There’s nothing quite like a long hike through beautiful scenery to lift your spirits. That feeling of serenity can fade pretty quickly though if you’re uncomfortable. Wearing the best hiking pants for men can make the difference between an enjoyable hike with a song in your heart, or chafing thighs and plenty of cursing.
Top-rated men’s hiking pants can be loosely divided into 3 main types: “General” (all-purpose), “convertible” and “winter” hiking pants for men. Here’s what to look out for when buying your next pair.
If you’re hunting warmer hiking trousers, specifically for snowy conditions, read our guide to winter hiking pants for men.
Table of contents
- All-Purpose Hiking Pants
- Best General Hiking Pants Review
- Hiking Pant buying advice
- Convertible Hiking Pants
- Best Convertible Hiking Pants Review
- How to Choose the Best Convertible Hiking Pants
- Winter Hiking Pants
- Best Winter Hiking Pants Review
- Winter Hiking Pants: how to choose
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
All-Purpose Hiking Pants
If you don’t anticipate particularly hot or cold temperatures on your hike, then a good pair of general-purpose pants should suit your needs just fine.
When gearing up for a challenging hike, pairing men’s hiking pants with a men’s down jacket featuring a windproof shell is essential for staying warm and protected against the unpredictable mountain gusts
However, if you want to choose the best all-purpose hiking pants for men you need to check a few boxes. Ultimately, mens hiking clothing, comes down to comfort and durability, but some other aspects separate the “great” from “not bad”.
Best General Hiking Pants Review
We reviewed several great options for general hiking pants for men and these 5 were the best options:
Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pants
We really liked how these lightweight hiking pants men rated they are perfectly suited to a casual hike or even belaying down some rocks.
These men’s hiking softshell pants fabric is breathable and has good stretch in all the right places. Additionally, the articulated knees and gusseted crotch, add to the impressive range of mobility that they allow for short hikes to trekking.
However, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants may not be ideal for very cold climbs, since the DWR coating makes raindrops bead off instead of being absorbed. They are the ideal summer hiking pants men will appreciate, with its breathable sweat-wicking fabric.
The construction looks and feels light, but it’s surprisingly durable. These would be our best mens slim hiking pants for alpine use.
- 86% ripstop, 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop
What We Like
- Articulated knees for improved mobility
- Pockets: front slash, zippered thigh, zippered back
- Water resistant and quick drying
- Waist is harness compatible
What We Don’t Like
- We would have preferred it if the front pockets were a little deeper.
- Waist size felt a little bigger than stated.
- Not the cheapest, but great quality for the price.
prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant
These mens stretch hiking pants are purpose-made for hiking but they look and feel so good that we would even wear them out casually instead of jeans.
As the name suggests, they have great stretch and are designed for maximum mobility.
The ventilated inseam gusset provides a full range of motion and adds to the impressive breathability.
We really liked how resistant to water the prAna stretch Zion pants were.
Even after a fall in some water the DWR coating made sure that they were dry a short while later.
- 97% Nylon / 3% Spandex
What We Like
- Gusset inseam is ventilated
- Roll-up snap legs
- Streamlined adjustable waistband for simple cinching
- Angled dual entry cargo pocket
What We Don’t Like
- Integrated belt could have done with one more hole.
- Cargo pocket is a little small
- Bit more expensive but worth it!
Mountain Khakis Men’s Camber 107 Pant Classic Fit
Note about cotton: I’m NOT a fan of cotton hiking pants, but these are included because many people want hybrid pants for city walks and light hiking.
If you’re looking for comfortable hiking pants to wear in cooler weather, then these may be a good solution for you.
The high cotton count in the Mountain Khakis makes them super comfortable and the natural fabric has a great feel about it.
The 3% Spandex gives the pant a surprising amount of stretch to allow for comfortable walking and good mobility.
These mens camping pants fit like work pants but are really comfortable on long walks.
Because they’re almost entirely cotton, they’re not good in wet weather at all but they are very breathable.
The canvas is lightweight but after some rugged use, it became clear to us that Mountain Khakis hasn’t compromised on durability.
