Take to the Trail with the Best Hiking Pants
Want to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time? Hiking can provide both of those things as well as other benefits. However, you shouldn’t hit the trails without wearing the best hiking pants.
That’s right; the right hiking pants are an essential part of any successful hike. You wouldn’t hike without wearing the right shoes. So why are your pants any different?
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NATURE ABOUNDS
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Exploring the outdoors can be fun and exciting. However, it can also be stressful since you could get a sunburn, or a tick could bite you. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of those things happening.
And one of the easiest things to do is to wear the best hiking pants. Of course, when you’re out on a hike, you want to be comfortable. You want to move around easily and not feel weighed down by what you wear.
Still, the best hiking pants can make a huge difference.
Why do hiking pants matter?
Sure, you could wear a normal pair of jeans on a hike. However, the best hiking pants offer some extra benefits that even your favorite jeans can’t provide.
For one, a lot of hiking pants give you extra protection from the elements. Some pants have UV protection. And other pairs have the right materials and design to lower your risk of bites from ticks and other bugs.
But like your favorite pair of jeans, the best hiking pants should also be comfortable. After all, when you’re on the trail, the last thing you want is for your pants to cause you grief.
Can the whole family find the best hiking pants?
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If you want to take your whole family on a hike, don’t worry. You can find the best hiking pants for men, women, and children. That way, all of you can get the comfort and protection you need for a full day of fun.
While a specific pair of pants may not come in sizes for the whole family, there are options for everyone. We included a few options for everyone so that you can find a pair that fits you.
So don’t forget to look for the best hiking pants for your kiddos. They need good clothes as much as you do.
LAYER UP
As you head out on your hike, you can’t forget some of the essentials, like good boots. While you may never think much of your clothing, once you try the best hiking pants, you’ll never go back.
To find these pants, we searched the internet. We looked at the material, size options, sun protection, and more. Extra pockets were also handy, but they weren’t a deal-breaker.
Of course, pants for men were easy to find. However, we also looked for the best hiking pants for women and kids.
Once we found our list, we looked at what each pair had to offer to see why they all could be the best hiking pants.
THE BEST HIKING PANTS
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Whether you hike once in a while or make it part of your weekly routine, you need the right equipment. And the best hiking pants should be part of any hiker’s toolkit.
So, what are the best hiking pants anyway?
COLUMBIA MEN’S SILVER RIDGE
Columbia Men’s Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Pant , Black,…
- CLASSIC CARGO SILHOUETTE:…
- COMFORTABLE AND RUGGED CARGO…
- DESIGNED WITH ADVANCED…
- HANDY FEATURES: This men’s…
- OMNI-WICK: The ultimate…
The Men’s Silver Ridge pants from Columbia are a combination of nylon and polyester. They feature a lightweight, cargo design that makes them great for hiking and outdoor activities.
These pants have a classic fit and straight legs, so they’re comfortable. The cargo pants have UV Protection Factor (UPF) 50, so you don’t have to worry about the sun.
They also have moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry. Because of that, they’re water-resistant. They’re also comfortable enough to wear all year round.
Since they’re cargo pants, they come with tons of pockets, including a zipped security pocket, side pockets, and mesh pocket bags. The pants come in sizes XS to XXL, so you can probably find a size that fits.
Unfortunately, some of the pockets can’t fit much. The slim design can also be a little tight for some people.
Where to buy
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TKJf7C51uF4
GASH HAO MENS PANTS
Gash Hao Mens Snow Ski Waterproof Softshell Snowboard Pants…
- 100% polyester, the exterior…
- Bottom of legs-Add zippers….
- Adjustable stretchy waist…
- Multi-functional trousers with…
- Have Men’s Winter Outdoor…
If you want the best hiking pants for colder climates, consider the Gash Hao Mens Pants. These pants are 100 percent polyester, and they’re waterproof and windproof.
The fabric can dry quickly, and the pants are also insulated and have fleece on the inside. At the bottom, you can unzip the pants and zip them again but over your boots.
These pants have a stretchy waist, and there are small zippered pockets on the front and back. There are also larger pockets with zippers on the sides of the pants.
If you need to get on your knees, there are special pads to protect your knees from wind and water. You can wear these pants for hiking as well as regular wear.
The pants can keep you warm and comfortable, but they are light enough to not weigh you down. And depending on the size you get, you can layer them over regular pants.
