When it comes to hiking gear and apparel, boots, backpacks, and jackets tend to get the lion’s share of the attention, which is admittedly strange considering your legs are experiencing the vast majority of the movement and work while beating the path. And it’s for this reason that hiking pants are so instrumental to achieving a proper loadout for the trail, as they massively bolster durability, mobility, comfort, and performance. In this guide, we’re exploring the best men’s hiking pants on the market and testing out our favorite pairs.

How We Tested

The outdoor garment space has benefitted in recent years from a slew of advancements in technologies, materials, and weatherproofing coatings and treatments. Though these breakthroughs are largely spurred on by the jacket segment, these same advanced constructions and membranes are no less present in the latest hiking pants. To help you sift through the noise, we’ve done the legwork for you by first compiling a list of options we considered for testing from our own experience with hiking pants and our knowledge of the space. We looked at material, aesthetic, pocket options, durability, and water resistance, among other things. After that, we sourced our units for testing.

The testing process was pretty straightforward, taking each of these pairs out on the trail to see how they performed and how comfortable they felt when hiking. Our results are detailed below.

Measurements: I’m 6’0″ tall and wear a size 38 waist and 30 length on most occasions. Where there was more straightforward sizing, I opted for an XL. My body type is a bit large so I also prefer pants that are a bit slimming, especially around the rear area.

What to Look For

Durability: Because hiking pants have to be able to survive the rigors of countless hours out of the trails, durability is an incredibly important factor. Though how rugged a pair of hiking pants are ultimately beginning with the primary construction, there are plenty of pants with reinforcements or overlays in less stress or abrasion-prone areas using materials like CORDURA. The construction techniques used will also play a pivotal role in how hardwearing a given pair of pants is, with techniques like laser and taped seams boasting higher degrees of durability than traditional stitching.

Breathability & Waterproofing: Almost certainly the greatest advancements in this space, breathability and waterproofing have seen massive improvements over a short period thanks to a growing number of increasingly capable membranes, which are 100% waterproof and shield their wearer from the elements while allowing moisture and body vapors to pass through the jacket, preventing sweating and discomfort. Many of today’s hiking pants are also fortified via supplementary coatings such as a DWR finish, which, on a microscopic level consists of tiny spikes that help water to bead and roll off of the surface of a garment rather than seeping into it.

Fitment & Adjustability: Hiking-specific pants afford better mobility and range of motion than your average pair of chinos or jeans, which makes sense considering the intended use. However, in order for hiking pants to perform to their full potential, they need to fit their wearer somewhat precisely. For this reason, pants that are equipped with a wide range of adjustment points are able to afford a markedly better and more snug fit. And, on top of sporting breathable membranes, a great many of today’s hiking pants also feature open and closable ventilation ports to allow even more airflow to pass through when trekking through warmer climates.

Mobility: Another key feature of hiking pants is articulated knees, which are essentially a pseudo-joint built into the fabric so that it bends with your own knees. Likewise, a gusseted crotch is important for range of motion as well. This is usually a triangular portion of the construction added to the crotch area to increase its give for better mobility when hiking.

Comfort: Just like with a quality pair of premium hiking boots, a good pair of hiking pants should offer all-day comfort. The use of soft liners, a slew of adjustment points, primary constructions with breathable membranes and/or stretch properties, and a suite of vents collectively make for a much more comfortable experience. You want to be sure to factor in the different areas that affect this particular aspect as comfort really does make an enormous difference when it comes to hiking pants.

Convertibility: Another feature of some hiking pants is the ability to convert into shorts, for those who like to have the option for both. This will be done typically via a zipper system around the knees, which allows you to take the lower portion of the pant legs off entirely.

Pockets: You might forget to check prior to your purchase, but pocket options on your pants are crucial to any hiking outing. Not every storage solution should be assigned to the backpack. Sometimes it’s nice to have certain items on your person. So not only look for a good number of pockets but consider where they’re placed and how deep they are. Also, zippered pockets are a good choice, if not essential, for the more rigorous hikes you’ll embark upon.

