Like a good pair of hiking boots, the best hiking pants can make or break your outdoor experience.
When you’re hiking, your legs are your body’s primary mode of transportation — and hiking pants are their first line of defence. Unlike ordinary jeans, hiking pants offer the right combination of performance and comfort. They are durable, lightweight, and preferred on the trail because it makes the constant movement and climbing more comfortable.
Not sure which pair is the right fit for you? Don’t fret — you’ve come to the right place. Here is a rundown of out
Top 9 best hiking pants available in the market today
Rain or shine — THE NORTH FACE Paramount Trail Pants are guaranteed to keep you going no matter the weather. These pants have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 40 that provides maximum sun protection, while its patented FlashDry technology that wicks away moisture and keeps you dry. This pair features a convertible design — they transform into shorts through a zipper that allows you to remove the lower half of the pants, making it the go-to choice for summer hiking.
Key Features:
- Patented FlashDry technology
- Non-PFC DWR finish
- Convertible zip-off design
- 9-inch inseam
- Two secure zip side pockets
- Integrated belt for adjustability
Verdict: THE NORTH FACE Paramount Trail Pants are built with a relaxed fit for natural comfort. Its design features a gusseted crotch and articulated knees that provides enhanced mobility and better stretch on the trail. It also comes with a lot of functional pockets in the front and back for ample secure storage.
The Mammut Runbold Zip Off hiking pants are perfect for any outdoor activities. It features lightweight softshell materials that is wind resistant, water-resistant, highly durable, breathable and very stretchy. It has a zippered seat, two-side, and leg pocket, making it a multifunctional apparel.
Key Features:
- 85% Polyamide and 15% Spandex material
- MiDori-treated fabric finish
- Quick-drying
- UPF 50+ UV protection
- With belt loops and adjustable waist band
Verdict: If you’re looking for a pair of pants that are versatile, comfortable, and stylish, consider the Runbold Zip off hiking pants from Mammut. This hiking pants is designed to help adventurers to keep moving freely and perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable during hot trail hikes–just by unzipping leg zippers and turning them to shorts.
The Columbia Silver Ridge convertible pants are the best versatile outdoor wear that features built-in UV protection and advanced wicking fabric. This hiking pants are made from durable nylon ripstop materials that can be converted into shorts with plenty of mesh pockets available to store your essentials.
Key Features:
- 100% Silver Ridge nylon ripstop
- Omni-Wick moisture management
- UPF 50+ Omni-Shade
- With gusset details
- Zippered security pocket
- Converts to 10″ inseam shorts
Verdict: For hot summers and cold nights, Columbia’s Silver Ridge convertible pants are your great option. These lightweight pants can be easily converted into shorts, making them the perfect and versatile choice for any outdoor activity. Consider this hiking pants if you’re a fan and experience comfort and style all throughout your foot travelling.
Going to a hiking trip? Try out The North Face Dryzzle Futurelight Full Zip Pants. It features a waterproof, breathable, windproof and highly packable hiking pants. Thanks to its full-length side zipper, accessibility to your snacks and essentials are much easier.
Key Features:
- FUTURELIGHT™ technology
Non-PFC DWR finish - Seam-sealed 3L shell
- Straight leg fit
- Made of recycled polyester and nylon
- PU zipped back pocket with shockcord loops
- Articulated knees for mobility
Verdict: Wherever you go on your outback explorations, always bring along your fresh pair of NorthFaceDryzzle FUTURELIGHT™ Full Zip hiking pants and have ease and comfort along the way. This hiking pants got you covered for any weather conditions that can be used for everyday, work, or rainy city walks.
Helly Hansen keeps it going with their traditional, world-class cargo design and their QD cargo pants are a great fit for any water enthusiast. This durable cargo pants makes it perfect for any outdoor activity especially for water activities due to its multi-functional features and easy access to things with its 2 cargo, hand, and back pockets.
Key Features:
- 92% polyamide and 8% elastane fabric
Bluesign® certified - Quick-Dry ripstop materials
- Moisture-wicking
- With snap and hook buttons
- With belt and hanger loops
Verdict: Get ready for a lasting trip to the land and sea and pack-up your Helly Hansen QD cargo pants for a better and stylish you. If you’re a fan of cargo-designed utility pants, then this is the way to go. Stop hesitating and grab your self a pair today and take your sailing experience to the next level!
