Craghoppers Kiwi alternatives

[FoxEye]

Apparently the "new" Kiwis are terribad. Amazon's user reviews highlight a massive decline in quality since they updated the design. Cheaper construction, shallow pockets (etc), which is a shame as I've virtually lived in my old ones, but they're knackered now.

The greatness of classic Kiwis was multi-pronged:

*Cheap (as chips)
*Quick drying with just body heat
*Lightweight
*Loose fitting & comfortable
*Smart enough to wear like normal trousers

I'm looking for something to tick most of those boxes, but chances are I'll have to pay a fair bit more than the £18 my old Kiwis cost me.

Anyone have some good experiences with Rohans, Montanes, etc?

 

[#Chri5#]

As the owner of numerous pairs of Kiwi and winter-lined Kiwis, it's sad day if they have been "improved"

The alternatives from Montane & Rab have always been tempting but were much more expensive than Kiwis.

 

[Dave M]

Go-outdoors have some cheap ones called pro-climate, they dry faster and still have decent zipped pockets.

Best thing I ever did was buy some mountain equipment trousers though.

 

[FoxEye]

Field tested my new 5.11 Taclite Pros today. The brambles made a mockery of my legs once again

Sure the trousers don't look damaged (only slightly), but the brambles go straight through and tear me to shreds.

The Kiwis were no protection at all vs brambles, these Taclites are slightly better (and heavier), but still no real protection. Going to have to start wearing Kevlar I think!

 

[FoxEye]

As the owner of numerous pairs of Kiwi and winter-lined Kiwis, it's sad day if they have been "improved"

The alternatives from Montane & Rab have always been tempting but were much more expensive than Kiwis.

A pair of the new Kiwis just arrived through my letterbox, £15 inc free del, not bad

Sadly, they're junk. Just like all the online reviews said, they have ruined them completely.

1. The material is now super thin, and more like linen than the rugged technical trouser of the old Kiwi.
2. The pockets are 1/2 as deep. Not good for holding things with any confidence, like your keys.
3. The cut is OK, but much less generous.
4. The new belt is junk.

I'm glad I only bought one pair, tbh. Was tempted at that price to buy loads

Field tested my new 5.11 Taclite Pros today. The brambles made a mockery of my legs once again

Sure the trousers don't look damaged (only slightly), but the brambles go straight through and tear me to shreds.

The Kiwis were no protection at all vs brambles, these Taclites are slightly better (and heavier), but still no real protection. Going to have to start wearing Kevlar I think!

The 5.11 Taclites have not faired well. Brambles tear them to shreds (as does barbed wire, but that's expected). The rip-stop doesn't stop them tearing - seems to be a gimmick.

I think the multi-use trouser is a bit of a red herring. I need heavy duty canvas trousers and something to replace the (now awful) Kiwis for everyday use.

RIP Craghopper Kiwis. You were once the only trouser I needed. Now you suck

 

[Lethal`]

Yep, new ones suck

This summer I bought a range of new trousers from Amazon. They were all far cheaper than outdoors stores at ~£30 and free returns meant I just bought loads and kept the good ones!

Marmot Cruz Convertible... I really like these. Nice and light.

Berghaus Lonscale Zip off... also great, a bit thicker for cooler climates. Unfortunately no hem zips so more tricky to get off over boots.

North Face Triberg Pass... Quite nice. Elasticated knees are great.

Edit: oh thread resurrection.