GEAR | Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch Hiking Trousers – Long Term Test Review

March 30, 2016 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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Craghoppers hiking trousers — *Me wearing my Kiwi trousers on a recent, very wet hike*

What I tested

Craghoppers Kiwi Pro High Waisted Trousers £65.00
Buy them here

Overall Rating (5 / 5)

Technical features

3 zipped pockets
UK size 8 – 20
Heel tape
Removable sunglasses wipe
Stain-resistant finish
Smart Dry technology
Stretch fabric provides greater range of motion and ultimate comfort
Part made from recycling plastic bottles into polyester, reducing carbon emissions and landfill waste
Made using specially constructed fibres which are too tough for insects like mosquitoes to penetrate.

The verdict

I’ve been wearing these trousers almost every time I’ve been out hiking over the last 4 years, and I love them so much that I’ve since bought two more pairs. My original pair got too big for me…then too small (yes, a perpetual yoyo dieter), usually I find hiking trousers snug and so size up to be on the safe side, but with the Kiwi Stretch Pro, for the 2 subsequent pairs I’ve bought I’ve actually sized down as they are a generous fit.

I have worn these trousers on everything from gentle countryside strolls through to walking up mountains in Scotland in heavy rain and snow, and over the years my Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers have really been put through their paces.

I’m a big fan of trousers that are cut to sit on the waist, rather than slung low on the hips. Keeping your lower back warm makes a lot of practical sense, especially on walks that require scrambling, so being able to bend over without the top of your knickers (or worse!) showing, makes them a no-brainer and I love how these sit on my actual waist.

Kiwi ladies hiking trousers — *Wearing my Kiwi trousers with thermal leggings underneath for a mountain hike in snow*

Hiking often requires bending, stretching, jumping and scrambling, so trousers that have got a bit of stretch in them really do come into their own. These have consistently performed brilliantly, never restricting my movement.

I’ve found that they have enough stretch to make them move with you no matter what you’re doing, but they aren’t so stretchy that they look baggy or shapeless.

Although I’m around average-ish height (5.6″), I seem to have long legs, so it’s nice to find trousers that give you a choice of length, something that Craghoppers are excellent at providing, across their range. I chose the long option as I prefer trousers to be on the longer side, and these are the perfect length as far as I’m concerned. They sit well, gathering slightly in a way that I like on top of my hiking boots.

These lightweight trousers are intended for year-round hiking, and with the addition of leggings or thermals underneath, I’ve worn them happily on numerous cold, wet winter hikes, though there is a lined winter version available too, and cropped versions for hiking in summer.

I’m still amazed at how my legs managed to stay warm on a recent hike up in the Highlands in the pouring rain. Thanks to the quick drying properties of the fabric, once back in the car with the heater on, what dampness had penetrated the trousers quickly dried. Brilliant!

What I like most

Several years on, and they still look as good as new
Comfortable to walk in all day long
Generous and comfortable fit
Quick drying and comfortable in sunshine, wind or rain
Their cut, from waist to ankle, is comfortable and flattering
Their all-round stretch makes them hugely practical for strenuous hikes that require climbs and scrambles
Excellent value for money

Final say

Our Rating

Quality 5/5

Fit 5/5

Styling 5/5

Value 5/5

Overall Rating (5 / 5)

These trousers are rated 5/5 on the Craghoppers website, and it’s not hard to see why – I don’t have anything bad to say about them. If you are looking for versatile, comfortable and practical ladies walking trousers, then these won’t disappoint.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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