10 Best Hiking Pants for Men & Women

To hit the trails like a true hiker, hiking pants are a must. They offer a comfortable fit, durability, breathability, and water-resistance that can’t be found in other types of pants. What type of hiking pants will work best for you will depend on a variety of factors such as style and season. We’ve reviewed the best hiking pants on the market to make sure you’re fully prepared for your next adventure.

Quick Answer: Best Hiking Pants

Below is a list of the best women’s hiking pants and the best men’s hiking pants:

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi
• Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible
• prAna Stretch Zion
• Patagonia Quandary
• Kuhl Renegade Convertible
• Arc’teryx Gamma LT
• Fjallraven Vidda Pro
• REI Co-op Sahara Roll-Up
• The North Face Paramount Trail
• Outdoor Research Cirque Pant

What to Look For in Good Hiking Pants

These are the most important things to consider when you’re in the market for hiking pants.

1. Material

Most hiking pants are made of a nylon material. If you’re doing simpler hikes, this type of pants is fine. Nylon doesn’t have much stretch to it though, so if you’re going to be doing more active hiking, climbing, or bouldering, consider looking for pants that also have a bit of spandex in them. Pants with spandex will give you better range of motion.

You may also see some pants made of G-1000, a super durable material, or a lightweight nylon softshell which increases protection against water and wind. These are solid options as well depending on the type and location of the hiking you’ll be doing.

2. Thickness (Durability / Season Use)

Thickness is directly related to durability, resistance to tearing, and seasonal use. Most hiking pants are geared toward three-season use. They’re perfect for shoulder seasons, should be breathable in summer, and will even work into the early winter. When full winter temperatures hit, most hikers will either choose to wear a base layer under their pants for warmth or purchase a pair of thick, cold-weather hiking pants.

Thin pants designed for summer hikes do a better job keeping you cool, but they may be easily damaged by something like a simple brush up against a rock. These pants are fine for casual hikes, but you’ll probably want something more durable if you’ll be doing challenging hikes or climbs. Thicker pants will keep you warmer in cool conditions and they’re designed to be more durable and resistant to tears.

3. Pockets

Pockets are more important to some than others. You don’t want to weigh your pants down by filling your pockets, but they can be beneficial for carrying things like your phone or a map.

It’s important to consider the number of pockets as well as the type of pockets. Some prefer having zipper pockets to keep things secure and others are okay with standard front stash or back pockets.

4. Versatility (Convertible / Roll-Up Pants)

When it comes to versatility, we’re talking about pants that can be rolled up or zipped off into shorts. Buying these types of pants means you can pack less clothing for your adventures. These are typically popular among year-round travelers.

Roll-up pants are becoming more popular because they’re easier than zip-off pants. A button and some tabs will help secure the pant legs to help your legs cool off in a breeze.

Zip-off or “convertible” pants are still pretty popular, but not as simple. Zippers add weight to the pants and can be difficult to use. 

5. Weight

For hiking pants, weight may or may not be a deal-breaker. If you’re only hiking with the pair of pants you’re wearing, weight shouldn’t be a big deal. Unless you’re wearing pants heavier than one pound and are carrying things in your pockets, you probably won’t even notice the weight. If you’re traveling with several pair of pants in your hiking backpack, then you probably will want to be mindful of how much they weigh.

Also, if you do a lot of winter-weather hiking, heavier pants may be more beneficial to fight the wind and cold temperatures.

6. Resistance to Water

Many novice hikers think it’s best to look for the best waterproof hiking pants so they’re protected in all types of weather. The truth is that fully waterproof pants aren’t very breathable, so if you’re hiking in the summer you won’t want to be wearing fully waterproof pants.

When looking at many pairs of hiking pants you’ll see DWR (durable water repellent) coating. When hiking pants have a DWR coating, water will bead up and roll off. This type of coating is typically sufficient for most hikers. Also keep in mind that nylon material is quick-drying and won’t soak up large amounts of water.

7. Range of Motion

Not only does the material affect your range of motion, but gussets and articulated knees also play a big part.

Since many pants are straight-legged, articulated knees offer a natural bend in the knee area of the pants. A gusset is a fabric patch that takes the place of a traditional seam along the inner thigh. Gussets and articulated knees allow hikers to have a greater range of motion and generally make for a more comfortable pair of pants.

8. Adjustable Waistband

Finding pants that fit well can be a real challenge for some people. Adjustable waistbands will benefit those who are between sizes so the fit can be secure and comfortable.

Best Hiking Pants Reviews

Now that you know what to look for, here are the best pants for hiking.

Comfortable hiking pants are one of the best investments you can make for your hiking gear collection. Not only are they great for hiking, but they can also work well for climbing, trekking, and mountaineering. You’ll love discovering all of the benefits that come with quality hiking pants.