Geography student and adventurer Tom Evans knows what he likes in a pair of outdoors/walking trousers.  He writes: “Trousers for me have to be comfortable, look good, not too baggy or too tight and allow a wide range of leg movements - while walking and at the climbing wall.”  We let him choose the pair he most fancied and then asked him to give his opinion. 

He went for the Dare 2b Restrain Trousers. The technical detailing says:

  • Polyamide four-way stretch fabric
  • Lightweight
  • Quick drying
  • Durable, water-repellent finish
  • Multi-sports use.

Our kit reviewer's thoughts on the walking trousers

Tom’s initial impressions were good. He writes: “I immediately found the trousers very comfortable on the legs and around the waist (although perhaps a little higher than I'd personally like). They fit like a walking trousers but they allowed a good enough range of motion needed when climbing.”

He also liked the look of the walking trousers. He writes: “I like the subtle look of the trousers - no patches and no zip below the knee.” 

After some wear in the field and on the crags, Tom – who writes a popular blog, Exceed Possibility – reckoned the trousers are well suited to walking the hills.

“They are comfortable and practical,” he writes. The higher than normal waist is ideal for keeping the wind and elements from your back and to ensure that the trousers do not fall too low on your hips and restrict walking momentum. 

Anyone who has ever tried walking hills in trousers with a low waist will know what it’s like to feel horribly restricted!

Tom also thinks the trousers are well-priced. Outdoor Look sell the Dare 2b Restrain Trousers for £24.99 so they are within the budget of most outdoors fans.

The “weight” of the trousers makes them suitable for summer and winter walking, and there will be enough room underneath the trousers to pop on a pair of baselayer leggings or add a pair of waterproof over trousers if conditions aren’t so good.

Tom’s only reservations came when he wore the trousers to go climbing. He writes: “My only problem with the trousers was that when climbing the popper around the waist occasionally came undone. This happened when I was wearing a harness or my legs lifted too high. I’d suggest that it’s probably best to stick to wearing these trousers out in the hills rather than on the crag.”

Tom's conclusions on the walking trousers

He adds: “This is not to say that they are in any way bad but I believe they're more suited to walking – and the high waist would suggest this, too.”

Overall Tom was impressed with the Dare 2b trousers: “They're comfortable, look good and are practical - I'd recommend these to anyone looking for a well priced walking trouser.”