Yes, you can go hiking wearing any pair of pants you pull out of the closet. However, there’s a good chance that random pair won’t be the most comfortable to wear for long walks up a trail, where heat, chafing, and supportive fit can really come into play. Suffice to say, if you want to perform your best during a hike, a proper pair of hiking pants is an absolute essential.
What makes a good pair of hiking pants? Comfort is the number one priority. Hiking means you’ll be walking a fair distance, so pants that stay soft against the skin while allowing your legs to breathe are important. You also want pants that will let you move freely, especially on parts of the trail where you’ll need to stretch your legs or do any climbing. Of course, more technical capabilities like durability and water-resistance can be critical, too, especially when you plan to stay on the trail for longer periods.
These are the best hiking pants to support you on the trail.
Columbia Maxtrail Lite Pants
Like all the hiking pants in this list, this nylon-elastane garment offers a great combination of durability and stretch, while the outfit’s Omni-Shield technology takes water-resistance to the next level. Seriously, these pants repel water like the darn thing is scared of its yarn. We love the fit, which is just loose enough to be comfortable, while being tapered enough to look good even in the city. The two cargo pockets on the front thighs are also extremely handy, allowing you to carry larger items right on your pants. Other details we appreciate include an integrated removable belt, mesh vents at the back of the knee, and leg hem cinches.
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
While it’s not a standout performer, these pants do everything well during a hike. Need freedom to move? It’s got two-way stretch, courtesy of six percent elastane in the blend, with the other 94 percent nylon ensuring hardwearing function. Want to stay dry? It’s got the outfit’s StormRepel DWR finish, which sheds moisture really well, ensuring any drops don’t have any time to soak into your pants. Hiking on hot day? It’s got UPF 50+ sun protection, too. They even threw in Polygiene odor control tech on the waistband, so it stays fresh even after a long day on the trail. The fit is athletic, with slight room on the hem to accommodate your hiking boots, which we really appreciate.
Patagonia Quandary Pants
Wearing bad pants during hikes can definitely leave you in a quandary, which is why we love the name of Patagonia’s hiking trousers. While it’s not as stretchy as the most forgiving stretch pants in the list, it does go along with your movements pretty nicely, while the gusseted crotch really lets you spread your legs out when needing to cross a jump or climb a rock. We especially love the fit, which is relaxed but not too loose, giving just enough room on the seat and thighs, while sporting a curved waistband that’s really comfortable on the hips. It also brings all the durability, water-resistance, and protectiveness you expect from a pair of pants made with a 95 percent nylon blend, so it can handle the elements with ease.
Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Black Diamond is best known for their climbing gear and their hiking pants reflect that expertise. You can see this in thoughtful details like a ladder lock belt with G-hook closure, leg hem cinches, and zippered thigh pockets. Designed to move, it’s made with 15 percent elastane for a really flexible four-way stretch, complete with a seat gusset, so you can really go climbing if you’re up to it, while the single-weave construction gives it a really lightweight feel. It gets DWR treatment to ensure you stay dry even in less than fair weather, too. Plus, they designed it to really pack down tight, allowing you to stash it inside your pack for when you need to go on a hike later.
Prana Stretch Zion Pants II
Want something loose, so you have maximum room to move? These pants will do the trick with its relaxed fit through the hip and thighs and straight leg opening that can fit any boot. It uses a recycled nylon-elastane blend that gives a decent amount of stretch while holding up to the rigors of long multi-day hikes, with PFAS-free DWR finish giving it the necessary water repellence. We love the zippered cargo pocket on the left thigh, which really comes in handy, as well as the inseam gusset with built-in vents for extra cooling. Other features include UPF 50+ sun protection, a roll-up hem with snap closure, and adjustable webbing on the waist. If you like the pants, but want something more tapered, they make it in a slim version, too.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
These pants have impressive stretch, allowing it to move exactly as you do, with no constraints whatsoever. It’s not surprising, considering the fabric blend contains 14 percent spandex, which is mixed with hardwearing and breathable nylon the rest of the way. Designed to handle the elements, it’s water-resistant, wind-resistant, and rated UPF 50+ to keep out the sun, allowing you to stay reasonably cool even on hot days out. It’s also incredibly light at just 10.7 ounces, which is great on long hikes where every ounce matters. Nice features include a harness-compatible waist, internal drawcords, articulated knees, bonded belt loops, and a really comfy tricot-lined waistband.
Kuhl Deceptr
We love the minimalist yet stylish design of these pants, which look clean enough to wear to the office, while being technical enough to handle the trails. It’s made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex that probably make it the lightest pants we have on the list at just 5.5 ounces, while delivering all the durability, stretch, and water-resistance you’ll require during hikes. Do note, this is a redesigned version of these pants, which now features a looser taper, so there’s a lot more room (the previous one was a bit on the tight side) without losing its clean looks. Notable features include a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, a rib-knit waistband, UPF 50+ sun protection, and seven total pockets.