12 Smart & Functional Men’s Hiking Pants for Any Adventure

Best Ultralight Hiking Pants: Houdini Pace Light Pants

Houdini knows sustainability, and the circular design of the Pace Light hiking pants means it can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. But only after you put it through the paces, trail running or backcountry adventuring. Breathable, water repellant material with excellent air permeability, necessary zippered pockets, and a subtle drawstring waist and drawcord ankles make for a sleek yet smart design. At just 4.4 oz, this is a streamlined, dynamic option for days when less is more.

Fabric: 50% recycled polyester, 50% polyester

Features: Quick-drying, lightweight, sustainable, ankle cinch cords

Price: $140
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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pants are best for hiking?

Even within the category of hiking pants, there’s a lot of variability. Choosing from all of the available options comes down to the same factors as choosing many other types of outdoor gear: where you’re going, for how long, what time of year, and the weather forecast. Lighter hiking pants that aren’t waterproof but do offer sun protection might be perfect for the desert, but you might want something warmer and more rugged if you’re bushwhacking in Alaska. One of the options above should work for most scenarios.

How are hiking pants different from regular pants?

Hiking pants are made of performance-focused fabrics that are more durable, waterproof, and often stretchier than your standard pair of blue jeans. Depending on the pair of pants, hiking bottoms might feature DWR finishes, UPF sun protection, added Spandex, and other fabric features. Hiking pants also often come with more tangible features like an integrated belt, zippered pockets, roll-up or zip-off legs, articulated knees, and gusseted crotches.

Should you always hike in long pants?

Nope! Hiking shorts are also a great option for taking to the trails. That said, you might consider wearing hiking pants for more than just warmth—hiking pants can provide protection from the sun, from ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects, and from light scrapes and scratches.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/best-hiking-pants-men