Ridgemonkey APEarel Lightweight Classic Cargo Trousers

How well is it built?

The fabric is lightweight and breathable, with plenty of stretch, and articulated stretch panels allow free movement.

Reinforced seams add strength at the joins, which is where cheap summer trousers tend to give way first when you're squatting at the water's edge or scrambling up a steep bank.

The hardware is a step up too. The integrated webbing belt has a buckle clasp, the fly closes with a zip and a stud, and the ankle openings adjust with press studs.

The zipped mesh thigh pockets use large branded pullers, which should be easy to grab with wet hands after slipping a fish back.

The Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers are the simpler design, with a belt loop rather than a built-in belt. The Ridgemonkey styling is clean too, in the brand's signature colourways with APEarel branding.

For a summer cargo trouser, I think the Ridgemonkey is very well put together, and 8.0 is a fair score.

Weather Protection

Can cargo trousers handle the weather? Only up to a point. These are lightweight trousers for warm weather, not waterproofs, and that's why weather protection scores 6.5.

In a proper downpour they'll get wet, so it's worth packing waterproof overtrousers such as the Navitas Aquaguard 20K Waterproof Trouser in the rucksack if showers are forecast.

What they do well is summer weather. The breathable material should let heat and sweat escape on a hot afternoon, and the full-length legs keep the sun, nettles and biting insects off your skin, which is why plenty of anglers prefer them to shorts.

The press-stud ankles can be closed down around your boots or opened up for a bit of airflow.

For me, that's exactly what summer bank trousers should do, and the score reflects the job they're made for rather than a fault. Judged as warm-weather wear, they're very good, but don't mistake them for a waterproof.

Comfort & Fit Rating

The APEarel trousers are built around movement.

The stretchy fabric and articulated stretch panels should let you crouch, kneel and climb without the fabric pulling, and the elasticated waistband with its integrated webbing belt makes it easy to get a secure fit without hunting for a separate belt.

Storage is the other big plus. There are large Velcro cargo pockets on the thighs and rear for bigger items, deep mesh side pockets for your hands, and zipped mesh thigh pockets for a phone, keys or a licence.

That's a lot of storage, and the zips on the thigh pockets should stop small items falling out when you sit down on a bucket or bedchair.

The press-stud ankles let you tailor the hem to boots or trainers, and the elasticated waist should stay comfortable when you're sat behind the rods for hours. For warm-weather comfort, I think they're excellent, and 8.5 is a fair score.

Is it good value for money?

Are they worth it? They sit towards the top end for summer cargo trousers, and that's why value scores 8.0 rather than higher.

What you get for the money is the integrated belt, the articulated stretch panels, reinforced seams, adjustable ankles and a pocket layout that's hard to beat.

If you want something simpler, the Fox Khaki LW Cargo Trousers give you stretch and six pockets in a cleaner design.

If you want a trouser for colder days, the Nash ZT Air Cell Trousers add a Thinsulate lining and are water resistant, so they make a sensible winter partner to a summer cargo trouser.

Overall, I'd recommend the APEarel Lightweight Classic Cargo Trousers to carp anglers, stalkers and mobile anglers who fish through spring and summer and like having every bit of small kit close to hand.

They'll suit anyone who likes the clean Ridgemonkey styling too, and they're smart enough to wear off the bank.