The Best Hiking Pants of 2025
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Anyone who has been caught in a rainstorm, had their inseam rip as they sat on a rock during a break, or been swarmed by mosquitoes when the wind died down can appreciate the importance of performance hiking pants. But choosing from so many different models, for everything from casual day hikes to climbing, can be confusing. We’ve picked the best hiking pants out of what’s available today to help narrow the field:
- Best Overall: Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants
- Best for Men: Sitka Gear Equinox Guard Pant
- Best for Women: 5.11 Shella Pant
- Best for Cold Weather: Helly Hansen Odin Huginn Pant
- Best for Hot Weather: Free Fly Breeze Pants
- Best for Rainy Weather: Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Convertible Pants
- Most Comfortable for Women: prAna Halle Pant II
- Most Comfortable for Men: Norrona Falketind Flex 1 Pants
- Best Leggings: Forloh Deep Space Tech Leggings
- Best for Bushwhacking: Kuiu Attack Pants
- Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Pant
- Best Convertible: Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pants
- Best for Trail to Town: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
How We Tested the Best Hiking Pants
Staff writers Laura Lancaster and Alice Jones Webb, along with OL contributor Justin La Vigne, evaluated the best hiking pants in this roundup using real world testing and feedback from other experienced hikers. Lancaster and her testers wore the pants on spring day hikes around the Pacific Northwest with at least 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Justin and his testers performed a majority of testing in remote areas of Alaska. Webb evaluated pants on public land trails in a dozen states, from North Carolina to Wyoming.
Conditions ranged from frosty mornings, full blown snow, and unexpected showers into early summertime temperatures. Pants were evaluated on comfort, ease of movement, weight, fit, and skin feel. Lancaster also separately tested her picks for water absorption to see how they would perform in heavy rain conditions. We also considered each pair’s crossover appeal — whether the pants were suitable for multiple activities or appropriate casual wear for errands or post-trail beers. Finally, we considered the functionality of each pants’ features (pockets, drawstrings, roll-up buttons).
Best Hiking Pants: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants
Pros
- Comfortable fit in a great cut that is a touch thicker than average
- Durable
- Great pocket coverage
- Made of recycled (88 percent polyester) plastic bottles
Cons
- Lack of inseam sizing makes it hard to find the right length
- No cuff adjustment
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s 2 to 16; men’s 32- to 42-inch waist
- Weight: Women’s 11 ounces; men’s 13.3 ounces
- Fabric: 88 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane
- Closure: Snap-lock button, women’s version has an adjustable drawcord
The Alpine Mountain Pros do it all. They are rugged enough to tackle brambly trails with just the right amount of flexibility for some scrambling, and after a hard day on the trail they still look good enough to head out for a post-hike beer. The tight knit of the fabric was surprisingly durable given the materials used. But they also feel soft against my skin. I liked that these were a bit thicker on average than the other pants in this review, making them more versatile for shoulder season adventures.
The pockets on the women’s version of these pants were the best of any we tried: the front-hand pockets are deep enough to fit a smartphone, one of the back pockets has a zipper for added security, and there were two deep, thigh pockets that were virtually unnoticeable when empty.
Best for Men: Sitka Gear Equinox Guard Pant
Pros
- Insect shield technology
- Internal gaiters
- Zippered side vents
- Zippered pockets
- Dedicated knife pocket
- UPF 50+
Cons
- No women’s style
- Expensive
Key Features
- Sizing: Men’s 30R to 44R
- Weight: 13.5 ounces
- Fabric: Exterior 86 percent polyester, 14 percent spandex
- Closure: Button, with belt loops
Sitka is best known for their hunting and fishing apparel, but I’ve been testing these pants for close to a year while guiding backpacking and hiking trips into the Alaskan bush. They are the most comfortable I have ever worn and full of features. I have tested a lot of hiking pants, and I must say these are at the top of their game.
