Outdoor trousers from Recon Company – trekking trousers, softshell trousers and hunting trousers for any terrain

Outdoor trousers must perform equally well on the trail, in the hunting grounds and in the mountains, without losing their shape after just three washes. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the public sector, we focus not only on tactical equipment but also on clothing for anyone venturing off the beaten track. In this category, you’ll find trekking trousers, softshell trousers and hunting trousers from Fjällräven, Gamsbokk, Carinthia, 5.11 and other brands.

Trekking trousers and hiking trousers – what matters when it comes to fabric type

Most of the trekking trousers in our range are made from lightweight blended fabrics with a high synthetic content. Polyamide or polyester blended with elastane results in hiking trousers that dry quickly, are lightweight and move with you. Gamsbokk designs the MountainHigh and Tacstar ranges based precisely on this principle: durable stretch fabric, pre-shaped knees and an ergonomic cut for long climbs.

Fjällräven takes a different approach with its G-1000 fabric. This blend of polyester and cotton is woven more densely than standard synthetics and can be re-waterproofed with Greenland wax. This makes the fabric wind- and water-repellent without the need for a membrane. The Barents Pro and the Vidda Pro Lite both use this material. The downside: G-1000 dries more slowly than pure synthetics and weighs slightly more. On the other hand, it offers better resistance to thorns and undergrowth, as smooth surfaces allow them to slide off more easily than open ripstop fabric.

If you want to stay flexible in changeable weather, opt for zip-off trousers. A zip on the thigh transforms the long trekking trousers into shorts. Handy for hikes that start in the cool of the morning and end in the midday sun.

Softshell trousers – weather protection without a membrane

Functionally, softshell trousers sit between lightweight hiking trousers and waterproof hardshell trousers. They are windproof, water-repellent and, thanks to the stretchy fabric, offer greater freedom of movement than any membrane trousers. This is often sufficient for the transition between seasons, cold autumn days and dry winter hikes. However, in persistent rain, the DWR coating is not enough.

The 5.11 Cepheus and the Mil-Tec Softshell Assault are designed for tactical use: muted colours, robust construction, compatible with service equipment. For purely outdoor use without tactical requirements, they are still a solid choice because the cut and material are just right.

Hunting trousers and hunting range trousers – robust, quiet, weatherproof

The demands of the hunting ground differ from those of a hiking trail. Hunting trousers must be quiet so that the fabric doesn’t rustle when moving through undergrowth. They must keep moisture out from below, as sitting in a hide on wet ground is part of everyday life. And they must be robust enough to withstand contact with thorns without getting damaged.

Carinthia achieves this with the G-Loft Loden Trousers, featuring a loden outer fabric and G-Loft synthetic insulation: wind- and water-repellent thanks to the wool’s natural oil content, whilst remaining quiet and insulating. Leo Köhler’s Hunting Moleskin Trousers are a classic pair of hunting trousers made from heavy cotton moleskin, available with an optional thermal lining. Compared to synthetics, moleskin feels more comfortable against the skin and is virtually silent. However, cotton provides virtually no insulation when wet. If you regularly hunt in damp terrain, loden or treated wool is the better choice.

Waterproof and cold-weather protection as distinct trouser types

Some models in this category are not outdoor trousers in the traditional sense, but are designed for extreme conditions. The Pentagon Ydor is purely a pair of waterproof trousers: lightweight, packable, and designed to be slipped on quickly in the rain. The 5.11 Bastion Pant combines waterproofing with robust construction for all-day use. The Snugpak Reversible Salopettes provide protection against the cold with insulation and a reversible design.

For regular field use with camouflage patterns and knee pads, the operational trousers are the right choice. The outdoor trousers here are designed for anyone who works or spends time in the great outdoors or on rough terrain, without needing to meet military requirements.

• 10% government discount for civil servants and emergency services personnel, also applicable to all outdoor brands in our range.
• We deliver worldwide via field post so that you receive the right trousers even when on overseas assignments.
• Our team in Salzgitter or via our online advisory service will help you determine which material and cut are best suited to your intended area of use.
• Tested quality processes from procurement to delivery, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification.