I admit that I don’t like most hiking pants. They’re too short in the length, too high in the waist, and almost always too baggy through the legs. The Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers are the exception!
Made out of a 96% polyamide, 4% elastane fabric that’s stretchy, provides sun protection, and dries quickly, the Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers are idea for hiking and traveling. I’ve been wearing this pant for a few weeks for 3-mile hikes and power walks, and I’ve been pleased with the fit and performance.
I love that the Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers have a straight cut through the legs (no extra material to trip over) and a lower rise. I have an extra long torso, so I find athletic fits and low-rise pants much more comfortable than the traditional high-rise waist in many women’s hiking pants. The pants are incredibly stretchy, which gives me freedom of movement during activities (still, a gusseted inseam would be nice). I think many women will find a good fit in the Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers because the low-rise fit is not that low; it’s more like a mid-rise waist. Also, the stretchy material has amble room for hips much bigger than mine.
When I first tried on the pant, it felt quiet snug, but going up to a larger size didn’t work either. The bigger pant was too baggy. I’m glad I stuck with the snugger fit because as soon as I wore the pants for a little bit, they stretched out. (This pant also runs big and long. I’m usually a size 10, and found a much better fit in an 8. I normally need to order “long” if I have the option since I need a 34″ inseam, but the “regular” length pant was exactly long enough for me.)
I like the flat, zippered front pockets and the flat zippered rear pocket. Despite offering lots of room, I just use them for small items like lip balm or identification. I want the pants to have a low profile.
Another bonus with the Kiwi Pro Stretch Trousers is the color. Available in blue, graphite, and black, the pant easily passes as an urban pant. I love that because I most often use them for travel in urban settings, and I tend to hike in running pants/tights.
Available in women’s sizes 8-20 and men’s sizes 30-42. (Read more about U.K.-based Craghoppers.)
Bottom Line: A versatile, attractive pant for travel and hiking at a reasonable price.
Manufacturer’s Site: www.craghoppers.com
$65, click here for women’s pants, available at Amazon.
Some men’s styles on sale at Amazon.