Best Hiking Pants For Men
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weather Resistance
When you are searching around for a good pair of hiking pants, remember that you should consider ventilation properties no matter what weather conditions you prefer to hike in. If you hike during warm weather conditions only, then you probably already know how important breathability is to keep you dry and comfortable. However, even if the weather is cold, you will still sweat because of your activity level when you hike. You don’t want to wind up soaked in sweat and freezing on your hikes, so ventilation is always important.
Comfort
When analyzing comfort, we took a look at how well the pants fit, if they had adjustable waist bands, and their overall flexibility. You’ll find a wide variety of materials in these types of pants, but most of them feature some kind of nylon mixed with something else to provide flexibility. The nylon typically helps add durability to the pants, especially if the nylon fabric is ripstop. The fabric dries quickly, so in the event they do get wet, your legs won't feel clammy or damp. The waistband is made with brush polyester so it feels soft against your skin.
Features
Features focus on items like pockets and zippers as well as the ventilation system you’ll find in the pants. Pockets are important if you are planning to bring items along with you, and having pockets that have zippers or buttons on them helps to ensure that your items will stay secure. On many of the hiking pants on our list you do get some other features we really like, like a decent amount of pockets. There are large front pockets as well as two zippered rear pockets so that you won’t need to worry about losing your important items while you are on the go. You can also look out for a side pocket that can fit a cell phone, and that has a Velcro closure on it.
Durability
Some products on our list are more durable than others, and depending on what you plan to do when you hike, knowing how long the product will last you becomes important. Typically, pants made with nylon or ripstop nylon fabrics tend to be durable as long as the materials are thick enough to withstand abrasions. Many of these hiking pants are made from nylon which helps with being water-resistant and is quick to dry. Most of these pants are lightweight with a soft-shell design, so they'll stand up to use and abuse for years to come.
Best Hiking Pants For Men
1. Prana Stretch Zion Pants
Prana’s Stretch Zion Pants provide a lot of comfort while you are busy hiking and the nylon fabric that these pants are made out of feels great on the skin and also offers a lot of flexibility while you are moving. They also provide a nice overall fit, and their features give you just about everything you need in a good pair of hiking pants. You’ll get pockets, a waist tightener, and buttons you can snap up on the lower legs if you want to roll your pants up. With these pants, you get a well-made, durable design that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, and you’ll also get all of the comfort and versatility you’ll want while you are busy on your hikes.
Read moreComfort:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Pants offer a lot of comfort in their design. The first thing we really like is the soft feel of the material, which feels great against the skin. Also, these pants are made to have a nice fit and an adjustable waist so you can always get them to stay up, and make them fit you correctly. The pant legs feature a snap-up option in case you are out and the weather starts getting hot, you can cool your legs off. Also, these pants keep you warm in cold temperatures as well. While the breathability is alright, the only point of comfort we feel could be better with these pants is ventilation.
Features:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Pants feature a DWR coating over the top of them, making them water-resistant although not fully waterproof. You also get three front pockets and two back pockets with these pants, which means you’ll have plenty of places to organize your items. Plus, we also like the fact the pant legs have a button-up feature so that your legs can get more air if you notice the weather getting warmer. The pockets on these pants also are designed to securely hold your items, so you won’t need to worry about losing anything.
Durability:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Pants are manufactured out of a durable nylon fabric that is both abrasion resistant and tear-resistant. That means these hiking pants, even though they are lightweight, can handle a lot of abuse while you are busy on your hikes. Plus, this fabric also offers a lot of flexibility and comfort while you are on the go, which are two extras we really like. You’ll be able to get plenty of use out of these pants, making them a durable option.
Value:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Pants come with a decent price tag, making them a cost-effective option if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a good pair of hiking pants. You’ll get a pair of pants that are very comfortable and made to give you the flexibility you’ll want while you are on the go. Plus, these pants are very durable and long-lasting, and that means you’ll save money in the long run if you purchase them.
