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The right pants can make hiking more enjoyable. A great pair of hiking pants are lightweight, quick drying, and protect against insects and UV rays. We've been testing hiking pants for 15 years, and can help you find just the right pair.
The best pair of hiking pants for men is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, and similarly, the best pair for women is the Ferrosi Women's. Both our men's and women's teams landed on the Ferrosi for its all-around performance, versatility, and top-notch breathability, which kept all of our testers cool, comfortable, and mobile out on the trail.
Again, our male and female testers agree that the Men's REI Co-op Trailmade and the Women's Trailmade Pants are the best budget options. They manage to keep up with more expensive competition without straining the wallet.
Our testing team for this review includes professional mountain guides who spend as much time on the trail as they can, and wear hiking pants on a near-daily basis. Testing locales include the Colorado Rockies, the California Sierra Nevada, and Downeast Maine.
Who this is best for: The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are best suited for hikers who prioritize breathability and freedom of movement. Made with a thin, stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, these pants excel on warm-weather adventures and high-output hikes where airflow matters most. “The looser fit provides outstanding mobility without feeling restrictive, making them a go-to choice for my summer hikes or any trip that demands agility and comfort,” one of our men's hiking pants reviewers commented. They don't look too shabby either.
Why we love it: We love the Ferrosi because it balances durability and low weight better than much of the competition. Their spacious design enhances ventilation and comfort, even during long days on the trail in the heat of summer. The relaxed cut does leave excess fabric around the lower legs, but our testers found it never interfered with stride or safety; it just added a bit more airflow, and the drawcord at the ankles helped.
Should you buy it? The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a no-brainer if breathability is at the top of your list. These pants shine when temperatures climb, and mobility is necessary for high-stepping and general comfort. While they're not the warmest option for cold weather, they leave enough room for layering, which adds versatility. “For most hikers looking for breathable, flexible, and versatile pants, the Ferrosi remains a top pick in my eyes,” our men's lead tester shared.
Generous stretch and excellent freedom of movement
Suitable for a wide range of outdoor pursuits
Lightweight design with good breathability
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as breathable as earlier iterations
Relatively high price point
Who this is best for: The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is ideal for hikers who want soft, comfortable pants with excellent mobility and venting for warm weather. The UPF 50+ fabric, light water resistance, and mid-rise, fleece-lined waistband with an integrated drawstring make them great for sunny hikes and active days outside.
Why we love it: We love the Ferrosi pants because the stretchy fabric moves naturally, breathes well, dries quickly, and rolls up easily to help you cool off. Our lead tester noted, “I love the soft fabric. It stretches like a dream and allows complete freedom of movement.” Cinchable hems also keep the cuffs out of the way for scrambling or brushy trails, where pants might get snagged.
Should you buy it? The Ferrosi is a strong pick if you want one do-it-all pair of warm-weather hiking pants. Just be aware that the fit is trim through the thighs, and sizing up can create some waist gapping, though the drawstring helps fine-tune things. While there is a convertible version with thigh zips, our testers generally preferred rolling the regular pants for better comfort and stretch. “If you can swing the price, the Ferrosi is a versatile, functional choice for everything from backpacking trips to casual day hikes,” our women's lead concluded.
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Pants are best for hikers who want thin, comfortable pants at a more approachable price point. These have a well-tailored, athletic fit that doesn't restrict range of motion, and our tester noted that the soft, supple material feels great against the skin. “With plenty of pockets for small essentials and a DWR finish that sheds light moisture, these pants worked well for me for everything from backpacking to everyday wear,” one of our main pants testers commented.
Why we love it: We love the Trailmade because it delivers impressive comfort and versatility at a low cost. Beyond hiking, we found these pants suitable for a wide range of activities, including climbing, biking, running, and yoga, which makes them a true multi-sport workhorse. For the price, it is hard to beat the overall value and performance they provide.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Trailmade if you want high performance on a budget and do most of your adventuring in mild to warm conditions. The main drawbacks are sizing quirks (our tester had to size up in both waist and inseam) and the thin fabric, which offers limited protection in cold or windy weather and lacks ankle cinches. “Aside from these relatively small issues, I found few real downsides, and the combination of low price and strong performance makes these pants an outstanding value,” our men's pants lead said.