The attractive styling and versatility make these the kind of pants we would use every day for work and travel in addition to some light hiking.
- Canvas 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
What We Like
- Articulated knees provide good mobility
- Reinforced heel cuffs
- Angled dual entry reinforced cargo pocket
- Diamond-shaped gusset for added comfort in crotch
- 6 pockets including a quick-draw external cell phone pocket on right thigh
- Cost
What We Don’t Like
- Integrated belt could have done with one more hole.
- Cargo pocket is a little small
- Cotton would be unsuitable for wet-weather or very strenuous activities.
Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
These are great cargo hiking pants for summer conditions.
The material is light enough to walk in warm weather, but also great at stopping any early morning cold wind.
Although the fabric is light, it’s durable and would be fine for walking through thick brush.
There’s no reinforcement in the usual high-wear areas so we wouldn’t recommend these for scrambling up and down rocks.
Their Omni-shield polyester blend has great water resistance properties: when water hits, it beads right off, and they dry quickly – even after being completely submerged in water.
Furthermore, it’s got UPF 50 sun protection, which is great if you have sensitive skin and need that extra SPF on your clothing.
The integrated belt and gusseted crotch make the Columbia Silver Ridge pant will help you climb that scree field without any issues.
Being wrinkle-resistant, these mens nylon hiking pants will still look great even after a few hours of sitting in the car or on a plane.
- Omni-Wick 100% Nylon
What We Like
- Lightweight but durable, with UPF50 sun protection
- Great water and stain resistant properties
- Pockets galore: 2 back, 2 front , 2 cargo and a zippered security side
- Styling allows for casual or even slightly formal wear
- Cost
What We Don’t Like
- The fit feels a little smaller than the stated size so maybe order a size up.
- We would have preferred a color matched, solid fabric for the pocket linings instead of the white mesh.
Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi 3/4 Pants
If it’s going to be too hot for long pants and you don’t like the idea of zip off pants, then these might be just the ticket.
These pants from Outdoor Research Ferrosi are great at keeping you cool but also do a good job of blocking wind and water.
Breathable, so they’re a good option if you expect to work up a sweat.
We’ve been caught out with sunburn a few times, so liked how the length keeps you cool but still manages to keep the sun off.
With a nice stretch and loose fit, you won’t be restricted when bending or climbing. This, and the abrasion-resistant material makes them great for climbing in warm weather.
Their length may feel closer to “high-water” pants than Capri shorts, but we still found them very comfortable.
Wearing short shorts always makes us feel like we’re breaking some fashion laws but we looked pretty good in these.
- 86% Nylon, 14% elastene
What We Like
- Articulated knees
- Water and wind resistant, highly breathable softshell pants construction
- Great movement-mirroring stretch
- Pockets: Front slash, zippered back and zippered thigh
- Comfortable brushed Tricot-lined waist
What We Don’t Like
- The legs end up too far below the knee if you’re a little short.
- Some people may not like the 3/4 styling.
- A little pricey
Hiking Pant buying advice
Comfort
This is probably the most important factor. It doesn’t matter how great most hiking pants are in other respects, if they aren’t comfortable then they’re no good.
For hiking in mild weather, there’s no need to be too concerned about how warm they are. This opens up options made from lighter materials, better suited to casual hiking.
The lighter the walking pants are, the more comfortable they’ll be. Getting the sizing right is important. Make sure that the crotch of the pants is low enough, and properly gusseted so that it isn’t restrictive and allows good freedom of movement.
Choosing a pair slightly bigger in the waist, but with an integrated belt or draw cord can help you avoid feeling too tight around your middle.
If you’re not going to be doing any serious activities then a loose-fit pant will be more comfortable than an active-fit pair.
Recommended reading: Best Mountaineering Jackets for Your Next Climb
Mobility
Closely related to comfort, is the level of mobility the pants allow for. With good hiking pants this isn’t normally an issue, but if you expect to be scrambling then you need to make sure the pants allow you to lift and stretch your legs sufficiently.
Besides the comfort factor, this will also affect your safety. Pants that are too restrictive will make it difficult to clamber up boulders or safely make a jump across a gap.