2. Prana Stretch Zion Convertible Pants
Prana’s Stretch Zion Convertible Pants offer a lot of nice versatility, and can be used for a wide variety of outdoor activities, and yet they still make an excellent option for hiking pants. They have a very comfortable feel overall, and their nylon and spandex combination helps to add a lot of flexibility. You won’t ever feel like your movements are restricted when you wear these hiking pants. Also, they do a good job of providing warmth and also are durable enough to resist abrasions and tears with ease, so you won’t need to worry about how much abuse they can handle while you hike.
Read moreComfort:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Convertible Pants provide you with a lot of comfort, since the material is designed to feel soft and great against your skin. Also, these pants feature an adjustable drawcord at the waist so that you’ll always get the perfect fit whenever you wear them. With their stretchy design, you’ll get plenty of flexibility out of them and you’ll be able to move around with ease. Also, these pants can keep you warm when it is cold outside, but they also ventilate well when the weather is warm, so they are great for all seasons.
Features:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Convertible Pants come with a good DWR coating that will help resist water while you are busy hiking. You’ll also get plenty of great pocket options so that you can easily carry along your important items with you, like four front pockets and two pockets in the back. The legs on these pants also zip-off, making them convertible, and that is another reason why they are a good option if you want hiking pants you can wear year-round. Plus, their ventilation system is very good, so you’ll get breathability as well.
Durability:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Convertible Pants are designed with high-quality materials and feature a nice design that makes them very durable. The nylon and spandex materials that make up these pants help provide a wide range of movement, but the nylon in the pants also makes this product able to resist abrasions while you are hiking. These hiking pants are incredibly durable and can take all kinds of abuse when you are hiking, and we were impressed by how much use you’ll be able to get out of them.
Value:
Prana’s Stretch Zion Convertible Pants come at an affordable price, which means this product is a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. They’ll give you a lot of comfort as well as great flexibility so that you can move the way you want when you hike. Plus, they are very, very durable, and designed to last, so you’ll have them for a long time before you’ll need to worry about replacing them.
3. Fjallraven Vidda Pro
Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Pants feature an innovative design that is made out of both polyester and cotton, which might seem odd since cotton has lately become a thing of the past as far as outdoor clothing is concerned. Nevertheless, the manufacturer has balanced out cotton’s usual moisture absorption by using a lot of water resistance that features wax mixed into the materials. What’s neat about these pants is that they are very water-resistant and highly comfortable because of the soft cotton material in them. And while they are a bit more expensive than some other options, they are very durable.
Read moreComfort:
Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Pants have a lot of comfort built into their design. They are very thick and warm, which makes them a nice option if you hike in colder weather, but they are too thick to be pants you can use year-round. Also, they could ventilate better, and that’s another problem you’ll have wearing them when the weather is warm. Other than that, you get a lot of durability and comfort since the cotton helps make these pants feel very soft. And, the overall design of these pants makes them very flexible as well.
Also read about best winter pants
Features:
Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Pants have a very nice waterproofing technique used in them that utilizes wax throughout the pants to make them very water-resistant. On top of that, you get a lot of nice pockets with this design, but you don’t get any pockets in the back. All of the pockets have button flap covers so that you won’t lose your important items while you are on the go. Also, you get reinforced knees that help add to the overall durability of these pants. You also get snap buttons at the bottom of the legs if you want to air out your legs a bit.
Durability:
Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Pants are made out of an interesting combination of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which makes them a bit different compared to some of our other products. The materials feature a protective wax coating that helps make the pants very water-resistant. One thing to note about the fabrics used in these pants is that they are very thick, and made to be durable. So, they can resist tears and abrasions while you hike, and also offer your legs a lot of protection. All of this means you’ll get a lot of use out of them.
