Wearing a pair of the best hiking pants, even in the middle of summer, is a good idea. While it can undoubtedly be tempting to forego trekking trousers in favour of shorts when the mercury is up, it's worth considering what kind of adventure you're going to be having.
Hiking pants perform a number of important tasks. Crafted from fabrics that are robust enough to protect you against trail elements like prickly undergrowth and sharp rock, they also usually contain a little stretch and articulated regions for maximum freedom of movement.
It should go without saying that the best hiking pants also keep your legs warm, which is important if you're heading up a mountain, where the temperature is likely to be much lower than down in the valley. Once you add in the additional issue of biting insects like mosquitos, midges and ticks, you start to see why these kinds of trekking trousers are preferable to shorts.
However, typically the best hiking pants are not waterproof, as balancing the need for protection from the elements with breathability, lightweight comfort and freedom of movement is not straightforward. For full protection against the drink, you'll need a pair of the best rain pants.
Our favorite pairs of hiking trousers are Mountain Equipment's superb Ibex pants, ideal for all-round adventures, and Revolution Race's GP Pro trousers, which represent incredible value for money considering their quality.
Best softshell hiking pants
Highly regarded hiking pants, particularly amongst British hillwalkers, the Ibex are classic softshell pants, made from a midweight stretch nylon fabric. The cut is fairly slim-fitting, though they don’t taper too much at the ankles, which means they fit easily over bigger B1 or even B2 mountain boots, especially since the design features useful ankle zips with an internal gusset panel. The patterning incorporates some well-thought-out details such as a diamond-shaped crotch panel and knee darts for improved articulation. You also get a soft microfleece-lined waistband, with double press studs and an integrated waistbelt. We like the usability of its five zippered pockets: there are are two thigh pockets with a mesh lining plus two hand pockets and one rear pocket.
The elastane content provides stretch, which we found was more than enough to give us freedom of movmement on scrambling terrain. The midweight Exolite 210gsm softshell fabric offers some warmth and good windproof protection, whilst remaining lightweight and fairly breathable. The face of the fabric is reasonably durable yet the inner side is very soft, ensuring good next-to-skin comfort. All these qualities mean they are also a good option for big hill days when you might be striding along exposed ridges or bagging multiple summits. There are three leg lengths available in both the men’s and women’s styles (the women’s model is called the Chamois). They seem to tick all the boxes as a versatile all-round mountain trouser.
Read our full Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pant review
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
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
Hiking pants for all conditions
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.
Although our test pair were no-nonsense black, it’s also worth noting that they come in a kaleidoscope of colorways and a wide range of both men’s and women’s sizes.
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
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
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.
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 review
We love it when a pair of pants turns up that can do double-duty, whether you’re trekking across town or hiking local trails. The Sherpa Guide Pants are a case in point. Despite their name, these aren’t technical mountain pants designed for high-level routes. Instead, they’re stylish and well-made chinos with a contemporary straight cut plus a few added extras when it comes to performance and comfort. This makes them well-suited to more strenuous activities than simply sitting around drinking coffee.
The overall design points to Nepalese brand Sherpa’s outdoor heritage: these pants feature articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, which we found gave greater mobility and comfort. A seamless back waistband ensures no irritation or chafing. Similarly, the fabric – despite being mostly cotton twill – also incorporates nylon for added abrasion resistance and a little spandex for stretch (and is rated UPF 50 for full solar protection). So, they’re soft, practical and comfortable, but easier to move in compared to standard chinos. Reinforced jeans-style hand pockets and additional ankle panels also ensure better durability if and when you do hit the trails. Lastly, a low-profile back thigh pocket is designed, and was big enough to, hold a smartphone, which is a thoughtful touch that makes these pants even better equipped for modern life.
Possibly the perfect ‘everyday outdoor’ pant, these super-comfortable cotton twill stretch chinos are the ideal daily wear for adventurous types who love to go from town to trail.
Read our full Sherpa Guide Pant review
Technical hiking pants
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
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
Waterproof hiking pants
Packing a huge heat punch for their weight, Montane’s Prism pants are designed for one thing: keeping you toasty, whether you’re engaged in a bid to get to the top of a frigid peak, you’ve just run an ultra and need to wrap up warm because the heat is leaking out of you now you’re no longer moving, or if you’re sitting around in basecamp in freezing cold conditions. And for performing these tasks, we think they are excellent.
The Primaloft Silver Eco Insulation they’re stuffed with has awesome thermal properties, trapping a massive amount of air, which is then warmed by your body. The Pertex Microlight outer fabric is fairly tough too, and it boasts Durable Water Repellency (DWR), making them a practical pair of pants to use on the move in really cold conditions.
The knees are articulated, and they’re designed with a diamond crotch, to facilitate ease of movement in active situations. The waist is elasticated, and you can tighten it with a drawcord. A large zipper on the trouser ends enables you to open them up and pull them on over the top of boots, if need be, and you can tighten the ankle hem around footwear with a series of poppers. We found these options gave us the ability to find an almost perfect fit.
There are some reflective details on these pants, in case you need to be located in the dark. There are no pockets in these pants, or gaps for accessing pockets in undergarments, because their lightweight/thermal properties would be compromised by such features.
