Kitting out growing children for the outdoors can get expensive fast, especially when you factor in jackets, boots and rucksacks as well as trousers. The good news is you do not need to spend a fortune to keep them comfortable and protected on walks, camps and school trips.
Here we have picked some of the best value junior trousers available at Go Outdoors for 2026, from simple waterproof overtrousers to stretchy softshell and versatile zip-off designs. All of them sit towards the cheaper end of the price range, but still feel like sensible choices rather than false economies.
Each pair has its own strengths: some keep the upfront cost as low as possible, while others add a few extra pounds for better comfort or flexibility. The aim is to help you save money, but also choose the right trousers for how your child actually spends time outside.
These recommendations are based on a close look at the specifications, stated fabrics and designs of each pair of trousers, along with pricing and how they fit into a realistic family budget. We are interested in how they will perform on real UK days out, not just how impressive they look on paper.
When we choose cheap kids’ trousers, we look for designs that still offer sensible weather protection, comfort and practicality for walking and camping. That means favouring models with usable pockets, simple adjustment and appropriate fabrics over those that are merely the very lowest price.
We also pay attention to brand track record and owner feedback where available, so that the budget picks we highlight feel like smart purchases that should cope with normal outdoor use, rather than kit that will fall apart after a couple of soggy weekends.
We started by looking at the lower-priced junior trouser options at Go Outdoors, focusing on walking, hiking and general outdoor use rather than pure fashion pieces. From there, we filtered for designs that offer at least a baseline of weather protection, comfort and practicality for active kids.
We deliberately avoided the absolute rock-bottom options that look likely to be uncomfortable, poorly cut or too flimsy for regular outdoor use. Instead, we prioritised trousers that give you decent fabrics or clever features, such as packable waterproofs, stretch softshell or zip-off legs, for only a small step up in price.
We also aimed to cover a spread of styles so different families can find a good fit: simple overtrousers that live in the rucksack, tougher all-day walking trousers, and flexible designs that work across seasons. The result is a shortlist of cheaper kids’ trousers that should still feel like money well spent in 2026.
Below you will find our favourite budget-friendly kids’ outdoor trousers for 2026, all available from Go Outdoors. Some are the outright cheapest in the category, while others cost a little more but justify that extra spend with better comfort or versatility.
Use the summaries to decide whether you want the lowest possible price, something more durable for regular walking, or a flexible pair that can cover both cool and warm days without having to buy multiple sets of kit.
Simple, packable waterproof overtrousers that keep cost and weight to a minimum, ideal for stashing in a school bag or daypack for sudden showers.
For the money, the Peter Storm Kids Packable Waterproof Pants are a very practical insurance policy against the weather. They are lightweight and pack down small, so they can live permanently in a rucksack or school bag without taking up much space. As simple pull-on waterproof overtrousers, they are easy to throw on over jeans, leggings or school uniform when a shower blows through. The basic design also means there is less to go wrong, making them a solid low-cost backup layer for wet walks, camps or outdoor clubs.
As basic overtrousers, the Packable Waterproof Pants are not designed to be especially breathable, so they can feel clammy if worn all day or during hard activity. They also lack the extra pockets and features you would find on more expensive walking trousers. If your child spends a lot of time outdoors, you may still want a more robust pair of everyday trousers underneath.
These packable waterproof pants are ideal for parents who just want a cheap, reliable pair of overtrousers to throw in a bag for school trips, cub camps or dog walks. They suit children who mostly wear normal clothes outdoors but need quick protection when a shower blows in. If your priority is a low price and low weight rather than all-day comfort, they are a smart buy.
Affordable, everyday walking trousers designed to cope with regular outdoor use without costing a fortune, great for weekends and school trips.
The Peter Storm Kids’ Ramble Trousers are all about value for everyday outdoor use. They are designed as proper walking trousers rather than pure overtrousers, so your child can wear them all day on the trail, at camp or on a residential trip. The fabric and cut are built with active use in mind, offering more comfort and practicality than casual school trousers or joggers. At this price point they are a sensible choice if you need something tougher than fashion wear but cannot justify premium technical kit for fast-growing kids.
