9 Of The Best Hiking Pants: Complete Review for Men and Women

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Best Hiking Pants

Nothing wrecks an awesome hiking trip like coming unprepared.

The hiking gear you use factors into your experience just as much as the trail does, and when referring to gear we aren’t just talking about a nifty watch and some trekking boots.

Inexperienced hikers will sometimes make the mistake of overlooking the basics.

Yes, gadgets are nice and of course, it is dire to have quality footwear but keep in mind that coming prepared for a hiking trip likely means investing in some hiking pants as well.

So before you learn the hard way, for example by getting chilled to the bone in a pair of blue jeans or walking through a patch of poison ivy with some cargo shorts on, let’s debrief and take a moment to go over what a good pair of hiking pants looks like.

As a bonus, we will even include our picks for the best men’s and women’s hiking pants.

Top Best 5 Hiking Pants (Summary)

 

Image Product Details  
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible... HANDY FEATURESColumbia
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Lightweight
  • Quick-drying breathable fabric
PrAna Men's Stretch Zion Pant (30-Inch... Converts to shortsPrana
  • Very comfortable
  • Abrasion resistant
  • Lots of pocket space
Arc'teryx Men's Gamma Lt Pants Water resistantArc’teryx
  • Very durable
  • Good range of motion
  • Adjustable wedding belt
Outdoor Research Women's Voodoo Pant,... Outdoor Research
  • Wind-resistant
  • Good breathability
  • Very tough
THE NORTH FACE Women's Paramount 2.0... The North Face
  • Water resistant
  • Rapidly drying
  • Convertible

For more detailed and complete product reviews on benefits and features, keep reading.

What Makes The Best Hiking Pants

The three essential components that all good hiking pants encompass are durability, comfort, and freedom in range of motion (aka mobility).

When you invest in a pair of hiking pants you want them to be able to withstand the elements. A durable pair will be made of strong, resilient fabric and likely weatherproofed. True hikers’ clothing is durable and reliable.

Defense against the weather is also a key detail when it comes to comfort. Pants that are not only comfortable to wear in the colder and wetter months, but also have the versatility and breathability to be worn in the summer are pants that you can rely on for your hiking adventures.

Versatile pants are important because although it’s good to scout the weather for your hike ahead of time, we all know that temperatures and conditions can change unexpectedly. It makes much more sense to invest in one pair of versatile pants then multiple pairs that only work for varying conditions.

Hiking pants

Going hand in hand with comfort is freedom in range of motion. Hiking involves constant movement and can require a lot of bending, turning, and twisting as you navigate a trail. Pants that keep you bottled up and restrict your movement are just plain unsuited for adventures. You need to be able to move freely and comfortably at all times, which is why pants that bend and stretch with your body are a prime choice for any serious hiking journey.

If you can find yourself a pair of pants that are durable, comfortable, and flexible then you can also keep an eye out for a few other features. Additional pockets, reflectors, and adjustable waistlines may come in handy. Appearance and price may also factor into your decision; just make sure you don’t sell yourself short in terms of quality for a less expensive or more fashionable pair of pants.

As promised, here are the best men’s hiking pants on the market right now. They have varying benefits and some are more appropriate for certain conditions than others, but overall these are all good choices.

4 Best Hiking Pants For Men

1. Columbia Silver Ridge Hiking Pants – Pants That May Be Some Of the Most Versatile On The Market

The Silver Ridge is a convertible pant which means that you can remove the pant legs and turn them into shorts instead. Made with 100% “ripstop” nylon that offers 50 UPF (also known as Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to promise durability and shelter you from the Sun’s rays. The pants are versatile in terms of use however they are more of a summertime option. Also, some customers find the legs to be a bit binding in situations that require long, lengthy strides and high steps.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible...

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2. ARC’TERYX Gamma Hiking Pants– Great In Adverse Weather

Much like a weatherproof jacket, these pants will shed water, snow, and sleet without an issue. They look good and have a silky feel too. The issue that users may run into however revolves around wear and tear. Scrapes and scuffs could wear the Gamma’s exterior fabric prematurely. These pants excel against the climate but not the terrain, which is an interesting tradeoff.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Arc'teryx Men's Gamma Lt Pants" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">Arc'teryx Men's Gamma Lt Pants

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3. Prana Stretch Zion – Stretchable And Nice For Climbing

Although composed almost entirely of nylon, the Prana Stretch Zion has some elasticity to it since there is a bit of spandex built into the fabric. This means you can move into all sorts of positions and take lengthy strides and high steps without feeling restricted.

