Best bushcraft trousers?

[FPITAS]

I'm well experiences in backpacking but new to bush crafting.
Most of my gear is solid, not UL, though I am trying to buy more and more high end UL gear for prolonged backpacking.
On the other side, I also need more robust gear for Busch crafting... right?
So I was wondering, cost aside, what are the best bush crafting trousers... brands and models?
It's easy to see most people use Fjällräven.
I'm unfamiliar with them.
Tried a few of their trousers a few times in shops and they always felt quite uncomfortable.
I don't know if it's me or whether they just aren't as comfortable in comparison to other brands.
I have a lot of gear. A lot! Yet, trousers have never been a priority because they never seemed important.
In 2011 I bought a pair of The North Face, that, if to be honest, are just about the only trousers I ever use and they still look new.
I have another pair that are thin and cost me a tenner.
That's it!
However, neither has the extra layer that protects your knees, etc.
A few brands I looked into and considered are: Buffalo, Carinthia, Lundhags, Arktis, Ridgeline, Pinewood.
Would love to hear more from experienced bush crafters who have exact models in mind and not merely name brands.
Cheers.

 

[John Fenna]

I make my own... though I also like 5:11, and - for the money OG combat pants from the local Army Surplus!

 

[C_Claycomb]

Craghopper Kiwi, in the tight weave poly cotton have been excellent. Some of the best fabric out there. Very hard wearing, fairly thorn resistant. Double layer in key areas.

Helikon Tex, Urban Tactical Pants, and Outdoor Tactical Pants. Not as durable as the Kiwis, but more pockets and for me a more flattering cut. Reinforced knees.

“Best” depends on what you do, and whether cost is a significant factor, and what shape you are. I am not fat, but never found any Fjallraven that fit me well, they always seemed aimed at lanky Scandinavian builds, not my 5’8” x 33”waist

 

[Broch]

For messing and working in the woods I suggest you look at the Percussion brand of country sports wear - their beaters trousers and the like are excellent value, very hard wearing, and comfortable. You can find them in most 'country sport' outfitters but I buy here:

Percussion Hunting & Outdoor Clothing and Accessories

Explore Percussion for top-notch country clothing and boots perfect for hunting and outdoors activities.

www.newforestclothing.co.uk

New Forest Clothing do their own brand as well but I've not tried them.

 

[Broch]

“Best” depends on what you do, and whether cost is a significant factor, and what shape you are. I am not fat, but never found any Fjallraven that fit me well, they always seemed aimed at lanky Scandinavian builds, not my 5’8” x 33”waist

Percussion have a 33" waist - ideal for me as I'm between 32 and 34"

 

[Furbles]

It’s difficult to give advice without a budget in mind. If you want ‘the best’, then it probably is Fjallraven. The Vidda Pros are the trousers that most of the instructors wear.

Helikon Tex make good, cheaper ones. Revolution Race are pretty decent, and look snazzy. Keela Heritage Trousers are excellent. Lots of hunting brands as well, from Decatholon to Pinewood. A lot depends on what suits you and your size/shape, as well as your budget.

 

[Astrochicken]

This is great timing, as I've been thinking about getting something better too. I have been using very cheap workwear trousers, as they have knee pad inserts and are easy to get hold of in different sizes (incl. leg lengths). The trouble is that they are effectively denim, so whilst they're quite robust, the material is a poor choice I think. I've not used them in really bad weather, but don't expect them to do me any good when it gets wet.

Do any bushcraft / woodland trousers have knee pad inserts as this is so useful for me to have the added protection?

 

[Chris]

I love my Vidda Pros for more rugged stuff and during spring/autumn/winter, and my Keb Agiles for summer.

 

[Buckshot]

i think trousers can be ruined far quicker than a coat with all the hard work it has to do. It is also trying to do multiple things in terms of comfort, flexibility, hard wearing, water proof? etc. etc.
I like 5.11 trousers and I've recently tried a couple of the cheap work trousers which i find surprisingly good and comfy.
Both of those have knee pad insert options - as do many manufacturers.