If you just want a reliable pair of outdoor trousers without spending a fortune, it can be hard to know which budget options are actually worth buying. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ve picked out some of the cheapest men’s trousers and shorts at Go Outdoors that still offer sensible fabrics, comfort and practicality for walking, camping and everyday outdoor use. The focus is on keeping costs low while avoiding the kind of flimsy kit that feels like false economy.
You’ll find everything from breathable sports shorts for summer trails to classic walking trousers and versatile zip-off designs. Some are the absolute lowest price choices, while others cost a touch more but give you extra flexibility or comfort for only a few pounds more.
These recommendations are based on the same approach we use for higher-end gear: looking closely at the fabrics, design details, brand track record and value for money, rather than just sorting by the lowest price tag. We focus on options that should feel comfortable and practical on real walks, not just in a product photo.
We compare what you get at each price point, including features like fit, adjustability and versatility, and consider how well each pair is likely to cope with typical UK use from park walks to low-level trails. Where customer ratings are available, we use them as a sense check to steer away from models that attract consistent complaints.
Our aim is simple: highlight cheap trousers and shorts that still feel like a smart purchase, while being honest about where spending a little more on another pair in the list might make sense.
We started by looking at some of the lowest priced men’s trousers and shorts in the Go Outdoors range, focusing on styles that fit outdoor life: walking, camping, travel and general active use. From there, we stripped out anything that looked too basic or fashion-led to cope with regular trips outside.
We then compared fabrics, cut and practical details such as pockets and adjustability. Where there were options at similar prices, we favoured designs that offer more versatility, like convertible legs, or that come from long-standing outdoor brands with a solid reputation for value.
Because this guide is all about cheaper options, every pick here sits towards the budget end of the range for its style. At the same time, we’ve tried to give a spread of choices: ultra-affordable sports shorts for warm weather, classic walking trousers for all-round use, and convertible designs if you want maximum flexibility from a single purchase.
Below you’ll find our favourite budget-friendly men’s trousers and shorts for 2026, all available through Go Outdoors. Each one offers solid everyday performance for the price, whether that’s breathable comfort for summer miles or simple, dependable fabric for year-round walks.
Some pairs are all about keeping upfront cost to a minimum, while others ask you to spend a little more in exchange for added versatility or comfort. Use the summaries to match your choice to how, where and how often you actually get outside.
Lightweight, breathable mesh shorts from Under Armour that give you a cheap, no-fuss option for summer walks, campsite life and everyday training.
For the price, these Under Armour Tech Mesh Shorts offer excellent breathability, making them a great choice for hot days, fast-paced walks or campsite chores. The mesh fabric helps moisture escape quickly, so they feel cool and comfortable when you start to warm up. As a sports-focused design they also sit well for gym sessions, runs and general training, so you get plenty of use beyond hiking. Being shorts, they pack down very small, which is handy if you want a backup pair in your rucksack or travel bag.
As lightweight mesh shorts, they don’t offer any meaningful protection from wind, brambles or strong sun on your legs, so they’re not ideal for rougher trails or cooler days. They also lack the more technical pocket layouts and tough fabric panels you’ll find on dedicated walking shorts. If you want something for big hill days or mixed-weather hikes, one of the full-length trouser options on this list will be a safer bet.
Ideal if you want the cheapest, lightest option for summer walks, park runs and campsite life, and you’re not too worried about leg protection. They suit active people who like kit that can double up for the gym or general fitness as well as outdoor use. If you mostly get outside in fair weather and prefer a cool, minimal feel, these shorts tick the right boxes without costing much.
Simple, affordable walking trousers from Peter Storm that focus on comfort and practicality, ideal if you want a budget-friendly all-rounder for UK paths.
The Peter Storm Ramble II Trousers are designed as straightforward walking trousers, which is exactly what you want at this price point. They are typically made from practical, easy-care fabric that copes well with everyday trails and dries much faster than heavy cotton. The cut usually offers enough room to move without feeling baggy, so they work just as well for dog walks and pub lunches as they do for a weekend in the Lakes. For only a little more than basic joggers, you get a pair of trousers built with the outdoors in mind, which is strong value if you’re just getting into walking.
