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The Best Men’s Hiking Pants and How to Choose
Choosing the right hiking pants can be a difficult task. What do you want to look for when you buy a pair of the best men’s hiking pants?
Some key points to consider when buying hiking pants include:
- Comfort:
- Waistband that stretches
- Lower crotch area for mobility, also:
- Crotch gussets for easy movement
- Adjustable straps for a better fit
- Fabric:
- Tough to last longer
- Reinforced stitching especially on:
- Pocket corners
- Along zipper seams
- Reinforced stitching especially on:
- Breathes for comfort
- Fast drying so you stay dry
- Tough to last longer
- Resist or repel water to keep you dry
- Secure pockets with zippers for safe storage
(Credit: Hermann, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
17 Best Men’s Hiking Pants
| Brand | Pants | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Arc’teryx (2Pairs): | ||
| Gamma Lt | $189 | |
| Gamma Quick Dry | $160 | |
| Columbia | Silver Ridge Cargo | $60 |
| Decathlon | Quechua Hiking (Great Budget Choice!) | $49.99 |
| KÜHL (3 pairs): | ||
| Deceptr | $99 | |
| Renegade Convertible | $109 | |
| Silencer | $95 | |
| Marmot (2 pairs): | ||
| Arch Rock | $75 | |
| Precip Eco | $80 | |
| Mountain Hardwear (2 pairs): | ||
| AP | $90 | |
| Chockstone/2 Hike | $120 | |
| North Face | Dryzzle Futurelight Full Zip | $189 |
| Outdoor Research | Ferossi | $89 |
| Patagonia | Quandry | $79 |
| prAna (2 pairs): | ||
| Brion | $85 | |
| Stretch Zion | $95 | |
| Wrangler | Outdoor Zip Cargo (Great Budget Choice!) | $32 |
How To Choose The Best Men’s Hiking Pants
What Do You Most Want To Look For?
With so many pants options, you might have a hard time finding the best hiking pants. Think about these important tips as you choose the best hiking pants for your hike:
- Comfort
- Fabric:
- Tough
- Breathes
- Dries fast
- If you plan to hike during cold weather, consider insulated pants or leggings. You might also want to have pants with room for a layer of long underwear under your pants.
(Credit pixabay.com)
Comfortable Pants
When you hike, you want to move freely. Whether hiking down the trail or hiking up an overgrown trail, you want your pants to let you move freely. Stretch fabric, reinforced knees, and crotch gussets all help you move easily.
Many brands now offer plus size fits. Also, be sure you can try on the pants before you buy.
Durable Pants
You need a durable fabric. A tough fabric ensures that your pants last through hard hikes and through the years. Look for materials like nylon or polyester. Both are very tough. These fabrics also serve you well in all kinds of weather.
You want pants with a water resistant or waterproof fabric. This protects you from the elements while you’re out on hikes. You can easily get caught in the rain. Often the morning dew gets you wet too.
(Credit: pxfuel.com)
Pants’ Length
When you choose hiking pants, consider three things about pants’ length:
- Full length – Offers protection for your legs. You want leg vents with zippers for hot weather hikes. Mesh pockets help too. The pockets help move air as you hike.
- Rollup – As it sounds, the legs roll-up using a button, draw cord, or tab.
- Convertible – Double as pants or shorts. You can zip the legs off as needed. This can be handy for cool mornings and hot afternoons.
What Else Do You Want In The Best Hiking Pants?
- Roomy, easy to reach cargo pockets
- Pockets with zippers for safe storage
- Belt loops or a built in belt for a custom fit
- Articulated patterns (connected sections) for easy movement
Men’s Hiking Pants (17 Great Choices)
Arc’teryx (2 Pairs):
1. Gamma Lt For Men (Updated)
Even though these pants cost a lot, they offer a lot. These highly technical hiking pants give you all the features and benefits you want with a pair of the best men’s hiking pants.
Arc’teryx updated the Gamma Lt pants with:
- Updated with:
- More comfortable low profile waistbelt that wears better with your backpack hip belt
- Redesigned pockets for more storage and secure storage
What value does Arc’teryx give you for the price?
- Quality, the products last for years.
- Features/benefits, the pants have all the features AND benefits you need.
The company offers a lot for what you pay, including:
- Quality build:
- Reinforcement
- Seam taping
- Stitching
- High quality, environment friendly, tough fabrics
- Great product performance for your comfort
- Minimalist design for a clean cut look
- Very good warranty
Arc’teryx’s value justifies the cost. If you choose these pants, you have a well designed, long lasting product. These pants have the features you want, and you will have them for years to come.