Style: Not unlike the vast majority of genres of clothing, hiking pants come in a wide array of different styles, cuts, and colors. Some pairs take a more military-inspired tactical approach, while others opt for more subtle, understated pairs. The point is, no matter what your personal tastes happen to be, there’s almost certainly a high-end pair of hiking pants out there that will jive with your visual preferences. And, unsurprisingly, hiking pants are offered in a heap of different color options, as well.

Mountain Hardwear AP Active Pant

Best Budget Hiking Pants: Winner of Backpacker’s coveted Editor’s Choice Award (for hiking pants), Mountain Hardwear’s AP Active Pant offers ample comfort and durability in a featherweight package that weighs just 13.2oz. Good for shielding its wearer from rays of up to UPF 50, these pants are made from a stretch woven nylon and elastane blend that’s produced in five color options. A myriad of secure open and zippered pockets, articulated knees, belt loops, and a designated knife pocket complete the package.

The Good

One of the more comfortable of the pants we tested, the Mountain Hardwear Active Pant benefits from its stretch-woven nylon that I could’ve sworn had some cotton in it considering how comfortable it is. Soft both inside and out, these pants were easy to keep on after I got home. I also love how these look on me. I have thicker proportions and the pants were very slimming, especially in the rear and thighs. And they seemed to mold to my body as the day went on.

If you’re into pocket selection, these trousers are nice because, aside from the two hand pockets at the waist, there is a slit pocket at the thigh and two rear zippered pockets. The trend nowadays is to have just one rear pocket, but I like having options in the back for extra gear. Not to mention, most rear zippered pockets have a hard time closing single-handedly, but both of these are incredibly easy to open and close quickly.

The Not So Good

As much as I like the front-facing waist pockets, which are good for preventing any accidental spillage when hiking or sitting down, the ones here are not very deep at all. In fact, my phone nearly sticks out when shoved inside. Likewise, the thigh pocket on the right side is very small, albeit deep, and I couldn’t stick my hand all the way in. However, if you’re just using this for a knife or pen, this won’t be an issue.

Another thing I noticed with the construction was the lack of quality control. Many of the seams had hanging threads and it seemed to be cut slightly different on different parts. However, these are still at the lower end of the spectrum, which can account for any of these minor flaws. They’re also not abrasion-resistant, which might be an issue depending on how rugged your hikes are.

Verdict: The most affordable of any pants on this list, Mountain Hardwear’s Active Pant is so comfortable, soft, and flexible that you won’t want to take it off. We even noticed them molding to the body throughout the day. Despite having plenty of pocket options, the pockets could be bigger and there were some threads exposed but there’s not much to complain about considering the price.

Coalatree Trailhead Pants

Most Comfortable: Coalatree’s Trailhead pants are a highly-calculated performance pair of hiking trousers born out of the most successful outdoor pant Kickstarter campaign of all time, amassing more than $400K. This allowed the sustainably-minded manufacturer to develop a purpose-built pair of hiking pants with a DWR-coated and bluesign-approved Spandex-infused nylon blend that’s highly tear-resistant and completely waterproof and breathable, as well as sporting four-way stretch and antimicrobial properties. This pair also packs and stuffs into its own front right pocket for easy storage when not in use.

The Good

As you may have noticed, most of the pants on this guide are sized by width and length. However, these Coalatree Trailhead pants are more sweatpants-like in both fit and size options. As such, I went for an XL, which fit really well. They are as loose as your standard sweats or pajama pants but find some balance between sweatpants and actual pants with a snug fit; more activewear than leisurewear.

In terms of trail-ready features, the Trailhead has a comfy yet rugged shell fabric, weather-resistant cuffs, and deep pockets. I keep a lot of items with me everywhere I go, which is why I prefer cargo pants. However, the lack of versatility in cargo pants force me to pick other options. These Coalatree pants are perfect for me and all of my gear. Moreover, when I’m sitting down, the openings of the pockets pinch a bit to prevent anything from falling out. It’s important to note that this could be an issue if you’re trying to actually access any of those items.