The breathable waffle patterned material promotes optimal airflow. There is a scent-free insect shield that repels the largest and most annoying mosquitoes that bite through some of my other hiking pants. There is an internal gaiter that tucks into your socks to prevent ticks and other bugs from crawling up your leg. During testing, the gaiters also kept out sticks, dirt, and debris while bushwacking. The zippered side hip vents are perfect for dumping heat and allowing your legs to cool off all the while not allowing bugs to get in with a mesh internal lining
I carry a knife all the time, and the dedicated reinforced knife pocket is easy to clip your knife into and get it out quickly. There’s no more struggling to get my knife out when time is of the essence. The Equinox Guard pants might be made for hunting but they’re the best backpacking and hiking pants I’ve ever worn. They come in two solid and three camouflage colors. I can’t stop wearing these and now compare almost every other pair of pants to them. —Justin La Vigne
Best for Women: 5.11 Shella Pant
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Ample pocket space
- Water- and stain-resistant
Cons
- Pant legs are longer than average
Key Features
- Sizing: 0 to 16
- Fabric: 89 percent polyester, 11 percent Elastane with a DWR finish
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Closure: Metal snap
- 6 pockets
These pants are my go-to option for the woods. While they see the most use during pre-season deer scouting, they’ve also served me well on hiking trails from North Carolina to Wyoming. The straight-leg design is simple, comfortable, and classy enough to fit in at the local brewery if I want some after-hike beers. The fabric is satisfyingly wrinkle-resistant. Even after spending multiple days wadded up in the bottom of my pack, the pants came out looking freshly pressed. While I have no complaints about the fit in the waist, butt, and thigh areas, the pants seem to run a little long. I am a very average 5 feet, 4 inches, and the regular-length pants bunch up around my hiking boots. I wish they were at least an inch shorter.
I appreciate the pants’ rugged construction, but my favorite feature on the Shella Pant is the pockets. These aren’t the shallow, minimalistic pockets that frequent most women’s clothing. Instead, the pockets are refreshingly deep. There’s plenty of space for a pocket knife and my oversized cell phone in the hip pockets. The thigh pockets are also wonderfully deep, yet very low-profile. They don’t balloon like the thigh pockets on some cargo pants. The seat pockets also feature zippered closures so you can stash an ID or credit card without worries of it falling out on the trail. — Alice Jones Webb
Best for Cold Weather: Helly Hansen Odin Huginn Pants
Pros
- Softshell stretchy pants with DWR treatment
- Adjustable waist and bottom legs
- Boot hooks
- Zippered pockets
- Three color options
Cons
- No back pockets
- No side vents or mesh pockets
- No women’s options
- Expensive
Key Features
- Sizing: Men’s S to 2XL
- Weight: 21 ounces
- Fabric: 91 percent polyamide, 9 percent elastane
- Closure: Two buttons and one clasp
These have been my go to pants for colder days that may bring a mix of snow or ice. They are similar to the Norrona Falketind, but are made of a thicker softshell material that moves with your body and has articulated knees for full motion. Designed for brutal weather, these performed flawlessly during negative temps with blowing wind and snow while snowshoeing through the backcountry of Denali National Park. The super secure waist system has a velcro belt with additional belt loops for an optimal fit. The inside hem is reinforced with a fleece-like lining that is soft against your skin.
Three decent sized zippered pockets (two hand and one hip) that can fit hand warmers, keys, and even a large cell phone are accessible with a nice long zipper pull. You can easily grab it, even while wearing bulky gloves. The Odin Huginns lack back pockets, but the sleeker design makes wearing a backpack more comfortable. The bottom cuffs are feature rich with a 13-inch expansion zipper and three-way snap closure to allow you to fit them around big boots, plus the cuffs are reinforced with a built-in gaiter and gaiter hook. The only thing missing from these are some side zips for ventilation or mesh pockets to dump heat. —Justin La Vigne
Best for Hot Weather: Free Fly Breeze Pant
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Cooling
- UPF 50
Cons
- Limited protection from the elements in the event the weather turns
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s XS to XL; men’s S to 3XL
- Fabric: 86 percent polyester, 14 percent spandex
- Closure: Pull on with elastic waistband
Hot weather can make a mess of even the most breathable material; it’s why you see so many hikers wearing shorts in the desert sections of long trails. But exposing your legs to the sun for hours at a time in intense heat of summer isn’t an option (or even desirable) for all people: fortunately, there is the Breeze series from Free Fly. On overnighters and casual day hikes in bright sunlight, these pants are comfortable in everything from early morning to midday heat.
