Walking Trousers vs Waterproof Trousers: What’s the Difference?
We're a nation of walkers, and when you’re shopping for your walking gear, you’ll often see two types of legwear offered: walking trousers and waterproof trousers.
And this then leads to the question of, what’s the difference between them? Which then leads to, which one should you pick for your own outdoor adventures?
To help you answer those questions, and provide all the information you need to make the best decision for you, we’ve put together this guide to cover the key differences between waterproof trousers and walking trousers; covering everything from features and styles to which brands to choose from.
What Are Walking Trousers?
Walking trousers are those which have been designed to be worn when walking.
It sounds simple enough! But there is a lot of thought that goes into them, because the focus is firmly on movement and comfort over long distances.
Here's what to look for in a good pair of walking trousers:
- Stretch fabric or articulated knees: for freedom of movement on the type of steep or rocky ground you tend to get when hiking
- Quick-dry materials: so that sweat or light rain doesn't leave you dealing with damp fabric for hours. Most trousers will also include a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, which gives them some resistance to drizzly conditions
- Multiple, secure pockets: for easy access to anything else you need on the move without having to stop and rummage through your backpack
- Lightweight construction: to help reduce fatigue over the course of a long day out
Craghoppers are a great example of a brand with one of the best walking trousers range. You might already be familiar with their NosiLife Pro and Kiwi Pro lines:
Craghoppers Womens NosiLife Pro III Walking Trousers
But they are far from the only brand to pick from. Alongside Craghoppers, you’ve also got the likes of Berghaus, Trespass, and Regatta walking trousers across lots of different styles and designs, including:
- Zip-off walking trousers if you want the option to convert to shorts at any point, and
- Cargo walking trousers if you're after a bit of extra pocket storage.
What Are Waterproof Trousers?
Waterproof trousers have one primary job: keeping you dry in wet weather. They're constructed with a waterproof membrane that essentially shields your legs by stopping the rain coming through the trouser fabric.
Something important to note is that when people refer to waterproof trousers, a lot of the time they are specifically talking about overtrousers, which are those that get pulled on top of whatever you're already wearing. Something similar to the:
Regatta Womens Pack It Waterproof Walking Overtrousers
Trespass Qikpac Packaway Waterproof Trousers
This is where the overlap between walking trousers and waterproof trousers starts to appear, because walkers often consider both of these styles as part of their walking gear.
Pairing Walking Trousers with Waterproof Trousers
A good pair of walking trousers paired with a lightweight packable waterproof overtrouser covers the vast majority of conditions you'll face walking in the UK. And what this combination brings you is the golden rule of outdoor clothing: layering and choice.
For example, if you picked up a pair of the Craghoppers Mens Kiwi Pro III Walking Trousers and a pair of the Trespass Qikpac Packaway Waterproof Trousers, you’d have those that you could wear year-round, then keep the waterproofs tucked away in your backpack. So if you were out on a walk and it started raining, you don’t have to turn around and go back, you can just grab the overtrousers, and you’re sorted.
What Are Waterproof Walking Trousers?
Then, of course, some trousers combine both properties! Waterproof walking trousers are built with trail-ready features like stretch fabric and multiple pockets, while also having a waterproof membrane built in.
Craghoppers Mens Stefan II Waterproof Walking Trousers
Regatta Womens Highton Waterproof Walking Trousers
If you’re a regular walker in wet weather, you might want to invest in this all-in-one style because you then get one trouser that handles most conditions.
There can sometimes be a little bit of a price increase between walking trousers and waterproof walking trousers, just due to that technology upgrade in the latter, however if you do get outdoors regularly, it will be worth the investment.
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FAQ: How to Choose the Best Trousers for Walking
Before we wrap up with a summary, let's look at a few quick answers to help you find the right trousers for your next outdoor adventure.
Do I need waterproof trousers if my walking trousers have a DWR finish?
It will depend on the conditions you're walking in. A DWR finish will handle light drizzle and the odd shower well enough, and for many summer walks that's perfectly adequate. For longer days out, unpredictable weather, or walks where you know rain is likely, a packable waterproof overtrouser tucked into your backpack gives you that extra layer of protection when you need it.
The good news is that packable overtrousers are lightweight and compact enough that carrying them adds very little to your pack, so it's an easy win.
Which are better for UK weather: walking trousers or waterproof trousers?
For UK walking, the honest answer is that both have a role to play.
Walking trousers are your go-to for comfort and movement across the bulk of your time on the trail. Waterproof trousers are what you reach for when the weather turns, which in the UK can happen at any point, on any day, at any time of year!
Most walkers find that having both covered gives them the confidence to head out whatever the forecast says.
What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant trousers?
Water-resistant trousers, such as those with a DWR finish, are treated to repel light moisture and will see off a light shower or drizzle. Waterproof trousers go further, with a membrane that blocks rain even in prolonged or heavy downpours.
For a full breakdown of how the two compare across all types of outdoor clothing, take a look at our guide to waterproof vs water-resistant.
Should I size up for my waterproof trousers?
If you're buying waterproof trousers to wear over other trousers, it's worth sizing up from your usual size to make sure there's enough room for them to fit over the top. If you're planning to wear them as a standalone layer (waterproof walking trousers, for example), your normal size should work well.
Always check the sizing guide on the product page, and remember that here at Avenue 85 we have a generous 60-day return/exchange policy if the fit isn't right.
Walking Trousers vs Waterproof Trousers: A Summary
To bring it all together:
- Walking trousers tend to be lightweight and are designed to help with your movement and comfort when hiking. They'll handle a bit of drizzle with their DWR finish, but they're at their best when the weather stays reasonable.
- Waterproof trousers are your defence against proper rain. Worn over your existing legwear, they keep your legs dry when conditions deteriorate. Packable styles mean you can carry them in your backpack.
- Waterproof walking trousers bring both together in one garment: the movement and features of a walking trouser with the weather protection of a waterproof membrane built in.
For most UK walkers, a combination of walking trousers and a packable overtrouser is the most flexible setup. For those who prefer a simpler kit or walk regularly in wet conditions, a quality pair of waterproof walking trousers does the job in one.
Shop Walking Trousers and Waterproof Trousers at Avenue 85
So, are you ready to kit yourself out?
We've got bestselling outdoor brands like Craghoppers, Trespass, Regatta and many more, with plenty of options to choose from here at Avenue 85. From a great pair of walking trousers to a packable overtrouser for wetter days, take a look at what we've got in store today!
About the Author
A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!