Hiking pants typically are made of a nylon blend, and most of the options here have at least a small amount of built-in stretch via elastane (spandex). A higher percentage of elastane will result in a stretchier feel, which can be especially nice for those who tend to size their pants on the tight side. The added give in the material also can be a real boon on the trail, and even more so when it comes to setting up a tent and moving around camp. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Patagonia Altvia Trail are two of the stretchiest hiking pants available (86% nylon and 14% spandex), while the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated are all polyester and cotton and have no give.
Originally popular with climbers that required a good fit to perform at peak levels, these features have trickled down nicely into the hiking pant world. There are extra costs associated with the greater complexity in constructing the pants, so short day hikers on well-maintained trails with flatter grades or those on a budget can probably go without either. But the very tangible benefits can be enjoyed by just about everyone, so we highly recommend stretching the budget and choosing pants that include both. It just makes for a more comfortable wear.
womens cotton pants with zip-off legs
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Beyond temperature considerations, thickness often correlates with durability and tear resistance. Most of the softshell-style pants like the Columbia Royce Peak, prAna Halle, and prAna Stretch Zion are tough enough that we had few concerns brushing up against and squeezing between rocks and brush on the trail. Both the Marmot Arch Rock and OR Ferrosi have surprising levels of durability despite their lighter feel. Truly summer-specific pants like the Columbia Silver Ridge are more tear-prone and should be restricted to more casual hiking and backpacking.
If you're heading out on an overnight backpacking trip or the weather is iffy, pants are the obvious choice. But hikers that hit the trail in the warm summer months are left with a difficult decision: Pants or shorts? Choosing full-length pants give you better protection from the sun and help keep dirt and rocks from getting into your shoes. Further, they're the preferred selection for technical hikes or summit bids to reduce the number of scratches or cuts you get when brushing against rocks or branches. But we love shorts for day hikes on well-maintained trails. Shorts are cheaper (typically about $10 to $20 less than a comparable pant), and offer better freedom of movement and ventilation. The final option is convertible pants, which give you the ability to swap between styles, although they come with a fair number of downsides (we cover those in detail in the convertible pant section above).
The good news for those that want to pick up a pair of hiking shorts is that many of our favorite pants are offered in this style. In general, the shorts versions have a similar fit, fabric blend, and pocket layout as their full-length counterparts. From the models we've worn, we think prAna's Stretch Zion are one of the best. Other favorites include the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Kuhl's durable Renegade. And if you want a superlight and breathable option, a trail-running-specific short can do the trick (we've worn a range of styles from Salomon, Brooks, and REI). The biggest downside with running shorts is that you give up some durability with their thin polyester constructions.
A lightweight pair of pants and shorts in one, our womens convertible pants are a great investment for any outdoor enthusiast. Wear the full length womens zip off pants in colder months and simply zip off the leg to convert to shorts for Summer.
The newly updated Outdoor Research Ferrosi hiking pants are soft and comfy, with a UPF 50+ rating to protect you from UV rays and enough water resistance to shake off a splash or two. They have a relatively flattering fit and practical details like a mid-rise waist, fleece-lined band, and integrated drawstring that work well under a pack's waist strap. The stretchy fabric shadows your every move and the pockets are more functional than ever, now including a zippered thigh pocket that's large enough for a smartphone. The light fabric rolls easily to let you cool off on hot days and elastic bands let you cinch the hems around your ankle for unfettered footwork. If you overheat easily, there is also a convertible version of the Ferrosi with mid-thigh zips that create Bermuda-length shorts for extra hot hiking days. The mid-thigh zippers on the Ferrosi Convertible limit stretch in the thighs though, and most of our testers would rather roll up the regular Ferrosi pants than unzip the convertible version.
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible pants offer excellent performance and handy features at an affordable price. We love the handy pockets and the built-in waist tie. But the standout feature of these pants is that the lower half of the legs detach and they have a zipper down the side that lets you convert them without removing your boots. The material stretches enough to allow for any outing, from rock climbing to backpacking. And they proved to be quite durable during our test period. They breathe well when it's hot, repel water when it rains, and easily fit a base layer underneath when it's cold. We especially appreciate that these pants come in a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus.
The Sahara pants are beyond comfortable and never feel restrictive, but the generous cut keeps them from passing for anything but athletic wear. Luckily society loves athleisure these days. The thin fabric and zip-off legs are wonderful on warm hikes. But when the weather is cold or the wind picks up, these pants don't do much to hold back the chill. When it's hot out, these pants are hard to beat. Though our review has less expensive options, the Saharas offer the best cost-to-performance ratio.
The Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch pants are another economic option. They stretch well enough to keep up with your every step, breathe well enough to keep you comfortable on hot days, and shrug off splashes and quick rain showers. With UPF 50 sun protection, they're also a great option for exposed trails. These pants are available in a wide range of lengths and sizes, so you're likely to find a fit that works for you.
Leggings make awesome hiking pants. Unfortunately, many of them start to unravel after your first army crawl under a downed tree. The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights buck the trend with their rugged reinforcements and sturdy but breathable fabric. Despite the marketing claims, we were skeptical that the knee and bum patches would make any sort of sense. Color us converted. They move like tights but are thick and breathable enough to work in a range of temperatures and rugged terrain. They dry quickly, have incredibly useful pockets, and feature a comfy high waist with a drawstring to hold them in place. After six months of wearing them, we can say their durability is top-notch. As in, we accidentally hooked the reinforced knee and a bit of the regular fabric on the spikes of our mountain bike's flat pedals. The only damage sustained consisted of two tiny fabric picks. Impressive.
Fjallraven built these pants for curvy, muscular, and tall bodies. The extra fabric around our calves and ankles isn't a deal killer, but we should have sized down. The thick seams around the patches also feel odd when you first pull these tights on. We always forget about them on the trail, until we sit or kneel. Then we're just grateful. We also love that they're fun. In one of their bright jewel colors with bad-babe black patches, these pants make us feel like low-key superheroes.
Clark Tate, Cam McKenzie Ring, and Kathleen Sheehan make up our hard-nosed testing team. Clark is a former van lifer who moves from the desert to the mountains to the sea regularly. She hikes, climbs, runs, sea kayaks, and demands that these pants keep up with her along the way. Cam has been climbing for over 20 years and regularly logs plenty of trail miles to and from the crag, along with countless other adventures on foot. She has tested over 25 different hiking pants styles over the years, keeping her keen eye on details that make the difference between a good and a great pair of hiking pants. As a high school cross country coach, Kathleen hits the trails and the adventure circuit in the Sierra Nevada daily during the summer and fall months. A comfortable, convenient pair of pants is an absolute must for her everyday happiness.
We always want a good return on our gear investments. Expensive options often include snazzy features like zip-off legs, water-resistant material, or more breathable or durable fabrics. The zip-off option alone usually costs 10% to 15% more than traditional pants. Of course, they double as a pair of shorts, which adds a lot of value for some hikers.
Finding a great value for you depends on your needs, but we like the REI Co-Op Sahara pants for their reasonable price point, durability, and reliable performance across the board. And they are zip-off pants. So the fact that their price is in line with non-zip options really showcases their value.
Look for ripstop or abrasion-resistant fabrics if you want long-lasting hiking pants. We've worn the Patagonia Pack Out and Fjallraven tights for years without any pilling or significant wear.
Hiking pants must be comfortable and mobile, so this category counts for 30% of the final score. If your pants chafe, pinch, or impede your movement, they will impact your trip and your mood. Fabric stretch, cut, and fit make the biggest difference in terms of comfort and mobility. We give you an idea of which of our body types work with each of these pants, but it's also a good idea to check the measurements of your favorite options.
The Ferrosi incudes extra tucks of fabric around the knees and a "cowboy stance" curve in the leg cut. The Khuls have a multi-panel construction with a mid-rise in front and high-rise in the back to make the pants pop in 3D. The loose and stretchy North Face Aphrodite 2.0 is another excellent option for comfort. 2ff7e9595c
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