In fact, they often feel cooler than shorts (especially if the wind isn’t delivering as much as you’d like it to) and are very quick drying. They’re rated to UPF 50, which is great for anyone with a sun sensitivity. I’ve also appreciated that they look great. I’m not tempted to switch out of them before heading for post-hike, and have even been known to keep them on throughout the rest of the day into the evening hours. If you’ve been looking for a full-coverage hiking pants option, then this is a great pick that will keep you cool and protected.
Best for Rainy Weather: Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Convertible Pants
Pros
- Dries fast
- Built-in UV protection works even when wet
- 5 roomy pockets
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Women’s sizes run a little long
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s 2 to 20; men’s 30- to 42-inch waist, 30- to 34-inch inseam
- Fabric: 85 percent recycled nylon, 15 percent Spandex/Elastane
- Closure: Button
The fabric is ultra-lightweight yet surprisingly durable and is sturdy without being stiff. Made from recycled nylon fabric with built-in four-way stretch, the Jackson Quick-Dry Convertible Pants provide an unhindered range of motion and comfort no matter how you have to move your body on the trail. The pants are also highly breathable and instantly convert from full-length straight-leg pants to capris via a secure, low-profile snap. (The pants are also available for men without the convertible design.) They have five pockets — two deep hip pockets, a zippered back pocket, a rear pocket with a flap, and a zippered thigh pocket.
The pants definitely live up to their “quick-dry” label. Whether you get stuck in a downpour or take a dip during a creek crossing, these pants dry incredibly fast. I’ve waded up to my thighs fly fishing in these pants and they were bone dry within 15 minutes once I was back on shore. They also provide 50+ UPF sun protection, even when the fabric is drenched. And because they dry so quickly, and are pretty darned stylish, they transition easily from trail to town. — Alice Jones Webb
Most Comfortable for Women: prAna Halle Pant II
Pros
- Loose, comfortable fit
- Rollup buttons helped create extra airflow on hot days
- Uses recycled nylon
- Comes in plus sizes
Cons
- Right side-seam zip pocket was difficult to use and may be too small for some smartphones
- Repels water less effectively than other pants in this test
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s 0 to 16
- Weight: 12.3 ounces
- Fabric: 95 percent recycled nylon; 5 percent elastane
- Closure: Double buttons with drawcord
- The men’s Stretch Zion Pant II is the equivalent to the Halle collection
I wore the prAna Halle Pant II on multiple hikes this spring and found them to be the most comfortable in our best hiking pants lineup. This was thanks to a soft knit and a loose cut that was also flattering. These pants also incorporated a roll-up cuff — which I prefer to the men’s style of convertible pants—which worked great when I had worked up a sweat and needed a bit more airflow.
In the water repellency test, these pants absorbed water more readily than the others we tested. These are not the pants we’d pick for a hike through morning dew–soaked brush. That said, their airy fit means that they are unlikely to hold sweat on hot days.
The size and shape of the Halle Pant II’s right side-seam pocket perfectly fit my 5.7 inch x 2.7 inch smartphone — although it may be too small or a tight fit for larger models. The side zip entry helped keep the phone from jostling around while I hiked, but I had to stop to access the phone to prevent it from accidentally falling on the ground.
Like the Savannas, these also come in plus sizes. The equivalent men’s pant is the Stretch Zion Pant II.
