GEAR | CimAlp Men’s Hoggar Technical Walking Trousers

December 3, 2017 Andy P

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What I tested

CimAlp Men’s Hoggar Technical Walking Trousers
£99.90 Buy them here

Technical features

6cm shorter leg version of the Hoggar men’s trousers
Unparalleled freedom of movement for maximum protection
Half-elastic waistband with adjustable loops, raised at the back for excellent kidney protection
Preformed knees for ease of movement
Hyper-comfortable stretch
Breathable and waterproof 3000mm fabric
Excellent UV Protection
Taped seams

The verdict

I once got the first stages of hypothermia by walking in shorts in the rain at Helvellyn in the Lake District, and only decided to put my trousers on when it was too late. That experience taught me the understated importance of good thermal/waterproof leg wear.

Since then I’ve always been quite proactive in wearing layers & waterproof over trousers, but despite being a seasoned walker, I’ve never actually had a pair of technical walking trousers before. Following a walk up Blencathra at the end of this summer, during which I descended partly by scooting down rocks on my behind, I was in desperate need of new walking trousers so I was looking forward to trying out the CimAlp Hoggar trousers.

Having never heard of CimAlp before I had no idea what to expect, and have to admit to being a little cynical about how well technical gear (with a hefty price tag) would compare to my usual walking trousers.

Large zipped thigh pocket

Initially despite being a good fit, the trousers felt quite snug and restrictive, however this perception proved to be wrong. I’ve been on a couple of decent walks in Snowdonia since getting these trousers. I’ve climbed over rocks, bounded up steps and hopped over streams quite merrily and have found that the trousers move with me and allow complete freedom of movement.

Elasticated sections and a high waist ensure a snug and cosy fit

I like the secure zipped pockets and was pleased with the length of the trousers too. The stretch that they have in them, and the preformed knees all adds up to a pair of trousers that are comfortable (or at least they were once I got used to them!), and highly capable. During my walks so far in late Autumn, I’ve worn them with a pair of CimAlp thermal long johns underneath and together they kept me warm and dry.

Although I’ve not walked in the rain yet, I have plonked myself down on grass, in fact, I was sat on wet grass for quite some time whilst I had a picnic on a recent walk, and I remained nice and dry so I’m actually looking forward to trying them out in the rain. Because these trousers are waterproof, it completely removes the dilemma of when to stop and put waterproof over trousers on.

The large pocket on the right leg reminds me of the styling on cargo pants, and my girlfriend really likes the fit of the trousers on me telling me that they appear ‘comfortable without being baggy and shapeless’. I’m definitely with her on the comfort, and though they took a bit of getting used to, I think they make great walking trousers.

If like me you’ve not come across the CimAlp brand before, take a look at their site here, they ship direct to the UK.