Features & Benefits
- Lightweight for comfort
- Water resistant for more comfort
- Breathable for even more comfort
- Durable for tough trails
- Stretchy for mobility
- Articulated patterns (connected sections) for easy movement
- Crotch gusset for easy movement
- Cuffs with draw cords keeps trail trash out
- Thigh pocket with zipper; two mesh lined pockets hand pockets with zippers; lots of storage
- Built in belt for better fit
- 88% Nylon; 12% elastane for toughness and mobility
- MSRP $189
Shop Gamma LT
2. Gamma Quick Dry For Men
Super light pants designed for hiking, the Gamma Quick Dry offers a lot of value. The pants look good too!
With these hiking pants, you get a light, stretchy, but tough pair of pants. You will enjoy the comfort of the trim, clean fit. This durable nylon also dries really fast and balances wind resistance with air permeability.
The trim fit’s articulated patterning let you move easily. The adjustable waist belt rides comfortably under a pack.
You have five pockets, including two zippered thigh pockets, to secure important items.
Features & Benefits
- Lightweight fabric for comfort
- Quick drying so you stay dry
- Air permeable for more comfort
- Stretchy for easy movement
- Trim fit for athletic use
- Articulated patterns for easy mobility
- Front fly with zip and snap closure for convenience
- Integrated web belt with metal buckle that adjusts for a better fit
- Rear zip pocket for secure storage
- Two zippered thigh cargo pockets for secure storage
- Two zip hand pockets for even more secure storage
- Materials that meet bluesign standard
- 94% nylon; 6% elastane for tough, stretchy pants
- MSRP $160
Shop Gamma Quick Dry
Columbia – Silver Ridge Cargo Men’s Hiking Pants
The Silver Ridge Cargo offers comfort on the trail. The waist has partial elastic for a better fit. The Silver Ridge also includes gusset detail. The waist and gusset add comfort and let you move freely.
Stay cool with the wicking fabric. The fabric also has UPF 50 to protect you from the sun.
The pockets give you a lot of room to store what you need in easy to reach pockets as you hike. The pockets include a zip and hook and loop closure for secure storage.
The Silver Ridge Cargo pants give you a lot of value for the price.
Features & Benefits
- Affordable for your budget
- UPF 50 protects you from sunburn
- Partial elastic at waist for a better fit and more comfort
- Gusset detail for added comfort
- Pockets with hook and loop closure and a zip pocket for secure storage
- Hand pockets and mesh pocket bags for more storage
- Main body:100% nylon for long lasting pants
- Mesh panels: 57% recycled polyester/43% polyester mesh
- MSRP $60
Shop Silver Ridge
Decathlon – Quechua Men’s Hiking Pants
These lightweight men’s hiking pants were designed to offer a lot of features and benefits for your hiking comfort. They are a great pair of pants that will easily fit most budgets!
During a recent trip to Italy, that included hikes, we went to the Decathlon sporting goods store. My wife bought a pair of the Quecho pants.
I lost a hiking hat during one of our hikes in Italy. We went to Decathlon again for a replacement hat. My wife liked the first pair of Decathlon pants so well, she bought a second pair of these pants! I bought a pair too (men’s)!
Off the trail, these pants also offer benefits. We needed IDs and proof of Covid-19 vaccination for entry to most places. Our documents were easy to reach and secure.
These are also comfortable pants. They stretch for easy movement. They have a built in belt for a better fit. Also, they have a drawstring at the cuffs to tighten the cuff. This keeps trail trash on the trail, not in your boots.
Modestly priced, these pants offer a lot of value. They are comfortable, easy to move in hiking pants. These pants have three easy to reach, zippered pockets for secure storage. The pockets are easy to reach and roomy for lots storage. Also, they have a built in belt for a better fit.
In the U.S., you can now buy these pants through Walmart online. They size a little small.
Do you want a good pair of affordable men’s hiking pants? Consider a pair of these pants!
Features & Benefits
- Two hand pockets, one thigh pocket; both with zippers for secure storage
- Moisture wicking to help you stay dry
- Quick drying
- Lightweight for hiking comfort
- Preformed knees for a better fit
- Easy movement for more comfort
- Just wash, no iron
- 85% Polyamide;15% Spandex for durable, comfortable hiking pants
- MSRP $49.99
Shop Quechua Hiking
KÜHL (3 Pairs):
1. Deceptr For Men
KÜHL’s Deceptr pants give you style AND performance. The fabric looks like stylish chino. In addition to looking good, the fabric also gives you a comfort stretch and durability. A water-resistant finish helps you stay dry. The UPF 50+ lets you hike without worrying about a sunburn.
