With the proper gear, exploring the great outdoors isn’t just easier—it’s also much more comfortable. You’ll need to wear the right hiking boots or trail runners, of course, but it’s equally as important to find a pair of hiking pants that support your adventures. With so many different styles on the market catering to various climates and conditions—not to mention fit preferences—choosing the best hiking pants that suit you is the first step in setting yourself up for success on the trail.
The best hiking pants combine stretch, durability and versatility to maximize your comfort on long … [+] treks.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
Each pair of hiking pants has its own strengths and weaknesses. In terms of materials, dual-layer softshell weaves deliver insulation and protection against the cold, while polyester blends offer superior breathability. Quick-drying fabrics are designed to absorb and dispel moisture quickly (great for sweating en route to the summit or hand-washing your pants on a backpacking trip), while those with built-in stretch offer a snug fit that allows you to move with fluidity (as a result, your pants will be less likely to snag on shrubbery or rocks). And then, of course, there are convertible hiking pants—pants that convert to shorts—which let you keep your pack light as you switch up the length of your bottoms based on weather conditions.
To help narrow down your choice, we’ve compiled our recommendations for the best hiking pants in a variety of categories with options for both men and women. Use this list as your go-to guide for seasons to come, because there’s never been a better time to get outside and conquer a new trail.
Fit: Standard | UPF: 50+ | Waterproof: No | Season: All | Size range: 28 to 42
The Ferrosi pants are legendary in the hiking world. The term Ferrosi refers specifically to the fabric, a best-selling material that’s breathable, stretchy and weather-protective. The fabric is also resistant to rips and tears, which can come in handy if you’re out hiking among thick shrubbery and jagged rocks where hiking pants might snag. Made from a recycled nylon blend, they can handle snow, rocks, trails and wet adventures (just pair them with a warm base layer in cold weather), so you won’t need multiple pairs for every season or scenario.
Pros:
Breathable, eco-friendly, tear-resistant material
Great for all seasons
Cons:
Some reviewers note that the fabric has pilled after multiple wears
Other styles to consider: The Ferrosi Convertible Pants transform into shorts with a quick zip, making them idea for warm-weather hikes. And the Ferrosi Joggers strike the right balance between a tailored and relaxed performance fit.
Best Hiking Pants For Women Overall
Classic, Comfortable Pants For Various Conditions
Kühl
Kühl Freeflex Roll-Up Pant
Fit: Relaxed | UPF: 50+ | Waterproof: No | Season: All | Size range: 0 to 16
Designed for serious and casual hikers alike, we’ve found the Kühl Freeflex hiking pants to be extremely versatile. They have just the right amount of stretch and rebound to fit a woman’s body without constricting movement or becoming baggy over time. The fabric is lightweight, moisture-resistant and quick-drying, and it also features built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. Pant legs can be rolled up and secured with a snap to regulate temperature, making these great for both hot and cold seasons, or even a single full-day hike when the temperature shifts dramatically throughout the day.
Pros:
Lightweight, quick-drying fabric provides ideal balance of stretch and rebound
Adjustable pant legs for temperature control
Cons:
Some reviewers disliked the low-rise waist
Other styles to consider: The Trekr Pant easily coverts into cinch-up capris, and the Klash Pant is crafted with abrasion and water-resistant fabric, making it ideal for rugged hiking.
Best Winter Hiking Pants
For Men And Women: Fleece-Lined Pants For Frigid Conditions
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Lined Pants
Fit: Regular | UPF: 50+ | Waterproof: No | Season: Fall, winter, spring | Size range: 33/34 to 42/34 (men) and 0 to 24W (women)
The tricky thing about hiking in cold weather is that you want to stay warm, but not too warm. Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro hiking pants are lined with stretchy fleece to combat biting winds without trapping moisture or sweat inside. The exterior has a DWR coating so snow, sleet and freezing rain flows off the fabric instead of soaking into it. The men’s style comes in both regular and tall, and the women’s version is also highly rated and inclusively sized (regular, petite, tall and plus sizes up to 24W).
Pros:
Two-way stretch fabric provides comfort and fit
Moisture-resistant and warm-yet-breathable fabric
Cons:
Only ideal for cold weather
Other styles to consider: The Cloud Cap Rain Pants are an ultra-lightweight option that you can fold up and stash in a pocket, and the Guide Pro End To Ender Pants won’t bunch up when you thread your shoelaces through eyelets at the hem.
Best Hiking Pants For Hot Weather
For Men: Convertible Pants Designed To Keep You Cool
Fit: Standard | UPF: 50+ | Waterproof: No | Season: Spring, summer, fall | Size range: 30W to 44W
While you can certainly wear hiking shorts in hot weather, there are times when you’d rather not expose your calves and ankles to the blistering sun, biting bugs or abrasive rocks and branches. Convertible pants keep your knees and legs protected on hikes but also zip off at the knee, turning into cargo shorts. L.L. Bean’s lab-tested Cresta pants are lightweight yet durable and feature UPF 50+ protection so you can start the day in pants mode when temperatures are still low, and convert them into shorts as you reach the sunny summit.
Pros:
Lightweight, quick-drying fabric ideal for hot-weather hikes
Zip-off legs provide versatility for changing weather conditions
Cons:
Some reviewers found the waist snap button uncomfortable or flimsy
Other styles to consider: The Multisport Pants are a versatile, comfy option for everything from hiking to running to lounging. The Tropicwear Pants are a warm-weather option crafted with lightweight, stretchy fabric.
For Women: Capri Style With Drawstring Hem And Built-In UPF
L.L.Bean
L.L. Bean Women’s Vista Camp Pants, Cropped
Fit: Cropped, low-waist | UPF: 50+ | Waterproof: No | Season: Summer | Size range: XS to 3X
L.L. Bean’s Vista Camp hiking capri pants can handle multiple temperatures—just pull in the drawstring hem on the legs to make the pants shorter when it gets hot. They’re also made with an abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly, and provides stretch so you can bend and move with ease. Built-in UPF keeps you protected from the sun, too. Just note that the cropped style exposes your ankles so consider long socks if you’re hiking in especially buggy areas.
Pros:
Lightweight, comfortable fit
Ability to cinch legs and adjust hem adds versatility
Cons:
Some reviewers complained they run large; consider sizing down
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