what are the best hiking pants for men

Best Men’s Hiking Pants

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi. BOTTOM LINE: The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are super stretchy so you can move easily on your adventures.
• Arc’teryx Lefroy. ...
• REI Co-op Sahara Roll-up. ...
• Prana Stretch Zion. ...
• Kuhl Deceptr. ...
• Prana Brion. ...
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible. ...
Patagonia Quandary. ...
KUHL Renegade Convertible. ...
Mountain Hardwear AP. ...

Full Answer

How do I choose the best hiking pants?

The best pants depend on how long you will be hiking, the terrain and what you think the weather will be like for the entire hike. Many times there can be quite a difference in the temperature range in just a few hours, so you need to find something that will work best for the entire hike.

What are the best casual pants for men?

Travel Pants

• Mugsy Jeans Brushed Twill. Mugsy’s super stretchy and soft cotton blend twill just gets better with age. ...
• Vuori Meta Pant. Breathable and tailor-fitted, Vuori offers an excellent choice in their Meta Pant. ...
• Dockers Men’s Slim Fit Workday Flex Pants. Dockers are hands-down one of the best bang-for-your-buck clothing brands out there. ...

What are the most durable hiking pants?

What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Hiking Pants?

• Best value hiking pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Prana Stretch Zion, and Kuhl Deceptr
• Best budget hiking pants: REI Co-op Sahara Roll-up and Columbia Ridge Silver Ridge Convertible
• Best high-end hiking pants: Arc’teryx Lefroy and Kuhl Renegade Convertible

What are the best pants to wear hiking?

What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Hiking Pants?

• Best value hiking pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Prana Stretch Zion & Kuhl Deceptr
• Best budget hiking pants: REI Co-op Sahara Roll-up & Columbia Ridge Silver Ridge Convertible
• Best high-end hiking pants: Arc’teryx Lefroy & Kuhl Renegade Convertible

What kind of pants should men wear hiking?

Hiking pants are lightweight, quick-drying pants (made from various types of nylon) that are ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Hiking pants are lightweight, come with plenty of pockets, have no bulk and dry fast.

What makes a good pair of hiking pants?

A good pair of hiking pants should be water-resistant. Water-resistant material will help protect your legs from getting wet and uncomfortable when hiking during the rainy season. The best material for hiking pants is a high tech fabric called Gore-Tex.

What pants are used for hiking?

Traditional, roll-up, convertible, softshell, and tights are the five common types of hiking pants. Choosing the best pants ultimately boils down to the weather conditions, terrain, comfort, and preference. The most suitable hiking pants are fast-drying and water, wind, and abrasion-resistant.

Is it better to hike in jeans or sweatpants?

Sweatpants aren't very durable even though being super comfy – they snag on roots, rocks and other protruding things to tear more easily. Regular hiking pants are sturdier in that regard. Wearing sweatpants hides higher risk of injuries, whether scratches, insect bites or something more serious.

Should I size up hiking pants?

You want them long enough that they cover the top of the boot, but not so long that you walk on them. If they're too short, they can become caught in the back of your hiking boot or shoe as you walk. Too long and you'll be yanking them up all day.

How long should my hiking pants be?

Hiking pants should fit comfortably while being not too tight, not too baggy, and at the perfect length. The perfect length of hiking pants is right at the back of the boot while standing up. If they are too long, they will create problems. If they are too short, you will not be fully protected.

What do guys wear hiking?

Shorts, pants and convertible (zip-off) pants: Hikers love zip-off pants because they don't have to choose between pants and shorts. Quick-drying fabrics are the rule here and some hiking shorts with built-in liners can double as swimwear.

Should hiking pants be tight?

The pants should be loose enough that they're not restricting movement but not so loose that they're just hanging from your legs and barely touching you. You might want to practice jogging around the store in them to make sure you can comfortably run, too.

Are jeans OK for hiking?

That said, no jeans are ideal for hiking. If you'll be hiking in the rain, cold weather, or very hot temperatures, you should invest in a pair of good hiking pants. Jeans are bad at moisture-wicking, breathability, comfort, and abrasion, which make them a pretty bad choice for hiking.

What should you not wear while hiking?

What should you NOT wear while hiking? (10 Common Clothing Mistakes)Denim. The first item on our list is denim. ... Cotton. Cotton is on the list for similar reasons to denim. ... Silk. ... No-Show Socks. ... Flimsy Shoes. ... Bras with Clasps. ... Bunchy or Bulky Pants and Jackets. ... Stiff or Too Thin Fabric.More items...•

Should I wear compression socks while hiking?

Many hikers swear by wearing compression socks when they hike. These socks can help improve circulation and can prevent leg pain and swelling on long hikes. What is this? Everyone can benefit from these socks, but they're especially helpful for individuals with varicose veins or other circulation problems.

What should you wear on a hike?

Hiking sandals and sneakers are appropriate for most terrain, though longer treks may still require hiking boots. Breathable wicking materials (no cotton) are key for shirts, bottoms and hiking socks to keep the sweat off your skin. Lighter colors absorb less heat and can keep you cooler on hot days.