You can wear these pants on the trail or when you go out with friends.
Features & Benefits
- Articulated knees for easy movement
- Gusseted crotch for freedom of moment
- Six pockets for a lot of easy to reach storage options:
- Two front
- Two back
- One coin
- One cell phone
- 76% Nylon; 9% Polyester; 15% Spandex for long lasting easy to move in pants
- MSRP $99
Shop Deceptr
2. Renegade Convertible Men’s Hiking Pants
The KÜHL Renegade Convertible make a great, versatile choice for one of the best men’s hiking pants.
KÜHL chose a strong, breathable fabric for the Renegades. The fabric also lets your pants dry fast to help you stay dry. Additionally, the pants resist tears and protect you from the sun with UPF 50.
You can easily zip off the bottom of the pants leg. KÜHL’s zip off design lets you easily change the pants into shorts.
Features & Benefits
- Full fit through the thigh, knee, and lower leg for freedom of movement.
- Durable, two way stretch fabric dries quickly
- A peached (soft) waist band for comfort, better wicking, and quick drying
- Wash and wear for easy care
- UPF 50 protects you from the sun
- Easy zip off system for quick change to shorts
- Compartment pockets inside of the cargo pockets for secure storage
- Vented mesh pockets for cooling
- Convert to 10” short
- 95% Nylon; 5% Spandex for durable pants that let you move easily
- MSRP $109
Shop Renegade
3. Silencer For Men
The KÜHL’s Silencer fabric gives you both comfort and performance. These hiking pants are lightweight, durable, and have a lot of stretch.
You also get water resistant pants to help you stay dry. They protect you from the sun with UPF 50. The lightweight fabric fits well and stretches to let you move easily.
Features & Benefits
- Micro chamois lined, soft waistband for comfort
- Ripstop fabric is durable, wicking and has 4-way stretch
- Water resistant finish
- UPF 50 Sun protection
- Seven total pockets:
- Two front hands
- Two back
- Two welt
- Drop in cell phone
- Gusseted crotch for freedom of movement
- Articulated design for easy movement
- Wash and wear for easy cleaning
- 100% Polyester for tough pants
- MSRP $95
Shop Silencer
Marmot (2 Pairs):
1. Arch Rock For Men
Marmot made the Arch Rock hiking pants ready for the trail. The tough nylon can resist whatever the trail throws at you from sharp sticks to rough stones. The pants stretch easily so you stay mobile on the trail. The inseam gusset lets you move freely on rough trails.
Stay safe in the sun with UPF 50 fabric. If you get wet, the pants dry quickly. Keep your important items secure and easy to reach in the zippered side pocket.
Help keep the world clean when you choose these bluesign approved pants. These pants have the features you want on the trail.
Features & Benefits
- bluesign approved fabric for a cleaner world
- Packable so they travel easily
- Breathable, and lightweight for your comfort
- UPF 50 to protect you from sunburn
- Dries fast so you stay dry
- Stretchy for better mobility
- Inseam gusset for added mobility
- Articulated knees for even more mobility
- Lots of pockets for storage:
- Front hand pockets
- Back pockets
- Side pocket with zipper for secure storage
- 94% Nylon; 6% Elastane resists tears and lets you move easily
- MSRP $75
Shop Arch Rock
2. Precip Eco Men’s Hiking Pants
Marmot made the Precip Eco environmentally friendly, lightweight, and waterproof. The recycled nylon fabric lasts a long time too. You will appreciate the protection AND comfort these pants give you.
If you get caught in the rain, the taped seams keep the water out. Zippers also have storm flaps to cover them and keep you dry.
Ankle snaps make it easy to put your boots on and take them off. You have hand pockets and a back pocket with zippers to securely store and easily reach your important items. Finally, an elastic waist gives you a great fit.
Features & Benefits
- Waterproof, breathable fabric
- Seams 100% taped to keep you dry
- Zipper flaps so you stay dry
- Ankle side zippers and snap tabs at cuffs help you easily put on and take off pants
- Front hand and back pockets with zippers for secure storage and easy reach
- Elastic waist with draw cord for a better fit
- 100% Recycled, Ripstop Nylon for durability and comfort
- MSRP $80
Shop Precip Eco
Mountain Hardwear (2 Pairs):
1. AP For Men
You can hike all day in the AP pants. You will enjoy BOTH their style and performance. Marmot used a canvas blend fabric to make the APs. The fabric gives you durable, stretchy, comfortable pants.
