Best bushcraft trousers?

[k9trev]

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.

I use revolution race awesome trousers and the jackets are great too

 

[GreyCat]

I wear decent leggings of various types.... being an older rotund female, branded "bushcraft" trousers not a realistic option.

Various configurations and fabrics..... cotton vs synthetic, length to just below knee, full length or a pair of Corinne Dennis fleece lined cycle leggings (no seat padding) in cold weather.

The ease of drying out and comfort more than offsets the lack of pockets. Even the M&S ones I favour are a sensible price. They are forgiving of thorns although horseflies can still bite through them....

GC

 

[Buckshot]

When it comes to bushcraft trousers, I recently came across the Helikon-Tex Urban Tactical trousers. They’re durable, have plenty of pockets, and perform well in rough terrain. Plus, the fabric is breathable, which is really handy on longer trips. Has anyone tried them?

I wonder what makes them 'urban' ?
They still look very military to me

 

[gg012]

I think "Urban" is supposed to be a more low-key "Tactical" but if you aren't kicking doors in at 05:00 I don't think that the distinction really matters!

I have a few bits of Helikon clothing and find it all pretty good. I used to wear their cheaper stuff working on site and have some of their trousers and a jacket that I like for the woods.

 

[Watch-keeper]

I have a pair of fjallraven trousers with all the bells and whistles that i wear fairly often but I wouldn't buy another pair, too expensive for what they are and they are right handed !!! If the weathers dry I have an old pair of cotton army trousers that i really like, comfy, super simple with just 4 pockets but no good when wet. I have some old Rohan chino type trousers that i also like, quick drying(synthetic) but now have a few burn holes from spitting embers but good fit and functional.
Personally i prefer simpler trousers, I never got on with leg pockets, too much flapping around.

 

[Megatramp]

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.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. Trousers are not that important. Bushcraft is just part of everyday life so whatever works for you day to day will work fine for bushcraft, no need for specialist uniform.

Unless your day to day is swimwear in which case be careful!

 

[C_Claycomb]

I wonder what makes them 'urban' ?
They still look very military to me

Helikon UTP, Urban Tactical Pants.
Urban and tactical, as opposed to field and military. More tuned to police and maybe special operations than line soldiers. Slimmer fit, more streamlined pockets than battle dress, all less likely to catch on stuff moving in tight quarters. more pockets for little bits and pieces like pistol magazines , torches, phones, folding knives. Higher cotton content in the poly/cotton blend, less durability, slower drying. Earth tone colours, but not camo. Facility for low profile knee pads.

 

[gg012]

I think you hit the nail on the head there. Trousers are not that important. Bushcraft is just part of everyday life so whatever works for you day to day will work fine for bushcraft, no need for specialist uniform.

Unless your day to day is swimwear in which case be careful!

My usual day to day dress of a fluffy pink dressing gown just doesn't cut the mustard in the woods I am afraid

 

[Pattree]

May I suggest a pair of Alphaman Tactical Mustard Cutters with built in sheath for your …….. ?mustard cutter?

Only available in erm ……. one colour!

 

[Aristotle]

Do Helikon do any more generous fit trousers nowadays?

5.11s fit me really well, and I have various pairs in different styles, but most trousers, including Helikon, are too tight around the thighs/glutes.

I appear to be an unusual man in the modern day, having muscular legs and a lean, narrow waist.

I'm not sure why, but US clothes tend to fit me better than European ones.

 

[Furbles]

Do Helikon do any more generous fit trousers nowadays?

5.11s fit me really well, and I have various pairs in different styles, but most trousers, including Helikon, are too tight around the thighs/glutes.

I appear to be an unusual man in the modern day, having muscular legs and a lean, narrow waist.

I'm not sure why, but US clothes tend to fit me better than European ones.

I also am pear-shaped, and for me the Fjallraven Keb trousers are by far the comfiest trousers for bushcraft I’ve ever worn. Stretch exactly where you need, super durable.

 

[Pupers]

I had a 33” waist…………When I was 33!

 

[slaine_23]

I picked up a 5EUR pair of the camo work trousers from Lidl. Enough pockets, which are deep enough, elastic waist, poly cotton, quite tough so far and - for a fiver - hard to complain. I’d even be tempted at the full price of 12.99

 

[Aristotle]

I also am pear-shaped, and for me the Fjallraven Keb trousers are by far the comfiest trousers for bushcraft I’ve ever worn. Stretch exactly where you need, super durable.

How much ?!!??

 

[Forest fella]

I still use the old Green's cargo / combat trousers as I'm sat on my bum most of the time and I have a Cut off sleeping mat to place my cheeks on.

 

[DariqWosh]

I recently presented myself with Pentagon BDUs. They are comfortable, well made and have lots of pockets.

 

[Chris]

I've taken some Helikon-Tex Pilgrims out for a couple of trips now. They feel well made, robust material and I like the high back so that I don't end up with pine needles in unfortunate places when I bend over.

That said, I still think the Fjallraven Vidda Pro pockets are better laid out and they feel more secure, as they don't utilise netting. Vidda Pros are also, of course, very robust and well made.

The Keb Agile trousers as mentioned above are very comfortable indeed, especially so during these warmer months. Plenty of stretch around the thighs.

 

[mattclewes]

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.

I found that crag hoppers or other walking trousers would pop the crotsh when i was kneeling down etc. they are great for walking buy the movements you do when waliking are different to what you do in the woods.
I have sown up 3-4 pairs and even took to rinforcing the stitching befor use. I
got a pair of heklikon tex bushcraft trousers recently, as I ripped my 4th pair of (pre reinforced) craghoppers. They wher double the cost, but at this point if I got them first I would have saved half what i hav spent on trousers in the long run.

I have no dounbt they will not rip, they are flexible in the right places and movement is almost completely un restricted.
Only thing i dont like about this parrticuylar make / model is the velocrow waist as i like buttons. I always wair a belt so it not a big issyue.
I will probaly get som jalravens when these (eventuyally) giv out, but for now theya re great.
It was almosl like a revelation when i started using them.

 

[HillBill]

Helikon UTP, Urban Tactical Pants.
Urban and tactical, as opposed to field and military. More tuned to police and maybe special operations than line soldiers. Slimmer fit, more streamlined pockets than battle dress, all less likely to catch on stuff moving in tight quarters. more pockets for little bits and pieces like pistol magazines , torches, phones, folding knives. Higher cotton content in the poly/cotton blend, less durability, slower drying. Earth tone colours, but not camo. Facility for low profile knee pads.

Where's the fun in that? Pub pants...

 

[HillBill]

My usual day to day dress of a fluffy pink dressing gown just doesn't cut the mustard in the woods I am afraid

Go to Japan in spring. You'd fit right in.