The fit here is nice, although perhaps too snug for wearing around the house, especially without articulated knees. On the other hand, the inseam rides pretty high, which helps prevent chafing, however, it’s not too stiff that it becomes annoying there. Aiding the fit is the drawstring, which is wisely situated on the outside of the waistband to make adjusting easier.

The Not So Good

There aren’t a lot of downsides to the Trailhead pants. However, I found the cuff drawstrings to be slightly superfluous since the cuffs would be just as effective if they had elastic in them instead. I thought the drawstrings would get in the way if they weren’t tied up. However, they’re situated on the outside of the ankle so you don’t have to worry about stepping on them yourself (although someone else might be able to).

Verdict: Sweatpants that are form-fitted and durable for the trail, the Coalatree Trailhead pants are very rugged yet soft to the touch. They might be too tight to wear when lounging around the house but the deep pockets and customizable fit complement the stretchy fit. And at just under $100, you can’t go wrong with these.

Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible

Best Convertible: Pants are the best option when enduring the rugged requirements of an unpredictable hiking trail, but when things heat up, it’s nice to have the option to change into shorts. The only problem is, that requires you to pack a second pair of trousers in your bag. A loophole that’s popular with many outdoorsmen is convertible pants (i.e., pants that convert to shorts via zipper). While some may not love the pants-to-shorts style, there’s no denying their utility. Take, for example, these Renegade Cargo Convertible pants from Kuhl, constructed with DURALUX nylon and spandex blend for a cotton-like feel. As the name implies, they’re equipped with cargo pockets and also feature a gusseted crotch and moisture-wicking properties.

The Good

I love the cargo pockets, which are each spacious enough to handle anything you need to put in there, and they won’t accidentally let things slide out between the buttons as some cargo pockets might do. Also, the right cargo pocket features an inner compartment for smaller items, such as coins or a smaller knife.

Despite not having the most agreeable material blend, the pants are surprisingly comfortable. They’re roomy in the thighs and have a gusseted crotch, both of which served me well when going up inclines. You’ll notice just how tough they are at first touch but also they’re rather stiff and could use some extra stretchiness –– an issue that might be a deal-breaker had these not been so spacious.

The Not So Good

There are two rear pockets, which I love, but they each close with just a single piece of Velcro in the center, which I don’t love. However, this makes for easy and inadvertent opening and closing. While I thought the cargo pockets would be a bit higher up on the thigh, their position isn’t terribly low either.

These pants are also very durable, to a fault. As we said, the material is rather stiff, which could be an issue if you have a size that’s slightly too small. Likewise, the zippers at the lower thigh fall so close to the knee that when I sit down, the hardware creates uncomfortable pressure and restricts movement there. It’s also crucial to note that these pants are noisy; when hiking, ther was a lot of “thwipping” that happened.

Verdict: Durable to a fault, the Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible are a great option for days that start off cold and get warm later on. They’re equipped with super-secure cargo pockets and have roominess where it counts, despite the more rigid material build. We didn’t love where the zipper hardware fell on the knees but these trousers are still incredibly tough for whatever your journey requires.

Fjällräven Keb Trousers M

Best Winter Hiking Pants: Though they’ve now existed for several years, Fjällräven’s Keb Trousers remain one of the best pairs of hiking pants that money can buy. Produced in seven color options, these pants are crafted from a combination of stretch fabric and Fjallraven’s environmentally-conscious G-1000 ECO material and boast reinforced knees, pockets, and pant-seat, ventilation zippers running from the knees to the hips, internal attachments for suspenders, detachable strap adjustments at the ends of the legs, and boot hooks and loops for use with stirrups. Weighing only 21.5oz, the latest version of these pants also feature redesigned leg-endings that allow for easier on-the-fly adjustments and easier repairs —should you manage to damage these hardwearing pants.