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are great for lady hikers needing one pair of pants that can handle just about everything, and cost less than average. We wore them for hiking, backpacking, climbing, working, and even yoga breaks, and they kept up without complaint. The midrise, roomy cut and stretchy fabric move easily with your body, while useful touches like good hand pockets, a zippered thigh pocket for your phone, light water and wind resistance, rollable hems, and a cinch at the cuffs make them trail-ready at a lower price than much of the competition. “I was pleasantly surprised that a budget model could also be a do-anything pair of pants,” our women's lead shared.
Why we love it: We love these pants because they pack all-around performance and thoughtful features into an accessible, budget-friendly package. The design feels dialed for real use, from the secure storage options to the simple ankle cinch that helps keep dust, rocks, and debris out of your shoes. These transition smoothly from trail days to casual wear, and their comfort and ease of movement make them an easy go-to for a variety of activities.
Should you buy it? You should consider these pants if you prioritize comfort, versatility, and value over long-term burliness. The lightweight fabric raises durability concerns; one tester punctured it with a paperclip, and we've already noticed a few loose threads and a wobbly, unreinforced waist button. The loose cut can occasionally look or feel a bit sloppy, though the fun colors and relaxed style still drew compliments. Overall, we expect them to hold up to normal use, and they offer a comfortable, affordable way to stay on the trail longer. As one of our testers concluded, “The Trailmade punches above its budget class of pants, and I was able to make it last longer by keeping its fabric away from sharp branches and rocks.”
Who this is best for: The Prana Stretch Zion is best for hikers and outdoor adventurers who want durable pants that can adapt to changing conditions without zip-off legs. Roll-up snaps let you convert them into longer shorts or capris, offering ventilation without the bulk and look of traditional convertibles. Our lead tester, Zach Lovell, has relied on some version of the Stretch Zion since his teenage years, using them for everything from casual trail walks to alpine scrambles, saying, “These haven't changed much since Prana first released them, and I've found that to be a good thing: the Stretch Zion is dependable and time-tested.”
Why we love it: We love the Stretch Zion because it has remained a proven classic with only minimal changes over more than two decades. These pants feature a more durable fabric that prioritizes years of wear over maximum breathability, with a thicker, slightly less stretchy material that can handle heavier use. Venting at the upper thigh area and the ability to roll up the legs effectively boost airflow when things heat up, keeping them comfortable across a wide range of conditions.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Stretch Zion if you value longevity, versatility, and roll-up functionality more than ultralight fabric or the ability to zip off the legs completely. They are especially appealing if you want one pair of pants that can handle years of mixed use, from town to trail to alpine terrain. “I can't recommend these enough if you want a one-stop shop for your next hiking pants, but if breathability is a priority, I'd steer you elsewhere,” our men's lead concluded.
The Prana Stretch Zion is easy to roll up into long shorts, and for a more secure hold you can fasten both buttons instead of just one on each side. Credit: Chris Robertson
Inseam Options: 28.5", 30.5", 33.5" | Weight: 10.8 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent protection from wind and light precipitation
Lightweight, softshell-style construction
Comes with an integrated belt and well-placed pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
A bit warm and heavy for peak summer conditions
High price tag
Who this is best for: The Arc'teryx Gamma is best for hikers and climbers who head out in cool, windy, or wet conditions and want one pair of pants that can span multiple seasons. “The wind-resistant softshell fabric sheds water well, dries quickly, and offers some of the strongest weather protection in its class,” one of our women's testers shared. With a slightly higher rise and wider legs that make layering easy, these pants are well-suited to technical missions and long days outside. Just remember, these aren't a replacement for rain pants and are only water-resistant for lighter-duty storms.
Why we love it: We love the Gamma because it pairs weather resistance with a relatively light and mobile softshell construction. Our lead reviewer appreciated how confidently it handles mild to cold temperatures and wet trail days, making it a reliable option for shoulder seasons and beyond. Useful zippered pockets keep your phone and other essentials secure, and the overall fit and detailing are thoughtfully tuned for active use.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Gamma if you prioritize protection and performance in variable or cooler conditions and are willing to invest in premium gear. Even though it is light for softshell pants, it is thicker and warmer than many models, making it less ideal for hot summer hiking. The trim cut can also make sizing a bit tricky, and the price is high, but if it fits you well and matches your climate, it stands out as an excellent choice for technical hikes and four-season use.
Who this is best for: The Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible is best for those who hike in warmer climates and want zip-off style pants. The thin, breathable fabric means many users will comfortably keep them in pants mode until temperatures get particularly hot, and the included removable belt adds value. Overall, these are good for those who are shopping on a skinnier wallet. As one of our experts noted, “The airy construction reduces some durability, so these are better suited for mellower trails and everyday use than rock scrambling or hiking through dense brush.”