Most Comfortable for Men: Norrona Falketind Flex 1 Pants
Pros
- Stretchy softshell pants with DWR treatment
- Adjustable lower leg with zipper, snaps, cinch, and boot hook
- Two way ventilation zippers on each hip
- Velcro adjustable waist with additional belt loops
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the deepest pockets
Key Features
- Sizing: Men’s S to XXL, women’s XS to XL2
- Weight: 15 ounces
- Fabric: 69 percent polyamide, 19 percent polyester, 12 percent elastane
- Closure: Double snap
The Norrona Falketind are all around great pants for hiking or climbing in winter and summer. These are super stretchy, but not as thick as the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn making them ideal for shoulder season trips. These feature-rich softshell pants had me drooling from day one. They are made of elastane combined with recycled polyester that allows 100 percent mobility while bending, sitting, and moving around.
The custom-fit waist system has two velcro adjustment points that act like a belt. If that isn’t good enough, it has the option of adding a belt with belt loops. The four pockets (two hips, one leg, and one back) all have zippers with a nice zipper pull that is easy to access but never in your way. The large zippered fly is accompanied by two large front snaps. The bottom leg cuffs are chock full of special features with a gaiter hook that can be stored away in a small pocket when not in use.
The zippered bottom cuffs allow you to get the pants on over bulky boots with a snap closure and a bungee cinch around the cuff. The best feature is the 12-inch zippered side vents on either leg with a full thick mesh covering. It’s perfect for ventilation but prevents mosquitoes from biting your legs. The PFC-free DWR coating is perfect for damp conditions and it took some time for the pants to wet out. —Justin La Vigne
Best Leggings: Forloh Deep Space Tech Leggings
Pros
- Comfortable
- Thermoregulating
- Moisture-wicking
- Odor-resistant
- Deep pockets
Cons
- Waistband loses elasticity over time
Key Features
- Sizing: XXS to XL
- Fabric: 87 percent polyester, 13 percent Spandex
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Closure: Elastic waist
- UPF 50
- Made in the USA
These super-comfy, American-made leggings from Forloh feature Trizar technology originally used by NASA to protect spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry. The tech uses ceramic-coated fibers to wick moisture and reflect heat, keeping you warmer in cold conditions and cooler when things heat up. These leggings work well as stand-alone hiking attire but can pull double-duty as a warming base layer when temperatures drop. These leggings are jam-packed with other high-tech features, including UPF 50+ sun protection and Polygiene odor elimination. I wore these leggings exclusively on a 4-day camping trip in July and they never developed even a hint of funk (which is more than I can say for my armpits).
These feel just as comfy as my favorite couch-lounging leggings yet perform like rugged hiking pants. They are refreshingly stretchy, never bunch, and remain cool to the touch, even in hot weather. Unlike most leggings, Forloh’s Deep Space Tech leggings have pockets deep enough to hold your phone, wallet, or extra trail snacks. — Alice Jones Webb
Best for Bushwhacking: Kuiu Attack Pants
Pros
- Six pockets
- Zippered hip vents
- Thick durable material
- Various colors, including camouflage
- DWR treatment
Cons
- Not meant for warmer temps
- No expandable zippered cuff
- Men’s only
Key Features
- Sizing: 28- to 42-inch waist with inseam choices of regular, short, tall
- Weight: 18.5 ounces
- Constructed with high stretch polyester fabric
- Wicks and evaporates perspiration
- Four large, zippered pockets
- Articulated knees and gusseted crotch
Our tester, an Alaskan bush guide, wore the Kuiu Attack pants over 300 miles through gnarly terrain of thick alders, willows, wet boggy tundra, heavy snow, driving rain, and scree slopes. They went through the wash more than 20 times, and after all the abuse and miles of trailless terrain, these pants still look like the first day he received them. He praised the feel and comfort and that fact that they moved with him with the ideal amount of stretch, especially around the knees and crotch. The six pockets were more than enough to carry keys, a phone, and a wallet with the two back and two thigh pockets still zipping closed. All the zippers have long pulls, allowing you to easily open and close with gloves.
