > Nautilus

We have your perfect trousers and shorts

Refreshing isn't it? Simplifying your criteria to just two words makes choosing a breeze, but if we left it there we wouldn't be doing justice to the nuanced needs of all our customers.

Our complete range has lots more to offer, so if you need zip off trousers, reinforced knees or shorts - even through winter, we have you covered.

Browse all Mens legwear | Browse all Womens legwear

Why choose Alpkit trousers and shorts

Proven design heritage

Twenty years of protecting real legs on real adventures. Every trouser in our range exists because we needed it ourselves—whether that's the Bloc's harness-friendly waistband or the Teleki's packable design for multi-day hikes. Find out more about the technology behind our trousers.

Exceptional value

We deliver premium performance at prices that make sense. We have forged direct manufacturer relationships, our design team is not tied to bog standard fabric mills and our focus on function over flashy marketing means you get more trouser for your money.

Sustainability that works

We have Repair Stations in every Alpkit store because we believe in fixing, not replacing. We have moved to PFC-free treatments because it is the right thing to do and use recycled content and organic cotton where possible. Our kit is built to last years, not seasons.

Trousers that fit like a glove

Our women's trousers aren't shrunk-down men's versions—they're designed from scratch for women's bodies. In fact we design our women's patterns before our men's. Every cut, proportion, and detail considers how different bodies move and what they need from outdoor gear.

See our sustainability commitments

Find your perfect match

The obvious first question is what are you going to be doing in these trousers? Simple huh? It is no coincidence that this is also the first question we ask ourselves when designing them.

Choose your trousers by activity

You do loads of cool stuff, but what are you going to be doing in these trousers most of the time?

Choose your trousers by your primary activity

Hill walking and hiking

When you're covering long distances with a pack, your trousers face variable weather, constant friction from straps, and the need for unrestricted movement over rough terrain. Arnison handles this perfectly with its weather-resistant fabric and strategic reinforcement where packs naturally rub. For lightweight summer adventures, Teleki offers the same freedom of movement but packs down smaller than most base layers and dries faster than cotton. Teleki is also available with zip-off legs.

Rock climbing and bouldering

Climbing demands extreme mobility and abrasion resistance while maintaining comfort under a harness. Bloc delivers this through organic cotton that stretches naturally and a low-profile waistband that disappears under climbing gear. For extended outdoor living and multi-pitch routes, Kraft provides similar stretch with added heavy canvas durability.

Cycling adventures

Whether you're bombing down singletrack or touring across continents, cycling puts unique demands on legwear through extended contact points and pedaling motion. Floe tackles aggressive mountain biking with reinforced panels and four-way stretch, while Strada focuses on touring comfort with quick-drying fabrics and a cut that works both on and off the bike.

Multi-sport crossover

Many of us don't stick to single activities. You might hike to a crag for climbing, bike to the end of a trail, or need trousers that work equally well for travel and trekking. Jeanius, Sequence and Jeanie hide technical performance in everyday styling, taking you from bouldering to coffee shop without looking out of place. Chilkoot softshell offers more obvious performance for active pursuits while maintaining versatility across activities.

Trail running

Running puts dynamic demands on your garments construction and maximum strain on moisture management while maintaining complete freedom of movement. The Koulin range addresses British trail conditions specifically, with fabrics that handle everything from morning dew to afternoon showers. For racing and ultralights, Vayper strips away everything non-essential.

What is your performance criteria?

Maximum durability

Trousers best for rough terrain and frequent use:

• Skarven
• Arnison
• Kraft

Ultimate mobility

Trousers best for technical climbing and dynamic movements:

• Bloc
• Escapade
• Mello tights

Weather protection

Trousers best for changeable conditions in mountain environments:

• Ardent
• Chilkoot
• Parallax

Lightweight performance

Trousers best for fast and light adventures or adventure travel:

• Teleki
• Vayper
• Koulin Trail

Compare our trousers, shorts and leggings

Outdoor trousers

Waterproof trousers

Outdoor leggings

Outdoor shorts

Running shorts

Deep dive: Key product insights

We take a look at some of our most popular legwear products and find out what makes them so special amongst hikers, climbers and trail runners.

Bloc: The essential climbing trousers

Perfect for: Rock climbing, bouldering, freedom of movement
Why choose this: Organic cotton feels natural, stretches everywhere you need it, low-profile design disappears under your harnesses
Real-world performance: "Forget-they're-there freedom" that handles rough rock and dynamic moves
Customer reality: Climbers love wearing these from their first route to their final top out with complete comfort

Bloc Mens | Bloc Womens

Arnison: The mountain trousers

Perfect for: Year-round hiking, variable conditions, pack-wearing comfort
Why choose this: Weather resistance without weight penalty, reinforced where it matters, works in any season
Real-world performance: PFC-free DWR sheds light showers, articulated knees handle big steps, tough enough for heather bashing
Customer reality: The one pair that handles everything from gentle walks to serious mountain days

Arnison Mens | Arnison Womens

Teleki: Trousers for summer hikes and travel

Perfect for: Hot weather hiking, travel, packable performance
Why choose this: Packs smaller than most base layers, dries faster than cotton, weighs almost nothing.
Real-world performance: Quick-drying fabric bounces back from river crossings, packability saves precious bag space
Customer reality: Perfect for multi-day adventures where every gram counts

Teleki Mens | Teleki Womens

Trouser fit and sizing guide

Men's vs women's: More than a label

When we design our clothing we start first with the women's pattern. When outdoor gear is designed for women's bodies, not adapted from men's patterns, the difference is transformative.