If you expect to do more than just walking, then it’s best to get pants that have some stretch, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees for mobility. Stretch fabric will allow for better freedom of movement without being baggy.
Durability
Pants made from heavy, durable material will last for ages but they’re not great for long hikes or backpacking. To make them both durable and lightweight, manufacturers will often use a combination of synthetic and natural fibers.
If you know that you’re going to be walking through some brush then choose pants with a heavier fabric, or with reinforcements in high wear areas like the knees and back.
If you’re just hitting an open trail then opt for the lightest fabric you can. Just make sure that you avoid heavy bush because that super-light material will tear or snag as soon as it hits the first few branches.
Breathability
Different materials have different levels of breathability. This refers to the ability of the fabric to let water vapor pass through it.
Even on just a casual hike, you’re bound to work up a sweat, and you’ll want your hiking pants to be able to let that hot, moist air escape. Some fabrics are great at keeping water out but also end up trapping air inside.
In even the mildest of temperatures, this will lead to sweating and chafing. Pants made from a lightweight nylon [1] blend are a good bet if you want something light and breathable.
Some men’s pants for hiking also have pockets and vents specifically designed to allow for better breathability. If you perspire easily, then look out for a pair with these ventilation features.
Weather Resistance
The Boy scout’s motto is: Be prepared? Even if you don’t anticipate any foul weather you need to prepare for it.
A pair of light hiking pants may not be the warmest, but you do want them to be water-resistant. If you end up walking in light rain or mist, you’ll find that some pants just suck up the moisture while others let the drops roll right off.
Just a few minutes of rain wearing the wrong pants will have you walking in wet clothes for hours afterward.
For the best compromise between breathability and water resistance look for pants that have been treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating.
The DWR coating means even if the fabric gets wet, it won’t allow the water to be absorbed into the fibers. This ensures that the pants keep the moisture away from your skin and allow the pants to dry quickly.
Features
Some pants have all sorts of bells and whistles but for general hiking, you don’t need to have the Swiss army knife of hiking pants.
Having pockets that are properly lined and can store a few things comfortably is important. Good quality zippers for safe storage and zippered security pockets are a good idea if you don’t want to have to trudge back to find lost keys. Quick dry fabric means a few rain showers won’t bother you.
Make sure that you’re comfortable with the belt or draw-cord options they have to secure them around your waist. If you want to wear a base layer or long underwear underneath, make sure to get a pair that can accommodate this.
Convertible Hiking Pants
If you’re the kind of guy who enjoys the best of both worlds, then men’s convertible pants for hiking will probably appeal to you.
These give you the warmth and protection of long pants, as well as the option to convert to shorts when it gets a bit warm. Here’s what to look out for when choosing a good pair.
Best Convertible Hiking Pants Review
We bravely exposed our legs to the world and tried several pairs before settling on these for our top 5 of the best convertible pants for men.
Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
These pants are super-light and perform well in warm weather.
The material does a great job of wicking perspiration from your skin, which makes a big difference to comfort levels when it gets hot.
They feel very light, so we were surprised at how durable these pants were. They are damp-resistant and dry pretty quickly after getting wet.
The web belt has a pretty basic look about it, but we liked how easy it was to adjust the waist.
The Columbia Silver Ridge is a great price for a solid product, best for casual hiking in pleasant weather.
- 100% Nylon body, 100% polyester Omni-Wick mesh panels
What We Like
- Wicking materials absorb perspiration for increased comfort
- Cost
- UPF50 protection from UV rays
- Gusseted crotch
- Integrated webbing belt for easy waist adjustments
- Pockets: 2 front, 2 at the rear, 2 side cargo (left zippered, right velcro)
What We Don’t Like
- Light color shows up dirt too easily
- We needed to remove our shoes to get the legs off
Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Convertible Pants
If you’re expecting cool evenings and mornings but warm days, then the Outdoor Research Ferrosi convertible pants could be a good option.
We liked how good these pants were at keeping out wind, and how cool they felt once we zipped the legs off.
The legs have different colored zippers so there’s no confusion as to which leg goes where.
