Best Backpacking and Hiking Pants for 2024

Best Backpacking and Hiking Pants for 2024

Some people are big fans of hiking in shorts, others prefer to keep their legs covered. No matter what your preference, there will be a time where a good pair of hiking pants is a necessity. Like when the temperatures dip down or the bugs are just too much to handle. In times like these, only the best backpacking and hiking pants will do! Lucky for you, we put together a short list of our picks for the best backpacking and hiking pants for 2023.

Those of you who are new to purchasing a pair of hiking-specific pants, don’t stress. We’re going to break down what is most important to keep in mind when buying your first pair.

What Are Hiking Pants?

Technically, you can hike in any pair of pants that you can move in. However, skinny jeans – or any jeans, for that matter – aren’t ideal for hiking.

For starters, they are heavy and hot. They can also be uncomfortable after prolonged wear and may cause  chafing. Plus they’re not very stretchable and when they get wet, they hold onto that water like a camel would.

When we talk about hiking pants, we are talking about the type of pants that are made for outdoor activities. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and dry quickly. Some of them may even feature handy pockets or a zipper to convert them into shorts!

Hiking pants are typically made from a nylon or nylon blend fabric. This makes them light, durable, and fast-drying.  The best kinds are made from “quiet” nylon, meaning they don’t make as much noise as you walk in them. This means you are more likely to spot a deer or other critters on the trail because your pants won’t be spooking them.  

Unlike the other pants you have in your closet, these are made more for function than fashion. That’s not to mean that you won’t find a good-looking pair out there, you certainly will! However, their primary goal is to keep you comfortable on the trail.

Benefits of Wearing Hiking Pants

Why wear hiking pants over other pants or shorts?  Well hiking pants can do a lot for keeping you comfortable and your legs protected….

• Protects Your Legs – A pair of pants will keep your legs protected from scrapes, bugs, the sun, poison ivy, and anything else that is trying to get a hold of your skin.
• Barrier to Insects – We already mentioned leg protection, but protection from bugs is valuable. When you’re wearng a pair of pants, it is far easier to spot a tick than when you’re bear skinned.
• Pockets – Good pockets can be a game-changer when hiking and backpacking. It is so convenient to have certain items, like a map or chapstick, somewhere where you can easily access them.
• Comfortable Fabric – If you typically wear non-hiking pants, you will be amazed at how comfortable you can feel when hiking in pants that are breathable, lightweight, and fast-drying.
• Adjustable – Most hiking pants come with adjustments that allow you to customize your pants to the moment. Zippers, buckles, straps, and other features can be unique to hiking pants.

What to Look For in Hiking Pants

Pockets

The ideal number of pockets and pocket placement can be personal. Some people want as many pockets as possible while others want just a couple, good-sized pockets.

When shopping for hiking pants, think about the kind of pockets you need and don’t need. Many pants come with standard front pockets that are deep enough to hold a few key items. Other pants have more of a cargo style, where there are large pockets lower down on the leg.

It’s all about personal preference, but it’s definitely important to consider.

Comfort and Fit

Be sure to try on your hiking pants before bringing them on a long hiking trip. Take them for a spin and make sure they are comfortable.

Some styles are meant to be lose and flowy, while others are more form-fitting and snug.  A tighter pair of pants have a greater potential to cause chafing,  but on the other hand, a baggier pair will be heavier and bulkier.

Keep in mind that with continuous use, hiking pants tend to stretch and loosen. So by day 3 of your backpacking trip, you might notice the pants feeling a little loose. They should gain their shape back after a wash, but avoid getting a pair that is too baggy for this reason.

Fabric

The best hiking pants are durable, breathable, and comfortable. Material or fabric is what affects those qualities the most.

Most hiking pants are made from primarily nylon with a small amount of spandex. Nylon is durable, comfortable, doesn’t absorb oil, and only absorbs a small amount of water. We suggest looking for a pair of hiking pants that is at least 85% nylon, especially if you scramble, climb, or hike through overgrown trails.

Polyester is another popular fabric for hiking pants. This fabric is great for wicking moisture and drying quickly. A pair of pants with a high percentage of polyester would be a good fit for someone who hikes in damp conditions frequently.

Extra Features

There is a wide variety of hiking ants out there, you can find some with unique features that can enhance your hiking experience.

• Reinforced Ankles – Reinforced material around the inner ankle for added durability and abrasion resistance. Perfect for people who hike in crampons.
• Elastic Waistband – Allows you to have a comfortable, snug fit around the waist without having to wear a belt.
• Ventilation Zippers – If you tend to get warm while hiking, but convertible pants aren’t your style, look for a pair of hiking pants with ventilation zippers. These allow you to get some air flow and release excess heat.
• Waist Loops – Some pants feature additional loops around the waist that allow you to attach gear if needed.
• Double Layer Knees – An extra layer of fabric on the knees is a feature that provides additional protection and durability. It also offers extra comfort when kneeling down to gather water or set up camp.