Where to buy
TSLA MEN’S WINDPROOF PANTS
TSLA Men’s Windproof Cycling Thermal Fleece Winter Pants…
- Alert : Please follow the drop…
- (Ex:: Size “Medium” 6′ ft 168…
- (EX:: Size “Large…
- (EX: Size “Medium” 5’9″165…
- TSLA Brand Certified…
Another option for the best hiking pants for men comes from TSLA. Their Men’s Windproof Pants have a 100 percent polyester outer layer that makes them windproof and water-resistant.
On the inside, you’ll find a thermal fleece lining to help retain heat without adding weight. The pants also have multiple side pockets with zippers to secure your belongings.
You can also use the leg zipper to get a more custom fit. If you want to hike at night, these pants have reflective strips to make you more visible.
And if mobility is a concern, these pants have an elastic waistband. They also have articulated knees that make it easier for you to move but still feel comfortable.
The pants come
in different colors, so you can choose the pair that looks good and feels good.
Where to buy
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQeUX2KvQTI
CQR MEN’S OUTDOOR PANTS
TSLA Men’s Windproof Cycling Thermal Fleece Winter Pants…
- Alert : Please follow the drop…
- (Ex:: Size “Medium” 6′ ft 168…
- (EX:: Size “Large…
- (EX: Size “Medium” 5’9″165…
- TSLA Brand Certified…
The Men’s Outdoor Pants from CQR are another option to consider when choosing the best hiking pants for men. These pants are comfortable to wear for a variety of outdoor sports and activities.
They use a combination of cotton, nylon, and spandex. Like other hiking pants, this pair has multiple pockets you can use to store keys, a phone, or other belongings.
The fabric can stretch, and it has moisture sensing technology. There’s also two-way air circulation to keep you from overheating.
A ventilated mesh flap on the back of the knees further helps to keep you cool. The pants aren’t too heavy, but they’re durable. They can repel liquids and other contaminants.
These pants can last for a long time, and they can run a little large in terms of sizing.
Where to buy
EDDIE BAUER WOMEN’S GUIDE PRO PANTS
Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants, Dk Chinaberry Regular…
- These hiking pants for women…
- Additional features of our…
- Available in Regular, Petite,…
- Eddie Bauer has partnered with…
- Material: 96% nylon/4%…
While there are plenty of options for men, we also wanted to review some of the best hiking pants for women. The Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants are excellent for moving about the trails and for relaxing.
They’re lightweight, and a combination of nylon and spandex makes them easy to move in. These pants also have a water-repellent finish.
The pants also feature 50+ UPF sun protection. They’re easy to pack if you have a longer hiking trip, and they have two zip cargo pockets you can use to secure valuables.
These pants come in regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes. They also come in a range of colors, so you can choose a color that suits your style. Fits include active/slim, classic, and easy. And if they feel small at first, they’ll loosen up a bit as you wear them.
Where to buy
https://www.youtube.com/embed/f1XgRPutiBs
BALEAF WOMEN’S ATHLETIC JOGGERS
BALEAF Women’s Athletic Joggers Pants Dry Fit Running Sweat…
- Premium Cool Fabric:…
- Seamless Water Resistance…
- Unique Ventilated Mesh Side…
- Internal Drawcord on elastic…
- Ultral lightweight & Elastic…
The BALEAF Women’s Athletic Joggers are 77 percent nylon and 23 percent spandex. That combination makes them stretchy and breathable.
These pants also wick away moisture and have a cool feel to keep you from overheating. They feature seamless zippered pockets that are water-resistant and perfect for items like your smartphone.
On the sides of the pants, you’ll find a ventilated mesh, which can help you stay even cooler under the hot sun. And internal drawcord on the waistband allows you to get the perfect fit.
You also don’t have to worry about moving around in the pants. They’re lightweight and have an athletic fit, which makes hiking and walking a breeze.
However, they’re not as thick as cotton pants. So these probably aren’t the best hiking pants for winter.
Where to buy
TOOMETT WOMEN’S HIKING PANTS
Hiking Pants Women Convertible Outdoor Lightweight Quick…
- loose-match quick dry pants:…
- Active Fit:Breathable, Zipper…
- High-tech design materials:The…
- Adjustable Comfort:…
- hiking pants,Omni-Shade…
Our next pick for the best hiking pants goes to Toomett Women’s Hiking Pants. This pair is 100 percent polyester, has a quick-dry material, and is suitable for hand and machine washing.
These pants are comfortable and loose, and they have a certain amount of elasticity. That means the fabric can adapt to different positions, and it won’t stretch out.
The breathable pants have a zip closure, and the material won’t absorb water as easily as other fabrics. If the pants do get wet, they’ll dry more quickly than other pants.
They also offer shade protection, which can keep you from getting sunburnt. And if it does get too warm, you can convert these pants to shorts.
Where to buy
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THE NORTH FACE WOMEN’S APHRODITE 2.0 PANT
The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pant, TNF Medium Grey…
- Standard straight fit
- 17″ leg opening
- 2×2 wide rib-knit waistband
- Tonal, heather, stretch,…
- Triple needle stitching for…
While many of us probably know The North Face for their jackets, they also make the Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pant. This pair could be the best hiking pants for women.
It uses a combination of nylon and elastane. Those materials can repel water from the pants, and these pants can also protect you from the sun with a UPF of 50.
The finish of these pants can minimize abrasion and snags, and the pants are also very durable. These pants have a nice design that lets you show off your feminine side without sacrificing quality and comfort.
A wide waistband is elastic and has a drawstring, so you can get the fit you want. These pants also have plenty of pockets that you can use to store your belongings.
They also come in regular and short inseams, which is nice if you’re on the shorter side.
Where to buy
WRANGLER AUTHENTICS BOYS’ CLASSIC CARGO PANT
Wrangler Authentics Boys’ Classic Cargo Pant, olive, 12
- RELAXED FIT. Constructed with…
- CLASSIC CARGO STYTLE. A…
- COTTON COMFORT. Made with…
- QUICK-ACCESS STORAGE. Kids can…
- HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE. Finished…
The best hiking pants for boys might be the Wrangler Authentics Boys’ Classic Cargo Pant. These pants are 100 percent cotton, and they are machine washable.
You can adjust the waist to help get a better fit. And with two cargo pockets, your little boy can store his own stuff without relying on you.
The fabric comes pre-shrunk, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that. They also come with a year warranty. These pants use a button closure, and they are heavy like denim.
They have a nice fit, and you can choose from a few different colors. If the classic fit doesn’t work, these pants do come in a few other designs.
Where to buy
https://www.youtube.com/embed/_YRjuO-bb9g
JESSIE KIDDEN GIRLS CONVERTIBLE PANTS
Kids Girls Outdoor Quick Dry Convertible Pants, Hiking…
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Girl’s…
- HANDY FEATURES: This youth…
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This…
- CLASSIC FIT: This pant is…
- Suitable for Daily wear,…
If mom and dad have the best hiking pants for them and so do the boys, the girls also need a pair. One option for the best hiking pants for girls could be the Jessie Kidden Girls Convertible Pants.
The pants have a zip fly button closure. They also have UPF 50 to keep your daughter from getting a sunburn. The fabric is also resistant to water and stains.
There are plenty of pockets on these pants, so your girl can have access to her items without having to ask you. And if it gets hot, the pants can become shorts.
The fabric can stretch, and the pants are comfortable enough for daily wear as well as hiking.
Where to buy
HIKE THE TRAIL AND HIKE UP YOUR PANTS
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There’s almost nothing worse than starting a hike and realizing your pants aren’t suitable for the trail. That’s why choosing the best hiking pants can be more important than you might think.
The wrong pair of pants will leave you feeling uncomfortable, and they won’t give you much room to breathe. But the best hiking pants can wick away moisture and even protect you from the sun.
You probably wouldn’t go on a hike without water, a compass, and some sunscreen. So you shouldn’t go without wearing the right clothing.
What do you think are the best hiking pants? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Featured image by: Pexels
Paul Grove has been passionate about hunting for as long as he can remember. He recalls hunting squirrels with his dad’s trusty Winchester Model 63 as early as age 9. As he grew older, his hunting interests, tactics, and gear have refined. He was also fortunate enough to be born in Wisconsin, thus having unhindered access to some of the nation’s best whitetail deer hunting spots. When he’s not chasing deer or other large to massive game on public lands, he is field-testing various fishing gear in a never-ending quest to find that perfect fishing setup. Is his passion for hunting and fishing innate or acquired? Paul believes that it is more about passing down a family tradition.
