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Hiking Pants

Top Picks

How we choose: The best hiking pants highlighted here were selected based on 209 reviews of 136 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

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prAna Stretch Zion Convertible

user rating: 5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Super comfortable and stylish pants. Recommended for pretty much everyone!

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Convertible
  • Cargo pockets

Reasons to Avoid

  • High price

After multiple attempts at finding a great-fitting pair of hiking pants, I finally came across some reviews on the Prana Stretch Zion Convertible pants that helped me make up my mind that these were the pants I wanted.  However, I wasn't able to find a pair in any of my local stores, and the $85-90 pricetag gave me pause on purchasing them without trying them on.  But, after a few months of checking on some of the stores online, I finally came across a prior year closeout deal for only $45 for a pair of ginger-colored pants (think golden yellow), and I decided to give them a shot.

Read more: prAna Stretch Zion Convertible reviews (3)

Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trouser

user rating: 5 of 5 (3 reviews)

Fjällräven’s Vidda Pro Trousers are a functional and durable pair of pants that hit the mark in virtually every category. Robust yet svelte, these trousers are best for the outdoors-person that needs heavy duty performance, year after year. Don’t fear cotton with these 65/35 polyester/cotton pants, hiking all day in wet snowy weather doesn’t phase the "Arctic Fox"...Fjällräven!

Reasons to Buy

  • Extremely durable
  • Comfortable pocket design
  • Highly water resistant
  • Highly wind resistant
  • Adjustable cuffs with gaiter/lace hook

Reasons to Avoid

  • Not designed for warm weather
  • Flashy for street use

Fjällräven has been making durable outdoors products since 1960, and quality truly shines with their Vidda Pro Trouser. Every detail was thoughtfully designed when making these pants, from the articulated knees, down to pockets that keep one’s contents put, and comfortable. Specifications Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton (Fjällräven’s proprietary G-1000 fabric) Double Layered Knees, Rear Pockets: 6 (No Rear) Weight: 20.75oz/590g Design, Fit, and Comfort The Vidda Pro Trousers are designed to be a heavy-duty mountain utility pant, and comfort is in no way compromised.

Read more: Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trouser reviews (3)

Top Hiking Pant / Soft Shell

Sitka Ascent Pant

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Sitka Ascent Pants are a compellingly solid pair of lightweight hiking and hunting pants, built for warm-weather conditions. Although they are made by a hunting-focused company, these are every bit as good for non-hunters as they are for the hunters—and near perfect for people like me who do both. The breathable, stretch material (Stretch CORDURA Nylon Woven Blend) keeps things cool downstairs when the temps are hot, but unlike many summer hiking pants on the market, these are actually durable and can take a beating.

Reasons to Buy

  • So comfortable you won’t want to take them off.
  • Odor control technology makes it so you don’t have to take them off.
  • Highly breathable = less sweaty bits
  • Deceptively strong...they are much stronger than they look.
  • Lots of sizing options for men and women
  • Loose enough for a baselayer underneath, thus extending their usefulness into cooler weather

Reasons to Avoid

  • Zipper pulls come untied
  • Velcro closure to mesh knee pad pockets
  • No rear-facing pocket

Conditions:For seven weeks, I’ve worn the Sitka Ascent Pants for a variety of activities in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania (Eastern USA), including backpacking, day hiking, cutting wood, trout fishing, morel mushroom hunting (no luck), and scouting for future whitetail deer hunting areas.    Reviewer’s Measurements: Height: 6'2" (74" or 1.88m) Weight: 200 lbs (90.7kg) Typical Pants Size: 32" waist, 34" inseam Reviewed Size: 33T (measures 33" waist, 34" inseam) Reviewed Color: Pyrite (3 total colors options exist—2 camo and 1 solid) Fit:These pants have what Sitka calls, an “articulated fit for maximum range of motion with minimal bulk.” This description is spot-on accurate, as the Ascent Pants feel practically tailor-made...

Read more: Sitka Ascent Pant review (1)

Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pant

user rating: 5 of 5 (3 reviews)

My go-to summer pants.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight.
  • UPF 50 sun protection.
  • Breathable.
  • Quick drying (wicking).

Reasons to Avoid

  • Very thin (prone to rip).

It's primary usage is light hiking and when hitting the gym but when in summer pretty much all the time! The color is zinc/voltage. The fit is normal and the sizing is true. I bought 32/32 even thought it's feels more relaxed after a while probably because the fabric gives that impression due to it's lightness.It comes with it's own belt. It features a front zipper and a partially elasticated waist on the sides. It has two front pockets big enough to fit your 5-6 inch smartphone. Also a zippered pocket on the left side, a velcro on the right and two more vecro ones on the back.The side pockets have ample room.

Read more: Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pant reviews (3)

Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

These pants are are very lightweight and durable. They are also very comfortable.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Comfortable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Run small

These pants are great. I bought them for camping and hiking, but find myself wearing them on the regular. They are very lightweight and great for mildly warm conditions, but the material is also somewhat wind resistant and so that makes them OK for cooler situations as well.   They are also super durable. On a hike recently, I was getting caught in all kinds of thorns and I just plowed through and the pants don't show any signs. No snags or runs in the material or anything. The zip-offs are super easy to take off, and aren't too bad to get back together.

