Pants

Featured review by Mackaym

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

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)

Reviewed by FromSagetoSnow

The Cirque Lite Pants are another hit from Outdoor Research. These alpine climbing pants are hiking, scrambling, and three-season mountaineering friendly.

  Hiking out from Peggy's Pond in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Washington) Outdoor Research's Cirque Lite Pants Ever do something dumb outdoors and turn a pleasant hike/climb into an epic suffer-fest? Yeah, me neither. Outdoor Research, the “working man’s” gear company, has made a pair of pants that can take you from casual hikes with friends all the way to alpine adventures on the edge of the void. The Cirque Lite Pants are your insurance policy against wardrobe failure in the wilds.

Read more: Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants review (1)

Reviewed by Twig

The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights are the perfect solution for comfortable and durable trekking pants as well as a thermal baselayer, all wrapped up into one. They feature functional pockets and robust construction, providing so much utility that one may find that no other pants are ever needed.

Specifications: Design: Reinforced Knees/Rear, gusseted crotch, articulated knees, and flat-lock seams Knees/Rear Material: 62% polyamide, 16% aramid, 12% elastane, 10% polyester; Stretch material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane Pockets: 3 Weight: 265 g in size small (my sample, size small, weighs 9.7 oz/276 g) Conditions of Test Period: When I say that I lived in these tights for four months, I am not exaggerating much. These were the only pair of pants that I brought during a thru-hike of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s long pathway.

Read more: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights review (1)

Reviewed by Burke MacLeay

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.

  Smashing rocks in summer (2020) in the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas pants (photo: Daryn Slover) Using the same pants four years later in 2024   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)

Featured review by Sean Van Cleve

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!

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)

Featured review by Mackaym

Very comfortable hiking pants, highly recommended!

I purchased a pair of the prAna Stretch Zion Convertible pants in the spring of 2016 (see my review of those pants here). After a year of loving those pants, I wanted to get another great pair of comfortable hiking pants. This time, I decided to give the regular (non-convertible) Stretch Zion Pant a try, and purchased these in the spring of 2017.   Being the bargain-hunter that I am, I searched the internet until I was able to buy a prior year closeout deal for only $40 for a pair of dark olive green pants.   Because I had put on a few pounds at the time I purchased them, I bought the 33-waist, 32-length (the prior convertible pants are size 32x34).

Read more: prAna Stretch Zion Pant reviews (8)

Featured review by Nick Mesarhakis

My first Arc'teryx hardshell. Let's see if it fits the bill...

Haven't used it that much on purpose since hardshells are my last resort, especially when it comes to pants. Why? Well, primarily because of the extra weight and secondly because of the whole process of getting in and out of in the field. I think of hardshells like a pair of crampons: use them only when needed and not for the whole duration of the hike. Hardshells are the bane for many hikers because they usually don't work the way they are supposed to and eventually get you clammy or even wet if it fails and water finds it's way inside.

Read more: Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant reviews (4)

Featured review by David Link

A very solid pair of hiking pants suitable for a variety of conditions across four seasons. These best sellers have been re-designed to meet Bluesign environmental standards, and to provide additional comfort. These trousers come in a huge variety of sizes so that you can find the perfect fit.

    In most conditions, I prefer to hike in shorts or 3/4 length pants. I tend to hike pretty warm, and sometimes full length pants are too warm. But there are times, especially in the winter and shoulder seasons, when a full-length pair of pants are the perfect option. Outdoor Research is currently advertising that their best selling Ferrosi pants have been “redesigned for more comfort,” so I was eager to give them a test. Fit is snug… recommend sizing up Fit: I am a pretty solid size 38" waist, and most other pants/shorts I’ve tried in 38" fit perfectly.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants reviews (7)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

The Ferrosi Joggers are a light pair of synthetic pants that are great for hiking. I like the tactile, quick-drying, breathable yet durable fabric, and they’re well-designed unless you favor a fly with a zipper. The jogger style (elastic cuffs) work better with low hikers, but they make regular Ferrosi hiking pants. One of the best hiking pants I have worn.

BASIC INFORMATION Outdoor Research offers a range of Ferrosi hiking pants for men and women (including in regular and convertible styles, if you like pants that zip down to shorts); the jogger style I tested is made in men's sizes small through XXL and XS to XXL for women. The men's run true to size. The jogger style is a bit different than the pants because the joggers have an elastic waist and an external drawstring to tighten them (the pants have an internal drawstring) and no belt loops or zippered fly.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Joggers review (1)

Reviewed by PhilNC

A sustainable and durable pair of functional work pants for outdoor jobs. Well constructed and thought out with well placed, deep pockets. They are comfortable for work pants, although a bit heavy like many others—the tradeoff for protection and durability. These are not hiking trousers, and are not designed to be, so fit the bill as work pants excellently.

  The Iron Forge 5-pocket hemp canvas pants, with Light Farrier's Shirt I wore the Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas 5-pocket pants for work in the outdoors from October 2023 through March 2024. These pants are designed for work (based on the marketing and the 30+ ounce weight), and value sturdiness and protection, as well as function, over style. I think they fit the bill nicely. They are comfortable right off the bat without break-in washing or wear, unlike traditional canvas work pants which can take a while to soften to comfort levels.

Read more: Patagonia Iron Forge 5-Pocket Work Pants review (1)