Every hiker knows that the key to a great outdoor adventure starts with the right clothing and gear.
A great pair of men’s outdoor pants should be comfortable, breathable, and stylish. But not all hiking pants have these features. It’s a good idea to have a few pairs of high-quality trousers that can conquer all that you encounter in the outdoors.
This guide is designed to help you decide on the best pair of men’s hiking pants for you. We know that it’s not one-size-fits-all, so we looked at a wide range of criteria including durability, fabric weight, water resistance, and other specialized features in deciding which hiking pants for men made the list. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll be well prepared for all of your future backcountry adventures!
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Pants Reviewed
Best Overall Hiking Pants
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $89
- Fabric Materials: 86% nylon, 14% spandex
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: maximum comfort, breathable, stretchy, stylish, lightweight, durable
- What We Don’t Love: lacking an integrated belt, on the pricier side, not ideal for cold conditions
The Details
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants have the potential to be your new favorite go-to pants! They are incredibly comfortable and offer a wide range of motion. Even in the warmest conditions, the Ferrosi pants are highly breathable and will keep you cool. They are made of durable ripstop fabric and higher-than-average 14 percent spandex which makes them very stretchy and unrestrictive.
The Ferrosi Pants are ideal for hiking, running, yoga, and even some rock climbing. The lightweight fabric is thin and highly breathable. The drawcord pant leg cuffs are another great feature- you can hike them up higher on your calves in hot weather! Because the Ferrosi Pants do so well in the heat, they are less ideal for cold or windy days.
Because they don’t have a built-in belt, the waist stretches after multiple wears- so make sure you bring one! Despite this flaw, these pants are a great all-purpose pair of outdoor trousers to add to your closet.
Runner-up
Patagonia Quandary Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $79
- Fabric Materials: 94% recycled nylon, 6% spandex
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 40
- What We Love: sleek and stylish design, maximum comfort, lightweight, breathable
- What We Don’t Love: lacking a built-in belt and roll-up snaps, slim fit through the thigh
The Details
The Patagonia Quandary Pants are both stylish and functional. They are made almost entirely out of recycled materials, and they have a decent amount of stretch to provide a great range of motion. The Quandary Pants allow your skin to breathe and are lightweight, making them a solid choice for any weather conditions. The simple pocket design is another sleek feature.
One downside is that instead of a removable belt, Patagonia included a cinch cord in the Quandary Pants. Some people also find the true fit of these pants to be tight in the quads. Overall, the Quandary Pants are a fantastic choice for day hikes and other casual outdoor adventures.
Best Budget Pants
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $60
- Fabric Materials: Ripstop nylon
- Weight: 11.9 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: integrated belt, lightweight material, breathable, affordable
- What We Don’t Love: not very stretchy, snug fit through the thigh, convertible shorts aren’t very stylish
The Details
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are incredibly breathable pants. You’ll love how lightweight the nylon blend fabric feels when you wear them! The convertible nature also makes them ideal for hot conditions. For a custom-like fit at the waist, these pants feature an integrated belt. In addition, the fit through the legs is not nearly as baggy as many other convertible hiking pants on the market.
This also comes as a downfall though as the Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are often a little too tight through the thigh, which can be restrictive when taking large steps or rock scrambling. More stretch would move while wearing these a little easier!
Despite some flaws, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are great for when you need to turn pants into shorts. And even better, they are some of the best hiking pants you can find at a very reasonable price.
Best High-End Pants
Arc’teryx Gamma Quick Dry Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $180
- Fabric Materials: TerraTex stretch woven 94% nylon, 6% elastane
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Tapered Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? No
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: great quality, quick-dry material, great for wet conditions
- What We Don’t Love: expensive, only one rear pocket
The Details
Arc’teryx Gamma Quick Dry Pants are an excellent choice for superior weather protection. They are designed with both performance and comfort in mind. Gamma Quick Dry Pants provide you with maximum mobility for steep climbs and rock scrambles. The durable water repellent finish sheds moisture too, making them ideal for wet conditions.