Read more: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant reviews (2)

Arc'teryx Rampart Pant

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

If I only had one pair pants for everything, this would be them.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Excellent fit
  • Very well made
  • Look fabulous

Reasons to Avoid

  • Pretty expensive for a pair of nylon pants

A few years back I bought a pair of these on sale. I wore them for all kinds of things... for hiking and for every day. When I lost forty pounds and lost two inches from my waist, they didn't fit anymore, so eBay helped me move them along. I've been wanting another pair of them, but at a hundred and ten bucks, I was waiting for a good sale. It has happened, and I have a new pair in the right size! Though marketed as a hiking and trekking pant, they are so much more. I can wear them in the mountains.

Read more: Arc'teryx Rampart Pant review (1)

prAna Halle Pants

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Every time I see a woman browsing hiking pants in an outdoor store, I want to run up to her and tell her about these pants. (But that would be weird so I'll just write this review.) The cut is flattering, the fabric has stretch but is also sturdy, and after three years and many miles they still look brand new. Perfect for hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, and around town.

Reasons to Buy

  • Sturdy fabric, but still comfortable and stretchy
  • Flattering, feminine cut

Prana's Halle Pants are my favorite piece of outdoor gear I own. Why do I love them? The cut is the BEST — seriously flattering on any body type and so feminine. The material is amazing. It's stretchy enough to be comfortable but sturdy enough to give you shape and not just conform to every single unsightly curve of your body. (And I need help in that department.) The olive color is so fresh and cute. They hold up extremely well. I've had mine for about three years now and have worn them on big backpacking trips and they look good as new.

Read more: prAna Halle Pants review (1)

Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

The Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pant is a heavy, well-constructed work pant with numerous features specifically for working outside with tools. The durable material (a mix of industrial hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton) is on the heavy side, but the cut of the pant redeems the bulkiness so your movements aren't restricted. Plus, the pants include recycled and organic materials and are covered by Patagonia's Worn Wear guarantee for many years of use. If you're looking for a strong work pant for trail building or other outdoor work, and you don't plan to hike too much in them, these are a strong, sturdy option. Just consider whether you want to size down.

Reasons to Buy

  • Strong, quality fabric
  • Comfortable and useful construction
  • Durable, especially at the double knees and seat
  • Generous cut for good range of movement
  • Deep pockets and belt loops keep tools handy
  • Made from industrial hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton
  • Covered by Patagonia's Worn Wear repair program

Reasons to Avoid

  • VERY heavy (men's 34.5 oz / women's 30.4 oz)
  • Not recommended for hot weather or hiking
  • Not water resistant
  • Generous cut (you may want to size down)

  Smashing rocks in summer in the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas pants (photo: Daryn Slover) Use I wore the Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants while working building mountain bike trails in Maine this past summer. I've also used them throughout the fall doing personal trail builds and recently this winter started wearing them for a blacksmithing class. Their versatility in what weather they can be used in makes them great for fall days when it can fluctuate between low high 30s and low 70s over the course of a day.

Read more: Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants review (1)

5.11 Tactical Stryke Pants

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Extremely rugged trousers that are intended for military or paramilitary use, but are excellent for hiking, although a little on the heavy side.

Reasons to Buy

  • Highly durable
  • Polycotton ripstop material has some stretch in it
  • Resistant to light rain and easy to clean thanks to its Teflon treatment
  • Multiple pockets
  • Extending waistband

Reasons to Avoid

  • On the heavy side
  • Could be more breathable

On the Cumbria Way in my Stryke trousers I recently hiked the Cumbria Way, a 73-mile trail in England's Lake District, wearing a pair of Stryke trousers by US brand 5.11 Tactical. As its name indicates, 5.11 makes gear primarily for the military, but I thought that the Strykes would make good hiking trousers and I was not disappointed. I wore the Strykes throughout my journey, which lasted five days, and I even slept in them on the three nights that I camped. I found them comfortable, durable, and practical.

Read more: 5.11 Tactical Stryke Pants review (1)

Columbia Saturday Trail II Convertible Pant

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2 reviews)

True to size, stretchy yet durable, plus breathable with a flattering fit. Compounded with the affordable price, these pants are a steal! My go-to pants for all sorts of occasions.

Reasons to Buy

  • True to size
  • Comfortable waistband
  • Functional yet flattering fit
  • Convertible
  • Breathable yet durable

Reasons to Avoid

  • Shorts are a bit long for my liking

These pants are fantastic, doing everything you need them to from athletic to casual to dressy-casual occasions. The fit is like your favorite pair of slacks, with a wide, flattering waistband (lined with soft micro fleece for carefree wear under hipbelts) and contoured seams. They are remarkably lightweight and stretchy without straining the seams (or leg zippers) while leaping across a water crossing or scrambling up a slope. If you happen to dunk a leg on the way over, they shed a lot of the water and dry quickly.

Read more: Columbia Saturday Trail II Convertible Pant reviews (2)

More Reviews of Hiking Pants

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Other Types of Pants

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Waterproof Pants

Soft Shell Pants

Wind Pants

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