Best Fishing Trousers

Twin 20,000 figures set the Fortis Marine Trouser apart, with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000 grams per square metre breathability in fully taped 3-layer Triflex. That even balance makes them the best waterproof trousers in the group.

Knee-length YKK reverse-coil zips with storm flaps let you pull them on over boots, and press studs snug the ankles. Side access zips reach the pockets underneath, the tapered fit leaves room for winter layers, and size M weighs 430g.

Year-round carp, coarse and lure anglers who walk to their swims will get the most from them. The Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers add a doubled seat and forelegs for a much bigger spend, while the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers let half as much moisture out.

To be fair, they're overtrousers, so the small of your back is exposed when you bend over a net. For one pair that handles rain and sweat equally well, though, I think they're the smart buy.

Daiwa's Gore-Tex Trousers are made by Halkon Hunt in the UK to Gore-Tex standards, from two weights of 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric. They're the premium choice among the waterproof pairs, built for anglers who fish hard all winter.

Double-layered fabric covers the seat, forelegs and thighs, which take the wear when you sit or kneel, while lighter fabric elsewhere helps breathability. An elasticated waist with a snap-lock buckle and strap, two leg lengths and hook-and-loop ankle tabs sort the fit.

Winter river, match and carp anglers who sit and kneel for hours will see the benefit. The Fortis Marine Trouser ties with it and wins on price, while the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers bring stretch fabric for a fraction of the outlay.

To be fair, they're one of the dearest pairs of overtrousers you can buy. For anglers who want genuine Gore-Tex and doubled wear areas that should last for years, though, I think they're worth the money.

Nylon with 10% elastane gives the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers real stretch, and the three-layer fabric still carries a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and fully taped seams. The zips are fully sealed and waterproof, and a tough outer layer takes the knocks.

Breathability is 10,000 MVTR, and boot-access zips with adjustable ankle straps help vent moisture while fitting over boots. Reinforced, articulated areas, side, leg and back pockets and a studded waist with belt loops make them feel like proper trousers.

Mobile carp and coarse anglers who crouch, kneel, climb banks or stalk the margins all day suit them most. They cost far less than the Daiwa Gore-Tex Trousers, and next to the Navitas Aquaguard 20K they cost more but add stretch and reinforcement.

To be fair, they let out half as much moisture as the Fortis Marine Trouser. For anglers who want waterproofs that move like everyday trousers, though, I think they're a smart middle option.

At a budget price, the Navitas Aquaguard 20K Waterproof Trouser brings a 20,000mm hydrostatic head, fully taped seams and a DWR finish. For me, it's the best value pick among the waterproof trousers.

Its fabric lets up to 10,000 grams of moisture per square metre escape, matching the Fox Explorer 20K Trousers. Calf-high zips, adjustable ankle cuffs and an elasticated drawcord waist keep it simple, and zipped pockets hold the essentials. It's light and packs small too.

Newer anglers and anyone wanting a packable spare pair for the car or carryall will like it. The Fox Explorer 20K Trousers add stretch and reinforcement for more money, while the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM is the step up if you want insulation and a high back.

To be fair, the lighter build shouldn't stand up to brambles and gravel as well as the dearer pairs. For occasional wear and sudden downpours, though, I think it's very hard to argue with.

Cold nights are the Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM's territory. It pairs a waterproof, windproof two-layer Triflex outer with 200 grams per square metre of Primaloft, and it's rated for warmth down to -15°C, which makes it the best bib and brace in the group.

On the shell, the hydrostatic head tops 25,000mm and more than 25,000 grams of moisture per square metre can escape, with four-way stretch and taped seams. A two-way YKK Vislon front zip, YKK boot zips, handwarmer pockets and elasticated braces finish it.

Carp anglers on winter overnighters and pike anglers sat behind static baits will get the most from it. It adds a high back and insulation to what the Navitas Aquaguard 20K offers, and it breathes far better than the Preston Innovations DF Ultra 25K Bib & Brace.

To be fair, waist sizes stop at 40in and it's too warm for mild days. For cold, static sessions, though, I think it's the one to buy.

Preston Innovations' DF Ultra 25K Bib & Brace uses three-layer fabric with a 25,000mm hydrostatic head, taped seams throughout and a Teflon EcoElite DWR finish. It's a serious shell for heavy, prolonged rain.

Reinforced panels cover the knees and seat, which take the punishment on a seatbox or kneeling mat. Adjustable elasticated shoulder straps and Velcro fasteners set the fit, and up to 5,000 grams of moisture per square metre can escape each day.

Match and feeder anglers who sit through wet days will feel at home in it. The Fortis Tundra Salopette DPM adds Primaloft and far higher breathability for a little more, while the Nash ZT Helluva Waterproof Bib and Brace Camo brings a Sherpa fleece lining and neoprene knee and seat cushioning.

To be fair, 5,000 grams per square metre is modest breathability for a long walk to your peg. For static match days in heavy rain, though, I think it's a tough, smart choice.

