Going on a hiking trail is only as enjoyable as the outdoor pants you’re wearing while you do it. So to ensure your own comfort, you’re going to want to find the best hiking pants on the market.
Anyone who has spent long days walking in rugged terrain will know that keeping dry and protected is really important. They will also tell you that keeping all your essentials close to your body is vital to the mission too.
To help you out, I thought I’d share some of my knowledge about the best men’s hiking pants out there. (Some manufacturers also feature women’s hiking pants, so be sure to check out those options too!) Between them, you should find something suitable for your next adventure, whether it’s hiking, camping, backpacking, or rock climbing.
Individual Product Reviews Of The Best Hiking Pants Of 2023
- CQR Men's Tactical PantsSeries designed for law enforcement, military, and outdoor activities.
- [Materials] Mix of Polyester & Cotton (Ripstop Fabric) is breathable, wrinkle-free, and comfortable.
- [Duratax Ripstop Fabric] Ripstop fabric has excellent durability and has water-resistant and stain-resistant.
- Exclusive Tactical Belt is NOT included ***
- [Elastic Waistband] Side waistband is to make a secure fit and support the active movement.
- Stay cool, fresh and comfortable all day with our lightweight, breathable, water-resistant and quick-dry women's hiking pants.
- UV protection is a priority when exploring the great outdoors, which is why our pants offer UPF 50+ built-in to keep you safe from the sun's harmful rays.
- Convenience is key when hiking, so we designed our women's hiking pants with four zip-closure security pockets, an elastic waist with a drawstring, and articulated knees to give the perfect fit.
- The adjustable cord locks around the cuffs allow for easy leg opening adjustment to keep bugs out and ensure they fit perfectly, no matter what adventure you take them on.
- Don't let sizing be a hassle! We launched petite(27‘’ inseam) and tall (31‘’ inseam) version if you got a petite or tall figure, pick it. Plus, our pants are easily machine washable for extra...
- bluesign certified fabric—ensures safe and sustainable textile production
- StormRepel DWR finish sheds moisture
- FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection
- Articulated knees for enhanced fit and mobility
- Active. An athletic fit. Close to the body without restricting mobility.
- Quick dry, lightweight and water-resistant fabric makes you feel cool and comfortable while summer hiking or fishing
- Water Repellent & Belt: Belt is included. 4-way stretch and durable fabric ensures flexibility and move with ease on hiking & camping
- 5 Zip Pockets: 2 large hand side pockets & 2 thigh zip pockets & 1 back zip pocket to meet all your needs to carry things for outdoor hiking and causal work
- Elastic Waist & Buckle Closure：Partial elastic waist for adjustable fit; Classic design and slim fit stand wear and tear
- TBMPOY Mens Hiking Work Pants ideal for all outdoor sports like hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, cargo, gardening, travelling even daily casual wear
- QUICK DRYING. Whether you are crossing wet areas hiking or encounter unexpected rain, these quick-drying utility pants are coated with a water repellent finish to keep you dry through any conditions...
- STRETCH COMFORT. Move with confidence throughout your day in these versatile straight leg pants. The gusseted crotch adds extra mobility. A regular seat and thigh provide a comfortable fit.
- ADDED PROTECTION. The perfect pants for outdoor activities, you can rest assured you'll stay well protected from the sun with UPF 30 protection.
- STRONG AND DURABLE. A reinforced kickplate offers increased durability so you can hike, climb and camp with confidence.
- SECURE STORAGE. A zip utility pocket helps provide secure storage for your smaller goods and electronics so you can focus on the activity at hand.
- Fabric is super lightweight, slightly elastic, quick dry and comfortable
- UPF 50+ treatment provides excellent UV protection. Water resistant capacity helps resist light moisture
- 5 functional pockets including 2 side zip pockets, 2 cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closure and 1 back zip pocket
- Elastic wasitband with drawstring for a adjustable fit. Stretchy ankle cuffs for a sporty look and easy wear
- These versatile jogger pants are perfect for lounge, travel, hiking, workout, walking or daily wear
- MATERIAL: FREE SOLDIER Nylon Pants made of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, quick dry, lightweight and breathable. Scratch-resistant and wear-resistant nylon fabric is also outstanding in the aspect of...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: DuPont Teflon Coating with durable water repellent can effectively repels liquids and stains, always keep the waterproof pants mens dry and clean. This quick dry pants for men...
- FLEXIBLE & COMFORT: The pants for men featured 4-way stretch fabric which has the characteristics of ultralight, breathe freely, quick-drying and elastic. The waterproof hiking pants keeps you dry in...
- MULTI-PURPOSE POCKETS: The ripstop hiking pants are designed with 2 front Slant Pockets, 2 large YKK Zipper Security Cargo Pockets with COOLMAX mesh lining and 2 back Straight Pockets, it’s...