Value:
Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Pants are one of the more expensive products on our list, so if you need a more affordable option, these might not be the pants for you. However, they do offer a great design that is quite innovative and promotes a lot of comfort as well. And, they are very durable; in fact, their design makes them one of the most durable options in hiking pants we have on this review. So, that does mean you’ll save money in the long run since these pants will last a long time.
4. Arc'teryx Perimeter
Arc'teryx’s Perimeter Pants are made to handle hikes where you might encounter plenty of moisture or rain when you traverse through the outdoors. These pants have a nice DWR coating over the top of them, and they do a great job of really repelling even heavy rain. The rest of the design of these pants offers you a lot of styles, which we like since these pants have a fashionable look. Also, you’ll get a lightweight design that is simple and doesn’t feature a lot of pockets but still offers durability.
Read moreComfort:
Arc'teryx’s Perimeter Pants come comprised out of 89% nylon and 11% elastane Cresta fabric, which offers durability but not as much comfort as some other product options. These pants don’t have that soft-to-the-touch feel we like. However, the fit works well in these pants although if you have a larger frame, these pants might run too tight on you. The pants are decently flexible for mobility, and they do offer a decent amount of breathability and ventilation as well.
Features:
Arc'teryx’s Perimeter Pants have a nice, high-quality DWR coating built into them, so they do resist water well and keep you protected. You’ll get two pockets in the back that are made to store your items and protect them. Plus, you’ll get one large pocket on the right leg area which you can use to carry a phone or a bipod. You’ll also get an adjustable waist area and a nice front zipper. Plus, these pants are also decently breathable, which is another nice feature.
Durability:
Arc'teryx’s Perimeter Pants have a nice combination of materials that makes them durable. With their 89% nylon and 11% elastane fabrics, they are flexible and give you the freedom to move, and the nylon materials used in these pants help to resist abrasions while you are on the go. That will add plenty of durability into these pants, and you’ll be able to use them for a long time.
Value:
Arc'teryx’s Perimeter Pants run on the expensive end of the spectrum, so if you need something that is cost-effective to save money, this might not be the right product for you. However, if you do have the money to spend, we do feel that these pants offer you the durability to make them worth the price. The major problem we have with them is that they should feel more comfortable, but that could be a matter of personal preference and you might still love wearing them.
5. Mountain Hardwear AP
Mountain Hardwear’s AP Pants offer you a durable pair of hiking pants that also brags of plenty of fashion. With a lot of versatility, you can use these pants for a bevy of outdoor activities, and that includes hiking. They do have a bit of a tight fit, so they are made for those with smaller frames, and they do offer a lightweight design overall. With enough flexibility to give you the freedom, you’ll want and need, you’ll also get durable pants that can get the job done.
Read moreComfort:
Mountain Hardwear’s AP Pants are comprised out of 75% cotton, 23% nylon and 2% elastane materials. The pants feel very soft to the touch and great against your skin, but the cotton placed into them means they don’t resist water very effectively. Also, they have a decent fit overall, and some flexibility although we do feel that for hiking pants, they could offer more versatility. Another issue we see is that the cotton materials don’t ventilate well, which could also cause you further problems with comfort.
Features:
Mountain Hardwear’s AP Pants don’t offer a lot of water resistance, mainly because of the high percentage of cotton you’ll find in these pants. However, you do get some other features we really like, like a decent amount of pockets. There are large front pockets as well as two zippered rear pockets so that you won’t need to worry about losing your important items while you are on the go. You also get a side pocket that can fit a cell phone, and that has a Velcro closure on it.
Durability:
Mountain Hardwear’s AP Pants come with a durable design that features cotton for comfort, nylon for durability, and elastane for flexibility. The nylon materials in these pants to help them resist abrasions and tears, but these pants aren’t quite as durable as pants that have higher percentages of nylon materials in them. Still, they are moderately durable by design and will last you long enough to give you your money’s worth.
