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Staff Writer Lily Hartman hiking in Baxter State Park, Maine. Credit: Jamal Hicks
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The Best Hiking Pants of 2026

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Staff Writer Lily Hartman hiking in Baxter State Park, Maine. Credit: Jamal Hicks

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Editor's Choice Product image of Nike ACG Smith Summit Men's Cargo Pants
Best Hiking Pants for Men

Nike ACG Smith Summit Men's Cargo Pants

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These Nike ACG “Smith Summit” cargo pants may just be the most functional and sustainable pair of hiking pants on this list. Read More

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Sustainable
  • Easy to move in

Cons

  • Expensive
Editor's Choice Product image of Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants
Best Hiking Pants for Women

Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants

Check Price at Eddie Bauer

These pants are made with resilient, water-repellent, and UPF 50+ protection material that allows them to sustain a variety of weather conditions. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight and packable
  • 2 built-in zip pockets
  • Bluesign approved

Cons

  • Some don’t love the logo placement
Editor's Choice Product image of Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant

Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant

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These mid-rise hiking pants have all the properties needed to be suitable for your outdoor adventures. Read More

Pros

  • Quick-drying fabric
  • Lightweight
  • Repel water and stains

Cons

  • Run slightly small
Product image of Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama High-Rise Pant

Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama High-Rise Pant

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These hiking pants are secure and comfortable with their high-waist fit and super stretchy nylon-and-spandex material. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable and stretchy
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to move in

Cons

  • No drawstring
Product image of prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant

prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant

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Whether you want to go rock climbing or hiking, these are a very durable pair of hiking pants that can withstand multiple adventures. Read More

Pros

  • Durable construction
  • Option to roll up the legs
  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • Sizing may be off

  • Nike ACG Smith Summit Men's Cargo Pants

  • Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants

  • Other Hiking Pants We Evaluated

  • What to Consider About Hiking Pants

  • Read More About Hiking Apparel on Reviewed

  • Best Hiking Pants for Men Nike ACG Smith Summit Men's Cargo Pants
  • Best Hiking Pants for Women Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants
  • Other Hiking Pants We Evaluated
  • What to Consider About Hiking Pants
  • Read More About Hiking Apparel on Reviewed
Lily Hartman
Written by Lily Hartman, staff writer, research expert, and active lifestyle enthusiast.

Updated August 7, 2025

Have you ever been out on a day hike enjoying the tranquility of nature, only to find that your pants felt uncomfortable? Perhaps you experienced chafing on your legs, or your pants didn't fit properly, so you were tugging them up constantly. Not only is having a comfortable pair of hiking boots important, but so is what you wear for bottoms, especially when you’re spending hours walking in the woods.

The best pair of pants for hiking will offer some water resistance, allow for a deep range of motion, feel comfortable, and provide durability. All of these factors will allow for a more enjoyable hiking experience.

As an avid hiking enthusiast, I researched my favorite outdoor apparel brands to find the most popular pair of hiking pants available online right now.

A person stands in a pair of pants from the waist down, over a leaf-printed background
Credit: Reviewed / Nike
Best Hiking Pants for Men
Nike ACG Smith Summit Men's Cargo Pants

These Nike ACG Smith Summit cargo pants may just be the most functional and sustainable pair of hiking pants on this list. They are made with over 75% of reused nylon, as well as some spandex, which gives them a lightweight feel and durability. The material is also a stretchy fabric and offers a loose feel, which allows you to move freely up and down the trail.

These easy-to-wear, straight-leg pant has several useful features. They’ve got large cargo pockets and other useful pockets, a carabiner for your keys, and offer an easy adjustment with their fast-release G-hook buckle and drawcord at the hem.

To add even more of a convenience, these cargo pants include an easy zip-off design that can convert them into hiking shorts, as well as a water-repellant finish to keep you dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions.

Pros

  • Versatile

  • Sustainable

  • Easy to move in

Cons

  • Expensive

Buy now at Nike

A person stands in a pair of pants from the waist down, over a leaf-printed background
Credit: Reviewed / Eddie Bauer
Best Hiking Pants for Women
Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants

Roll up these mid-rise, lightweight, packable hiking pants for your next backpacking trip. These pants are made with resilient, water-repellent, and UPF 50+ protection material that allows them to sustain a variety of weather conditions. Plus, they have built-in two-way stretch that offers even more mobility while you move up the mountain.

Easily stash your phone and quick-to-grab snacks in the two secure thigh pockets that are built into these pants. Best of all, they are Bluesign approved, meaning their fabric blend goes through a sustainable production process.

Pros

  • Lightweight and packable

  • 2 built-in zip pockets

  • Bluesign approved

Cons

  • Some don’t love the logo placement

Buy now at Eddie Bauer


Buy now at Amazon

Other Hiking Pants We Evaluated

Product image of Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant
Editors' Choice
Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant

The Columbia Saturday Trail Pant has all the properties needed to be suitable for your outdoor adventures. These convertible hiking pants can turn into capris by rolling up the pant leg, which is ideal in warmer weather. Their material even has UPF 50+ sun protection and articulated knees for even more safety and comfort.

