KEELA MACHU TROUSERS (£74.95)
These are described as “trekking trousers with insect shield repellent” that “protect you from bugs”, “offer UPF protection” (UPF50), and are breathable. So, they’re good for sunny places with potential for insect bites.
I was very impressed. The fit is described as “active” and “slim”, so if they work for you that’s flattering! They have a synthetic, but pleasant enough, feel, have some stretch in them (the fabric is 96% nylon and 4% spandex), were very comfy to wear, and not too warm. The waist fastens with a popper (which worked fine), there are belt loops and four pockets. The freedom of movement these allow is great, helped, I presume, by a bit of stretch in the material and the articulated knees.
The pocketing includes two hand pockets and one rear pocket. All of these pockets have zips, and are of a reasonable depth, though they could, perhaps, be a little bit deeper. The fourth pocket is tucked away in one of the hand pockets. It’s a good pocket, but it did take me a little while to discover it! It’s a zip-up pocket, with mesh on one side, that folds out of the right-hand pocket; a secure place to stash a few credit cards or some bank notes or coins. These trousers don’t have a cargo pocket, so if that’s important to you, take a look at Keela’s Peru trousers.
A lack of biting insects meant that I couldn’t put ‘Insect Shield’ to the test, but I have heard very good things about it. Permethrin is the active ingredient. It will stay bonded to the fabric for 70 washes, and, according to the blurb, repels mosquitoes, midges, ticks, flies and more.
Washing these trousers is simple enough – a 30°C machine wash it says on the label. A different tag, the Insect Shield label, recommends that you wash them separately from other clothing. In practice, I suspect most owners won’t be doing that. However you wash them, they are quick drying.
The Machus are lightweight – mine weighed just 281g – and fold down very small, which makes them very good for travel to warm climes. I really liked wearing them. These are highly recommended. And there’s a women’s version, as well. 28-44” waist, in short, regular, or long. In olive, sand, navy or denim. Made in India. www.keelaoutdoors.com