Value:
Mountain Hardwear’s AP Pants come with an affordable price tag, making these pants a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. They do offer an average amount of durability, although the cotton in them makes them comfortable, they won’t last as long as hiking pants that have higher percentages of nylon in them. Still, they are a decent pair of pants and they do look very stylish on.
6. Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants come from a great manufacturer that is well-known for making great outdoor products to combat poor weather conditions. Because of that focus, these pants are a great option if you want an all-season pair of pants for all of your hiking. You’ll get a lot of versatility and flexibility built into these pants, which are designed to be lightweight and durable. Plus, they have an affordable price tag, which makes them a nice option for people shopping on a budget.
Read moreComfort:
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants offer a lot of comfortable features packed into very durable materials. First, these pants feel soft to the touch because of the nylon fabric used to make them, and that nylon fabric is also durable. These pants have a lot of wind and water-resistance as well built into them, which will make your hiking feel very comfortable. Plus, you’ll get a decent amount of ventilation and enough breathability to keep you dry while you are active.
Features:
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants do well with weather protection and can help keep both the wind and water away from your skin if you hike in poor weather conditions. You’ll also get plenty of nice pockets, with a nice, zippered pocket found on the thigh to store your phone. There are also two front pockets and two zippered back pockets to hold your items securely so you won’t need to worry about losing anything. With their nice waistband, you’ll also be able to adjust them for a better fit.
Durability:
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants bring you a lot of durability because of the high-quality materials that make up these pants. You’ll get a pair of pants with a durable nylon shell designed to resist abrasions while you are on the go, so you’ll get a lot of reliable performance each time you wear them. The ripstop nylon fabric is very strong, and that means you’ll get ample amounts of use out of these pants.
Value:
Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants come with an affordable price tag that makes them a nice option if you are shopping on a budget. You’ll get pants that are flexible and won’t restrict your movement, and also have a lot of great protection features with them. Plus, the durable ripstop nylon shell helps to resist tears while you are hiking, and that means you’ll have these hiking pants for a long time.
7. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible are a nice, affordable product option which makes them a good pair of pants to consider if you are shopping on a budget. These pants won’t do the trick if you want an all-year pair of pants, but they do well for casual hikes and warmer temperatures. One thing we really like about these pants is their great breathability and ventilation, and the fabric used is also made to be quick-drying. So, you’ll feel quite comfortable with them, and you’ll also get some nice bonus features, like extra pockets.
Read moreComfort:
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible feature 100% nylon fabrics which make them decently durable, although the material on the pants feels quite thin and won’t last as long as some of our other product options. You also get pants that are made to help protect you well from the weather and keep you comfortable. You do get flexibility and freedom to move around easily, and the material on the pants is very soft to the touch. Also, these pants are very breathable, which helps to add to their comfort.
Features:
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants come with zip-off legs that can convert the pants into shorts in case you feel you are getting too hot. You’ll also get UPF 50 sun protection as well, meaning you won’t need to worry about any sunburns while you are on the go. You also get plenty of decent pockets with zippers to easily hold and store all of your items.
Durability:
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are made more for warm-weather outings, so one thing we notice about the material is that it is quite thin. That means the material isn’t quite as durable as some of the other product options on our list. While they are very comfortable and will give you the flexibility you need to climb, they won’t last as long as some of our other options. However, they still offer enough quality durability and use if you are shopping on a budget.
Value:
Columbia’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants come with an affordable price tag, which makes them a nice product to consider if you are shopping on a budget. These hiking pants won’t burn a hole in your wallet, and they will provide you with a decent amount of use. These hiking pants aren’t quite as durable and long-lasting as some of our other product choices and are made more for warmer temperatures, but they are still a decent product.
8. Arcteryx Gamma
Designed as a soft-shell hiking pant, the Arcteryx Gamma offers a simple and minimalistic design while having maximum durability and freedom of movement. The waistband is made of brush polyester so it's soft, and the pants themselves come in a variety of waist and inseam options, so you'll be sure to find a pair that fits you.