Why we love it: We love this model because it delivers a user-friendly convertible design at a very approachable price. The zip-off system is intuitive, with color-coded zippers that make it easy to match the correct leg and quickly turn shorts back into pants. That simplicity, combined with the light feel and included belt, makes them especially appealing for casual hikers, travel, and multi-purpose outdoor wear.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Silver Ridge Utility Convertible if you prioritize cost, breathability, and an easy zip-off system over ruggedness and a dialed-in fit. The lower legs are quite loose and have a lot of extra fabric around the ankles and feet, which can feel cumbersome when scrambling or pushing through brush. If you stick to more casual adventures and want versatile, airy convertibles that won't break the bank, these are worth tossing in your shopping cart.
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is best for hikers who want a zip-off model that also vents well in pants mode. They're comfortable and stretchy enough for everything from rock climbing to backpacking and can handle hot, humid environments like a champ, and even work in chilly conditions when paired with a base layer. We like that they come in a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus, making them accessible to many different body types. “I found these to somewhat break the mold of zip-offs,” one tester shared, “These are still high-performing as pants, which I haven't always found in this class of clothing.”
Why we love it: We love the Sahara because it packs a ton of thoughtful features into one very functional package. The pockets are genuinely useful, the built-in waist tie helps dial in the fit, and the zip-off legs use an additional vertical zipper so you can convert to shorts without taking off your boots. They breathe well in the heat, shed light rain, and proved durable throughout our testing, making them a dependable choice for frequent hikers.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Sahara if you prioritize comfort, ventilation, and versatility over sleek, everyday styling. The generous cut is extremely comfortable but clearly reads as athletic/hiking wear, and the thin fabric does little to block wind or cold on its own, though the loose fit makes layering underneath easy. “For warm-weather hikes, they're tough to beat, and their excellent performance for the price gives them a standout cost-to-performance ratio,” our women's lead concluded.
Who this is best for: The Kuhl Renegade Recon is best for people who want hiking pants that look sharp in town but still feel at home on the trail. Kuhl leans into a more urban aesthetic with these pants, but the synthetic fabric adds stretch and ventilation, keeping them functional for day hikes and bike rides. “I wore these while climbing and went straight to a semi-formal dinner afterward… once I dusted myself off,” our lead reviewer for men shared.
Why we love it: We love the Renegade Recon because it blends style, toughness, and practicality. Despite the clean look, it still packs in seven pockets, giving you plenty of storage for daily essentials and trail odds and ends. We do wish more of those pockets had zippers for extra security, but overall, the layout is useful without feeling cluttered.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Renegade Recon if you value durability and town-to-trail versatility more than maximum mobility. The fabric has some stretch, but not as much as the most movement-focused pants, and the slimmer fit can feel a bit restrictive for big, high-step moves. “For everyday wear, travel, and moderate hiking, the Renegade Recon offers an impressive blend of good looks, comfort, and toughness that'll likely last you a long time,” our primary hiking pants reviewer concluded.
Who this is best for: The Prana Halle Straight Pants II are ideal for people who want pants that can move seamlessly from the office to the trail to dinner without an outfit change. They wear like a polished pair of jeans, but the stretchy fabric moves easily and holds its shape throughout the day. “Articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and a cut that skims the thighs while fitting well at the waist help them feel comfortable and put-together in almost any setting,” one of our women's pants experts commented.
Why we love it: We love these pants because they blend everyday style with trail-ready comfort. Our lead tester summed it up by saying, “They look refined but move like a dream. I never felt restricted.” The integrated waistband lets you fine-tune the fit, and the overall design feels just as appropriate at a casual dinner as it does on a post-work walk in the woods- a rare find in the hiking pants world.
Should you buy it? You should consider the Halle Straight Pants if you prioritize all-day comfort and a polished look over technical performance. The PFAS-free water-resistant coating sheds water, but only briefly, and the pockets aren't really big enough to properly secure a phone (argh, women's pants…). They also are not the most breathable or wind-blocking option for more demanding outings, but for most after-work hikes and mellow adventures, they are a great choice that keeps you comfortable and presentable.
