A good pair of hiking pants should be breathable, water-resistant, moisture-wicking and comfortable.
Other features to consider include fit, material, thickness/warmth, sun protection, pocket style, and tear resistance.
Hiking pants come in various types and styles, and may also be convertible into shorts.
Based on these criteria, here are our picks for the best hiking pants, options which feature men’s pants as well as women’s pants.
Top 5 Best Hiking Pants – Editor’s Pick
We have made a table with our 5 picks of the best hiking pants for you to choose from.
Product Name |
Material |
Length |
Get It AT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Men’s Royce Peak Pant | Nylon/ elastane | Full-length | |
| Columbia Sportswear Women’s Saturday Trail Pant | Nylon/ elastane | Convertible | |
| Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pants | Ripstop (nylon/spandex) | Full-length | |
| Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Pant | Ripstop (nylon/spandex) | Full-length | |
| Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant | Nylon | Convertible |
10. White Sierra Women’s Sierra Point
Ideal for: Light to moderate hikes or everyday wear
The White Sierra pants a great basic low-cost option. They’re made of nylon and come in three basic colors.
The White Sierra has everything you want in an outdoor pant: sun protection, waterproofing, and convertibility.
They’re on the thin, lightweight side.
Moreover, unlike many women’s pants, the pockets are roomy enough to store things in.
Heights:
- Teflon water resistance
- UPF sun protection
- Roomy pockets
Plains:
- Run small
- Not fully waterproof
Suggested: You can check out more great women hiking pants here!
9. FjallRaven Men’s Vidda Pro Pant
Ideal for: Moderate to difficult hikes, backpacking
Next on our best hiking pants list, we have these Vidda Pro pants that are sturdy, functional, and reliable.
They have plenty of pockets for different uses, as well as a practical mid-rise waist, and are reinforced in the back and knees.
The ankles are adjustable and there’s even a pocket for knee pads.
These pants are made of tough polyester.
Heights:
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Water-resistant
- Durable
Plains:
- Run large in the waist
8. Geval Women’s Fleece Pants
Ideal for: Cold-weather hiking, light hikes
With an inner layer of fleece, these pants are designed for cold-weather camping or hiking.
The outer layer is water-repellant.
These pants are lower cost than many other hiking pants, and, in some ways, you get what you pay for.
These aren’t the most durable or well-crafted pants out there, but they’ll keep you warm and stain-free while out on a casual winter hike.
Heights:
- Water-repellent
- Fleece layer
- Comfortable and cozy
Plains:
- Material not breathable
- No quick-dry
7. The North Face Men’s Paramount Peak
Ideal for: All-weather hiking
These nylon Paramount Peak pants from The North Face come in different inseams and have a loose, mid-weight fit.
They’re loose, but not bulky, though they do run large.
They have large cargo pockets as well.
As mid-weight pants, these can feel heavier than a lightweight pant.
But the benefit of their thickness is that they’re durable and can handle a variety of adventure conditions.
Heights:
- Resistant quick-dry material
- Durable
- Convertible
Plains:
- Run large
6. Columbia Women’s Pilsner Peak
Ideal for: Light to moderate hikes or everyday wear
These form-fitting pants from Columbia convert from pants to capris.
Thanks to this, you can wear them in different weather conditions without going all the way to shorts; they simply roll up the side.
They’re stretchy, so they’re comfortable despite the fit, and they come in plenty of different colors.
These simplistic, streamlined pants are stylish enough for everyday wear.
Heights:
- Moisture wicking
- Stretch for comfort
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Roll-up legs
Plains:
- Sizing runs small, waist runs large
5. Columbia Men’s Royce Peak Pant
Ideal for: Casual hikes, light hikes, everyday wear
This favorite for men from Columbia, the Royce Peak, is more form-fitting than other pants and doesn’t have cargo pockets.
It fits more like a regular pant that’s sturdy enough for a hike.
They are made from a water-repelling material that offers breathability while offering sun protection too.
This pant is made of nylon and elastane, and if you want men’s hiking pants made from other materials, then you can also check out this list.
Heights:
- Stylish
- Omni-Shield repellency
- UPF 50 sun protection
Plains:
- Not cuffable or convertible
- Material not tough enough for difficult hikes
4. Columbia Sportswear Women’s Saturday Trail Pant
Ideal for: All-weather hiking
Made of nylon and elastane, they have a body-hugging form that’s still breathable and flexible.
They are convertible and also come in a knee-length size, as well as in plenty of fun patterns and colors.
Also, they have zippered pockets.
All these elements make these pants one of the best hiking pants for women that love hiking no matter the weather.
Heights:
- Comfortable but stylish
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Moisture-wicking
Plains:
- May be too tight/form-fitting for some hikers
3. Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pants
Ideal for: All-weather hiking
Outdoor Research makes a sturdy and reliable standard-length pant for hiking.
The men’s version comes in four colors and is made of a ripstop material.
This is a similar type of material to that used in making parachutes.
These pants are also tear-resistant.
It’s made of nylon and spandex and is wind-resistant and breathable.
The Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Pants also feature drawstring ankle adjustments.
Heights:
- Water resistant
- Lightweight
- Ripstop material
Plains:
- Not convertible
- Shallow pockets
2. Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Pant
Ideal for: All-weather hiking
This version of the Ferrosi pants for women maintains the most important and useful features of the men’s version.
It is made of ripstop, wind-resistant and water-resistant, and has adjustable ankles.
The women’s pants have a more fitted silhouette, with the same low waistband.
These also have a drawstring waist for accommodating different belly sizes.
Heights:
- Water resistant
- Ripstop material
- Adjustable waist and ankles
Plains:
- Loose waist fit
1. Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
Ideal for: All-weather hiking
The Silver Ridge pants from Columbia are most popular with male hikers.
They’re from nylon and come in a variety of colors.
The main trait is that this is a straight leg pant that’s convertible into shorts available in a variety of inseams.
There are cargo pockets on the side as well as back pockets.
Also, these pants are lightweight but durable.
Heights:
- Wicks moisture away
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Convertible
Plains:
- Low-quality belt included
- Fits small
Conclusion
These best hiking pants are definitely an upgrade from your usual jeans or tights, as they will allow you to push yourself to new trails, longer hikes, and different locations.
If you have tried any of these pants do let us know how they worked for you in a comment below.
Recommended Read: Never leave home unprepared when you are going for a hike, so make sure to check our Ultimate Hiking Items Checklist to verify if you have everything you need (hiking boots, shoes, tents, backpacks, and poles included)!