While we love summer and short season as much as the next guy, there comes a time to invest in the best hiking pants. When the air gets colder and the trail a little more rough, they will come in handy. We tested out some pairs, asked around, and did a little research of our own to narrow it down to our favorites.
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What Are the Different Materials of Hiking Pants (and Which One is the Best)?
Generally speaking, the best hiking pants for men are made from synthetic materials. While it sure is tempting to throw on a pair of cotton shorts, don’t. When you are gearing up to head out on a hike, it is important to have all of the right essentials. Make sure you have a solid hiking backpack, maps, sunscreen, a compass, and a checklist for gear to bring.
It’s also important to wear the right travel apparel. If you don’t, that hike could quickly become a negative experience. Know what type of trail you will be on, the weather and climate, and plan accordingly. With this said, there are standard materials the industry seems to have adopted. One of them is the use of techwick material in base layers. Besides being moisture wicking, fabrics like techwick also are anti-odor.
How to Choose the Best Hiking Pants for Your Trip
Whether you choose to wear shorts or invest in the best hiking pants is up to you. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each before you decide to invest. If you’re hiking in the heat of the summer or traveling somewhere hot, shorts are a good option for you. However, pants offer durable fabric, protection from the elements, and coverage in the event of hiking in colder weather.
The best hiking pants are made from a synthetic material. Quick-drying fabrics like nylon and spandex should be worn if you’re anticipating a drop in temperature. More often than not, you’ll run into some heavy vegetation along the way and be grateful for the purchase that you made. Wearing pants will also keep your legs safe from thorns and hazards like poison ivy.
Here Are Our Picks for the Best Hiking Pants for Men
5.11 Men's Taclite Pro Tactical Pants
If you haven’t made a purchase from 5.11 Tactical before, you’re missing out. There’s a reason why the Taclite Pro Tactical Pants are a best-seller. Styled after the original 5.11 Tactical style, these pants feature durable poly-cotton ripstop fabric. This lightweight blend allows for full range of movement.
For quick access to your gear, the pants are equipped with plenty of pockets. On the right side, you have access to a knife pocket. Cargo pants are sewn onto both of the thighs with a magazine and cell phone pocket located above the left cargo pocket. This design kept the signature slash pockets at the back of the pants. Composed of 65% lightweight polyester and 35% polycotton ripstop, you have a clean-cut professional style that gets the job done. The pants are also equipped with an HT Teflon Wear Resistant Finish. This helps with stain and soil resistance. So, no matter what you end up doing, you will look good doing it.
Thick belt loops can support the weight of additional equipment. Last but certainly not least, they have included their traditional clip loop at the front of the pants. This is great for the traditional 5.11 Tactical style. When it comes to colors, you have a great range of options. You can choose from black, tdu green, tdu khaki, coyote, and dark navy.
Tech Specs:
- 65% polyester, 35% ripstop fabric
- Two cargo pockets
- External knife pocket
- checkYKK zippers
- check
Rear strap and slash pocket
Pros
- plus Great workmanship
- plus Highly functional
- plusComfortable to wear
- plusTwo cargo pockets
Cons
- close None
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Stretch Pants
Life’s short. Get out and move more often with Columbia’s Men’s Silver Ridge Stretch style. These have to be some of the best hiking pants for men. These sleek and stylish pants are ones you could easily take from the trail to the streets. The articulated knees offer a unique fit, advanced movement capabilities, and the cargo pockets offer a convenient place to store items. If you’re looking for a great pair of pants to take on a day hike or go fishing, these are the ones.
Tech Specs:
- 95% polyester, 5% elastane
- UPF 50 fabric for maximum sun protection
- One-zip closure security pocket
- checkPartially elastic waist
- checkStretch pant
- checkMultiple pockets
- check
Zip-off legs
Pros
- plus Great fit
- plus Reliable brand
- plusStretch at waist
- plusArticulated knees
Cons
- close Runs long
Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Pants
It’s a bit of a conundrum how these wonderfully lightweight pants manage to fight off the cool mountain air. But they do. Thanks, Outdoor Research. If you’re a backpacker or a hiker, they present a unique option. When you are already loaded down with gear, they help to lighten the load a bit. You don’t want to be bogged down by your gear on the trail or anywhere else.
However with this said, don’t think these can be used for fall or winter protection. While they are some of the best hiking pants for men, they don’t offer the grit for more extreme elements. A nylon and spandex body are great for breathability and flexibility. When it comes to heat dissipation, you will feel it in these Ferrosi pants.
Tech Specs:
- 86% nylon fabric and 14% spandex
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- checkWater resistant
- checkWind resistant
- checkQuick drying
Pros
- plus Affordable makeup bag
- plus Durable
- plusGreat for mixed weather
Cons
- close None
Prana Stretch Zion
Slim fitting and narrow, the Prana Stretch Zion are another pair of hiking pants that could pass for the ordinary. But they are anything but. Designed with a comfortable nylon fabric and 3% spandex, these snug pants are made to move with you. While they are a little more hefty than your average pair of hiking pants, that might be helpful for some.
