The best hiking pants 2024: don't let winter slow you down with our top trail trousers

The best hiking pants are designed to keep you protected from the elements as you venture into the backcountry, whether you're determined to stride on through winter, or feel like hibernating until spring.

At the darkest and coldest time of year you need serious help to stay safe on the trails, so you may be looking for wind beating insulation, waterproofing, and abrasion resistance if you're planning to head out in the worst conditions.

The best hiking pants provide protection against trail elements like prickly vegetation and sharp rock. These things have a harder time ruining your day if you're wearing quality protective trousers.

During the winter, especially at altitude, there's rain, snow, hail, spindrift and the rest to contend with. Some of the best hiking pants are fully waterproof, while others are merely water resistant, with freedom of movement and low weight higher on their priority list. Insulated softshell hiking pants can be coupled with the best rain pants, which stay in your backpack when it's dry and are quick to put on when the heavens open.

Featured here are what we think are the best hiking pants in 2024, a top notch selection of trousers fit for the trails, from great all-rounders to heavier, more robust pairs for mountaineering use and waterproof hardshell pants. Our best value pick are the Revolution Race GP Pro, which come with features often seen in premium brands, but at a surprisingly low price.

Meet the expert

Pat Kinsella

Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava here and instagram here.

The quick list

The best everyday trousers

While the Maxtrail Midweight Warm hiking pants from Columbia are not going to blow your socks off with any fancy features, or revolutionise your hiking experiences with innovative ideas, they are a really reliable, reasonably robust and very wearable pair of walking pants, suitable for year-round use. Easy to care for and comfortable to wear, they’re ideal for coastal and countryside walks, and the occasional foray into higher hills and even mountains. Columbia’s Omnishield shell fabric is made from a material mix that includes recycled and non-recycled polyester (with the latter being the largest ingredient). Windproof and resistant to rain (up to a point), they retain their thermal properties when wet, and dry quickly if you do get a drenching. There’s also an Elastane element in these trousers that supplies a decent degree of flex, which means you can move freely on trails and crags.

They come with a belt, albeit a pretty basic one, and the ends of the legs have a cord and toggle so you can hitch them up three-quarter-style in warmer weather, or when going barefoot through shallow water. The design includes a pair of hand pockets, a wide thigh pocket with a popper for carrying a map (or other sizeable objects) and a single zipped rear pocket for keeping things safe.  

Read the full Maxtrail Midweight Warm walking pants review

The best for speed hiking

Created with a laser focus on the needs of hikers, inov-8's VentureLite Pants are designed with protection and warmth top of mind, combined with breathability and comfort. Inov-8 employ a recycled, PFC-free DWR finish to ensure water-resistance – crucial in the hills – while the outer fabric is also highly breathable for those punishing ascents.

We found there was just the right amount of stretch in all the right places. The main 4-way stretch fabric and articulated knees give freedom of movement on scrambling terrain. We like the three secure zippered pockets: two on hip and a smaller one on the thigh, though we found the latter to be a little small.

The pants are suitable for year-round wear, though for Baltic winter conditions a fleece-lined option will suit mountaineers better. Nevertheless, they’re fast drying and shed water well thanks to their DWR coating. In really wet conditions, I still supplemented them with my waterproof overtrousers, as the VentureLites aren’t designed to fend off consistent heavy rain.

Read our full inov-8 VentureLite Pant review

The best for freedom of movement

Perfect for all kinds of trail pursuits from early spring through to late fall, these softshell pants are so light on your legs you do occasionally have to look down to check they’re still there. They provide decent protection from the wind however, and although they’re not waterproof, they’ve been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) and the material is quick to dry. The knees are articulated and the four-way stretch of Montane’s ‘Granite’ material works exceptionally well – the Tenacity pants don’t restrict your freedom of movement at all, so you can clamber over boulders, walls, stiles, fallen trees and so on with no problem, and they’re ideal for scrambling, or even full-on rock climbing. We found that they do, however, seem prone to giving the wearer a wedgie…

There are two hand pockets, a thigh pocket and one back pocket, all of which have YKK zips, so you can keep things secure. There is no large map pouch, however, and the interior of the pockets are all mesh, which is great for keeping weight down and ventilation, but it does mean they’re not particularly robust – you can feel contents against your leg and holes may develop. The Tenacity trousers are done up with a sliding popper and come with a simplistic (but perfectly functional) belt, which is integrated into the design of the pants by passing through a long waist sleeve. They have a zipped gusset at the bottom of the legs, for use with larger boots.