The Spandex gives them great stretch, making them ideal for high-activity hiking or climbing.
It took a lot to get these pants wet but when we did they dried off pretty quickly.
- 86% Nylon, 14% Spandex
What We Like
- Good stretch
- Brushed tricot-lined waist band
- Pockets: 2 front slash, zippered rear and thigh
- Zip-off legs have different colored zippers making it easy to tell them apart
What We Don’t Like
- Zippers fall right on the kneecap which is potentially a bit uncomfortable
- Pockets are a little small
- Not a budget buy, but good value for money.
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Cargo Convertible Hiking Pants
A lot of convertible hiking pants tend to skimp on the amount of storage they have.
Not so with the Free Solider convertible pants. These pants have loads of pockets that are comfortably positioned.
The concealed zippers at the knees make it easy to change from pants to shorts with its 2-way stretch fabric.
If you want to make sure you keep bugs or mud out of your pant legs then you’ll appreciate the velcro tabs on the cuffs.
They seal the legs nicely around your boots and are easy to adjust.
A very good convertible at a very reasonable price point.’
- Dupont Teflon coating, 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex
What We Like
- Water, oil, stain repellant fabric
- 50 UPF sun guard against UV sun rays
- Vertical zippers on legs for easy removal
- Ripstop fabric
- Multi-purpose Pockets: 2 slant, 2 back flap, 2 side zippered pockets for security,
- Detachable web belt
What We Don’t Like
- zip-off legs not color coded
- Front belt loops are far apart
Columbia Men’s Blood and Guts III Pant
The fabric on these pants was designed with fishermen in mind, hence the reference to blood and guts.
As you’d expect from the name, these pants are extremely resistant to stains and smells, so they’re a great choice if you hike through some muddy terrain, or have questionable hygiene.
They’ve got a good amount of storage, and some decent stretch too.
The DWR coating makes them very resistant to water and quick to dry when they do get wet.
These pants went from long to short and back again without too much fussing with the zippers.
- 100% Nylon
What We Like
- Stain and odor resistant
- Inseam vents to keep cool on warm days
- UPF30 UV protection
- Pockets: 2 front, 2 rear, multitool, zippered security on thigh
- Cost
What We Don’t Like
- Pants felt a little tight for active wear. They’re good if you’re just walking though.
prAnaStretch Zion Mens Convertible Hiking Pants
If you’re into active hiking, climbing or scrambling in warm weather, then the prAna Stretch may be just the mens convertible hiking pants for you.
The prAna Stretch Zion pants are made of fabric that has great stretch and is super-comfortable.
Hiking in hot weather can make you pretty sweaty, but the concealed inseam vents do a good job of ventilation – leaving you feeling fairly fresh at the end of the day’s hike.
The inner lining wicks perspiration away from your skin, keeping you dry.
They’ve done a good job with the waterproofing as well because water flies right off.
These lightweight hiking pants were light enough to be breathable yet the fabric has a durable feel about it.
- 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex
What We Like
- Material has good abrasion resistance
- Ventilated inseam gusset for improved mobility
- Good water resistance and quick to dry
What We Don’t Like
- Felt a little baggy
- A bit pricey.
How to Choose the Best Convertible Hiking Pants
Comfort
The usual comfort considerations we listed for the more general hiking pants still apply, but convertibles do have some potential issues.
They will have a zipper someway down the leg to allow them to have the bottom part removed. Make sure that the zipper on the inside doesn’t come into contact with your skin.
You might not notice it at first but after a few hours of hiking, it can get pretty annoying.
If you’re considering buying a pair of the best lightweight hiking pants that convert to shorts, then understand that you will feel the weight of the zippers around your knees. Some people are ok with that but, if you’re not sure, maybe buy a pair of long pants and pack a pair of shorts.
Low-profile zippers can be a little less noticeable, but the smaller they are, the more fiddly they can be to get on and off.
Mobility
Convertibles are generally a fairly loose fit but you still want to be sure that the crotch and hems allow a good range of motion. Make sure they are quick-dry material with stretchy bottoms your hiking pants must be comfortable because they need to be durable as well! Make sure there isn’t any exposed zipper or button at the bottom so nothing can snag on tree branches during movement –
Material with some stretch in it is always a good idea. A lot of people complain that the bottoms of men’s zip off hiking pants are too high, and make the shorts too short.