Backpacker magazine gave the AP pants their Editor’s Choice Award.
Features & Benefits
- UPF 50 for sun protection
- Waistband has a built in belt for a custom fit
- Two hand pockets for easy to reach storage
- Two back pockets and one front pocket with zippers for secure storage
- Articulated knees let you move freely
- 75% Cotton; 23% Nylon; 2% Elastane for long lasting, comfy pants
- MSRP $90
Shop AP
2. Chockstone/2 Hike For Men
The Chockstone/2, Mountain Hardwear’s most technical pants, have all you need in a pair of the best hiking pants!
Features & Benefits
- DWR finish to repel water
- Zip up, secure hand pockets
- Right thigh secure, zip up pocket
- Hems have adjustable cinch cords
- Articulated gusset for a lot of mobility
- 88% Nylon; 12% Elastane for tough and stretchy pants
- MSRP $120
Shop Chockstone/2
North Face – Dryzzle Futurelight Full Zip For Men
Waterproof, breathable and super packable, the Dryzzle Futurelight Full Zip Pant is designed to keep your lower half protected from water and wind during adventures in unpredictable weather.
Features & Benefits
- Partial elastic waistband; improves fit
- Kick patches for longer lasting pants
- Waterproof, breathable seams; dry and cool without being stuffy
- Covered side zippers; stay dry when wet
- Windproof fabric; warm on cool, windy days
- Snap tabs for closure
- Exposed back pocket zipper; secure storage and easy access
- Articulated knees; move easily
- Easy to pack
- Recycled Polyester; long lasting hiking pants
- Short, regular, & long lengths
- MSRP $189
Shop Dryzzle Futurelight
Outdoor Research – Ferossi For Men
Updated with:
- Improved stretch throughout
- Functional features to enhance your hiking
- Better recovery for multi-day use.
A long time best seller, the Ferrosi pants have a LOT to offer. The pants’ soft, stretch fabric lets you move freely. Still, the tough fabric easily takes a lot of wear and tear.
The cuff cinch makes these pants handy for days on the trail that start cool then warm up in the afternoon.
Features & Benefits
- Cuff cinch closures make them easy to roll up when the day turns warm.
- Ripstop nylon protects your legs when you hike a rough trail.
- A cargo pocket, with zipper, keeps your valuables secure.
- The pants dry quickly when wet.
- 86% ripstop nylon (Updated – 46% recycled); 14% spandex – Tough and freedom to move; planet friendly
- MSRP $89
Shop Ferossi
Patagonia – Quandry Men’s Hiking Pants
Patagonia uses recycled material for the Quandry pants. The company uses recycled nylon made from made from:
- Postindustrial waste fiber
- Discards from weaving mills
- Postconsumer fishing nets
Made for comfort, the Quandry hiking pants give you freedom to move. They are water repellant and offer a 50+ UPF protection.
Features & Benefits
- Convert to capris using the tabs, loops, and metal snaps.
- Also, keep cuffs in place with the tabs, loops, snaps.
- Stay mobile with the inseam gusset.
- Lots of storage:
- Two front drop in pockets
- Two back drop in pockets; right rear has a zipper
- Cargo pocket with secure zipper on right thigh
- Waist has belt loops, a metal button, draw cord, and fly with zipper for a great fit and comfort
- Water repellent so you stay dry
- 95% nylon (65% recycled); 5% spandex; long lasting, environment friendly, stretch pants
- MSRP $79
Shop Quandry
prAna (2 Pairs):
1. Brion For Men
The prAna Brion hiking pants give you performance and style. Along with looking good, the pants offer sun protection with a UPF 50+. Also, the long lasting fabric helps you stay dry with their water repelling feature.
The Brion’s fabric resists wrinkles too. The fabric makes them great for everyday wear or travel.
Features & Benefits
- Five pockets with mesh lining for secure storage and comfort
- Quick dry for more comfort
- Ventilated inseam gusset for easy movement
- Standard fit through the hip and thigh for more freedom to move
- Straight leg openings give you a better fit
- Reinforced rivets add durability
- Tear resistant for longer lasting pants
- UPF 50+ keeps you from burning
- 97% Nylon; 3% Elastane for durable, stretchy pants
- MSRP $85
Shop Brion
2. Stretch Zion For Men
The pant’s name comes from prAna’s best selling fabric. prAna made strong, flexible hiking pants with their Stretch Zion fabric. The environment friendly fabric repels water and protects you from the sun with UPF 50+. You also get pants that resist tears and wrinkles.
prAna also added cargo pockets with dual entry for easy access. The pants have a waist band you can adjust for a better fit and more comfort.
