The trousers you actually walk in, with the waterproofs carried in the pack for when it turns. Deerhunter, Seeland and Viper make up most of the range here, alongside Härkila and SwedTeam.
Choosing a pair
- Stretch trousers — Deerhunter Rogaland and Strike, Seeland Key-Point Active II and Outdoor Stretch. The modern default for stalking and walked-up days: quiet, and they move with you when you go over a fence or into a kneeling position rather than fighting you.
- Water-repellent is not waterproof. The Deerhunter Strike is finished water-repellent — fine for dew, wet grass and passing drizzle, not for a day of steady rain. Plan for overtrousers if the forecast is honest about it.
- Reinforcement. If you kneel to shoot or crawl into position, check the knee and seat panels before you buy. That is where a pair fails first.
- Women's fits are cut differently through the hip and seat — Deerhunter's Lady range is sized separately rather than being a small men's trouser.
Sizing
Most of these brands are sized European. Do not assume your UK waist carries across — check the measurements on the individual product page, and pay as much attention to the leg length as the waist. A stalking trouser that rides up out of the boot is a nuisance for the whole day.
When it turns properly wet: Waterproof Trousers. For bracken, thorn and wet heather, Gaiters. Matching jackets: Hunting Jackets.