When the weather turned to rain and snow, the pants had a long-lasting DWR coating that really pushed the moisture away and dried very quickly. When temps got a bit warmer, our tester loved the 10-inch hip side vent lined with mesh underneath, which was a perfect defense against swarming monster mosquitoes. Both oversized front pockets (not zippered) were also vented for optional air flow. If you are looking for a pant that is best for rough and tough terrain, these were made for those conditions. —Justin La Vigne
Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Pant
Pros
- Material moves with you
- Deep front pockets
- Zippered rear pocket, which fits phone
- No belt loops to interfere with pack waist straps
- Breathable
Cons
- Sizing is bit tight
- No belt loops
- Single snap at waist is small and challenging to snap the pants up
- Only one rear pocket
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s XS to XL, men’s 30- to 44-inch waist
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Very soft material (100 percent polyester)
- UPF 50 fabric for UV rays
- Tapered fit
- Has a style that works on and off trail
Our Montana-based tester said the Trail Sender Pants are lightest and most breathable hiking pants he has ever hiked in. The material has the feel of a high-thread count linen even though it is 100 percent polyester. The tapered cut through the thigh to calf was form-fitting, but not restrictive. The style was fitting for post-hike outings in civilization. Although without a zippered cuff, you cannot take these pants off without first removing your boots. The waist band has a drawstring for ultimate comfort and adjustment on the go, so there wasn’t really a need for an added belt.
There are four pockets: two deep open ones on the front hips, one thigh, and a zippered one on the backside that fits a phone. These pants proved to be very stain resistant as our tester coated them in DEET multiple times, but they didn’t stain or wear down at all. Being so ultralight and breathable with UPF protection, they worked well for warmer weather, but also could be paired with a thermal bottom for cooler days. With a $79 regular price tag, these are a great option. And when they go on sale at $39, you definitely can’t go wrong. —Justin La Vigne
Best Convertible Pants: Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible
Pros
- High placement of the convertible zippers meant they were never in the way while hiking
- Zips at the cuff allow you to take off the lower legs without taking off your shoes
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
Cons
- No drawcords or attached belt at the waist
Key Features
- Sizing: Men’s 28- to 42-inch waist
- Weight: 17 ounces
- Fabric: 95 percent nylon; 5 percent spandex
- Closure: Snap button closure
The tester for the Renegades was a convertible pants skeptic, at least until he took these out for a few spring day hikes. He reported back that during a hike up Tiger Mountain in Washington State’s Issaquah Alps they were easier to use than expected, mimicking the feel of non-convertible hiking pants when the lower section was attached and zipping off easily when he was ready to convert them. Whereas other convertible pants have a fit that is a hair too relaxed, the Renegades “felt surprisingly lightweight,” and were form-fitting without ever riding up on steep climbs.
While the pocket placement on these has a traditional cargo style, they were slanted more toward the back of the leg, which kept them out of the way. One thing to note about these pants is that they don’t come with a built-in belt or a drawstring cord — something to keep in mind if you plan to size up to accommodate a base layer. The tester also noted that these ran small, so if you are in-between sizes or looking for a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up.
Best for Trail to Town: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Pros
- Durable with two-way stretch
- Six pockets
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons
- No venting abilities
- Velcro back pockets
- Stitching around front pockets coming undone
Key Features
- Sizing: Women’s 0 to 18, men’s 30- to 42-inch waist
- DWR treatment
- 94 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex
- Stylish for on and off the trail
These pants can be found on sale for cheaper than the MSRP, making them very affordable. However, the Guide Pro pants don’t act or perform like the inexpensive price. Our tester wore these equally on trail and around town. The comfort, stretch, and feel kept him moving while logging over 200 miles through various terrain. There are six pockets: two open front pockets, two zippered thigh pockets, and two Velcro back pockets. He did note the Velcro back pockets are not practical, as they would open at times with a pack on and sometimes not line up when shut. And it seems after several months of use, the stitching around the pockets is coming undone.