Convertible Vs. Standard Vs. Roll-Up

There are a few different popular hiking pant designs that you can choose from:

• Traditional/Standard Pant – These are a full length, basic pant. These are great if you want to wear them for more than just hiking, like for going out to lunch before setting off on the trail. Traditional pants also have fewer zippers and buttons, so they tend to be more lightweight and suitable for ultralight hikers.
• Convertible Pant – These pants have a zipper on each leg that allows you to easily change a pair of pants into a pair of shorts. This is perfect for hikes where you gain and lose significant elevation or in areas where the temperature varies throughout the day. Cover your legs as you feel cooler, then unzip them when you start to feel warm.
• Roll-Up Pant – If you don’t want to commit to a full convertible pant but would like to have some versatility, a rollup pant may be right for you. These have buttons on the lower leg, so you can roll the pants up into capris to give your legs some exposure or to avoid having your pants gather moisture from damp grass.

Trekking vs. Softshell vs. Hardshell

• Trekking/Walking Pants – This style of hiking pants is typically made with only a single layer. These are lightweight and breathable, but don’t offer as much protection from wind, water, or abrasion. These are great for fair weather or warm, summertime hikes.
• Softshell – This style of hiking pants is made of two to three layers. The innermost layer is comfortable, soft, and warm against your skin. The middle layer offers breathability and flexibility. The outer layer is durable and water resistant. These are great because they protect you from the elements while keeping you comfortable.
• Hardshell – These are similar in design to softshell pants as they also have multiple layers. What sets hardshell apart is the increased toughness of the outermost layer. They are more durable and waterproof, making them great for rough conditions. With that extra protection comes extra weight and bulk, so they’re not ideal for long hikes or backpacking trips

The Best Backpacking and Hiking Pants

Favorite Trekking Pants

Outdoor Research Ferrosi

We love the Ferrosi for their comfort, style, and lightness. The fabric is thin and breathable, so it dries quickly and feels comfortable to wear on summertime hikes. If you need a little extra ventilation, there is a cinch cord at the ankles to help with length adjustments.

While this thin fabric makes it great for warm weather hiking, these hiking pants aren’t so good in terms of durability and wind resistance. You’d be better off with a tougher pair of pants on cool, windy hikes or on trails that require scrambling and climbing.

These hiking pants have a few other features to note. They have a soft waistband designed to reduce chafing and discomfort. The value of this feature is often overlooked until you experience what it’s like without it! While the waist does not come with an integrated belt, it does offer belt loops so you can easily find a belt to use with it.

Find the men’s pair here!
Find the women’s pair here!

Favorite Office-to-Trail Pair

Royal Robbins Alpine Road Pants

If you’re someone who wants their hiking pants to not look…like hiking pants, the Alpine Road Pant might be the pair for you. These are great for wearing on and off the trail. They even resist wrinkles, so they’ll look presentable even after being stuffed in your backpack for a couple days.

They are comfortable, but not quite as stretchy as other pairs of hiking pants due to the lower elastane percentage. They aren’t very thin, like some other trekking pants are, either. These pants are better suited for cooler temperatures and may be a bit hot in the middle of summer.

Other design features include a cinch cord at the ankle and a zippered thigh pocket. That zippered pocket is discreet and doesn’t take away from the sleek design of the pants, however. They add function without looking too over-the-top outdoorsy.

Find the men’s here!

Royal Robbins no longer offers the women’s, but their Alpine Mountain Pro pants are similar and can be found here!

Favorite Soft Shell

Arc’teryx Gamma LT Fortius DW 2.0

If you’re looking for something with a little more durability and protection from the elements, the Gamma LT is a great pair to consider. They are stretchy, lightweight, and durable. These hiking pants are wind and water-resistant, which make them perfect for high altitude treks, hikes in the spring and fall, or other cool weather adventures you might be taking. We would recommend against wearing these in hotter weather, as you can start to feel pretty warm in them!

Another feature we love about the Gamma LTs is the integrated belt. This allows for adjustable, comfortable fit no matter how many days in a row you wear them! This is great for thru hikers and backpackers who spend a prolonged time in the forest – you can adjust your waistband as your weight changes throughout the trip.

There are a few drawbacks, however. This pair of pants is rather pricey, any backpacker on a budget would be hard pressed to justify spending so much on one pair. It is also a deal-breaker for some hikers that these pants lack back pockets. If you utilize your rear pockets often, you might want to consider a different pair.

Find the men’s pair here!

Find the women’s pair here!

Favorite For Rain

Marmot Precip Eco Pants

When planning a hike in a particularly wet environment, you’re going to want a pair of hiking pants that stand up to the occasion. Marmot’s Precip Eco pants are just the pair to keep you dry in even the rainiest hikes.

These nylon pants do a lot for keeping water and wind from touching you. However, with that comes reduced ventilation. When you’re all zipped up, you might find yourself getting pretty warm. But once the rain stops, you can unzip your pant leg to get some relief.

Comfort is also a key feature of these pants. The elastic waistband with draw cord allows you to customize the fit around the waist so it fits snug, but not too tightly. The fit of the leg is also roomy,without being overly bulky. So you won’t endure chafing and you won’t feel weighed down. Complete the look with other rainy day gear!

Find the men’s pair here!

Find the women’s pair here!

These are not designed for warm temperatures, but work well for cool temperatures and can do a good job of keeping you warm and dry in the snow. If you do find yourself in these pants on warmer days, take advantage of the leg zippers that rise up to the knee to get some extra ventilation. These zippers also come in handy for pulling on your pants over a pair of boots when you’re in a hurry.

Find the women’s pair here!