Read our full Montane Men’s Tenacity Pants review

The best for unbeatable value

This Swedish brand’s legwear has really created a stir in outdoor circles recently – and for good reason. The GP Pro trousers are rugged outdoor pants with a hybrid construction that incorporates softshell panels alongside a burly polycotton main fabric. The former features four-way stretch, while the latter adds abrasion-resistance at key areas like the knees and seat. Together, we found that they offer good breathability and durability, while being reasonably quick drying too.

Build quality is solid, with all main seams double or triple-stitched for strength. All zips are high-quality YKK branded. These trousers aren’t lacking in features either, with mesh-lined ventilation zips at the thigh, two roomy zipped thigh pockets, a zipped back pocket and two hand pockets – we always had somewhere to stash items. The waist is semi-elasticated, with a button closure, a zip fly and belt loops. Double-layer panels at the knees are designed to accommodate knee pads.

The Revolution Race GP Pros are as good as any outdoor trousers on the market but they come in at a far more reasonable price than some of the other ‘premium’ brands out there. These hiking pants are exceptionally durable, exceptionally comfortable and exceptionally good value.

Read our full Revolution Race GP Pro pants review

The best for durability

Vulpine Swedish brand Fjällräven produce a wide range of excellent outdoor-orientated pants, but the Kebs are a particularly good performer on hiking trails. Made mainly from Fjällräven’s G-1000 Eco material (fluorocarbon-free impregnation, organic and recycled) – which provides a good level of protection from scratchy and stinging plants, plus jagged rocks – they also have enough elastane in them that they moved dynamically along with us when we were walking.

Openings at the knee also help provide an excellent level of maneuverability, and can be used to house kneepads. Reinforced in all the right areas (knees, backside, pockets), they're really robust and will last a long time even with repeated use on the toughest of trails.

Besides hand pockets at the front, they have a big cargo-style pocket on each thigh, both protected with a flap that can be shut with poppers. We were able to stash a topo map in one of these thigh pouches, while the other features a zipper for securely stashing items like car keys, a phone or credit card.

Read our full Fjällräven Keb Trousers review

The best for lightweight missions

Lightweight and extremely compact for easy stashing when not in use, the Stretch Ozonic pant lives up to its name. A tailored design and adjustable elastic waistband dial in a comfortable fit and avoid the boxy appearance of other waterproof hiking pants. Using 2.5 layer Dry.Q technology to keep you dry, the fabric also offers much appreciated 4-way stretch that accommodates movement in wild, uneven terrain. We thought they were great for keeping the weight down on backpacking misssions.

We found that Mountain Hardwear’s proprietary fabric was soft and didn't scare away the wildlife by sounding like a crinkly crisps bag in the field. Abrasion resistant fabrics add durability season after season. A secure zippered waterproof thigh pocket keeps valuables safe, dry and close at hand. Transitioning to different apparel when the rains stop and the weather improves, full-length zippers make changing fast and easy. The rain pants roll up into a small bundle that doesn’t take much room in your daypack. With these pants you won't mind venturing out of your tent on a rainy day.

The best for protection

Keen camping and bushcraft types will love these rugged outdoor trousers, as will hikers who relish crashing through the heather on long moorland walks or exploring little-used forest footpaths, which is exactly where we put this pair through its paces.

Finnish brand Sasta is best known for making seriously tough kit for the sorts of activities and pastimes that Finns traditionally love – namely, hunting, fishing and general outdoors life. So, if your typical day might involve a morning spent foraging for chanterelles in the forest before whiling away an afternoon chopping firewood for the winter, the Jero trousers are for you. Perhaps it’s no surprise that bushcraft legend Ray Mears loves ‘em. 