The biggest flaw of these pants is that they only have one small rear pocket. These hiking pants do have many front pockets though, including 4 zippered pockets.
The Arc’teryx Gamma Quick Dey Pants are on the pricier side of things. However, if you are willing to spend the money, you will not be disappointed. If you’re planning to hike out in the elements, these hearty, weather-resistant pants are the perfect pair for you!
Quick Recommendations
- Best Stylish Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardware AP Pants
- Best Waterproof Pants: REI Co-op Rainier Full-Zip Rain Pants
- Best Rugged Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants
- Best Bug-Repellent Pants: Ex Officio BugsAway Sandfly Pants
- Best Bomber Pants: Rail Rider’s Bushwhacker Weather Pants
- Best Cargo Convertible Hiking Pants: KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants
- Best All-Purpose Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
- Best Dual-Purpose Hiking and Climbing Pants: prAna Stretch Zion Pants
- Best Casual Hiking Pants: prAna Brion Pants
- Best Town to Trail Hiking Pants: KUHL Deceptr Pants
Best Hiking Pants for Men
KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $109
- Fabric Materials: 95% nylon, 5% spandex
- Weight: 15.9 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: durable, great pockets, stylish shorts conversion
- What We Don’t Love: expensive, heavy material, not very breathable
The Details
KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants are some of the best-designed convertible pants out there. They feature a zipper that goes up the leg, which makes it easier to slip the zip-off sections over boots. The end result is a sleek pair of hiking shorts that actually look and feel like normal shorts when converted!
The Renegade pants feel durable and are a great option for backcountry adventures and rugged terrain. On the other hand, this supreme durability also means that they are too heavy for casual outdoor trousers. These pants also lack breathability, which makes them a poor choice for warm weather hikes.
prAna Brion Hiking Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $59
- Fabric Materials: 97% nylon, 3% spandex
- Weight: 12.3 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? No
- What We Love: simple design, stretchy, maximum comfort, durable, affordable
- What We Don’t Love: no sun protection, no integrated belt, no roll-up snaps
The Details
The prAna Brion pants are a great option for those who prefer their hiking pants to be a little more casual as a transition from town to trail. The minimalistic look of these pants is another prime feature.
The 97 percent nylon fabric supports very durable, comfortable, and functional pants. And the 3 percent spandex provides just the right amount of stretch that you need.
The Brion pants could be even better if they had a built-in belt and snaps on the legs to hold rolled-up cuffs. While they don’t have any exciting new features, these simple hiking pants are a great staple outdoor trouser to add to your closet.
REI Co-op Sahara Path Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $70
- Fabric Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
- Weight: 10.5 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: great quality, durable. stretchy, lightweight, great value
- What We Don’t Love: not ideal for cold weather, small pockets
The Details
The REI Sahara Path Pants feature a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that sheds light rain and stains. The fabric is a quick-drying and durable blend of nylon and spandex.
The Sahara Path Pants also feature a crotch gusset, articulated knees, and a 4-way stretch that provides you with a great range of motion. These pants also have an adjustable drawcord waist that allows you to customize the fit.
The Sahara Path Pants have plenty of pockets for lots of storage options. They feature hand pockets in the front, drop-in back pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket. If you’re looking for functional hiking pants suitable for a variety of outings, the Sahara Path Pants are for you!
KUHL Deceptr Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $99
- Fabric Materials: 76% nylon, 15% elastane, 9% polyester
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Tapered Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: stylish, minimalist, stretchy, lightweight, great pockets
- What We Don’t Love: no built-in belt, less secure snap button closure, expensive
The Details
The KUHL Deceptr Pants are some of the most minimalist pants on the market. You’ll love their sleek and simple look. The Deceptr Pants pocket design is straightforward and useful without looking or feeling bulky.
The Deceptr Pants are made of nylon, elastane, and polyester blend that makes them feel lightweight on your body. These pants are also stretchy and very comfortable!
The versatility of the KUHL Deceptr Pants makes them great for traveling, hitting the trail after day in town, or for a multi-day backpacking adventure!