Are jeans good for hiking?

That said, no jeans are ideal for hiking. If you'll be hiking in the rain, cold weather, or very hot temperatures, you should invest in a pair of good hiking pants. Jeans are bad at moisture-wicking, breathability, comfort, and abrasion, which make them a pretty bad choice for hiking.

Are polyester pants good for hiking?

Yes, polyester clothes (pants, shirts, shorts, and jackets) are good for hiking in most environments and weather conditions. Polyester is an ultraefficient fabric suitable not only for manufacturing hiking apparel but for all kinds of sportswear and performance clothing.

Are leggings good for hiking?

Leggings breathe better than hiking pants, and prevent chafing anywhere. They also wick sweat away nicely and don't restrict the legs for scrambling up stuff. If durability and pockets is what you need, wear pants.

How many pairs of hiking pants do I need?

1 Pair Base Layer Bottoms (optional) - Lightweight or ultralight, synthetic, silk, or wool. Usually reserved for wearing in camp and sleeping in, but can be worn under other layers when necessary for hiking in very wet or cold weather. 1-2 Pairs Underwear - Comfortable, breathable, quick-drying, anti-odor.

How Should Hiking Pants Fit?

When it comes to fit your pants should be comfortable and not do anything to impede your freedom of movement. In all likelihood you’re not taking a...

How To Choose Appropriate Hiking Pants

Beyond the above considerations some other things you should look for in hiking pants are durability, breathability, quick drying, a belt or drawst...

What Are The Best Make Of Hiking Pants?

As you might be able to tell from the above list we’re partial to the Columbia brand. Not because anyone here has a stake in Columbia (we don’t) bu...

What’s The Best Material For Hiking Pants?

They should be made of lightweight material that is breathable and effectively wicks moisture away while retaining heat. For cold weather hikes you...

What are the elements of a hiking pant?

The elements of the perfect hiking pant aren’t complicated — fit, breathability, good pockets, smart materials, and durability. Putting these components together with intelligent design is where many hiking pants fall short.

What are the features of a good pair of pants?

The little extras can really make or break a good pair of pants. Well-positioned cargo pockets, zippered pockets, belt loops, and built-in belts are some of the features available. Whether you want these or not depends on your personal hiking plans and style.

How many pockets does Jack Wolfskin have?

If securing personal items is your primary concern, Jack Wolfskin’s Activate Light Hiking Zip Off Pants ($129) have five pockets that zip shut to prevent contents from spilling out. And they are really good pockets.

What is a Columbia cargo pant?

Columbia’s Silver Ridge Cargo Pant ($55) is a straightforward cargo pant, made of lightweight nylon and a reasonable option for general day hikes. It blocks UV rays, includes a webbing belt, and has ample room to store your essentials.

What is convertible pant?

The convertible pant is a tough style to pull off without looking like an NPR journalist on a book safari. Fortunately, OR released a convertible pant that pulls double duty, winning both functionality and looks.

How much are Mammut hiking pants?

At 7.5 ounces , Mammut’s Hiking Pants ($120) are the lightest pants on the list. A lot of that weight can be chalked up to less material. While the waist feels true to size (even slightly large), the Alpine Lightweight Hikers taper through the legs.

Do shop pants shed water?

Treated with a DWR coating, the Shop Pants shed water, stains, and mud well. But these pants are fairly warm, so look elsewhere for hiking in very hot weather.

What material is best for hiking pants?

FABRICS MATTER - The fabrics that work best for hiking pants are synthetics that are durable and don’t absorb moisture. Stretchy fabrics like spandex/elastane that allow for easy movement are important too.

What is a relaxed fit for hiking pants?

Relaxed fit - Hiking pants with a relaxed fit are generally more comfortable for all day wear. The roomy fit makes them easier to move around in, and it can be easier to stay cool in pants with a little more wiggle room. The extra fabric can feel a little heavy and some people may not like the baggier look.

Why do we like convertible pants?

Convertibles - We like convertible pants for the obvious reason - they are pants and shorts. The ability to switch between the two with one article of clothing can save weight and pack space, since you don’t have to pack multiple bottoms. That said, convertible pants tend to have a very relaxed fit that can feel a little too baggy for us. If you wear your convertibles in shorts mode more often than pants mode, you will likely notice a stark difference in color between the shorts and the pant legs as well.

What is the best clothing for hiking?

Pants - Hiking pants offer a lot more protection from the elements, bugs, and harmful plants than shorts. If you’re hiking in an area where the weather can change quickly or where the threat of pests such as ticks is increased, pants are probably the better choice.

Why don't hiking pants have pockets?

We tend not to use most of the pockets on hiking pants because items stored in them can feel bothersome and can impede movement. We generally prefer pants with fewer pockets because they look more sleek and feel more comfortable.

Can you wear cotton hiking pants in cold weather?