The Good

If you’re looking for something unique when heading out on the trail, these Fjallraven Keb Trousers are the ones for you. Built with creative pocket structure, the pants include a pair of hand pockets at the waist, which are both incredibly stretchy on the inside for the ability to expand, and two cargo pockets –– one with a zipper closure under the two snap buttons for added security. The one on the right has a small knife compartment as well

Durability is obvious with these, featuring reinforced knees as well as an overall rugged feel. Despite being pretty darn heavy, the pants are also incredibly thick and warm for chilly days, but not too warm that you can’t wear them in tepid weather also. I wore them on a day that started out warm and these didn’t bother me at all in that regard. I also loved how stretchy they are in the crotch area, even though the rest of the pants are firm and sturdy.

The Not So Good

In terms of downsides, the Keb Trousers have some interesting ones. The rear pockets don’t exist here, so if you like having that as an option, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Likewise, there are ventilation zippers down the leg, which is a nice touch, but if you forget to zip them up, your undies will be exposed (as well as your upper thigh). However, the biggest issue with these pants is the sizing. They run way too small. I’m a 38 waist and I couldn’t button them (I hiked with the zipper up and a belt on, in case you’re wondering).

Verdict: Running too small, the Keb Trousers from Fjallraven are still one of the most durable pairs we tested. They’re reinforced at the knees and have a thick material that’s agreeable in both cold and warm temperatures. We loved the pocket composition as well as the stretchy material in the crotch area for movement. Priced well for Fjallraven’s hiking gear, these pants will serve you well if you get the size right.

Arc’Teryx Gamma Quick Dry Pant

Best Mid-Layer Pants: When shopping around for high-end hiking or outdoor gear, it never hurts to see what today’s most elite military units are using, and with near-unparalleled performance and durability, it’s frankly no surprise that many operators put their trust in Arc’Teryx. Designed to be worn as a mid-layer, outer layer, or as standalone shell pants, the brand’s Gamma Quick Dry Pant is made from TerraTex performance nylon that’s wind-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and, yes, quick-drying. It’s also built with four-way stretch for the most strenuous hikes. Other noteworthy details include five zippered pockets, articulated patterning, and an adjustable waist belt.

The Good

Incredibly thin, the Gamma Quick Dry Pant makes for a great mid-layer because it’s inherently water-resistant, it’s low-profile, and it’s lightweight. Even the pockets stay low, with four zippered options on the leg –– two hand pockets and two slanted pockets on the thigh –– and one at the rear. If you’re wearing a layer on top, these pockets are great for essentials that you need on your person but maybe don’t need readily, like keys, cards, or even bandages.

One feature I really loved was the built-in G-hook belt. Unlike most pants with these, as well as pants with drawstrings, the belt has a tendency to get “eaten” by the interior of the pants on one side. However, there’s a failsafe set up here where only one side stretches out and doesn’t affect the other side, which remains in place (i.e., you can’t pull it in or out). Despite how thin and lightweight these trousers are, the performance nylon does an excellent job with temperature control.

The Not So Good

The biggest issue with the Gamma pants is that the waistband runs a bit small. But, unlike the Fjallraven Keb Trousers above, I could still button it together. This also makes these great mid-layer pants because they’re so thin, low-profile, and won’t bunch in the waist. While it’s noisy when hiking like the Kuhl pants, I was able to get used to the noise quickly (although you won’t be able to sneak up on anyone). Also, as much as I loved the thigh pockets, I had difficulty sticking my hand inside to get stuff out, which may be an issue for people who have bigger hands than I do (I have small hands).

Verdict: If you sweat a lot or love to layer up, these Gamma Quick Dry Pants from Arc’teryx will be perfect for you, especially considering how lightweight they are. Despite their thinness, they still regulate temperatures well and provide you with lots of low-profile zippered pocket options. Keep in mind though: These run slightly small at the waist, which admittedly maintains their status as solid mid-layer trousers.

