12 Best Hiking Pants for Men and Women

If you’re looking for pants you can wear backpacking, the LIVSN Flex Canvas pants are a superb choice. They’re versatile, functional, and durable too, made with sustainable EcoFlex Canvas fabric that won’t wear on your conscience.

The structure of the pants is designed to pass the test of time, which means these babies are going to last you for years to come if you take good care of them. The pockets are reinforced with double bar tacks and mesh, not to mention the double stitching design throughout the pants for added strength and durability.

LIVSN really went the extra mile with these hiking pants. The pants legs have reflective taping on them for hiking after dusk, and there’s even a leather washer behind the button for strength. If that isn’t enough to convince you, the Flex Canvas pants also have added layers of fabric stitched beneath the rear pockets to prevent wear and tear.

Mobility is a given thanks to the flexible fabric. The waistband is contoured to the body to help the pants sit perfectly on the hips, and the knees are articulated to increase your range of motion. The crotch is also gusseted to prevent the fabric from ripping on steep climbs.

The Arc’teryx Gamma LT pants are made of soft-shell fabric that will keep you cozy in winter and feel soft to the touch. The material has a good amount of stretch to it for challenging climbs, and the durable, water-resistant finish will keep you dry in the rain.

These pants have plenty of mobility thanks to the adjustable belt and gusseted crotch, not to mention they’re incredibly lightweight. The zippered pockets will keep your valuables safe, and the zippered thigh pocket has more than enough room for bulky items.

You can adjust the cuffs easily with the cord adjusters or adjust the built-in belt as needed. Another huge plus is the articulated patterning throughout the design. Where some pants in this list are only articulated in flex points, these pants offer an increased range of motion from belt to cuff.

If you’re looking for something lightweight, stylish, and ultimately functional, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT pants are an excellent choice.

The quick-drying nylon fabric of the prAna Stretch Zion pants makes them an excellent choice for any outdoor activity. You wouldn’t think it to look at them, but these hiking pants have plenty of give, so much so that you can even do yoga in them or a session at the climbing gym. The gussets and stretch fabric give you more than enough range of motion, making these pants super versatile for any kind of workout.

The abrasion resistance in the fabric makes the Prana pants extremely durable. If you’re doing a tough climb on rocky mountains, you won’t need to worry about any ripping or damage. There are also dual entry cargo pockets, which are a huge help when you’re hanging cliffside and need to wriggle your phone or equipment out of your pocket.

These pants aren’t the most stylish of the bunch. However, they’re excellent outdoor pants and offer a lot in the way of functionality. The adjustable waistband and built-in belt also help give these pants a comfy fit on the hips.

At just 4.1 oz, the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pull-On Pants are so light that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

The added 4-way stretch and articulated fit make these pants ultra comfy to wear while hiking, and the elastic waist means you won’t have to wear a bulky belt under your backpack. The breathability is also impressive.

You won’t find tons of zippered pockets here, so if that’s your thing, these probably aren’t the pants for you. The simplicity is awesome though.

Since they’re so light, the Mountain Hardwear Basin Pants aren’t going to be as durable as others on this list. They’re better for fast-and-light trail missions than deep backcountry expeditions.

These versatile hiking pants from KÜHL can be either shorts or long pants. Just zip off the pants legs at the knees, and you’re good to go. This is an excellent option in terms of functionality and packing space, saving you the hassle of taking two pairs of pants with you. The nylon fabric is more than durable enough to last a few years, which is a huge bonus, too.

The Kuhl Renegade pants also have a gusseted crotch for better movement, as well as articulated knees. If you’re not familiar, articulating pants basically means using more fabric on the front panel than the back. This gives your knees more room to move about, which comes in handy when you’re climbing steep hills or rocks.

You’ll be well protected against the natural elements thanks to the tough, water-repellent fabric of the pants. Besides being practical, these hiking pants are also comfortable and roomy, with plenty of space for your valuables in their numerous pockets.

You can adjust the ankle snaps and zips at the bottom of the pants legs as needed. This helps if you have bulky hiking boots you want to cover to protect your ankles from scratches and irritation if you’re walking in long grass. You can also open the zippers for better ventilation if you need to. Basically, the guys at Kuhl thought of everything!

If you’re looking for the best outdoor pants for winter, look no further than the Marmot pants. These sleek, stylish hiking pants will keep you warm in winter without absorbing sweat. The moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric will keep you fresh even on an arduous hike, and the brushed interiors feel soft to the touch for added comfort.

For a full range of motion, the pants have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees, as well as plenty of storage space for your valuables. Beyond the functionality of these pants, the Marmot Winter Trail pants are also sleek and stylish. The dark color and slim fit are flattering, and the pants could easily pass for daywear.