While you’re not going to win any fashion competitions, there’s a good reason they need to be short.
Having the ability to zip off hiking pants men can remove them just below the knee can leave them feeling a little awkward when they have to bend to clamber up rocks. Zipping off above the knees leaves you free and clear for better scrambling.
Breathability
When the bottom legs are removed, you’re going to have more air moving through, but you still want to be sure that they are breathable.
There will be times when you wear them long, and you don’t want to be keeping all that warm, moist air stuck between you and the trousers.
Lightweight cotton is breathable but doesn’t have the best water resistance. Polyester is great at resisting water but is not as breathable.
Go for a blended fabric, coated with DWR, to get the best of both worlds.
Versatility
The whole reason you want a pair of convertibles is because you like the idea of versatility. There’s more to this than just being able to go long or short.
Your outdoor pants may be great for walking in but can you use them to swim in?
Can you wear these pants out casually or do the zippers and toggles halfway up the legs look so strange that they’re only suitable for hiking?
If you’re going to be spending the money on a decent pair of men’s hiking pants, then you may as well get something you can also wear off the trail without sacrificing your dignity.
Weather Resistance
These hiking pants aren’t going to be suitable in really cold weather, but you still want them to keep a sneaky breeze out. They need to be damp-proof and dry quickly after a swim or some rain.
Make sure that the zippers seal properly around your legs. Flaps over the zippers will generally prevent them from allowing water or wind through.
Features
Besides the cool ability to wear long or convert to shorts, you may want to look out for some other extras.
If the knees of the shorts are a little too loose fitting, then you may want to draw cords with toggles to secure them.
Check the zippers – ideally, you want them color-coded for easy matching. And zippers at the bottom so you can easily get them off over your hiking boots.
Make sure that the top half of the rain pants has enough storage to stash the things you want to keep close at hand.
Winter Hiking Pants
We love hiking in winter, but not big fans of getting cold. Hiking in winter adds a new dimension to the problem of choosing the right gear.
You want pants that are light and comfortable, but they absolutely have to keep you warm at all times.
Make sure that you kit up with a pair of the best winter hiking pants for men by taking the following into account.
Best Winter Hiking Pants Review
If we were planning a winter hike then these are the top 4 winter hiking pants for men that we’d be pulling on over our thermals.
Columbia Men’s Bugaboo II Pant
If you’re heading out into some serious snow and you need your pants to keep you warm and dry then the Columbia Bugaboo are a great option.
These are often used by snowboarders and skiers but they work great for hiking in snowy, cold conditions.
They’re not great if you hit a patch of warm weather though.
The fleece lining does a great job of keeping you warm but the lack of vents means you’ll get hot if the sun comes out a little.
The layered construction and critically sealed seams make these about as waterproof as hiking pants get.
- Shell is 100% nylon Legacy twill, the lining is 100% polyester tricot and the insulation is 100% polyester micro temp XFII
What We Like
- Articulated knees for improved mobility
- Reinforced cuff guards
- Internal leg gaiter to keep snow out of your boots
- Adjustable waist tabs
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a little tough to get in and out of.
- No ventilation so can get too hot
Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque II Pant
These mens soft shell hiking pants are designed for the 4-season athlete and for a variety of mountains. These are made for sunny glaciers in the summer to winter mountaineering and skiing backpacking in the rain, they breathe well in cold environments.
The stretch, wind, and weather-resistant fabric weave makes them highly breathable and do well in high mountain conditions. You can wear these multi-purpose Outdoor Research Cirque pants for hiking, alpine climbing, or ski touring.
Outdoor Research Cirque has ActiveTemp thermoregulating technology designed into the waistband, which adjusts to your body temperature. This keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable during ice-climbing and mountaineering. The waist has a wide Velcro belt with built-in suspender loops.