Vollebak Planet Earth Pants

Best High-End Pants: A more lightweight — but no less innovative — alternative to Vollebak’s game-changing 100 Year Pants, the company’s stylish Planet Earth Pants were engineered from the ground up to offer maximum comfort in the world’s harsher conditions. Designed to handle the planet’s toughest, most unforgiving locales, these pants feature an elastic, rope-tied waistband, seams that are reinforced with welded Bar-Tacks, pockets that are all laser-cut and bonded, a plethora of pockets (including a dedicated watch pocket), the highest UV protection of any pants at over 50, waterproof and bonded zippers throughout, and Italian-sourced nylon and elastane blend construction benefitting from a fluorocarbon-free plant-based water repellent technology that acts as a natural DWR-like coating. It’s also insanely lightweight at just 9.7oz.

The Good

In terms of style, Vollebak really knows how to blend aesthetic with function and performance. The Planet Earth Pants look really nice while also boasting ridiculously cool specs. For testing, we opted for the Stone Edition colorway, although it’s also available in black or navy. These have a khaki-style appeal that can transpose off of the trail perfectly. There’s also a Planet Earth Jacket that could complete the ensemble.

A major reason for their visual appeal is their low profile, which might make you think that they’re a bit too restricting. On the contrary, these trousers were very stretchy, seeming to mold to my body the more I walked in them. The drawstring waistband didn’t expand as the fabric below expanded around my rear, as many elastic waistbands do. Rather than tying the strings like normal, these drawstrings feature a simple cinch that’s much more effective and quicker.

The Not So Good

When testing all these hiking pants, the most exciting part is exploring the pocket selection and figuring out where to put everything. However, the Vollebak pants are a bit disappointing in this regard. There are the standard hand pockets at the waist, which are zippered, but the only other option is the rear zippered pocket. Located at the center of the rear rather than the right or left side, the pocket is admittedly unique, designed for something along the lines of sunglasses or a pocket knife.

Verdict: While incredibly durable and dirt-resistant, the Planet Earth Pants are still admittedly expensive at nearly $400, which may be a deal breaker for most shoppers. However, that’s to be expected from Vollebak, as most of their gear is brilliantly designed and constructed. For these pants, we loved how form-fitting they were and their ability to mold to the body, even if there could have been some more pockets. They’re also incredibly stylish with a look that can work for off the trail as well.

Hiking Pants Comparison Chart

Are Hiking Pants Better Than Hiking Shorts?

While you may be tempted to stick with your hiking shorts when venturing through the wilderness, you should consider the benefits of full-length pants first. For one, they protect you from the sun. Likewise, if you’re making your way through taller grass or narrow trails, you’ll want the extra fabric to protect your skin from abrasions or insects like ticks. However, if you’re going somewhere familiar and know that there won’t be these types of obstacles, hiking shorts can be a favorable option on hot days. For the best of both worlds, grab yourself a pair of convertible pants, which allow you to turn your long-legged hiking pants into shorts, typically with a zipper around both knees.

Honorable Mentions

Patagonia is a brand that knows the outdoors well, and have many loyal fans because of how they dedicate performance and style. While impressive, their Point Peak Trail Pants don’t really do anything remarkably enough that the above options don’t already do, and then some.

Another budget-friendly option, the Prana Stretch Zion Pant is a solid pair of hiking trousers but, like the Patagonia pants above, they don’t do anything special enough to warrant inclusion over the others.

Born out of a Kickstarter campaign back in 2018, the Norra Ljung Outdoor Pants feature replaceable and removable knee pads made from EVA foam, as esoteric as that may be. Nonetheless, these are worth mentioning.

Outdoor Research has already made plenty of appearances on our hiking-focused guides, and they’ve been some of my favorite items. These Ferrosi Pants are climbing-leaning, with harness-compatible waistband and movement-mirroring stretch, and have also been updated to retain their waistband shape. However, we couldn’t secure a unit in time so we couldn’t test them out firsthand.

Built for the EDC user, Prometheus Design Werx’s Raider Field Pant is over-engineered and equipped with plenty of pockets. Plus, it only weighs around 6oz! Again, availability issues caused us to come up short with testing these ones but we felt they needed to be featured here anyway..

Tested: The Best Hiking Jackets for Hitting the Trail

Now that you’ve got your trail pants situation all sorted, why not check out a selection of stellar upper-body counterparts from our guide to the best hiking jackets for rugged garments for adventuring in any weather?