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
Lightweight hiking 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
| Hiking Pant | Price | Weight | Style | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Equipment Ibex | $145 (US) / £85 (UK) | 465g / 16.4oz | Softshell hiking trousers | All-season hiking, trekking, hillwalking and mountaineering |
| inov-8 VentureLite Pant | $140 (US) / £110 (UK) | 380g / 13.4oz | Softshell hiking trousers | Hiking, backpacking, scrambling, climbing |
| Montane Men's Tenacity Pants | $129 (US) / £100 (UK) | 425g / 15oz | Softshell hiking trousers | Three-season walking, hiking, trekking and backpacking |
| Revolution Race GP Pro | $109 / £95 | 600g / 21.1 oz | Hybrid cargo | Three-season hiking, camping and backpacking |
| Fjällräven Keb Trousers | $225 / £200 | 610g / 21.5 oz | Cargo | All-round performers |
| Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pant | $150 / £120 | 279g / 10 oz | 2.5-layer shell pants | Hiking, climbing, camping, backpacking |
| Sasta Jero | $210 / £160 | 500g / 17.6 oz | Cargo | Three-season hiking, camping and backpacking |
| Sherpa Guide Pant | $80 / £80 | 500g / 17.6 oz | Chinos | Late spring/summer/early autumn hiking, trekking and outdoor wear |
| Klättermusen Gere 2.0 | $270 (US) / £199 (UK) | 810g / 28.6 oz | Mountain pants | Three-season hiking, climbing and mountaineering |
| Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants | $149 / £130 | 340g / 12 oz (men) : 323g / 11.4 oz (women) | Softshell | Approach walks, climbing, scrambling |
| Montane Prism Pants | £130 | 295g / 10.4 oz | Insulated legwear | Thermal protection in alpine conditions |
| Páramo Cascada II Trousers | $215 / £155 | 481g / 17oz (men) : 478g / 16.8 oz (women) | Waterproof hiking pants | Hiking and hillwalking |
| Royal Robbins Active Traveler Zip ’n’ Go Pant | $115 / €100 | 303g / 10.7 oz | Convertible long-to-short pants | Traveling and walking holidays in warmer climates |
How we test hiking pants
Our reviewers test hiking pants on trails in a range of environments and conditions, from hills and peaks to coastal paths and woodlands, on day hikes and longer treks. Features (including materials, stretch, style, pockets, protection from flora and fauna, and overall comfort) are tested against claims made by the brand, and we assess factors such as value for money, durability, functionality and environmental impact.
For more details see how Advnture tests products.
How to choose hiking pants
What makes one pair of pants the best hiking pants for you is a very subjective thing, and the design features and materials that perfectly suit one person’s needs might not be ideal for another. The biggest factor in all of this is, of course, where and when you go hiking most often.
If you do almost all your wild wandering in summer, or when the weather conditions are good, then a pair of breathable pants (see: breathability ratings explained and what to wear hiking in hot weather) made from a lightweight material – perhaps with the option of transforming them into shorts – will be the best hiking pants for you. You might also want to consider instead opting for a pair fo the best hiking shorts.
But, if you intend to go bagging high peaks in the off-season then, obviously, you will need a pair of technical pants that offer much more thermal protection, and perhaps some rain pants too.
However, all that said, there are some factors that are worth considering whatever style of hiking you intend to do, which we'll cover below.
Comfort
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Whatever you’re doing in the outdoors, it’s important to be comfortable in your clothes. Pay close attention to the fit of your prospective trousers, and the materials they are made from. Make sure they’re going to be warm (or cool) enough for the conditions and terrain you’re planning to walk in. There’s no point buying the most technically advanced pair of pants on the market if they’re totally over specced for the hike you’re going on, as you’ll overheat and feel a bit silly. You wouldn't wear your best hiking socks in the height of summer if they're super insulated, so don't make that mistake with trousers. Many of the best hiking pants will also feature vents, so you can dump some of that heat and let in some fresh air.
Stretch
If you're planning on incorporating rock climbing and technical scrambling in your hiking adventures, it’s always good to have a bit of dynamic stretch in your pants. Even things like a bit of clambering over the odd stile or wall, can lead to tears (definitely a double meaning here) and leave you exposed in a way you probably won’t like. Look for a percentage of elastane or spandex in the material make-up of your trousers, and any mention of four-way stretch is a good sign.
Protection
Generally speaking, the thicker the material used in your hiking trousers, the more protection they will offer you from everything from the sun (check the Ultraviolet Protection Factor – UPF – rating) and sharp sticks and stones, through to biting insects and stinging or prickly plants. There is a weight penalty to pay for this protection of course. Some lightweight hiking pants are impregnated with insect repelling agents. Many of the best walking pants feature reinforced panels that will both protect you, and improve the lifespan of the trousers.
Wild weather
Many of the best hiking pants have been treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, which means they won’t absorb water during light rain showers. Some will also be windproof, which will greatly improve their capability to keep you warm.
Waterproof overtrousers are designed to go over your hiking pants and can be a good option if you know you're heading into territory that's liable to be wet.
Pockets
Like with the best day packs and hydration packs, these days the functionality of multiple pockets is something manufacturers go for when designing hiking pants.
Of course you shouldn’t be wandering around on rocky or precipitous trails with your hands shoved in your pockets, but having storage in your pants is important in all kinds of scenarios. If you still like to carry a paper topographical map, then many of the best walking pants come with cargo pouch big enough to stash said map (plus compass) so you can keep it to hand at all times.
Alternatively, you might want to put a small water bottle in that space, or a GPS device, or your phone. Having at least one pocket with a zip is always a benefit, so you can securely store things you really don’t want to lose, like your car keys and credit card. Rain pants for hiking often don’t have pockets, but will feature gaps so you can reach the pockets in the pants you’re wearing underneath.
Other features
Pants may seem like very simple pieces of apparel, but the best hiking pants will actually offer a massive array of little features that can improve your experience on the trails and in the hills. Some have hooks for attaching to your boots to keep the leg material in place; others have gear loops for attaching things like compasses or an integrated wipe in a pocket for cleaning sunglasses and camera lenses. Some walking pants come with an integrated belt, but often these are pretty basic.
