The Best Hiking Pants
Hiking pants offer comfort, protection from rain and wind, and a variety of features that make them ideal for any backcountry adventure. But finding the best hiking pants can be a daunting task.
The main criteria to consider include materials, fit, and comfort. These criteria will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect pair of pants for any hiker. 1. REI Co-op Rainier Pants
REI Co-op’s Rainier Pants offer excellent performance for an affordable price. They’re made from a moisture-wicking, recycled ripstop nylon that shields rain and winds up to 60 mph while still providing solid breathability.
REI offers these pants in both men’s and women’s sizes, so you should be able to find an option that works for your body type. They also come in a variety of colors and are offered at a good value for the price.
Comfort is a big concern for hiking, so it’s worth comparing each pair you consider to ensure that they fit comfortably. The main criteria are whether they feel restrictive or restrict range of motion, and how they feel around the waistband and ankle zippers.
Some rain pants have a stretch fabric that allows them to bend and move as you hike, making them incredibly comfortable. However, they may be a bit heavier than non-stretch pants and are more expensive. 2. Patagonia Altvia Trail Pants
Patagonia's mission statement is one of the most simple and effective statements in the world: “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
They have a reputation for making the best quality, easy-to-wear outdoor clothing that leaves the least negative impact. Their philosophy is backed up by their commitment to the environment and their pledge to give back at least one percent of every sale.
The Altvia Trail Pants are a great choice for active hikers, featuring a blend of lightweight recycled polyester and stretchable Elastane that wicks moisture well and has a postproduction PFC-free* DWR finish. The fabric is also designed to dry quickly and offers 4-way stretch for freedom of movement.
They have a slim fit and feature a gusseted crotch, mesh-lined ventilation from the hips to the knee, two hand pockets and a thigh pocket with zippers – all designed for hiking and climbing in a variety of seasons. A women's model is also available. 3. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
A breathable, lightweight pair of pants is important for any outdoor adventurer. These Silver Ridge Cargo Pants from Columbia feature a moisture-wicking interior layer that will keep you dry and comfortable all day long. The pants also feature Omni-Shade UV protection to help block out harmful rays.
Another important thing to consider when looking for the best hiking pants is the fit. Depending on your body type you may want to look for a more relaxed or tighter fit.
These Silver Ridge Cargo Pants from Columbia are made from 100% nylon and feature their signature ripstop fabric. They are also crafted with recycled polyester and polyester mesh for comfort and durability.
One great feature of these pants is the ability to convert them into shorts when needed. Convertible pants are popular among hikers and outdoor adventurers because they are easy to wear and adapt quickly to changing weather conditions. 4. REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants
The REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants are a soft-shell hiking pant that’s great for shoulder seasons and cooler weather. They’re made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex that offers moisture-wicking and water-repellence for comfort and durability. The gusset crotch and articulated knees also increase mobility range and help you move more freely on the trail.
These pants are also very breathable, which is important when wearing a pack and climbing gear. They’re also wind-resistant up to 35 mph, so you can wear them in a variety of terrains.
The Activator 3.0 has some nice features, such as a sewn-in belt rather than a belt loop, and drawcords that can tighten around your ankles to keep debris and snow out or cinch them over boots. The cinch can also hold your legs in place when you roll them up. 5. Marmot Arch Rock Pants
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newbie, you need a pair of pants that can adapt to your needs. The best hiking pants will offer a comfortable fit, high mobility, and protection from the elements in a variety of environments.
The Marmot Arch Rock Pants are performance-ready for hiking, climbing, or hanging out in the great outdoors. They’re made with abrasion-resistant nylon that can handle jagged branches or rough rocks, while the stretch construction and inseam gusset allow for plenty of movement when you need to sidestep an obstacle.
They're also made with bluesign®-approved fabric, which meets standards to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. The pants have plenty of features to help you climb to the top without holding you back, including UPF 50-rated fabric that blocks UV rays and a water-repellent DWR finish that keeps you dry. Plus, they have front hand pockets and zipper side pockets to stash your gear and keys while you hike. 6. Kuhl Renegade Pants
Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants are one of the most popular hiking pants on the market today. They’re comfortable with well-hidden leg zips and big pockets.
They’re a great choice for hot weather hikes because they’re light and breathable. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any man’s needs.
The Kuhl Renegade pants are made from a fabric called DuraLux, which is 95% nylon and 5% Spandex treated with a water-resistant coating of DWR (Detergent Wash Resistant). It’s also abrasion resistant and quick to dry.
It’s the abrasion resistance that really stands out here, and it’s why these pant are rated as durable enough to take a beating on rough terrain. In addition to that, the Renegade pants offer UPF 50 sun protection and good water resistance, so you don’t have to worry about catching a drop or soaking them during a rainstorm. 7. Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants
The Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants are tough hiking pants designed by Fjallraven, a Swedish outdoor clothing company that specializes in expedition gear. They are made with G-1000 Eco fabric, a durable and water-resistant blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
In addition to being durable and weatherproof, the G-1000 Eco fabric is a good choice for a pair of hiking pants because it’s lightweight and quick-drying. Additionally, it’s breathable and comes with UV protection.
During our test, the Vidda Pro Pants performed well in cold and wet climates. They are also lightweight and offer a great athletic fit that keeps the legs moving freely.
The Vidda Pro Pants have six pockets that make them ideal for organizing tools and navigation instruments on long backcountry trips. They also feature a gaiter hook that attaches to your boots and reinforced knees. best mountain bike for 1000 dollars 8. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
If you’re looking for a pair of highly functional and durable hiking pants, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a good option. They’re a long-time award winner and best seller and are ideal for all your rugged adventures.
They’re made with 46% recycled nylon, which helps them to stay lightweight without sacrificing features. They’re also highly breathable and offer moderate water resistance, making them an excellent choice for backcountry hikes.
The Ferrosi also comes with a UPF 50+ rating, which means they’re ideally suited for sun protection. This is important for anyone who spends a lot of time outside in the sun, as UV rays can cause skin damage and even cancer.
Another nice feature of these pants is that they have two hand pockets. This is great if you’re going to be carrying a small amount of equipment on your trip, as it will mean that you don’t have to worry about them falling out when you’re moving around. 9. Sherpa Chino Pants
One of the most competitive segments of the outdoor clothing market is hiking and travel pants. But Sherpa Adventure Gear managed to stand out from the crowd with their Gurkhali travel pants, a pair of chinos that look and feel like they were made specifically for your next hike or mountain climb. They have a great fit and excellent durability, thanks to their integrated dyneema fabrics.
Sherpa's design is rooted in the company's Nepalese heritage, with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for superior mobility. Their fabrics are also abrasion resistant and two-way stretch, which makes these chinos extremely comfortable. They can be worn as your go-to pair of hiking pants, or as a smart alternative to jeans for casual occasions. And, as with their other Sherpa pieces, they are backed by their team of expert mountaineers and trekkers, including guides for Mount Everest summits. They have high performance and superior quality that rivals the best of the competition.