They’re also made with sustainability in mind, since the main fabric is a polycotton blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton. This is pre-treated with PFC-free Nikwax water-repellent solution for added weather resistance. The trousers are reinforced at the knees and ankles with Kenytex panels for durability – a tough polyester fabric that incorporates Kevlar fibres (yes, the same stuff that is used to make bulletproof vests). That gives a clue as to just how durable these pants are. We found that the stretch gusset in the crotch also permits a little extra flexibility. Other features include articulated, pre-shaped knees, a large, zipped thigh pocket with a secondary press-stud storm flap and Velcro-adjustable tabs at the ankles and calves. Hidden lace hooks are fitted to allow you to attach them to boots too. Keeping these trousers up is also a belt-and-braces affair – literally – since as well as being fitted with belt loops, they also have twin sets of buttons to fit braces. The waistband is semi-elasticated for a more forgiving and comfortable fit.

Read our full Sasta Jero pants review

The best for robust fabrics

A serious pair of outdoor trousers, built to last, the Gere pants are constructed from a tough, heavyweight fabric and are kitted out with a range of similarly robust features, in a design that is clearly geared towards technical mountain pursuits. The materials are also manufactured in an eco-conscious way. 

In the field, we found that the Gere perform well. A relaxed cut and offset seams ensure good freedom of movement, zero chafing and reduced wear. Pre-bent knees and an elasticated waist add further articulation. Practical features include an adjustable webbing waist belt, two roomy zipped thigh pockets (one with an inner mesh pocket for a smartphone) plus two rear pockets with storm flaps. There are zipped, mesh-lined side vents, integrated boot-lace hooks and adjustable ankle cuffs. Cleverly, the leg vents face forward for increased airflow. The trouser hems are also edged with webbing reinforcements for added durability. All in all, these are supremely well-designed and well-built trousers. 

Admittedly, the polyamide blend isn’t the softest fabric, but these trousers are still very comfortable thanks to the good cut and in-built stretch. The fit allows for excellent flexibility, although the cut isn’t the closest. At over 800g in a men’s medium, they’re also not the lightest, though that excellent venting ensures they rarely get too hot. Having said that, they’re still best suited to cooler conditions and higher altitudes. But for outright durability and performance, we can’t fault them. For climbing, scrambling and summit bagging missions, these are a cracking piece of kit.

Read our full Klättermusen Gere 2.0 Mountaineering Pants review

The best eco option

Made almost entirely from recycled materials, and certified as fair-sewn, these Patagonia pants combine superb functionality with excellent performance levels and environmental credentials. We found that they look and feel great to wear, whether we were lounging around in camp or at the crag, or putting them through their paces on technical alpine trails or rock-climbing routes.

The main fabric on the body of the pants features four-way stretch, so they don't impede your movement whatsoever, and there are protective scuff panels in various areas, such as the inner legs. Designed with climbers firmly in mind, the Altvia has a high waistband and an articulated cut which we found comfortable with a harness, even for extended periods.

They have four pockets – one on each side, one on the right buttock and another on the right thigh – all of which zip shut, so you won’t lose anything important no matter what moves you pull. The thigh pocket is more modest sized than the thigh pouches on other trousers on tent, but it’s not intended for packing maps or anything too large.

The Altvia come with an integrated belt, albeit a pretty basic one, and the waist fastening method is a popper. These pants are warm enough to wear in most conditions and have been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating that will keep you dry in all but heavy downpours.

Read our full Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants review

The best for winter and alpine mountaineering

The MTN Guide GTX Pro Pants are part of Berghaus' newly revamped Extrem range, comprised of kit for serious mountaineers and mountain professionals. Along with the matching MTN Guide GTX Pro Jacket, the Pro Pants are a hugely protective and rugged pair of trousers that wouldn't be out of place on a Himalayan peak.

Like the Pro Jacket, the trousers combine two leading Gore-Tex Pro technologies: Most Rugged and Stretch. The strategically placed Stretch panels provide the necessary freedom of movement, while still providing high levels of durability and protection. Meanwhile, Most Rugged is hugely hard-wearing and resistant to snags and rock abrasion.

Features include full length zips, an internal gaiter and thigh pockets, among other nice little touches. Winter and alpine mountaineers will rejoice at the quality of the Pro Pants, as they offer useful features and excellent protection against the conditions and terrain. They're also well-suited to skiers and snowboarders. However, the price point makes the Pro Pant a real investment and they’re definitely overkill for normal hiking endeavours.