We don’t recommend taking them out on summer hikes. But if you’re looking for some of the best hiking pants for men for fall, these are perfect. When it comes to fit, they sit just below the waist, offer a little extra room in the seat and thigh, an adjustable waistband.
Tech Specs:
- 100% other fibers
- Imported
- Durable water repellent fabric
Pros
- plus Windproof
- plus Durable
- plusComfortable
- plusStylish
Cons
- close None
White Sierra Trail 32-Inch Inseam Convertible Pant
Take these pants everywhere. From cool mountain trails to blazing desert hikes, these convertible trail pants have got you covered. They convert from pants to ten-inch inseam shorts when the conditions change. Crafted from a durable UPF30 sun protection woven nylon, these pants are quick drying and equipped with a Teflon fabric protector. The flat front offers an elasticated side waist and a webbing belt. You will also find two slash pockets at the front and two side cargo pockets to hold all of your gear.
Tech Specs:
- Converts from pants to shorts or vice versa
- Vertical side zippers
- Lightweight nylon
- checkUPF 30
- checkWater resistant finish
- checkElastic waistband and removable webbing belt
- check2 front slash pockets, 2 side ones, one back pocket
- check
Secure ankle cuffs to keep legs safe from mud and debris
Pros
- plus Stylish Fabric Design
- plus Lightweight and durable
- plusGood coverage when needed
- plusComfortable fit
Cons
- close None
Eddie Bauer Men's Guide Pro Pants
There are three different ways to gauge your fit. First, decide if you want an active and slim fit, a classic fit, or a relaxed one. Consider the Guide Pro Pants as an upgrade to the original technical guide pant. This style is made for performance, versatility, and equipped with great fabric for breathability. Featuring a streamlined fit and articulated kneed, they offer a low-profile option to hold all of your essentials. When it comes to use, take this style anywhere. While these are some of the best hiking pants for men, they are also great for scrambling, climbing, and general active use. This is Eddie Bauer’s most athletic fit yet. The pants fit close to your body without restricting your range of motion.
Tech Specs:
- 100% nylon fabric
- Performance hiking pants
- Streamlined fit
- checkFlexion stretch woven tech
- checkStormrepel DWR Finish
Pros
- plus Comfortable
- plus Functional
- plusLightweight
- plusBreathable
Cons
- close Fabric isn't as silent as we'd like when walking
MIER Men's Convertible Pants Quick Dry
Have you been searching for a versatile pair of pants? Well, Mier has just the thing you need. Equipped with high performance fabric, a lightweight structure, and smart features, these are easily some of the best hiking pants for men. They are quick drying, water resistant, have a zip off feature, multifunctional pockets, an elastic drawcord, articulated knees, and removable waist belt. Needless to say, these pants cover all the bases. They make a great travel accessory for spring, summer, and fall hiking and camping trips.
Tech Specs:
- Removable waist belt
- YKK zipper and metal button
- Articulated knees for added range of motion
- checkWater resistant (DRW finish)
- checkStretch fabric
- checkZip off feature
- checkMultifunctional pockets
- checkElastic drawcord
- checkStretch fabric made of nylon and spandex
- checkFade, shrink, and wrinkle resistant
- checkDrawcord hems
Under Armour Men's Storm Covert Tactical Pants
Of all the brands on the market, Under Armour is renowned for their quality. Needless to say, their Storm Covert style is among the best hiking pants for men. With storm technology, the fabric repels water well, all the while maintaining breathability. A durable ripstop fabric is tough enough to put up with anything along the trail. In addition, anti-odor technology prevents bacteria from growing. Last but certainly not least, the stretching waistband provides for optimal comfort.
Tech Specs:
- UA storm technology
- Repels water
- Optimal breathability
- checkStretching waistband
- checkOffset belt loops
Pros
- plus Stylish Fabric Design
- plus 100% other fibers
- plusRepels water
- plusAntimicrobial
Cons
- close None
Common Questions
Are you interested in finding more outdoor gear, tips, and tricks? We've got just what you need. Check out these other articles on what to bring and handy tips for hiking:
- The Best Hiking Socks for Any Season
- What to Wear Hiking: Essentials for Any Day On the Trail
- Nathan #020 HPL Hydration Running Backpack Review
Invest In the Best Hiking Pants for Men
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the best hiking pants for men. As you can see, the best styles are moving away from large, bulky styles and more towards sleek, lightweight ones that are more easy to manage. Unless you are embarking on an extremely difficult hike out in the elements, more often than not, you do not need heavy duty fabric pants. A simple pair of nylon pants with a water resistant fabric should do just fine. Do you have a favorite pair from our list of the best hiking pants for men? Let us know in the comment section below.
Related Article: Best Hiking Sandals For Your Adventures