Best Hiking Pants of 2025

Reasons to Buy

• Durable and abrasion-resistant fabric
• Breathable, ventilating material
• Water-resistant and quick-drying abilities
• Not too baggy
• Ample storage, zippered pockets

Reasons to Avoid

• More expensive than most

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant is a favorite among hikers and outdoorsmen, and for good reason. This pant offers a unique blend of durability, comfort, and versatility which makes it ideal for almost any outdoor excursion.

These hiking pants are made with Arc'teryx's Fortius fabric, a blend that incorporates nylon and elastane. This combination produces a robust yet lightweight material that's perfect for trailblazers of all stripes. The fabric is also water-resistant, so a sudden downpour won't put a dampener on your adventure.

Not to mention, they have been engineered with built-in stretch. This allows for an impressive range of motion, making these pants perfect for rock scrambles, steep inclines, and challenging trails.

One of the most standout features of the Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant is its robustness. Customers have consistently noted the impressive durability of these hiking pants. Despite putting them through harsh terrains and demanding conditions, the pants remained intact with minimal signs of wear and tear.

The Gamma LT Pant is also designed with an adjustable integrated webbing belt, zippered hand pockets, and a thigh pocket with a flap and Velcro closure. Users frequently praise these thoughtful design elements, noting how they enhance both the functionality and practicality of the pants.

When it comes to comfort, the Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant doesn't disappoint. Even after prolonged periods of hiking, users report that the pants remain comfortable and breathable. Thanks to a gusseted crotch and articulated patterning, chafing and discomfort are minimized making long treks much more enjoyable.

While most reviews are positive, some users have noted a few gripes with the Gamma LT Pant. A few users have reported issues with the sizing, stating the pants can run a bit large. Others have mentioned that the colors can fade over time, especially after washing.

Despite those minor issues, the majority of online reviews for the Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant are glowing. Most users love these pants for their blend of comfort, durability, and practicality, making them a popular choice for everything from casual day hikes to intense backpacking adventures.

Reasons to Buy

• Very comfortable and mobile
• Highly breathable
• Abrasion-resistant
• Ample storage options

Reasons to Avoid

• No integrated belt
• Baggy design

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a trail favorite for many hikers and outdoor adventurers. Catered towards the needs of the modern outdoorsman, they are designed with a lightweight yet durable winter-resistant fabric that makes them perfect for chilly mornings and warm afternoons.

Further adding to the pants' practicality, they feature a quick-drying and highly breathable design which is great for those sweaty or rainy days. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch allow for some pretty ninja-like mobility. Whether you are climbing steep rocks, crossing rugged terrains, or hopping across streams, these pants will not restrict your movement.

The Ferrosi Pants also boast an attractive look that blends style and function. They're equipped with a zippered thigh pocket, two hand pockets, and two back pockets, providing you plenty of storage space for your essentials items on the trail.

According to reviews from actual users, one of the main selling points of these pants is their versatility. They transition seamlessly from a long hike to a casual night out, thanks to their tapered fit and clean lines. However, some users noted that the waistband lacks a little bit of grip and tends to slip down during activities.

The pants are lauded for being true to size, so you can order with confidence. Moreover, they come in diverse colors, offering options to suit different preferences.

Bear in mind, while these pants are built to last, some users have reported issues with seams and stitching after extensive use. All in all, it appears the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a solid, go-to option for any adventurer looking for a reliable pair of hiking pants.

Reasons to Buy

• Solid durability
• We like the roll up snaps on the legs

Reasons to Avoid

• Not great ventilation

When it comes to hiking pants, the prAna Stretch Zion Pant knows how to make a statement. Its innovative design and superior quality have made it one of the most recommendable options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Let's begin with the comfort and flexibility. The pants are engineered with Stretch 'Zion' performance woven fabric. This material does not only allow for free movement but is also rather durable, offering a great deal of resistance to wear and tear. The fabric is also lightweight, so you don't need to fret about unnecessary luggage weight on your outdoor ventures.

Keeping in mind the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities, the prAna Stretch Zion Pant comes with a handy water-repellent finish. So whether you're traversing a misty mountain range or caught in an unexpected rain shower, you can be confident in the pants' resistance to taking on water.

Another hat tip goes to the pants' breathability. This option ranks high on this front, presenting a refreshing level of ventilation and preventing overheating on hot days. The versatility displayed in adjusting to varying weather conditions makes these pants an all-season choice!