Built from Aquasense HD, a heavier fabric that grew out of Nash shelter covers, the ZT Helluva is a high-cut bib and brace for hard winters. It has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head, fully taped seams and a thick Sherpa fleece lining, so it's a waterproof and a warm layer in one.

Neoprene cushioning sits at the knees and seat, while extended calf zips and a wider gusset help it over boots. Storage covers a full-width fleece hand-warmer pocket, a zipped kangaroo pocket and a top-loading cargo pocket, and waists run from 28 to 52 inches.

Against the Preston DF Ultra 25K, it gives up a little waterproofing but adds the fleece lining, and the Fox RS25K Salopettes are a plainer shell you layer under yourself. For me, it suits carp anglers on long winter sessions who kneel on mats and want one garment for cold nights.

To be fair, the fleece makes it too warm for mild days, and it's a dearer bib. For static winter carp fishing, though, I think it's a seriously tough and warm choice.

Fox's RS25K Salopettes lead with a 25,000mm hydrostatic head, built from a triple-layer TPU laminate with fully taped seams and a water-resistant coated outer. That's a big waterproof figure for a mid-priced bib.

YKK waterproof zips, a two-way main zip backed by a storm baffle, padded knee panels and zipped boot access all add up. Elasticated Fox braces and a part-elasticated waist set the fit, and sizes run from S to 4XL, so most builds are covered.

Where the Nash ZT Helluva adds a Sherpa fleece lining, the RS25K stays a shell you layer under yourself. The Aqua F12 Thermal Trousers swap some waterproofing for hollowfibre warmth, so these suit anglers who sit out heavy rain and pick their own layers.

To be fair, 3,000 grams per square metre is modest breathability, so long walks to the swim may feel clammy. For static sessions in heavy rain, though, I think they're very strong value for a bib.

Hollowfibre insulation and a cross-weave silver lining give the Aqua Products F12 Thermal Trousers their warmth, and a waterproof, windproof two-ply shell keeps the weather out. The TPU membrane and fully taped seams give a 10,000mm hydrostatic head.

Breathability is 5,000 MVP, which is fair for an insulated trouser. An elasticated waistband with a Velcro fastening, adjustable hems and two water-resistant zipped pockets keep things simple and practical, and sizes run from S to 3XL.

For me, they suit carp and predator anglers who sit still through cold days and nights. The Fox RS25K Salopettes are more waterproof, while the Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers are built to pack into a rucksack but are only water resistant, so the F12 sits neatly between them.

To be fair, 10,000mm won't match a 25K bib in a long downpour. For static winter fishing, though, I think they're the best thermal trousers here, with warmth and waterproofing in one pair.

Light and packable, the Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers have a 3M Thinsulate lining for warmth without bulk on cold, dry days. They're water resistant rather than waterproof, so they work as an outer layer in all but severe conditions.

Waterproof reinforced camo patches cover the seat and knees, and the zipped pockets have fleece hand-warmer linings. An elasticated waist with flat drawcords, elasticated ankle cuffs and a regular fit make them easy to wear under waterproofs too.

Compared with the Aqua F12 Thermal Trousers, which add a TPU membrane and taped seams, these are built to pack tightly into a rucksack. The Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers are cooler summer wear, so the Air Cell fills the gap for mobile anglers on cold days.

To be fair, a heavy downpour will need a proper waterproof over the top. For roving winter sessions on a tight budget, though, I think they're superb value and very easy to carry.

Comfort Stretch fabric, a blend of 91% nylon, 6% elastane and 3% polyester, makes the Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers light and easy to move in. They aren't waterproof, so they're summer and mild-weather bank wear.

Six pockets cover the essentials, with two at the front, two at the rear and two on the legs. An elasticated waist with a belt loop, a zip fly and tapered cuffs give a tidy, comfortable fit, and sizes run from S to 3XL.

Unlike the Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers, these are for warm days rather than cold ones. The Ridgemonkey APEarel Cargo Trousers add more features, but the Fox keeps things simple, and for me it suits stalkers and day-ticket anglers who want one comfortable pair for the bank all summer.

To be fair, a shower will need overtrousers on top. For summer bank wear, though, I think they're the best cargo trousers here, with stretch and pockets in all the right places.

Made for warm-weather fishing, the Ridgemonkey APEarel Lightweight Classic Cargo Trousers use a lightweight, breathable material with stretch. They aren't waterproof, but articulated stretch panels and reinforced seams make them tough, mobile summer wear.

The feature list is long, with an integrated webbing belt and buckle clasp, a zip and stud fly and press-stud adjustable ankles. Storage runs to Velcro cargo pockets on the thighs and rear, deep mesh side pockets and zipped mesh thigh pockets, so small kit always has a home.

Alongside the Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers, they add the built-in belt, adjustable ankles and more storage, while the Fox is the simpler, cleaner pair. For me, they suit mobile carp anglers and stalkers who like every bit of small kit close to hand.

To be fair, rain will need overtrousers on top, and they cost more than plainer cargos. For summer sessions, though, I think they have the most practical pocket layout of any trousers in the group.