Read moreThe articulated construction and gusseted crotch on the Arcteryx Gamma mean they won't hinder your movements and offer solid freedom of mobility. The fabric dries quickly, so in the event, they do get wet, your legs won't feel clammy or damp. The waistband is made with brush polyester so it feels soft against your skin. The pants themselves run true to size and come in three inseam lengths.
The Fortius DW 2.0 outer is made of a special combination of nylon and elastane fibers to ensure water resistance and durability while being comfortable and easy to move in. The pockets are streamlined and minimal; two front zip pockets and one sewn side zip pocket. While they aren't convertible, they do feature a cuff drawcord to secure them when rolled up.
The nylon outer is made to be abrasion- and water-resistant, and is quick to try. So even though these hiking pants are lightweight with a soft-shell design, they'll stand up to use and abuse for years to come.
9. Outdoor Research Voodoo
Combining comfort and mobility, durable abrasion-resistant nylon fabric, and a good amount of pockets, the Outdoor Research Voodoo pants are pure magic. The interior has a mesh-like texture to wick moisture and promotes breathability, while the exterior is both water and wind-resistant while offering a great range of motion thanks to the nylon and spandex blended material.
Read moreThanks to the nylon and spandex blended fabric, these hiking pants offer quite a bit of stretch, so they're comfortable and won't hinder movement. The waistband is designed to prevent chafing while sitting low enough to fit under a harness. The fit is also quite roomy to allow for a base layer for colder temperatures. Sizes range from 30" to 38", and the fit is true to size.
Sporting a zippered thigh pocket that's easy to reach, you can comfortably keep essentials nearby such as lip balm, a wallet, and most smartphones. Tapered legs keep the pants snug to your boots without bunching, while being roomy enough to fit over a pair of boots or roll up in warmer weather.
The nylon and spandex blended fabric doesn't mess around; it's made to resist abrasions and tears while being quick to dry in the event you get soaked. While the DWR coating will likely need to be reapplied after a while, these pants are built to last. They're easy to care for as they are machine washable, and they won't shrink in the dryer.
Coming in at around $100 for most size and color variants, the Outdoor Research Voodoo hiking pants offer a lot for your money and are a worthy investment that's sure to last you season after season. You should think about investing in a good pair of hiking boots if you are planning to go on an outdoor adventure.
10. 11 Taclite Pro
Originally designed for law enforcement and the military, tactical pants have found their way into the hiking community thanks to their durability and features. The ripstop polyester and cotton blend is durable without sacrificing freedom of movement, and the eight pockets mean you'll always have the essentials close by.
Read moreAt first, the ripstop fabric may feel stiff, but after a few washes, this should subside. These are also not an athletic fit, meaning they may fit a little baggy around the crotch area. This doesn't hinder freedom of movement, as the fabric itself has enough stretch to make up for it.
Sizes range from 28" to 44", come in four inseam sizes, and run true to size. There are a staggering eight pockets: two front, two rear, two hips, and two cargo. This means you'll have room to keep the essentials on your person, and for shorter hikes, you may even be able to forego a pack.
Tactical pants are known for their durability, and the 5.11 Taclite Pro is no different. The ripstop polyester and cotton fabric are very strong, while the HT Teflon coating provides exceptional water resistance. The zippers are made by YKK, the world leader in zipper production and one of Japan's largest manufacturing companies, so they aren't likely to break or get stuck.
Coming in at under $100, the 5.11 Taclite Pro is one of the less expensive products on our list. Don't let the price tag fool you though; these hiking pants are made to take a beating and provide the features that you need, so this is a worthy investment.
Sources
- 10 Best Hiking Pants of 2018, Informational Hiking Website ,
- Best Hiking Pants of 2017, Informational Outdoor Website ,
- The Best Hiking Pants for Men, Informational Outdoor Website ,