Having your movement restricted when you’re half way up a mountain is never ideal and can be dangerous so trousers made with fabric that will stretch both vertically and horizontally is ideal, and being able to squat, bend and move your legs wide apart while wearing them without too much pressure on the knees or crotch is preferable.

Some trousers have panels that are made of tougher fabric in key wear areas such as on the knees to increase the trousers longevity.  As ever with outdoor gear ventilation is important to ensure you don’t overheat while exerting yourself. The legs should have some vents and the pockets should be mesh lined to allow you to cool down.

Pockets with zips to keep valuables safe are useful as are larger pockets that can accommodate your map.  Ankle cuffs should be adjustable where possible and should be worn to sit over your boots to avoid them catching grit and small stones as you move up the hill – otherwise you can wear gaiters to prevent this, because sometimes there’s nothing worse than having a stone in your boot when you know it’s going to take what seems like a lifetime unlacing them, emptying them out and lacing them back up again in order to resume your walk.

Your waterproof trousers should have a side zip from the ankle up to and ideally over the knee to allow you to slip them on without having to take off your boots first.  Bear in mind zips are never in and of themselves truly waterproof so look out for a fabric flap to keep you completely dry.

If you are buying your waterproof trousers for cycling or running you may choose a pair with an elasticated cuff, but this isn’t a good idea for walking because it drives the raindrops down into your boots ending up in squidgy socks. Look for a pair which sit over the top of your boots so the water simply rolls off them and down the outside of your boots.

It can be worth buying a pair of trousers slightly bigger than you usually wear. Good manufacturers cut them to fit comfortably over the top of your regular trousers, but it can be worth trying on a few pairs to see which you like best as styling is always very personal. Ideally they should not restrict your movement at all but equally there shouldn’t be too much loose flapping fabric as this can just get caught on stiles or your crampons.

Also make sure you can access your under-trouser pockets through your waterproof ones otherwise that could make paying for a pint at the end of your walk very awkward indeed!