- FREE SOLDIER mens waterproof pants is especially suitable for outdoor hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, fishing, hunting, jungle, running, mountaineering, combat, military, backpacking, working,...
- 【Multiple pockets】Five pockets including two hand sides deep pockets and two front zip cargo pockets and one roomy rear pocket provide storage for your phones, keys and cards safely. Versatile...
- 【Lightweight & Comfortable】4-Way stretch fabric features breathable and stretchy for comfy movement and ventilation.Baleaf lightweight joggers are a little roomy but not too baggy so it won't...
- 【Sun Protection & Quick Dry】UPF 50+ rated fabric provides excellent protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Quick dry fabric keeps you dry and cool on hot and humid days
- 【Custom Fit】Elastic high waistband and upgrade adjustable drawstring for a custom fit that reaches your navel for optimal tummy control and stretchy ankle cuffs keep the legs length, loose tapered...
- 【Occasions】Perfect for jogging, lounge, running, hiking, athletic, exercise, workout, fitness, run errands and other sports you like
Buyer’s Guide
- Materials
- Convertible and Roll-Ups
- Weight
- Pockets
- Integrated Belts
- Water Resistance
- Thickness and Durability
As with many other kinds of outdoor wear, there are many pairs of men’s hiking pants for sale online. Unless you know what to look for, this can make it difficult to find the best hiking pants. Whether looking for pants for trekking, climbing, or camping, our guide will help you to find what you need.
Materials
As you have seen, the best hiking pants are usually made from nylon or polyester. These materials are popular because they are so durable.
Other materials you’ll come across are spandex and elastane. They add to the comfort and make the pants easier to move around in. But, this kind of material also means that the pants will stretch over time.
Finally, you’ll see that some have a mixture of cotton in them. Cotton is comfortable and cool to wear, which makes it great for day to day activities.
The best material depends on the kind of outdoor activities you’ll be doing and how often.
Convertible and Roll-Ups
Whether you choose convertible hiking pants that zip off into shorts, or roll-ups which expose your ankle and lower leg is up to you. It also depends on the type of trip you’ll be taking, and where you’re going.
For muggy, humid environments with lots of bugs, you might want to think about buying the best convertible hiking pants you can get your hands on. You can zip the legs off during the day to keep cool, and put them back on at night for protection.
Roll-ups don’t quite provide the same cooling qualities. Mostly they shorten the length of the pants to provide a bit more ventilation without fully converting to shorts.
It’s important to note though that zip-off hiking pants can be uncomfortable if you buy the wrong pair. The addition of the zipper can make the middle leg part of the pants feel too tight when sitting down. Also, the zipper seam can be irritating.
As we saw in the prAna Stretch Zion pants, you also get roll-up options with snap clips. Note that these might be a bit annoying to people who don’t want to fiddle around with folding them up.
Weight
You might not give a second thought to how much pants weigh until you get caught in the rain. While most of the products above will dry quickly, anyone knows that a heavy, wet pair of pants on a long trek is not ideal.
This is where the material you choose also comes into play. Generally, natural fabrics are breathable and a bit more comfortable. But they’ll get soaked in the rain. I recommend going for the most appropriate lightweight option available considering your location and climate.
Pockets
The more pockets you have, the more you can carry close to your body. This might be great for those who like to keep their phone (and camera) close at hand.
Integrated Belts
Not all bodies are built the same. While some of the best hiking pants might be too long for one person, another might need a bigger size to cover their legs. At the same time, they need to be able to close the waistband comfortably too.
Integrated belts can also make activities like climbing easier.
Water Resistance
Most types of camping pants will have a degree of water resistance. It’s important because you will come into contact with water on most trails; whether it’s rain, rivers or even just the liquid you’re carrying.
Since it’s difficult to create a lightweight material with complete waterproof ability, go for the most water-resistant option available if you’re worried about getting wet.
Thickness and Durability
The best hiking pants are waterproof and will protect you from bugs and the elements. Generally, this means they are going to be a bit thicker to be durable. But, the thickness shouldn’t restrict your movement. So what you are really looking for is a pair of pants that can adapt to the movement, and are made of a tested material that won’t rip or tear.
Conclusion
Hiking and spending time outdoors should be an enjoyable experience. This means being able to hike, camp, boulder or belay without worrying if your pants are going to rip or give you the freedom of movement you need.
We’ve looked at several different pairs of outdoor pants in this article. Overall though, I’d have to say that the Kuhl Renegade Convertible pants are the best hiking pants choice.
This is because they are made of comfortable synthetic material and offer all the benefits of convertible pants. This includes no flap and a smooth zipper. The attention given to freedom of movement and ventilation is also a plus, especially in hot and sweaty environments. These might not be built for the snow, but for an average hike in the summer with some more rugged activity thrown in, these are ideal.
Those looking for more rugged options are well covered on this list. But as a starting point, I think the Kuhl Renegade Convertible pants are a winner.