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $155
- Fabric Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- Weight: 21 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Straight Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? No
- What We Love: thick durable fabric, lots of pockets
- What We Don’t Love: heavy, very warm, expensive
The Details
The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants are some of the most unique hiking pants you can find They are made with a G-1000 fabric- a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
The Vidda Pro Pants push the norms with a featured design that hasn’t been seen in the outdoor clothing world in some time. The cotton blend pant uses an old-school manufacturing technique that makes sure you won’t end wet even in the coldest rainy conditions.
The unique design of the Vidda Pro Pants also increases its durability. But on the flip side, the heavy material is very heavy and warm. So, these pants are not great to wear in warm conditions.
If you’re willing to pay the premium price for these unique and durable pants, you’ll have a great pair of hiking pants for rugged terrain and conditions.
KUHL Renegade Rock Pants
Technical Specifications
- Price: $95
- Fabric Materials: 95% nylon, 5% spandex
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Pant Leg Style: Tapered Leg
- Sun-Protective Fabric? Yes
- UPF Rating: 50
- What We Love: sleek fit, comfortable, plenty of pockets, durable
- What We Don’t Love: not great for cold weather, expensive
The Details
The KUHL Renegade Rock Pants are great soft-shell pants that provide durability and a sleek fit. The 95 percent nylon and 5 percent spandex fabric is breathable, quick-drying, and resists abrasion. It’s also a sun-protective fabric that shields you from harmful UV rays.
The Renegade Rock Pants feature articulated knees. This will provide you with freedom of mobility for strenuous hikes and rock scrambles. These pants have plenty of pockets to give you a lot of storage- 8 in total! There are 2 front hand pockets, 2 zippered side pockets, 2 back pockets, and 2 stealth pockets.
The KUHL Renegade Rock Pant legs feature cuffs that cinch for a secure fit and a stylish look. The only downside to these pants is that the lightweight fabric is not suitable for cold and wet conditions. Add the Renegade Rock Pants to your closet for your summer hikes!
Buying Guide and Considerations for Men’s Hiking Pants
Fabric and Material
When shopping for hiking pants, you should look for synthetic materials that are durable and don’t absorb moisture. Stretchy fabrics like spandex or elastane are also important because they allow a wider range of motion.
Nylon is a very durable synthetic fabric that is quick to dry. It often feels softer on your skin than other synthetic fabrics. The downside is that because of how it is made, nylon is often more expensive.
Polyester is also very durable, and it naturally repels water. It also wicks moisture to the surface more effectively than nylon. Polyester is also less prone to pilling.
Cotton is soft and comfortable against the skin. Unfortunately, it also absorbs water and dries very slowly. When it gets wet, it can stick to the skin and cause chafing. This is not great when hiking in cold and wet conditions! In general, cotton is not recommended for any hiking clothes.
Spandex and elastane are materials used in many high-quality hiking pants because they allow for mobility. Most hiking pants have two-way stretch. This means that they only stretch in one direction These hiking pants will stretch across your thighs and knees when you take large steps or do rock scrambles.
Some hiking pants have a four-way stretch, which is ideal. Four-way stretch means that the fabric stretches crosswise and lengthwise. Pants with four-way stretch will be easier to move around in and will feel less restrictive.
Breathability
One of the most important aspects of any men’s hiking pants is their breathability. A great pair of hiking pants are made with materials that allow airflow. They also prevent sweat from getting trapped against your skin.
There are many different materials that are breathable. These include hemp fabrics, synthetics like nylon or polyester, and Merino wool. In general, when choosing hiking pants for men you should avoid cotton fabrics. Instead, look for a material that is moisture-wicking and breathable.
Durability
Another thing you need to look for in hiking pants for men is durability. Let’s face it- the last thing you want is to buy a pair of hiking pants that is immediately after just one tough hike!. You want to invest in a pair of hiking pants that lasts you for many miles of hiking.