When the day warms up, use the leg snaps. You can easily roll up the pants legs and snap the legs for a cooler hike.
Features & Benefits
- Fabric that stretches for easy movement
- Adjustable waistband for added comfort and a great fit
- Standard fit through the hip and thigh for more comfort
- Standard leg opening adds to your comfort
- Quick dry improves your comfort when you hike a wet trail
- Vented inseam gusset for easy movement and even more comfort
- Thigh pockets with zippers and double entry
- Roll up snap bottom hem so you can roll up the pants legs for a cooler hike
- Tough and resists tears
- UPF 50+ so you avoid sunburn
- 97% Nylon; 3% Elastane for long lasting, easy to move in pants
- MSRP $95 (sale at prAna $71.25)
Shop Stretch Zion
Wrangler Outdoor Zip Cargo For Men
Consider the Wrangler Outdoor Zip Cargo Pant for a reliable pair of budget men’s hiking pants. These pants give you a well made pair of pants that let you hike in comfort. I have a couple of pairs.
Even though budget, I like these pants. You get features you do not expect to find in budget pants. The pants might be a little less durable than some of the other pants here. Still, this is a very good pair of hiking pants.
These pants have a flexible waist band for comfort. Also, Wrangler added articulated knees for more freedom to move. The knees are a nice feature for a budget pair of hiking pants.
The nylon fabric stretches just enough so you move easily. The fabric also helps wick away moisture so you stay drier. The fabric protects you from the sun too with a UPF 30.
These pants have a lot of pocket room for easy to reach storage. They have zipper pockets on each thigh for secure storage. You also get two easy to reach front and back pockets to store what you want to carry on the trail.
The Wrangler hiking pants have strong stitches. Heavy duty belt loops let you use a belt to adjust the pants for your hiking comfort. The straight fit adds to your comfort and looks great.
Features & Benefits
- Budget hiking pants with a lot of features and benefits for the cost
- Flexible waist band with belt loops for comfort and fit
- Articulated knees and stretch fabric give you freedom to move
- Moisture wicking fabric to help you stay dry
- Strong stiches so they hold up on the trail
- Sun protection with a UPF 30
- Six pockets for easy to reach storage; two thigh pockets with zippers for secure storage
- 96% Nylon; 4% Spandex for tough, comfy men’s hiking pants
- MSRP $32
Shop Outdoor Cargo Zip
17 Best Men’s Hiking Pants
| Brand | Pants | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Arc’teryx (2Pairs): | ||
| Gamma Lt | $189 | |
| Gamma Quick Dry | $160 | |
| Columbia | Silver Ridge Cargo | $60 |
| Decathlon | Quechua Hiking (Great Budget Choice!) | $49.99 |
| KÜHL (3 pairs): | ||
| Deceptr | $99 | |
| Renegade Convertible | $109 | |
| Silencer | $95 | |
| Marmot (2 pairs): | ||
| Arch Rock | $75 | |
| Precip Eco | $80 | |
| Mountain Hardwear (2 pairs): | ||
| AP | $90 | |
| Chockstone/2 Hike | $120 | |
| North Face | Dryzzle Futurelight Full Zip | $189 |
| Outdoor Research | Ferossi | $89 |
| Patagonia | Quandry | $79 |
| prAna (2 pairs): | ||
| Brion | $85 | |
| Stretch Zion | $95 | |
| Wrangler | Outdoor Zip Cargo (Great Budget Choice!) | $32 |
Conclusion: The Best Men’s Hiking Pants
In conclusion, the best hiking pants for men are those that are comfortable, durable, and functional.
You want to look for a waistband that stretches or pants with a built in belt for a custom fit. Crotch gussets and articulated patterns give you more freedom to move. You also want enough pockets for easy storage. Look for some pockets with zippers so you have secure storage too.
Also, look for fabrics that stretch for more comfort. Look for tough fabrics so you have long lasting men’s hiking pants. You will enjoy pants made from a fabric that breathes for added comfort. If you want to stay dry on the trail, look for fabrics that resist or repel water.
Enjoy your hike!
Do you need more hiking gear?
If you need more hiking gear, please consider:
For some very good budget choices, browse these men’s hiking pants at Amazon .