A standout feature is the adjustable waistband. We noted that several customers appreciated the built-in belt for its utility in getting the perfect fit. It's a small touch that substantially enhances overall comfort.

The pants also include a roll-up feature that converts them into 'capris', making them adaptable for fluctuating temperatures throughout your hiking expedition. Plus, the ease of access to this feature makes it incredibly practical.

Now, we understand that comfort and practicality come first, but let's not forget aesthetics. Guys, if you like your hiking gear to meld functionality with style, you're in luck! Customers widely praised the pants for their sharp, streamlined look, and range of color options.

A critical part of any hiking gear is storage, and these pants don't disappoint. With a dual-entry cargo pocket and back pockets, your essentials are covered. Many review notes applauded the ample pocket space.

Nevertheless, some online reviewers highlighted that the sizing could sometimes be a challenge, with instances of pairs running larger or smaller than expected. Thus, it's crucial to pay careful attention to the sizing chart when purchasing.

Also, a fraction of customers noted that long-term wear could lead to fabric pilling, especially in areas subjected to constant friction, like the thigh region.

Despite these minor concerns, the overall customer feedback for the prAna Stretch Zion Pant remains decisively positive, and is regularly recommended for those after a blend of comfort, convenience, and style for their hiking trips.

Reasons to Buy

• Durable yet lightweight material
• Convertible into shorts
• Ample storage options
• Good ventilation
• Great value for price
• True to size fit

Reasons to Avoid

• Limited water resistance
• Less stretchy compared to competitors
• Dries slower than some alternatives

Columbia's Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pant is a wallet-friendly choice for those who love to hit the trails. Made from a blend of nylon and ripstop fabric, these pants have won the hearts of budget-conscious hikers for their durability and practical design.

Hikers find these pants to be lightweight and breathable, providing comfort on warmer days when ventilation becomes a top priority. The Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are engineered with a smart wicking technology to evaporate sweat and keep you dry even on long, strenuous climbs.

The convertible feature is for sure a highlight that many users have praised. The zip-off legs easily turn these hiking pants into shorts within seconds, offering adaptability to changing weather conditions. Users love the versatility of having two pieces of clothing in one, making it a space saver inside a backpack.

The pants come with an integrated sun protection factor of UPF 50, a feature sincerely appreciated by those hiking in high altitudes and sunny conditions.

In terms of fit, some buyers noted that the pants run slightly large, so they had to go a size down. However, most reported the Silver Ridge Convertible Pant to be comfortably loose without being baggy, allowing them to maneuver easily on their hikes.

As for utility, buyers appreciated the smartly designed pockets. They come with hook and loop closures, a zip-closure security pocket and mesh pocket bags, enough to store basic hiking essentials securely.

A few reviews mentioned that the pants can feel a bit crinkly and make slight noise with movement, but this didn't significantly impact the comfort or usability of the pants.

Lastly, several users also observed that these pants hold up quite well over time, making them a worthy investment for those who hit the trails frequently.

Reasons to Buy

• Quick conversion to shorts
• Durable and abrasion-resistant fabric
• Multiple storage options
• Good value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Less breathable compared to competitors
• Not as stretchy as some alternatives

The North Face Paramount Trail Convertible Pants are an impressive take on the classic hiking pants. These trousers pack a punch with their adaptability, convenience, and toughness. They're made from a sturdy mix of nylon and elastane, providing excellent resistance against the wear and tear of the great outdoors.

The standout feature of these pants is their convertibility. In a matter of seconds, these full-length hiking pants can be transformed into a pair of shorts. The pant legs are zipper-attached, making them incredibly easy to remove or reinstate depending on the climatic conditions on the trail. Such versatility is a hit with the adventurers, who appreciate the opportunity to lighten their load whenever possible.

The fabrics used are highly efficient at wicking moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable on your hike. They also provide UPF 50 sun protection, which is a major bonus for those long hot days on the trail.

Durable water repellent (DWR) finish is another major perk of these pants. It helps to resist light rain and from the wet, preventing you from getting soaked in unexpected showers.

Additionally, the North Face Paramount Trail Convertible Pants feature a side cargo pocket and back pockets, granting you ample storage while you're on your pursuit. The waistband is partially elasticated for a snug fit and it has a built-in belt for additional hold.

However, customer feedback suggests that the pants could be better in terms of fit. A few users pointed out that they found the pants to be a bit baggy, which could be a problem during a technical climb or scramble. Some also faced issues with the zipper, requiring extra care and attention to prevent it from getting stuck.