Their two-way stretch makes it easy to move forward and backward. They also include an integrated belt loop. What’s more, these pants have a straight fit, so several customers recommend sizing up, as the slim fit makes them run small.

Unfortunately, the Saturday Trail Pant has been discontinued by Columbia, so if you love them, as many do, snap them up on Amazon before they're gone forever.

Pros

  • Quick-drying fabric

  • Lightweight

  • Repel water and stains

Cons

  • Run slightly small

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama High-Rise Pant
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Dynama High-Rise Pant

These hiking pants are secure and comfortable with their high-rise fit and stretchy nylon and spandex material. Plus, they’re lightweight enough to allow you to move freely on all types of adventures.

These pants include all the properties of a good outdoor apparel piece: water and stain rejection, durability, and UV ray protection. They even come with two side pockets to keep your phone handy for photos while hiking. The only thing missing is a drawstring, which a few customers said they’d prefer. Otherwise, these are a very reliable and affordable pair of hiking pants.

Pros

  • Comfortable and stretchy

  • Lightweight

  • Easy to move in

Cons

  • No drawstring

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant
prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant

Whether you want to rock climb or go on a long-distance hike, these are a very durable pair of hiking pants that can withstand multiple adventures. Plus, many customers say they’re comfortable.

As for their features, these pants are resistant to water, wrinkles, and damage. They include a breathable inseam and have an adjustable waistband to accommodate your individual fit. Some reviewers note that the sizing of these pants can be inconsistent, so it's best to check the size chart before purchasing.

Pros

  • Durable construction

  • Option to roll up the legs

  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • Sizing may be off

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant

These are some of the most versatile hiking pants you can buy—they transition from full pants to breathable shorts in just one single zip. This is ideal if you are stopping quickly on a hike and need to de-layer or zip the pants back down for more warmth once you get above treeline.

In addition, these pants are made of ripstop nylon, include UV ray protection, and are quick to dry. They also come with secure hand pockets, but some customers find them to be poorly made and therefore useless.

Pros

  • Versatile

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Affordable

Cons

  • Pockets are poorly made

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Condor Outdoor Cipher Tactical Stretch Pants
Condor Outdoor Cipher Tactical Stretch Pants

Made for all types of outdoor movement, these adventure-friendly, tactical hiking pants are built with stretchiness and comfort in mind. They include an elastic waistband for comfort, an articulated knee design that allows for unrestricted knee movement, and a gusseted crotch for even more freedom. Plus, they have zip pockets for your phone and keys and two back pockets for your favorite high-energy snacks.

Reviewers describe these pants as tactical, stretchy, and great for the price, as well as very slim, so if you prefer relaxed-fit pants, then these may not be the best pants for you.

Pros

  • Unrestricted knee design

  • Stretchy

  • Several pockets

Cons

  • Fit may be too slim for some

Buy now at Amazon

What to Consider About Hiking Pants

Material

Hiking pants should be quick to dry, durable, and ideally lightweight and breathable. Therefore, any that are made with spandex, nylon, or polyester would work well. Avoid cotton unless you’re just going for an easy walk in comfortable temperatures. If you plan on climbing to higher elevations or in extreme cold or hot conditions, cotton puts your safety at risk. It does not absorb sweat or moisture, which can make you cold or even lead to hypothermia once you cool down.

Durability

When you’re out on the trail, brushing against objects like roots and rocks is common. Therefore, you’ll want to invest in a pair of high-quality hiking pants that are rated for their durability. This means that they’ll be resistant to wear and tear (especially after multiple washes) and be able to hold up against rugged terrain.

Comfort

Nothing ruins a day on the trail more than feeling uncomfortable. Comfort is one of the most important aspects of hiking clothes and gear. Hiking pants that are soft, stretchy, lightweight, and breathable will usually feel the most comfortable, but it really comes down to how they work for you individually.

Range of motion

If you think about the way your body moves while hiking, you take big, deep steps and move side to side. Therefore, you’ll need hiking pants that offer some type of mobility. Pants with two-way stretch (horizontal) or four-way stretch (horizontal and vertical) are great because they allow for a deep range of motion, and therefore comfort.

Weather resistance

Even if the weather forecast predicts sunny skies, conditions can change quickly in the mountains, with unexpected rain, wind, or snow. Before buying a pair of hiking pants, consider their resistance properties. For example, waterproof and windproof pants will block water and wind in order to keep you warm and dry. Water- and wind-resistant hiking pants will help keep these elements off, but won’t block them completely. Waterproof and windproof layers, such as hard shells, are especially important in the winter or on wet and windy days.

Read More About Hiking Apparel on Reviewed

Meet the writer

Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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