The SPF 50+ technology along with the DWR coat added a bonus level of protection. With that being said, he noticed they wetted out quicker than some of the other reviewed pants. The lined waistband does not only add comfort, but has odor controlling properties. Because these pants are made of a lightweight nylon/spandex blend, they can be worn on warmer days, although they do lack venting abilities. —Justin La Vigne
Read Next: Best Hiking Underwear for Women
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Hiking Pants
Materials
Most hiking pants are made from nylon and/or polyester, with spandex or elastane for stretch. Some also incorporate specialty fibers like hemp or Tencel, a type of rayon made from wood fibers. One material that is virtually never seen in the best hiking pants is cotton, due to its tendency to retain moisture.
Bug Protection
In general, pants made from nylon—especially ripstop nylon — will do a better job at keeping bugs (including mosquitoes) away from your skin than polyester. But, if you live in a place where the mosquito is recognized as the official state bird, then you should treat your hiking clothes with permethrin for an additional defense. Some clothing manufacturers now sell hiking pants with permethrin pre-applied which has the added bonus of lasting for additional washings over self application.
Pockets
There can be huge variation between the pockets on men’s and women’s pants, with the men’s pants having adequate to (sometimes) excessive pocket coverage, while some of the women’s pants aren’t cut out to carry much more than some chapstick. In this review, if I’ve commented on pocket coverage, I’ll clarify which version of the pants were tested (the women’s picks in this roundup all have adequate to great pocket coverage), but it’s worth double-checking the manufacturer website to ensure the style you are purchasing has the coverage you need.
Read Next: Best Hiking Leggings
FAQs
Plenty of people don’t use hiking pants—opting instead for leggings, running shorts, or even jeans—but there are a few reasons why hiking pants are worth the investment. As anyone who lives in tick country knows, long pants are essential for avoiding serious illnesses like Lyme disease. Similarly, while many women hike in leggings, I’ve found that mosquitoes are quite adept at biting through the thin fabric. Jeans, well—we’ve all hiked in jeans at one time or another. But the reality is that in a surprise squall or misstep in a creek could leave your jeans wet and chafing you all the way back to the trailhead. The best hiking pants are a worthwhile investment if you plan to go out on day hikes more than a couple of times per year.
Hiking pants can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 or more, with the higher range dominated by more technical hiking pants, suited for off-trail scrambles.
Hiking pants are typically made out of a combination of nylon and/or polyester (for durability) and spandex (for stretch). When looking at pants made from nylon and polyester (which are partially derived from oil and may introduce microplastics), we recommend steering toward ones with a high percentage of recycled fibers, like our best overall pick, the Royal Robbins Alpine Pro Pants.
Read Next: Best Hiking Backpacks
Final Thoughts on the Best Hiking Pants
Outdoor apparel comanpies have spent years perfecting the best hiking pants, and the efforts show. Most hiking pants available for purchase today will function in a wide range of environments, and protect you from sun, bugs, rain, and wind. Hone in on the details (durability, pockets, comfort) that matter most to you before making a final selection.
- Best Overall: Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants
- Best for Men: Sitka Gear Equinox Guard Pant
- Best for Women: 5.11 Shella Pant
- Best for Cold Weather: Helly Hansen Odin Huginn Pant
- Best for Hot Weather: Free Fly Breeze Pants
- Best for Rainy Weather: Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Convertible Pants
- Most Comfortable for Women: prAna Halle Pant II
- Most Comfortable for Men: Norrona Falketind Flex 1 Pants
- Best Leggings: Forloh Deep Space Tech Leggings
- Best for Bushwhacking: Kuiu Attack Pants
- Best Lightweight: Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Pant
- Best Convertible: Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pants
- Best for Trail to Town: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
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Source: https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-pants/