Breathable and lightweight, the MARMOT Scree Softshell Pants offers the freedom of movement and versatility to perform well in a range of different environments. The construction features a fabric blend of nylon and polyester that offers a lot of stretch for better mobility. It comes with zippered cuffs at the ankles which provides a tapered fit — reducing the chance of wind running up your legs during colder months.
Key Features:
- Softshell double weave construction
- Nylon and elastane fabric blend
- Water repellent
- Zippered cargo pockets
- Snap closure and zip fly
- Articulated knees
- Ankle zipper
- Belt loops
Verdict: The MARMOT Scree Softshell Pants are designed to withstand the cold and wind — perfect for winter hikes or rainy day walks. This pair helps keep you dry with its water repellent fabric that prevents condensation, while articulated knees allow for more freedom of movement.
If protecting your legs from thorns and branches on the trail is your number one consideration, then the ARC’TERYX Gamma LT Pants is your best bet. This pair features a durable construction made with a unique 88% nylon and 12% elastane fabric blend that provides an extra layer of protection against the elements. Its four-way stretch woven design allows more air flow and provides superior abrasion-resistance.
Key Features:
- 88% nylon, 12% elastane
- Durable water repellent finish
- Adjustable drawcord
- Laminated cuffs
- Front fly with snap closure
- Articulated patterning
Verdict: The ARC’TERYX Gamma LT Pants are a functional, high-quality pair that best serves those who hike in wet weather. This pair features a tight fabric weave bolstered with an effective DWR (durable water repellent) coating that keeps your legs dry even in the rain.
Combining functionality with a stylish design, the PATAGONIA Skyline Traveller Pants can be worn both on and off the hiking trails. This pair features a recycled blend of nylon, polyester and spandex that provides ultimate stretch and comfort, as well as total mobility especially when ascending a steep trail. A durable water repellent (DWR) finish ensures that this pair resists both moisture and harsh wind.
Key Features:
- Midweight fabric blend of recycled nylon, polyester and spandex
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- Elasticized back and drawcord
- Gusseted crotch
- Cuffs with flat fronts
- 2 slanted front pockets, 2 welted rear zippered pockets
Verdict: THE NORTH FACE Paramount Trail Pants are built with a relaxed fit for natural comfort. Its design features a gusseted crotch and articulated knees that provides enhanced mobility and better stretch on the trail. It also comes with a lot of functional pockets in the front and back for ample secure storage.
Prioritising mobility above all else, the MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE Forest Trekking Trousers is your go-to choice for steep hikes that require a lot of movement. The fabric blend made of nylon and elastane provides a 4-way stretch — it stretches lengthways and widthways for more freedom of movement. Its unique design features reinforced fabric on areas that take on the most stress when you hike, particularly the crotch and knee area, for more durability and long lasting comfort.
Key Features:
- 90% nylon, 10% elastane
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- 4-ways stretch fabric
- Sun protection treatment 50+ rating
- Reinforced fabric
Verdict:The MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE Forest Trekking Trousers is jam packed with a lot of mobility features — effectively making it one of the most stretchable hiking pants on the market today. Since its fabric is treated with a sun protection factor of 50+, this pair is ideal for long hikes during summer to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
THE BEST HIKING PANTS -- WHY BUY ONE ANYWAY?
THE BEST HIKING PANTS -- BUYING GUIDE
If you're on the market for your first pair of pants, here are a few important factors to consider:
- Type of Hiking Pants
- Convertible Hiking Pants — these are convertible into shorts through a zipper that allows you to remove the lower half of the pants. They’re more breathable especially during summer, but the added weight of the zippers make them a bit bulky.
- Standard Hiking Pants — these are normal full-length pants. They are ideal for colder climates and are generally lighter than convertible pants.
- Material
Hiking pants are usually made of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. Some feature a construction that’s made with a combination of nylon and spandex or elastane to provide more stretchability.
- Fit
Opt for hiking pants that fit loose around the thigh and knee areas to provide more mobility as you hike.
- Necessary Accessories
- Pockets — choose pants with lots of large pockets which provide extra storage for maps, digital cameras, compass and other small hiking gear.
- Elastic Waistband — this allows you to move and flex better on the trail, while adding an extra feature of comfort.
- Detachable Belt — pants with an attached belt that can be easily detached allows you to easily adjust the fit.