The pant cuffs have a zip expand feature with a drawstring to cinch it closed. Also, these Outdoor Research Cirque pants also have a tough patch on the inside ankle to resist crampon and snowshoe cuts. There is also a cord grommet for you to add your own shock cord to loop under the boot to prevent the pants from hiking up.
- 50% Nylon, 43% polyester, 7% spandex
What We Like
- Stretch fabric moves with you
- Comfortable soft shell
- Abrasion resistant fabric
- Pockets: Right thigh zippered, one right butt, and two front.
What We Don’t Like
- Cost
- Inconsistent sizing
Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pant
The Mountain Hardwear Yumalino winter hiking pants are great for getting active in cold temperatures.
If we were going to be climbing or something requiring a lot of movement, then these would be the pants we’d choose.
They’ve got plenty of stretches, and the full-length inseam gusset maximizes mobility.
They’re an active fit but we found that there’s enough room in these cold-weather hiking pants that should you want to wear a thermal layer underneath.
We really liked how windproof they were and the DWR coating makes the water drops slide right off.
The lightweight fleece kept us warm, but they still felt comfortable even when it warmed up to around 40 degrees.
- 88% nylon, 12% elastene
What We Like
- Warm and soft fleece lining
- Loads of stretch and water resistance in the DWR coated fabric
- Wide, low-profile waistband makes carrying a pack more comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- Sizing is at least one size bigger than indicated
- Not enough pockets
Columbia Sportswear Men’s Royce Peak Pant X
A good pair of hiking pants can get expensive so if you’re looking for a best budget hiking pants option then the Columbia Royce Peak X pants are worth considering.
They’re very comfortable and did a great job of keeping the cold and water out.
Not great in warm weather or extreme climates though.
Breathability is OK, but with no ventilation, they can get a bit too hot in warmer weather – but hey, they are winter pants!
The material is light and fairly durable but we wouldn’t expect too much, seeing as they’re a budget option.
For hiking in cold, wet weather these will be great. The lack of pockets means you’ll be reaching into your pack more often than you’d like
- 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane
What We Like
- Articulated knees for good range of motion
- Gusseted crotch for comfort
- Water resistant and breathable material with UPF50 sun protection
- Cost
What We Don’t Like
- Could do with more pockets
- A bit light for serious winter weather – not breathable enough for warmer weather
Winter Hiking Pants: how to choose
Comfort
The thicker material and insulated linings make it a challenge to produce hiking pants that fit comfortably but still do a good job of keeping you warm.
Choosing the right size is even more important with these pants than with the general hiking pants. In winter conditions, you’ll normally be layering so consider getting a size up from what you normally wear.
If you just wear thermals or a pair of long johns underneath, then a loose fit in your regular size should be fine.
Often, cold weather or rainy conditions mean you’ll need lightweight rain gear, and a slightly larger fit, so you can layer. Also, your comfort will depend on wind and water resistance as well as how well-insulated they are.
Just because they felt comfy in your sitting room doesn’t mean they’ll keep you smiling in the snow.
Recommended Reading:
- 11 Best Hiking Sandals Men- Step Up Your Hiking Game!
- Fall Hiking Outfits – What to Wear When Hiking in the Fall
Mobility
Cold-season hiking pants generally use thicker material and insulation. There’s always going to be a compromise between how warm they’ll keep you and how mobile you’ll be in them.
Choosing a pair with a properly gusseted crotch and articulated knees will go a long way to making you feel like your pants aren’t restricting your movement.
If you plan on doing activities beyond regular trail walking then choose active fit hiking pants for men.
The relaxed-fit winter trousers are generally too baggy for climbing or scrambling.
Breathability
The more layers you add the harder it gets to produce a pair of breathable pants.
You may not think you’ll be sweating much on a winter hike, but you will, and even a little perspiration can combine with wind to make you cold.
Manufacturers will sometimes use the term “waterproof-breathable” to describe their construction.
This is a bit of a misnomer because it can’t be both 100% waterproof and breathable.
It just means that they’ve used some clever layering of different fabrics and membranes to give good water resistance while allowing water vapor to escape as well.
Goretex [2] is a good example of this but a lot of manufacturers will use their own names to identify their specific design of waterproof-breathable materials.
