Outdoor trousers: waterproof, robust and practical – trekking trousers, short & zip-off in the test

Outdoor pants – The right outdoor clothing is the be-all and end-all when camping!
On a camping vacation and especially when hiking, you have to be prepared for anything, as the weather can sometimes throw a spanner in the works.
To make sure you are prepared for anything and can enjoy a carefree time regardless of the temperatures, you should also think about suitable waterproof outdoor pants when packing your clothing.
Find out more about the advantages of different models here.

So you’re prepared for any weather when camping

Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a trip lasting several weeks with a roof tent – the weather can always change when camping.
But that’s no problem with the right camping trousers!
Robust, windproof, waterproof and breathable trousers are probably the most important accessory, especially for sporty leisure activities, hikes or bike tours.
You don’t have to worry about whether your trousers will withstand the weather and can concentrate fully on your vacation and your time in nature.
Thanks to the right outdoor trousers, nothing stands in the way of an eventful excursion!

What makes a good pair of outdoor pants?

What should I look out for when buying my camping pants?
In general, your trousers should always be breathable and comfortable to wear.
However, in colder regions, you should make sure that your trousers have a high cotton content and are robust and hard-wearing.
It is also important that your trousers are bite-resistant so that mosquitoes have no chance of biting through them.
Sufficient pockets are also an important criterion, as you always need to have more with you when hiking than you might initially think.
If you are traveling in very warm regions, UV protection is always recommended.
Even if you don’t think so, sunburn can also occur through your trousers and ruin the rest of your vacation plans.
You should consider the following features when buying:

  • Breathable but robust
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Water and wind resistant
  • Bite-proof (safe from mosquito bites)
  • Sufficient number of pockets
  • UV protection

With good and suitable outdoor pants, you can enjoy your time in nature even in bad weather! Depending on the destination and duration of your trip, one or two pairs of trousers may be more worthwhile for you.

Are you looking for a pair of pants that offer great value for money?
Then take a look here for outdoor pants in the test!

Otherwise, here are some recommended types of camping pants with useful information and advantages:

Trekking trousers: robust & lightweight for camping

If you are looking for wild adventures and exciting leisure activities when camping, trekking trousers are the best choice.
Made from polyamide, these trousers are not only very lightweight and breathable, but also impress with their robust and hard-wearing design.
They are waterproof and windproof, but also cold-resistant and, as a very special highlight, are also equipped with numerous pockets so that you always have all your important items to hand.
As it fits relatively close to the body, it is also comfortable and stylish to look at and can be worn all day without any problems.

That’s why trekking pants are recommended

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Robust and hard-wearing
  • Easy to store and transport
  • Water and wind resistant
  • Cold resistant
  • Numerous pockets

Shorts: a comfortable alternative in warm weather

When camping, however, you not only have to be prepared for very cold and bad weather, but sometimes also for extremely warm temperatures.
It also makes sense to pack shorts.
However, these should also be suitable for outdoor activities and therefore be made of synthetic materials or wool.
Either way, the corresponding shorts are robust and hard-wearing, but also breathable and quick-drying, making them ideal for a nature vacation in warm regions.

The advantages of outdoor shorts

  • Suitable for very warm regions / temperatures
  • Synthetic materials or wool
  • Robust and hard-wearing
  • Breathable and quick-drying

Zip-off trousers: 2-in1 function for any weather

Another very practical option for camping is zip-off trousers, which are suitable for both warm and cold temperatures.
They combine the advantages of normal trekking trousers, but can also be zipped off, which is useful in very warm weather.
Particularly on longer day trips where you set off in the morning when it is still relatively fresh and are out and about all day, it is a good idea to start with the long version and shorten it easily and simply in the midday sun.

Zip-off trousers are suitable for this

  • Practical in cold and warm weather
  • Advantages of trekking pants
  • Can be separated with a zipper

Rain trousers: small pack size, waterproof & wind-repellent

What do you do if it rains all the time on your camping vacation?
No need to despair here either!
If you don’t want to miss out on anything even in bad weather and rain and want to continue your trip as planned, you should pack a suitable pair of rain trousers as well as a rain jacket.
These are very light and easy to transport and should therefore always be carried in your rucksack so that you can easily put them on if the weather suddenly changes.
They not only ensure that you are protected from the rain, but are also wind-repellent, breathable and, if necessary, lined to keep you warm.

What makes rain trousers so convincing

  • Small pack size / easy to transport
  • Quick to put on / wide cut
  • Rain-repellent
  • Wind and weatherproof
  • Robust and breathable

Definition: Waterproof vs. water-repellent

Of course you don’t want to get your legs wet if you’re buying outdoor pants for your camping vacation.
But do you really need completely waterproof outdoor trousers?
Many pants are described as water-repellent, but what is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent and which type is more recommended for a vacation in the great outdoors?
In this video, you can find out the most important differences and get some informative explanations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTOnD53q2L4

Reading tips! Outdoor clothing for camping

To make sure you’re prepared for your outdoor vacation, you can read more articles on the right clothing for camping here as an alternative to waterproof outdoor trousers.

Outdoor jacket: 3-in-1 function, wind & waterproof

Outdoor jacket – As there can always be temperature fluctuations, you should also get yourself a suitable jacket.
Whatever the season, you should always have an outdoor jacket with you to protect you from rain, wind and cold.
Read all about the different types and advantages of an outdoor jacket here:

Trekking and hiking boots: waterproof outdoor shoes

Trekking and hiking boots – Since you can’t control the weather, it can be rainy and wet on some days.
Whether for a short excursion, a sporty leisure activity or generally for your time at the campsite – the right footwear is essential for a carefree and eventful vacation and should therefore definitely be on your packing list. Read more here:

Functional underwear: protection for (winter) athletes

Functional underwear – As the name suggests, functional underwear is a special type of underwear.
There are different models which, on the one hand, draw perspiration to the surface so that you are protected from unpleasant odors and moisture.
On the other hand, there are thermal functional underwear to protect against hypothermia, which release heat more slowly thanks to their good insulating properties.
Find out more here:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum body
Wheels
Terrain values
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum structure
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.