However, the pants also tend to fit snugly which means that you can expect them to be cozy — sometimes too cozy. Extremely hot conditions probably won’t go well with these pants as there is not much breathability or ventilation to them despite their flexibility.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="PrAna Men's Stretch Zion Pant (30-Inch..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">PrAna Men's Stretch Zion Pant (30-Inch...

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4. 5.11 Taclite Pro – These Pants Are Inexpensive And Come With A Lot Of Utility Pockets

If you’re the type of hiker who likes to carry quite a few tools and other items on you during your adventures then these pants aren’t a bad option.

With multiple pockets on both sides of the pant, you will be able to carry your GPS, a few power bars, and even a pocket knife comfortably. The pants are well ventilated and work well in hot conditions. They do tend to be a little baggy however and aren’t the most durable, but they should do the trick for many hikers.

5.11 Tactical Men's Taclite Pro...

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5 Best Hiking Pants For Women

Just as there are a variety of great hiking pants options for men, there are just as many for women. These wonderful options are designed specifically for women hikers with more feminine fits and comfortable designs.

1. No products found. – Extremely Versatile And Great For Wet Conditions

This Marmot women’s pant is a perfect example of how hiking pants can be durable and comfortable at the same time. These pants are resistant to abrasive wear and tear and are also comfortable enough for almost all weather conditions.

This is in part due to their convertibility to shorts with zippers at the knee however it is those very zippers that at times can start to annoy the wearer as they bounce off their legs. That is the only notable complaint however and these pants are a solid and versatile choice.

No products found.

No products found.

2. The Prana Halle – These Pants Are Flexible And Functional But Also Have A Flattering And Fashionable Look

If you are looking for function that doesn’t sacrifice fashion then here might be your choice. The Prana Halle hiking pants are composed of a nylon and spandex blend that provides stretch and mobility and they resist abrasiveness well. The feminine fit of The Prana Halle is refreshing to those who don’t want the hiker look coming off them too strongly. The catch with these pants is that they don’t do very well in wet conditions, which is a bit of a shame.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="prAna Women's Standard Halle Pant, Coal,..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">prAna Women's Standard Halle Pant, Coal,...

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3. The North Face Paramount 2.0 Convertible Pant – A Versatile And More Feminine Convertible Pant

Not only are these pants water resistant and rapidly drying, but despite being a convertible pant they pull off a great feminine look for hiking pants. The reason is that the waist sits higher and the pants convert to shorts higher up on the leg than rival pants do. If you prefer a higher waist and shorter shorts then you will love these pants, however, if that’s not your style then try the Marmot Lobo’s instead.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="THE NORTH FACE Women's Paramount 2.0..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">THE NORTH FACE Women's Paramount 2.0...

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4. The Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch – They Are Comfortable, Breathable, And Look Really Good. They’re Great For Occasional Hikers

Mix “fashion over function” with a nice price tag and you get these pants. They are great for easy hikes and warm weekend retreats with their flexible build, however, they can’t convert to shorts and they are not water resistant by any means. These pants are perfect for the occasional hiker (as the name might suggest) who won’t mind another nifty option in their wardrobe as a bonus. They aren’t too expensive which is a plus as well.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Columbia Women's Extended Saturday Trail..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">Columbia Women's Extended Saturday Trail...

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5. Outdoor Research Women's Voodoo Pant – Stunningly Snug yet Flexible, These Pants Score Big In The Comfort Category

Maybe it took a bit of magic, but somehow Outdoor Research made a stunning pair of pants that not only has a great feminine fit to them, but are also extensively durable against the terrain. Wind resistance, water resistance, and abrasion resistance are all key features of these pants however when the weather gets truly chilly these pants don’t quite do the trick on their own. Match them with another layer though and you might just be unstoppable against the elements.

&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Outdoor Research Women's Voodoo Pant,..." rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Women's Voodoo Pant,...

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Happy Hiking

With so many options to choose from and so many trails to explore, you’re bound to have to really awesome hiking adventures come your way soon. Remember, it all starts with the proper gear, and hiking pants are an important piece of a hiker’s outfit. Look for comfort and a fair price, but don’t forget about function and durability.

You never know where your next adventure might lead, so get yourself pants that can withstand the elements and offer you mobility as well. Have fun shopping and more importantly, have fun hiking.

Photo of author

Sammy Garrard

I am the Founder and Chief Editor of outdoorsity.net and a prepper with over 15 years of experience. I’m excited to my knowledge and the things I learn while travelling in British Columbia, Canada where I live and around the world. Feel free to follow me on Twitter, Facebook!

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