The cuffs hang pretty low on the ankle, which is certainly a bonus if you’re going to go out bushwhacking in the cold. Experienced hikers will know that a draft up the pants leg is no way to stay warm. That said, the fabric on the Marmo pants is breathable, providing plenty of ventilation and air during your hike.

If you’re concerned about how your travel gear is made, there’s no need to worry with the Marmot pants. The fabric contains recycled materials, and Marmot is a more than reputable brand. The fabric is also durable and robust, and these pants should last you for a good few years of fun outdoor adventures.

Lightweight, comfortable, and durable to boot, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell pants are well-liked in the hiking community. While the fabric is quite thin (perhaps too thin for extreme cold), the pants are wind and water-resistant. The cuffs can also be pulled closed, which helps on windy days up on a mountain trail.

The softshell nylon makes it easy to move around in these pants, and there’s plenty of stretch to the fabric. This makes the Ferrosi pants ideal for numerous activities, whether it’s a short day hike or a long, arduous excursion.

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of high-quality outdoor pants for backpacking, these may be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re durable, flexible, and functional, and the material breathes well if you wear them out on a hot day.

Outdoor Research is a reputable brand that’s super popular amongst hikers, so you can rest assured you’ll be getting the best of the best with the Ferrosi pants.

If you’re looking for something functional and fashionable, these hiking pants might be the ones for you. The Vuori Ripstop pants come in five different colors, each as stylish as the last. They also have two hand pockets, two back pockets, and one zippered cargo pocket, so you’ll have plenty of room for your essentials.

The ripstop fabric the pants are made of is extremely hard-wearing and durable. Keep in mind, though, that the pants are relatively heavy because of it.

One thing that sets the Vuori pants apart from the rest is the easy transition from activewear to daywear. Thanks to the fashionable, slim design and neutral colors, you could easily do a coffee shop run after your hike without feeling out of place in your workout clothes.

The slim fit might be too small for some, so take a careful look at the measurements before you purchase these hiking pants.

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are top-tier when it comes to comfort, with 4-way stretch and great breathability. These are a great pair of hiking pants for hikers who want comfort and long-lasting durability without breaking the bank.

REI managed to pack in lots of features and pockets without making these pants look overly technical. They have the four standard pockets plus a zippered side pocket that’s great for keeping your phone secure. There’s also a keychain loop and cinch cords at the ankles.

While I wouldn’t recommend wearing them to a job interview (unless it’s to become an adventure guide), they definitely won’t look out of place for hanging out around town.

These pants are simple, functional, and quite affordable, especially if you get them during one of REI’s frequent sales.

If you’re counting ounces, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants are a great way to cut weight. At just 7.1 oz, they are light and breezy and won’t weigh you down.

These pants have a minimal design and an elasticated waist to keep things comfortable and simple. They have just the right amount of stretch to add some comfort and mobility without sacrificing durability

These pants are very breathable and also have an anti-microbial treatment, which makes them a great choice for longer backcountry trips, especially in warm weather.

Because they don’t have tons of cargo pockets or technical features, these pants are also totally functional for a day at the office. Plus, you’re always ready to head right out on a post-work hike!

Durable, lightweight, and roomy, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are a great go-to option for any hike. You can easily unzip the pants legs to convert them to shorts, making them ideal for overnight trips with warm days and cold nights. They also come with a zip-closed security pocket for your cellphone or passport.

Speaking of warm conditions, you won’t have to worry much about that with these Columbia pants. The Omni-Wick fabric helps pull moisture from the skin to help you stay comfortable, not to mention the UPF 50 protective coating from the sun. The ripstop nylon also helps with abrasion on rough climbing terrains.

In terms of mobility, the pants have plenty of give thanks to the gusset details and partial elastic, adjustable waistband. Overall, the Columbia pants have a relaxed fit, perfect for outdoor adventures in the summertime. That said, the convertible feature makes them a versatile and practical choice for tons of different weather conditions. These are easily the best hiking pants for men.

The REI Powerbound Insulated Snow Pants are the perfect hiking pants for tough winter conditions. With synthetic insulation, a DWR finish, water-resistant lining, and lined pockets, you’ll be warm and cozy even in the coldest of weather in these snow pants.

There is plenty of space in the pockets for your possessions and added features make these pants highly functional. The pant cuffs come with boot gaiters that are sealed to keep the snow out, not to mention the reinforced hems to make skiing and snowboarding that much easier. The pants also have articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for increased range of motion.

For the eco-conscious hiker, there’s no need to worry. The REI Powerbound pants are made of recycled materials that are both BLUESIGN and Fair Trade certified, which means your conscience can rest easy.

These pants were even field-tested in Argentina and wear-tested in Washington, so you can rest assured you’ll be more than warm enough.