Propper Lithos and Aeros Trousers
- Last updated: 07/08/2024
Already a well-established name for backpacks, Propper also produces a wide range of clothing designed for practical outdoor use, including some good quality trousers.
Lithos
The Lithos trousers are 98% cotton and 2% spandex, and the material is relatively thick and heavy, giving a good level of durability and protection. Additional reinforcement at stress points further enhances the durability, and the articulated knee areas increase comfort. The snap button on the waistband is large and strong, and the fly is a durable YKK zipper with a decent-sized pull tab. There are five reinforced belt loops, and they are sized and positioned so they support any attachments, like a knife, very well.
There are two large hand pockets and two back pockets, all with a reinforced tool clip edge, plus there’s a smaller sleeve pocket on the side to accommodate a phone. Despite the Lithos trousers being relatively thick, they have a ‘relaxed fit’ and are very comfortable and unrestrictive.
Aeros
Very much a summer-wear option, the Aeros trousers are made of a much lighter material than the Lithos, making them ideal for hotter weather. They are still durable and breathable, with the same snap button and zipper fly, but the pocket provision is different. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment helps the material resist dirt and also provides some degree of moisture resistance.
There are two large front hand pockets (with reinforced tool clip edges), two sleeve pockets on the back, two vertical zippered pockets on the front of the thighs, a sleeve phone pocket on the left, and one more sleeve pocket on the right. All of the pockets are well-sized and practical. However, the small storm flaps on the zippered pockets are just the right size to catch in the zip if you are not careful. If you fold them out of the way with one hand and operate the zip with the other, this avoids the problem.
There are five reinforced belt loops, which are big enough to take even the widest belt, and the waistband is slightly elasticated to give a more comfortable fit.
The Aeros trousers are extremely comfortable, and if you use the size guide on the Military 1st website, you can get a good fit. Wearing the trousers on a very hot day, your legs do not sweat, and they provide a good level of protection when pushing your way through bushes and undergrowth.
Conclusion
Both pairs of trousers are available in a range of colours and sizes, and the size guide is accurate and reliable. If there is a downside, it is that they can be awkward to iron, due to the design of the panelling, the cut, and the material. The best thing to do is hang them up straight and leave them to dry. This results in minimal creases and mitigates the need for any ironing.