At this affordable price, the Ramble Trousers are unlikely to use the most advanced fabrics, so you should not expect the stretch, breathability or weather protection of premium walking trousers. They may feel a bit warm and less breathable on very hot days, and heavy or persistent rain will still call for separate waterproof overtrousers. If you want something that adapts across seasons, the zip-off version or a softshell option might be a better fit.
The Ramble Trousers are a good fit for kids who spend regular time outside on walks, camps and residential trips but do not need highly technical gear. They suit families looking for a single, affordable pair of trousers that can handle everything from local woods to easy hill walks. If you want straightforward, fuss-free walking trousers at a wallet-friendly price, they are a strong option.
Softshell trousers that add warmth and comfort for cooler days, offering great value if your child spends a lot of time outdoors in changeable weather.
Regatta’s Kids’ Softshell Trousers give you a step up in comfort and warmth compared with thin, basic fabrics. Softshell material is naturally more wind-resistant and cosy, which helps keep legs comfortable on cooler days without needing extra layers underneath. They are also generally more flexible, so children can clamber, run and play without feeling restricted. Considering their modest price, they offer a very appealing balance between warmth, durability and everyday wearability for outdoor clubs, walks and camps.
Softshell trousers are not fully waterproof, so these will not replace proper waterproof overtrousers in heavy or prolonged rain. The extra warmth and heavier fabric can also feel a bit much in the height of summer, especially for children who run hot. If you are chasing the absolute rock-bottom price, there are slightly cheaper, simpler options on this list.
These softshell trousers are best for children who feel the cold or who are out in breezy, changeable weather for much of the year. They are a good choice for outdoor clubs, autumn hikes and spring camps where a bit of extra warmth and wind resistance goes a long way. If you are happy to add separate waterproofs for very wet days, they make an excellent core pair of walking trousers.
Versatile trousers that zip off into shorts, giving you two garments in one and saving money if you need kit that works across the seasons.
The Peter Storm Kids’ Ramble Zip Off Trousers pack a lot of versatility into a still-budget-friendly price. With removable legs, they can turn into shorts in seconds, which is ideal for changeable days or holidays where mornings are cool and afternoons are warm. This flexibility effectively gives you two pieces of kit from one purchase, saving both space in the bag and money in the long run. They are built as practical walking trousers too, so your child can wear them from campsite to summit without needing constant outfit changes.
Zip-off designs always have a few compromises: the zips add a little weight and bulk, and some children may find the zip area slightly less comfortable against the skin. There is also the perennial risk of losing one of the lower legs if it is not stored carefully. While still good value, they are a bit pricier than basic trousers, so if you only walk in cooler weather the zip-off feature may be unnecessary.
The Ramble Zip Off Trousers are made for kids who are constantly in and out of different temperatures, from cool mornings on the campsite to hot afternoon hikes. They are particularly useful for holidays, summer camps and family travel where suitcase space is limited but versatility is essential. If you prefer to buy one pair that can work as both shorts and trousers, they are a very cost-effective solution.
Stretchy walking trousers made for active kids, worth the small extra spend if you want better comfort and freedom of movement on longer hikes.
The Regatta Dayhike Stretch II Kids’ Trousers are aimed at more active young walkers and offer impressive capability for a relatively low outlay. The stretch fabric is designed to move with your child, making long days on the trail, scrambling over stiles or playing around camp more comfortable. They feel more like proper hiking trousers than casual wear, which is reassuring if your child is doing regular hillwalking or organised activities. For only a small bump in price over the very cheapest options, they promise better long-term comfort and performance.
The Dayhike Stretch II trousers are at the top end of this cheap shortlist, so families on the tightest budgets might prefer one of the simpler Peter Storm options. You are paying a bit more for comfort and stretch rather than headline waterproofing, so they will still need overtrousers in really wet conditions. For occasional, gentle use, their advantages over the cheaper models may not be fully appreciated.
The Dayhike Stretch II trousers are ideal for keen young walkers, Scouts or DofE participants who need something more technical but still budget-conscious. They suit families who are willing to spend a few extra pounds for better comfort and freedom of movement on longer or more demanding routes. If your child regularly heads into the hills and you want their trousers to keep up, this is the pair to look at.