Testing durability is tricky without actually trying pants for multiple hikes. But you can read online reviews and ask for recommendations. Also, many outdoor gear companies provide guarantees on the quality of their gear. If your new hiking pants don’t hold up to the test, they’ll let you return them.
Price
Price is a very important factor to consider when you’re choosing a pair of men’s hiking pants for yourself. Do keep in mind that the best hiking pants aren’t always the most expensive. It’s best to start your search for your next pair of hiking pants for men with a budget in mind.
Pockets
Pockets are an important feature of any pair of hiking pants. But keep in mind that we tend not to use most of the pockets on our hiking pants! Often, items stored in pockets can feel bothersome and bulky. Sometimes, they even impede movement and slow us down. As a general rule, you should look for men’s hiking pants with fewer pockets. These pants look sleeker and often feel more comfortable.
Back Pockets
How often do you use your back pockets? Chances are rarely while hiking! This is because back pockets are hard to access with a backpack on. And anything stored there tends to get in the way when you want to sit down.
Front Pockets
Front pockets can be very useful around camp and while in town. However, they are rarely used while on the trail. It’s hard to get to them with a hip belt on! And when items are stored in front pockets, taking large steps and scrambling over rocks can be difficult and uncomfortable.
Side Pockets
These are often the most useful pocket on a pair of men’s hiking pants. Pockets that are on the side of your thigh and are large enough to put your smartphone in are the most effective. In a pinch, you can also store a map and compass in these pockets for quick access.
Comfort
Comfort, fit, and style can be highly subjective. But they should definitely play a role in your decision to purchase men’s hiking pants. Any piece of gear that you plan to take out on the trails should feel great on your body. It should also fit your preferences and aesthetic.
Weight
Keeping weight to a minimum is important for hiking and backpacking. We tend to go for lightweight clothing that packs down small for most of our 3-season trips, but a heavier pair of hiking pants is more ideal for rugged trips and cold weather.
Fit and Style
Some fit and style elements that you consider in men’s hiking pants could include:
- Design (e.g., straight-leg pants, cargo pants, leggings, etc.)
- Baggy or slim fit
- The comfort of the materials and fabric
- Number of pockets and storage areas
- Hiking pants color and patterns
Men’s hiking pants are often long pants, convertible pants, or roll-up pants. It’s a good idea to try different types of hiking pants until you find what works best for your style and comfort. Maybe you like a minimalist look, or maybe you’d prefer cargo pants with lots of pockets! You won’t know until you get out there and try out different styles.
Remember, if you’re going to spend money on some of the best hiking pants out there, you should look for a pair that look and feel great on your body.
Relaxed Fit
Hiking pants with a relaxed fit are more comfortable to wear for a full day. There is plenty of room which makes them easier to move around in. It also makes it easier to stay cool with a little extra room between the fabric and your skin. However, the extra fabric can feel a little bulky, and some people don’t like the baggier look.
Slim Fit or Straight Leg
Hiking pants with a slimmer fit are often more lightweight than relaxed fit pants. Slim-fit pants are often favored when transitioning from town to trail because they look more like everyday pants than hiking pants. Keep in mind that hiking pants with a slim fit do need to have some stretch, otherwise, they can start to restrict movement.
Articulated Knees and Gussets
Pants with articulated knees allow you to have freedom of motion. These pants have special seams sewn in that make them easier to move around in. When you hike with pants without articulated knees, it might feel like the fabric is pulling when you take big steps while climbing.
Gussets are an extra patch of fabric sewn into the pants. They are usually sewn in at the crotch of the pants which improves the fit and mobility of your hiking pants.
Integrated Belts
Some of the top-rated hiking pants for men have integrated belts. Or at the very least, an internal drawcord at the waistband. These features give you the ability to dial in the fit of your hiking pants. It’s particularly helpful if you are in-between sizes in a pair of pants, as it provides you with an adjustable waist.
The Great Debate: Hiking Pants vs. Shorts
Pants
Long hiking pants offer a lot of protection. Whether it is from the elements, bugs, or pokey plants that you walk through, long pants will certainly offer you more protection than shorts.