From the trail to the dinner meeting to the office, the Prana Halle looks great and still offers decent mobility. Credit: Clark Tate
Why Trust GearLab
Our team of hiking pants experts have collectively logged over 10,000 days in this class of clothing (yes, you read that right). We're a team of Mountain Guides, River Guides, Trekking Guides, Ecologists, and writers who've traveled the globe in the name of outdoors pursuits. We bring decades of real-world experience to every recommendation we make, aiming to offer the most comprehensive reviews on hiking pants possible.
Outdoor recreation is in our DNA, as is a keen eye for gear detail in categories like hiking pants.
Clark is an avid writer who now chases seasons between the desert, mountains, and sea. Every step of the way, she demands pants that keep up while she hikes, climbs, runs, and sea kayaks. Clark brings over 20 years of climbing and hundreds of trail miles to the table, having tested more than 25 hiking pants styles and honing a razor-sharp sense for what elevates a good pair to a truly great one.
Our women's testing team takes their hiking pants across horizontal and vertical adventures. Credit: Kate Pitts
Elizabeth, a former outdoor educator and lifelong hiker, backpacker, and climber, has pushed dozens of pants to their limits on alpine routes around the world—up steep faces, through manzanita, across icy rivers, and over blistering desert rock.
Our crew is passionate about the gear that gets them to places like this, including these convertible hiking pants. Credit: Elizabeth White
Jeff usually ends up in a pair of hiking pants at some point in his day for a huge portion of any given year, whether guiding in the alpine internationally or enjoying a personal day of climbing or backpacking. Jeff has logged years with Outdoor Gear Lab and has become an invaluable reviewer, writer, and photographer for dozens of gear categories. Zach similarly finds himself in hiking pants on an often daily basis, whether trekking through Nepal or guiding in Alaska. He's spent over a decade in the product testing and reviewing world.
We're as dedicated as it gets to the outdoors. We live, work, and play on trails, rivers, lakes, oceans, and mountains.
How to Pick the Right Hiking Pants for You
Pants designed for the outdoors come in many cuts and technical fabrics, which can make choosing the right pair feel overwhelming. The good news is that focusing on a few key factors will help you find hiking pants that meet your needs and fit your budget.
From dog walks to multi-week backpacking trips, there's a pair of hiking pants that'll work well for you. Credit: Zach Lovell
Intended Uses
First and foremost, we recommend thinking hard about what activities you'll be doing in your first, or next, pair of hiking pants. Of course, hiking is a primary activity most shoppers plan to do with this class of clothing, but there are more granular specifics that might help you hone in on the right option.
Day Hikes
From casual neighborhood strolls to adventurous dog walks to summit scrambles, the term day hike means something a little different to everyone. If you're looking for trail adventures on the more casual side, a less expensive and lighter-weight option might make the most sense, especially if you're only needing something for a few hours before you head to lunch. If you like to keep the hikes on rather than off trail, you also might be less likely to need something as abrasion-resistant, and can simply prioritize comfort. If you anticipate hiking in warmer temperatures or on larger uphills, make sure to pay attention to breathability.
From more casual strolls to summit scrambles, day hiking has a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Credit: Kory Markel
If your hiking and scrambling aspirations extend above treeline or through slot canyons, we might suggest looking for a more durable model that also boasts a better range of motion, as you're more likely to need to high step to get up or down over a boulder or fallen tree. Longer, more taxing hikes will also bring out all the pain points in a pair of pants, so you'll want to pay more attention to the details of fit here as well.
For higher elevation hiking, consider models that can handle harsher environments and a wider range of motion, as trails often become rougher the higher you go. Credit: Zach Lovell
Backpacking
If you're interested in multi-day trips, we encourage a bigger emphasis on durability, breathability, and weight. If you're hiking for days on end, every gram matters. However, if you're miles from the car, it's also important for your gear to be durable enough that it won't fail you mid-trip. If you're looking at warmer-temperature backpacking, breathability becomes even more crucial. Adversely, if you're backpacking in cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, warmth and weather resistance become a priority. Pants with a roomier cut can be more versatile in these cases, allowing you to wear a base layer pants underneath on cold mornings and peel them off as the day warms up.
Depending on where your overnight trips take you, breathability or warmth will be a priority. Credit: Kory Markel
Town to Trail
We love the ability to go for a morning hike or evening jaunt and roll right into whatever work or social engagements we've got on the calendar. Many of these pants are so comfortable that we prefer them to jeans, and will wear them just about anywhere it is socially acceptable. If this is you too, there are some great options out there that focus on a more urban aesthetic but utilize synthetic fabrics to offer on-trail performance. Of course, there is some compromise, and we wouldn't recommend these styles for high alpine scrambles or a weeklong backpacking trip, but they work great for the person who stays active in their daily routine, whether that's biking to work or going on a quick morning hike before heading to the office.
