Hiking Pants

Whether you're heading out for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, the right pair of hiking pants can help protect against brush, sun, wind, insects, and changing weather.

Types of Hiking Pants

Lightweight: Best for warm weather, travel, and fast-paced hikes. They usually feature breathable, quick-drying materials and are ideal when you want coverage without extra weight.

Soft Shell: These are designed for cooler temperatures and more challenging conditions. Soft shell materials often provide wind resistance and light weather protection and are a good choice for shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and alpine environments.

Convertible Pants: Convertible hiking pants are designed with zip-off lower legs that transform them into shorts. They are most useful when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

Insulated or Winter Hiking Pants: As the name suggests these are ideal for cold-weather adventures like winter hiking and snowshoeing.

Cargo Pants: Cargo pants are all about the extra pockets for small essentials like snacks and your phone.

When Should You Choose Pants vs. Shorts?

Hiking pants are best when temperatures are cooler and when weather is variable. They are also better for protecting you on overgrown trails, in tall grass or brush, on rocky trails, and in high sun exposure. Choose shorts when you're on well-maintained or paved trails, when you are hiking at a fast pace or trail running, and on very warm days.

Features to Look For

Pay attention to materials. Fabric with stretch improves mobility during scrambling and climbing. Quick-drying materials are key to staying dry particularly if you may encounter water or rainy weather or if you want sweat to wick away and evaporate quickly. Look for pants with zippered pockets to keep essentials secure. If your hiking typically involves strenuous or difficult trails, choose pants with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch - both of which increase range of motion.