Cotton dries very slowly, can stick to the skin and cause chafing when wet, and can be potentially dangerous in cold/wet climates. We generally don’t recommend cotton for any extended hiking trips. Spandex/elastane - Good hiking pants should have some spandex/elastane content for mobility.

Is testing hiking pants part time?

Testing hiking gear is our full-time job and we take these guides very seriously, constantly watching the market for new innovations and updating this list regularly. Our hiking pants recommendations are fully independent and our number one goal is to help our readers find products they’ll love for many years of backcountry use.

What are Columbia men's hiking pants?

The Columbia Men’s Pilsner hiking pants are as tough as they come and feature high performance Omin-Wick technology. They’re a more tailored pant than most of the others on our list but the material is flexible enough to nonetheless provide full range of motion. Regardless of whether you’re spending the weekend parked in the campsite or plan to engage in an epic trek across the ridge the Columbia Pilsner hiking pants won’t let you down.

What are hiking pants used for?

Apart from hiking, these pants can be used as part of a loungewear ensemble, for climbing, skiing, cycling, running and a handful of other high-energy activities. Versatility is obviously a very strong point here and this is something that should not be taken lightly.

What can I put in my hiking pants pocket?

You can also put your survival gear like the tactical flashlight, compass and multi-tool etc in your pants pocket and they’ll be immediately accessible in any situation. Maps, candles, the fire starter, energy bars and more are also excellent candidates for the pockets of your hiking pants.

What material are hiking pants made of?

Whereas in the past you basically had one choice for hiking pants (wool) today they come in a variety of materials including spandex, nylon, poly blends and, of course, wool; which still has a place on the mountain.

What are Silver Ridge pants?

Men’s Silver Ridge convertible pants are lightweight wonders that keep you warm, dry and comfortable regardless of conditions. They’re cut to accommodate hiking boots so you can pick up a pair for your next mountaineering adventure. But they also convert easily to shorts so that when the sun comes out and things warm up you’re ready to adjust. Lots of pockets with both flaps and zippers to hold your emergency kit and they’re surprisingly effective against the wind.

What are the benefits of hiking pants?

Hiking pants provide you with warmth, comfort, protection from underbrush, freedom of movement and additional storage options (if they have pockets, which we believe they should) among other things.

What are the Cascades pants?

The company hasn’t wasted any effort creating the Cascades so they can be worn to the office on casual day. These are outdoor pants, built for the trail. They’re as comfortable as they are durable and as durable as they are practical.

What are the best hiking pants?

Patagonia’s Quandary Pants are among the most versatile hiking pants in its catalog. They’re tough and technical, with a generous 6% spandex that allows for a wide range of movement on the trail. They’re also surprisingly lightweight at just 10 ounces, yet plenty durable with a tough, weather-resistant DWR finish. Plus, the fabric offers solid UPF 40 sun protection.

What are Silver Ridge hiking pants?

The Silver Ridge Convertible hiking pants are quick-wicking with plenty of storage and sun protection. Like most on this list, they easily convert to shorts with just two zipper pulls.

What are Cirque II pants?

For outdoor pants that are damn-near bulletproof, Outdoor Research offers its Cirque II Softshell Pants. Most softshell pants are designed to minimize weight and maximize range of motion and water resistance. But that usually results in a thinner, less durable construction. The Cirque II boast all of these features but with a tougher, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s ready for bushwhacking and venturing farther off-trail. None of which is surprising given that these are technically billed as specialty, all-season, alpine-centric pants.

What are Fjallraven pants made of?

Fjallraven, however, doesn’t always play by the rules. The brand’s Vidda Pro Ventilated pants are made from G-1000 material that’s 35% cotton. This unusual choice makes these hiking pants extremely durable, allowing for harder slides over rough, rocky terrain without worrying that your trousers won’t survive the abuse. Just throw on a liberal coating of Fjallraven’s Greenland Beeswax for added waterproofing, and you’re good to go.

Is Cirque 2 a tough pants?

The Cirque II boast all of these features but with a tougher, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s ready for bushwhacking and venturing farther off-trail. None of which is surprising given that these are technically billed as specialty, all-season, alpine-centric pants.

What are the pockets on Kebs hiking pants?

If you want pockets the Kebs deliver deep roomy front pockets, divided front map pockets, and large back pockets. The belt loops are also designed for a carabiner to carry a pair of gloves or gear.

What is a climbing pant?

The pant is a blend of nylon and spandex that has great moisture and temperature management. They also look pretty good as everyday pants that can go anywhere after you step off the trail. It’s a functional pant that is designed as a climbing pant so they have superb flexibility.

What are Fjallraven pants?

The Fjallraven Keb Trousers are a kickass pair of pants, but they do have limited use for an all-around hiking pant for men. We get a fair amount of use out of our pants in the Canadian Rockies where temperatures are cool year-round.

Can you hike in hiking pants?

Say whatever you want about pants, but if they’re not comfortable then they are not great for hiking. A pair of hiking pants need to be worn comfortably for days on end. They could be the most durable pants in the world, but if they feel like an art canvas I’m probably not going to want to hike for eight hours in them.