Versatility
A decent pair of outdoor pants for hiking in winter is probably never going to be versatile enough to use anywhere else but on the trail.
Don’t be tempted to buy a pair just because you think you’d get away with wearing them to work as well as on your hike.
The more they look like regular pants, the more they’ve had to sacrifice in the insulation and other features.
Weather resistance
This is probably the most crucial aspect and comes down to three basic things: Wind resistance, water resistance and insulation.
Most of the typical nylon blends will give you decent wind resistance but it’s the gaps in the material that can let cold and wet in. A good pair of winter pants will have proper sealing along the seams.
The two kinds of sealing you’ll come across are ‘critically sealed seams’ and ‘fully taped seams. Pants with critically sealed seams will have only the seams that are most likely to let wind and water through the tape.
For most applications this is fine. Pants with fully taped seams will have all their seams taped for maximum wind and water resistance.
Water resistance is crucial to staying warm. Make sure you choose something that is waterproof and breathable so you stay dry inside and out. If the description mentions a DWR coating then you’re probably onto a good thing.
Wind and water resistance will keep the cold out but decent insulation is necessary to make sure you don’t lose your valuable body warmth. Pants with fleece lining will keep you far warmer than a regular pair of hiking pants will.
If the manufacturer’s description specifically mentions an insulation layer then you know that they’ve designed the mens waterproof hiking pants for extreme weather.
Features / Extras
Rough hiking and climbing in cold and wet weather will be the true test of the durability of your pants. Those are the things we consider in our best men’s hiking pants reviews.
Reinforced knees, gusseted crotch, and backside areas are a great option if you expect to be slipping and sliding against rocks.
You don’t want to be fiddling with zips on your pack in the cold weather so your pockets need to be easily accessible and big enough to carry things like a map, cell phone and some snacks.
Decent zippers or velcro strips will make it easier to access your pockets if you’re wearing gloves.
If you’re going to be walking in snow then pants with gaiters are a good option if you want to keep the snow out of your boots.
All of the men’s hiking pants we reviewed above are good-quality products. Make sure that you take the hiking conditions into account before making your purchase.
Naturally, you’ll need to consider your budget but don’t compromise on comfort, breathability, or water resistance. These are key to making your hike an enjoyable one with the best-rated men’s hiking pants.
Conclusion
Alright, folks, let’s wrap this up. When it comes to hitting the trails, having the right pair of hiking pants for men is crucial. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between comfort, durability, and versatility. Whether you’re scaling mountains, crossing streams, or navigating through dense forests, a good pair of hiking pants will keep you moving freely and protect your legs from the elements.
Look for features like water resistance, breathability, and pockets where you can stash your essentials. So, before you set off on your next outdoor adventure, make sure you’ve got a pair of hiking pants that are up for the challenge. Trust me, your legs will thank you!
FAQs
Hiking pants are like the superheroes of the pant world! They’re designed to handle the rough and tumble of the great outdoors. They’re usually made from durable, quick-drying fabrics that can take a beating from branches, rocks, and whatever else you might come across.
Also, they’re super comfy and often have cool features like zip-off legs or extra pockets. So, while your regular jeans or sweatpants might be okay for a casual stroll, lightweight hiking pants are the way to go for any serious adventure.
Water-resistant pants or waterproof hiking pants for men are a big yes if you’re hiking in areas where you might get splashed or caught in a rain shower. They help keep you dry and comfortable, so you’re not hiking around in soggy pants all day.
Additionally, they dry super fast, which is a bonus if you need to wash them out on multi-day treks. So, while they’re not a must-have for every single hike, they’re a good idea for unpredictable weather or wet conditions.
Your hiking pants should fit like a dream! They should be snug enough so they’re not flapping around but with plenty of room to move and stretch. Look for pants with a bit of elastic or an adjustable waistband for that perfect fit.
And remember, you’ll be walking, climbing, and maybe even jumping, so try doing a few moves in them to make sure they’re comfortable and don’t restrict your movement.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
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- Guide to Men’s Hiking Outfits
- Workouts to Prepare for Hiking Uphill
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Last update on 2025-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API