At this price you shouldn’t expect advanced stretch fabrics or heavy-duty reinforcements, so these are better suited to paths and easy trails than constant scrambling on rough rock. They may also feel a bit warm and basic in very hot weather compared with lighter technical fabrics. If you regularly head into demanding mountain terrain or walk in intense heat, spending more on a higher-spec trouser could be worthwhile.
A great choice for walkers who want one affordable pair of trousers for dog walks, low-level trails and everyday outdoor use. They suit anyone building a first set of walking kit on a tight budget, or those who only head out a few times a month and don’t want to overspend. If you value simple practicality over technical features, they’re a sensible default pick.
Versatile zip-off trousers that switch between full leg coverage and shorts, giving you two options in one at a still very reasonable price.
The Ramble II Convertible Trousers give you a lot of flexibility for the money, thanks to legs that zip off to create shorts. This makes them ideal for trips where weather and temperatures are hard to predict, saving you from buying and packing separate trousers and shorts. The base design is very similar to the standard Ramble II, so you still get a comfortable everyday walking cut and sensible pockets. For walkers who like to travel light or head away on multi-day trips, that two-in-one versatility is a real bonus at this budget level.
The extra zips add a bit of weight and bulk compared with simple trousers, and some people find the zip lines noticeable around the thighs. As a budget convertible they’re unlikely to have the premium stretch and weather protection of more expensive technical models. If you rarely use shorts, you may be better off saving money and choosing a straight walking trouser instead.
Best for walkers and travellers who want one budget-friendly pair to cover a range of conditions, from cool mornings to warm afternoons. They suit people who like to pack light for holidays, camping trips and multi-day adventures, and don’t want to carry separate shorts and trousers. If you’re willing to pay a little more than the basic Ramble II for extra versatility, they’re an attractive option.
Casual adidas fleece pants that work as cosy camp trousers or off-duty wear, bringing big-brand comfort to your kit bag without breaking the bank.
The adidas Essentials 3-Stripes Fleece Pants are all about comfort, bringing soft, cosy fleece fabric into a relaxed, sporty cut. They’re great value if you want something to pull on around camp, in the caravan or at home after a long day outside. The familiar 3-Stripes styling also means they look good enough for everyday wear, so they won’t be confined to your walking drawer. For colder conditions and relaxed activities they offer an appealing balance of warmth, brand quality and price.
Fleece pants are not designed for wet or windy hill days, so they’re not a substitute for proper walking trousers on the trail. They will also feel too warm and bulky in mild or wet weather, and the fabric won’t shed moisture as quickly as lighter, more technical materials. If you want one pair to hike in year-round, a dedicated walking trouser will be far more versatile.
Perfect if you’re looking for cosy, affordable trousers to wear around camp, in the van or at home after a day outside. They’re also a good option for casual walks in cold, dry weather or quick trips to the shops when you want something comfortable and relaxed. If you like your outdoor wardrobe to double as loungewear, these make a lot of sense on a budget.
Double-zip Peter Storm trousers designed for flexibility in mixed conditions, offering more adaptability than standard walkers while staying affordable.
These Peter Storm Ramble II Double-zip Trousers aim to combine the practicality of classic walkers with extra adaptability from their double-zip design. That added flexibility can make them easier to get on and off over boots, which is useful when conditions change during the day. As part of the Ramble family they share the same sensible outdoor focus, with a cut and fabric intended for regular walking rather than fashion. For a modest step up in cost from the very cheapest options, you’re getting trousers that are better suited to the stop-start reality of UK weather.
The extra zip features add a little complexity compared with the standard Ramble II, and not everyone will need that added functionality. Like the rest of the Ramble range, the fabric and cut are geared more towards everyday walking than serious mountaineering, so regular use on rough ground may reveal the limits of a budget build. If simplicity is your priority, the cheaper Ramble II might make more sense.
Well suited to walkers who often find themselves changing layers around the car or campsite and want trousers that are easier to deal with over boots. They’re a good pick if you walk regularly in mixed UK weather and want a bit more adaptability than basic trousers, but still need to keep costs under control. If you already like Peter Storm’s Ramble fit and want a slightly more capable version, this is the pair to look at.