Many options exist on the market today that offer sleeker aesthetics while still using techy fabric for the outdoors. Credit: Zach Lovell
Fabrics and Hiking Pants Construction 101
The main fabrics typically used in hiking pants are nylon, polyester, and stretch blends, because they're durable, quick-drying, and better at handling sweat and abrasion than cotton. Nylon is typically the toughest and most abrasion-resistant, polyester is lighter and dries quickly, and adding a little spandex or elastane gives the pants more stretch and mobility for climbing or long strides. Natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and merino wool can show up in some hiking pants, but cotton dries slowly and is usually the least practical choice for wet or high-exertion conditions, while wool and hemp are more often used in blends or colder-weather designs.
FAQs
We generally suggest finding a pair of pants that utilizes synthetic fabrics, including nylon, polyester, spandex, and elastane. These offer stretch and quick-drying properties. We also suggest paying attention to the advertised fit. The fit of a pair of pants largely comes down to personal preference- a slim cut might still perform well if made with stretchy fabrics, where other pants utilize a baggier cut to offer mobility. Pockets can be another thing to look at, as they can offer convenient storage for items like a mini sunscreen, an energy bar, or keys. Make sure the pocket configuration can hold all your basics.
For bigger hikes and outdoor adventures, absolutely. Generally speaking, jeans are usually made with a large percentage of cotton, which has little stretch, absorbs moisture, and is slow to dry (not to mention the chafing issue… ouch). For casual strolls on the dirt path around the lake, your jeans might be just fine, but for bigger days or hikes in warm or wet weather, the mobility and quick-drying nature of hiking pants make them a much better garment.
In most cases, no. If you like to extend your hikes late into the fall, or can't wait to get out on the first day of spring, you might encounter some cooler temps, but we recommend starting by adding long johns for extra insulation before jumping to dedicated insulated hiking pants. In most situations, a good pair of hiking pants is all you need, and in wet or cold weather, simply adding rain pants or long johns to your pants system is the best solution.
We get asked this question a lot. If you find yourself often overheating in your local hiking areas, zip-off pants are hard to beat, style be darned. The functionality is undeniable, as early morning hikes (especially in the desert) often start off cold and heat up dramatically by the afternoon. Being able to simply convert your pants into shorts prevents you from getting too sweaty or from having to carry a change of clothes. If you hike in moderate temperatures and don't tend to overheat, standard pants will work just fine and often offer better style.
Other Notable Hiking Pants
Women's REI Activator: The REI Co-op Activator women's pants are stretchy soft-shell hiking pants that excel in cool, windy, off‑season conditions. They use a durable nylon–polyester blend with 11% spandex for easy movement, plus generous storage with large zippered hand pockets, a small lower pocket, and two snap-back pockets. A hem cinch adjusts quickly, and the broad size range makes them friendly for a variety of body shapes. They're warm rather than breathable and are too warm for the heat of summer, so they're best for hikers who regularly go out in cooler, windy weather rather than as do‑everything summer pants.
The activator is a great choice if needing a warmer pair of hiking pants. Credit: Elizabeth White
Fjallraven Vidda Pro: If you need durability above all else, these hefty hiking pants were made to last. With reinforced fabric at the knees and seat, this pair can handle a day working on the house as easily as it can be worn in the mountains. Just bear in mind it doesn't have much stretch. These weigh more than most hiking pants in the lineup, but they can also withstand substantially more abrasion. Unfortunately, the Vidda Pro is made with a substantial amount of cotton, so these are most ideal for dry conditions, as they will take a long time to dry. Besides these qualms, if you want a pair of pants that are made to last, put this burly model on your finals list.
The Vidda Pro is a robust pair of hiking pants that's likely to hold up to whatever you throw at it. Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
We've collectively logged thousands of hours testing hiking pants in the real world. The lineup you see here highlights the very best options for men and women, spanning different climates, budgets, and types of missions. You can feel confident you'll find your next go‑to pair in this guide—just take your time, compare your needs to our notes, and choose the pants that match how and where you actually hike.
—Zach Lovell, Clark Tate, Cam McKenzie Ring, and Jeff Dobronyi