How a women's specific cut will transform your comfort

Women's specific design considerations:

• Longer torso proportions for better coverage
• Hip and thigh accommodation without excess fabric
• Waistband positioning that works with women's anatomy
• Pocket placement for smaller hands and different body angles

Men's cut focus:

• Straight-line geometry for typical male proportions
• Room through seat and thighs without restriction
• Waistband height that works with men's torso length
• Reinforcement patterns matching typical wear points

Getting the perfect fit

Trousers that fit perfectly, it is not too much to ask for is it? No, but we are all different shapes and sizes and it is extremely hard to achieve without visiting a tailor. Here are some of the elements we think contribute to making a perfect fit, it isn't just about your inseam measurement.

For active use:

• Snug enough to prevent fabric catching
• Room to layer base layers underneath
• No restriction when lifting knees to chest level
• Waistband sits comfortably under pack hip belt

For technical climbing:

• Close fit that won't snag on holds
• Stretch that allows extreme body positions
• Low-profile waistband under harness
• Adequate length when reaching overhead

For long-distance comfort:

• No pressure points during extended wear
• Fabric that moves with your gait
• Seam placement that avoids pack contact points
• Breathability for temperature regulation

Sizing tips - how your outdoor clothing should fit

• If between sizes for active use: Size down for better mobility
• If between sizes for layering: Size up for base layer compatibility
• For climbing: Err toward snug for better feel and less snagging
• For everyday wear: Follow standard clothing size preferences

Make your choice

Still not decided? try using a little cheat sheet like this to get your thoughts aligned.

Step 1: What's your primary use?

• Hiking/Walking → Arnison (all-season) or Teleki (summer)
• Climbing → Bloc (pure performance) or Kraft (durability)
• Cycling → Floe (mountain) or Strada (touring and gravel)
• Running → Koulin (trails) or Vayper (summer)
• Other...

Step 2: Where will you be using them?

• UK mountains → Weather resistance essential (Arnison, Chilkoot, Ardent)
• Summer adventures → Lightweight is a priority (Teleki, Koulin, Vayper)
• Mixed use → Versatile options (Bloc, Jeanius, Kraft)
• Other...

Our staff recommendations

Tried and tested. These are the trousers we see our team wearing on their adventures. These are the pairs our team reaches for first time, every time.

For outdoor activity: Arnison - the versatile performer that handles everything from gentle walks to serious mountain days with weather resistance and comfort that lasts.

For climbers: Bloc - organic cotton comfort with the stretch and durability that makes you forget you're wearing them.

For summer adventurers: Teleki - lightweight, packable performance that travels anywhere and dries fast.

For year-round performance: Chilkoot - softshell versatility that cuts wind and weather while breathing enough for active use.

For keeping your legs dry: Parallax - waterproof overtrousers that are so comfortable you could forget you are wearing them.

Looking after your trousers

Making them last

• Wash when needed, not on schedule - technical fabrics resist odours
• Use appropriate temperatures - preserves DWR treatments and fabric integrity
• Air dry when possible - extends fabric life and maintains performance
• Reproofing services available at all Alpkit outdoor gear stores in the UK

When to repair vs replace

• Small tears or worn areas → Visit our in-store repair stations
• DWR failure → Reproofing service restores weather resistance
• Outgrown or moved on → Give your unwanted kit a second life by donating it to Continuum

The real cost

Quality trousers cost more upfront but deliver better value:

• Durability - years of use vs seasons
• Performance - comfort and capability vs basic protection
• Versatility - one pair vs multiple specialists
• Repairability - extend life vs replace entirely

Still deciding?

Try before you buy

• Visit any Alpkit store for hands-on feel and fit advice
• Size exchanges if online ordering doesn't fit perfectly
• Customer service that knows the products because they use them

Common questions

"Do I really need technical trousers for walking?"
If you've ever been uncomfortable, restricted, or soaked through in regular trousers outdoors, yes. The difference is immediate and lasting.

"How do I choose between similar products?"
Focus on your primary use case. Arnison for year-round hiking, Bloc for climbing, Teleki for summer adventures. When in doubt, choose versatility.

"Are women's cuts really different?"
Absolutely. Our women's trousers are designed from scratch for women's proportions, not adapted from men's patterns. The fit difference is significant.

"What about sustainability?"
We use recycled content where possible, PFC-free treatments, and offer repair services. Our trousers are designed to last years, not seasons.

Ready to find your perfect pair? Browse our complete trouser range or visit your local Alpkit store for expert fitting advice.

Related guides

• Complete outdoor clothing layering guide - Understanding how trousers fit in your complete clothing system