Read our full Berghaus MTN Guide GTX Pro Pant review

The best for waterproof comfort

We found that the Cascada IIs are a great solution to the perennial problem of having to pull on rain pants whenever a downpour threatens. They are designed to be worn all day, but these aren’t your regular walking trousers. They are completely waterproof, being constructed with the Nikwax Analogy directional system.

This combines a closely-woven, water-repellent face fabric with a pump liner that pushes water away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable – from both seeping rain and your own sweat. We found that this construction makes them a little thicker and heavier than most trousers, but on the flip side they’re super soft and comfortable, with excellent venting options to dump heat fast.

The liner also adds a welcome boost of warmth in cool conditions. As such, they’re ideally suited to general hiking and hillwalking in mixed conditions and fluctuating temperatures, not least because they’re impressively quick drying too.

Read our full Páramo Cascada II Rain Pants review

The best hybrid pants

When you’re embarking on a multiday hike in summer, when the conditions look a little unpredictable, or if you’re heading off on vacation and don’t want to take too much luggage, convertible walking pants can be a godsend.

When the weather is wild, or the nettles are high, wear these as long pants for the protection they offer, but when the sun comes out, the temperature rises and you want to feel the breeze on your knees, simply undo a couple of zippers and voila! You’re there in a pair of 9.5in shorts. Just don’t forget where you then stash the leg ends, or lose one along the trail…

This feature isn’t the only benefit the Zip ’n’ Go pants offer, though – they’re also impregnated with Insect Shield, which repels mosquitoes, ticks (see: how to avoid tick bites) and other annoying insects. Made with stretchy nylon, we found them to be breathable, durable and quick drying too, and the fabric is specially designed so it didn't stick to our skin. The ankle hem can be tightened with a bungy.

There are pockets aplenty, including hand pockets, a zipped thigh pocket and two back pockets. These trousers are designed for men, but Royal Robbins’ Women's Bug Barrier Jammer Zip 'N' Go Pant is very similar in design (it converts to a capri), features and price.

Read our full Royal Robbins Active Traveler Zip ’n’ Go Pant review

The best lightweight convertible pants

Primarily designed for use on the trails from late spring, through summer and into early autumn, Columbia’s Silver Ridge convertible pants are extremely lightweight long trousers with legs that can easily be removed to transform them into shorts when you want to air your legs. Color-coded, for ease of organisation and reassembly, the legs simply unzip from just above the knee. This is a nice feature, which makes the pants nice and versatile, but the addition of a zip on the bottom of the legs would make taking them on and off a lot quicker and easier.

Like the shirts in Columbia’s Silver Ridge range, these pants are made completely from recycled fabric, which we applaud, but they don’t have any elastane content, so there’s no stretch in the garment. They offer excellent protection from the sun (UPF50), but being very thin don’t shield you from prickly plants and stings. These trousers are not water repellent, but because they’re so thin they do dry very quickly if you get caught in a shower.

Read our full Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pants review

The best for casual adventures

If your average trek steers clear of remote backcountry and you just need a casual pair of hiking pants that can withstand moderate conditions, then the Helly Hansen Vandre Tur are a good option to consider.
Made with recycled polyester and cotton, they’ve been treated with DWR to withstand a light rain, and will also dry out fast if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer a soaking.

If you like to have a lot of essentials within your grasp, rather than stashed in your pack, then you’ll appreciate the storage on offer; there are two hip pockets and two cargo-style thigh pockets with velcro closures.

However, we would have liked a pocket large enough for a map and neither of the thigh pockets were quite big enough to manage that, so if that’s a priority then you’ll need to look elsewhere.

There’s still a lot to recommend them though. The fabric is nicely breathable, so you shouldn’t overheat in humid conditions, and soft against the skin, with an even softer waistband lining. There are belt loops so you can perfect the fit, but do check your size. Our tester found these ran really big, and flapping trousers isn’t something you want on the trail of course, as it’ll make them more likely to catch on things. These pants don’t include abrasion protection, so they’re not suitable for bushwhacking through overgrown terrain, but for an easy-going pair of hiking pants that are straightforwardly functional they do the job nicely.

Read our full Helly Hansen Vandre Tur review