Best bushcraft trousers?

[FPITAS]

I'm well experienced 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.

 

[Ozmundo]

I have a couple of pairs of US military ACU cut "pants". Helikon-tex amongst a few do a version. They do come in other colours than UCP (grey digital) and OCP (multicam) if you don't want camo.

I like the cargo pockets as they have dividers (intended for mags) than will hold a smart phone, small wallet, tools, etc. They have knee pad pockets and a lower leg pocket for a field dressing. Waist adjusters, and draw cord ankles. Button fly is easy to repair. £40-45 new, I've seen surplus ones cheaper.

 

[HillBill]

I like Helikon Tex Pilgrims. Got a couple of pairs, had no issues with them at all.

Helikon Tex Pilgrims.

 

[bobnewboy]

I’ve had a pair of these for about 6/7 years now:

Särmä Cargo Pants - Varusteleka.com

Lightweight, practical, and comfy polycotton ripstop cargo pants with an excellent cut and nice price. For everyday use. international delivery.

www.varusteleka.com

I use them for most of my outdoor non-motorcycling time - beating, fishing, walking, rabbiting etc etc. They have proven themselves worth every penny. No loose seams, no holes, no tears and they haven’t lost any fixings at all. I don’t baby them and they’ve been brilliant all the time, but I do wear merino longjohns under them when it’s really cold out. I would recommend them without hesitation.

 

[EdS]

I’ve had a pair of these for about 6/7 years now:

Särmä Cargo Pants - Varusteleka.com

Lightweight, practical, and comfy polycotton ripstop cargo pants with an excellent cut and nice price. For everyday use. international delivery.

www.varusteleka.com

I use them for most of my outdoor non-motorcycling time - beating, fishing, walking, rabbiting etc etc. They have proven themselves worth every penny. No loose seams, no holes, no tears and they haven’t lost any fixings at all. I don’t baby them and they’ve been brilliant all the time, but I do wear merino longjohns under them when it’s really cold out. I would recommend them without hesitation.

Stopped making them ad moving production out of China....they are hoping t make an updated version in the future....but not 100% certain


Bang for buck they are hard to beat.

And Keela Heritage

 

[FPITAS]

Thanks everyone for replying.
Great suggestions.
So far I'm liking the Helikon-Tex DuraCanvas Pilgrim Pants.
They seem great and the price is fine.

With regards to cost:
If we're talking about buying one or two pairs I can afford to splash out the extra.
I don't mind. Not when it comes to professional gear.
That said, spending some 400+ pounds on Carinthia trousers doesn't exactly make sense.
I hope that frames it in perspective.

With regards to my build:
The weird thing is I'm very well put together. Whenever I wear a suit I always make it look good.
I'm not in shape at the moment because the last few years have been... insane... but I've been an athlete most of my life.
Thin.
180cm (to be precise).
Yet, for whatever reason, whenever I try anything by Fjällräven, to put it simply... everything feels wrong.
Not sure what else to say about it.
It's literally the only brand I find that uncomfortable.
I find everything by Arc'teryx absolutely perfect.

 

[TeeDee]

I miss the days of rocking a pair of RADAR lightweight polycottons and feeling like a boss.

 

[HillBill]

Thanks everyone for replying.
Great suggestions.
So far I'm liking the Helikon-Tex DuraCanvas Pilgrim Pants.
They seem great and the price is fine.

With regards to cost:
If we're talking about buying one or two pairs I can afford to splash out the extra.
I don't mind. Not when it comes to professional gear.
That said, spending some 400+ pounds on Carinthia trousers doesn't exactly make sense.
I hope that frames it in perspective.

With regards to my build:
The weird thing is I'm very well put together. Whenever I wear a suit I always make it look good.
I'm not in shape at the moment because the last few years have been... insane... but I've been an athlete most of my life.
Thin.
180cm (to be precise).
Yet, for whatever reason, whenever I try anything by Fjällräven, to put it simply... everything feels wrong.
Not sure what else to say about it.
It's literally the only brand I find that uncomfortable.
I find everything by Arc'teryx absolutely perfect.

THe Helikon Tex Pilgrims are very well designed and built pants. They have velcro fastening rather than buttoned, so are adjustable for an inch or so. When you wear a belt with them, they don't come undone if like me you put a bit of weight on since buying them.

I love the high back that they have, and its padded/insulated, so keeps you nice and warm. And the pockets have pockets lol.

 

[MikeLA]

These are hard wearing and around £48

HELIKON GREYMAN TACTICAL PANTS DURACANVAS.​

Can’t get the bold off the font

 

[Kadushu]

This is what I wear all day most days.

New Bib and Brace Overalls Men Work Trousers Dungarees Multi Knee Pad Pocket. | eBay

Bib and Brace Overalls. ORIGINAL bib and brace pants made of high quality material with high weight of 260 g/m2, consisting of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Pockets for inserting knee pads, practical and comfortable.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[TeeDee]

This is what I wear all day most days.

New Bib and Brace Overalls Men Work Trousers Dungarees Multi Knee Pad Pocket. | eBay

Bib and Brace Overalls. ORIGINAL bib and brace pants made of high quality material with high weight of 260 g/m2, consisting of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Pockets for inserting knee pads, practical and comfortable.

www.ebay.co.uk

Cheers - purchased a pair - I shall see how they do

 

[CLEM]

I’ve used a few different pairs of trousers over the year, started off with what i believe were called British Army OG Lightweight trouser. Decent trouser but never found them comfortable, always found the legs too narrow. Next we’re a few pairs of US Army type trousers, I liked the design, hard wearing, roomy, comfortable. Then a pair from SASS, what they called Russian Spetnaz trousers, i liked them a lot, lasted years, an unfortunate meeting with a barb wire fence when out rabbiting ended them. Then came a pair of HelikonTex Woodsman, can’t fault them in any way, and latest the Pilgrim trousers from HelikonTex again faultless.