If you’re hiking in an area where the weather changes quickly or where there are a lot of bugs, pants are probably the better choice.
But there are some downsides to pants. It can be harder to regulate your body temperature in pants if they are made out of heavy materials. They might also restrict your movement when you scramble over rocks or climb over blow-downs.
But don’t fret- you have options! Convertible pants and roll-up pants give you the ability to control your temperature.
Shorts
Hiking in shorts can often be more comfortable than hiking in pants. Shorts are also hands down the lighter weight option. Shorts are great for hiking in hot summer conditions because you don’t have to worry about getting cold.
The downside is that shorts will leave you vulnerable to things like scrapes and cuts from rocks and thorns, sun exposure, and pests like ticks and mosquitoes. Additionally, shorts don’t usually have many pockets for storing things.
Sun Protection & UPF
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Level. Many hiking pants for men are considered sun protection clothing because they carry a UPF rating. Sun protection clothes are specially treated garments that are designed to filter ultraviolet that is harmful to your body.
Insect Protection
Some hiking pants for men offer protection from bugs with insect-repellent clothing. For example, Ex Officio BugsAway Sandfly Pants are treated with insect-shield technology to repel mosquitoes and other bugs.
However, if you don’t want to buy hiking pants with built-in insect-repellent, you can treat your hiking pants with permethrin spray. Permethrin is an insect repellent that is used on clothing and shoes. The plus side is that it’s made to last through multiple washes!
Water Protection
Some pairs of men’s hiking pants, like the REI Co-op Rainier Full-Zip Rain Pants, are already made with waterproof materials. Many other hiking pants are manufactured with a durable water repellent (DWR) that makes them water-resistant. When looking for waterproof hiking pants, keep in mind that they need to be very breathable so that your sweat on the inside can pass through to the outside. If waterproof hiking pants aren’t breathable, you may keep the rain but still be wet from your own sweat!
There are also at-home water repellent treatments, like Nikwax Direct Wash-In, that you can purchase to waterproof your hiking pants. It’s a very simple treatment that will give you a waterproof pair of pants in no time!
Simply follow the instructions with the wash-in treatment. Then, put it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer will help to activate the water-repellent treatment. The final step is to let your hiking pants dry- then you will be ready for whatever the elements throw at you!
Men’s Hiking Pants FAQ’s
What’s the best fabric for hiking pants?
There isn’t one ideal fabric for all men’s hiking pants. Your hiking pants should be a combination of fabrics that are durable, lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. The best fabrics with these qualities tend to be Merino wool, polyester, and nylon.
How do you care for hiking pants made with technical fabrics?
As we mentioned, some technical hiking pants come pretreated with water or bug repellent. Unfortunately, these pretreatments won’t last forever, and you’ll pay a premium price for them.
Water Resistance
See the “Water Protection” section above to learn how to add water repellent to your men’s hiking pants.
Bugs
See the “Insect Protection” section above to learn how to add a permethrin treatment to your hiking pants. This treatment will repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers.
Tears and Holes
You can do quick repairs on technical clothing with patches. The Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit is a great option for patching tears in hiking pants. They don’t require any sewing or ironing and are made to withstand multiple machine washes. Plus, they’re UV protective and waterproof!
General Technical Fabric Care
Men’s hiking pants made with technical fabrics require some special care to keep them in shape for many years. As a general rule, you should always follow the washing directions on the tags carefully. But here are some tips to help you get the most out of your technical fabric hiking pants:
- Use a front-loading washer when possible. The agitator in a top-loading washer can damage seams, zippers, and drawstrings. Before you wash, make sure to zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings!
- Always use a technical fabric wash like Nikwax Tech Wash for washing any technical fabrics.
- Only wash your hiking pants when you really need to. Hiking pants don’t necessarily need to be washed after every trip!
- Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets on your technical hiking pants. Fabric softener and dryer sheets can leave a residue on the fabric.
- Hang dry whenever possible! High temperatures and agitation in the dryer can damage technical fabrics.
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