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We have tested the best hiking pants for a decade and counting, with 55 pairs purchased. For this update, we put the best 14 pairs side by side for comparative analysis. Our experts took to the trails to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each model. We know that there are a lot of options out there, so we do the leg work for you to figure out which ones are the most comfortable, which ones breathe effectively while keeping you dry, and which have the most useful features to keep you enjoying nature all year round.
No (but have ankle cinch cord and fully convertible version available)
No (but have ankle cinch cord)
No
No
No (but have ankle cinch cord)
No
Yes
No (but snap to mid-calf)
No (but snap tight at cuff)
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Pockets
2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip
2 hand zip, 1 thigh zip
2 hand, 2 back (1 zip), 1 thigh zip, 1 coin
2 hand, 2 rear, 1 zippered thigh
2 hand, 2 back, 1 thigh zip, 1 coin
2 hand, 2 back, 1 coin
2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 flap)
2 hand, 2 back, 1 left thigh, 1 coin
2 hand, 3 cargo, 1 phone, 1 hatchet
2 hand, 2 back velcro, 2 thigh (1 zip, 1 velcro)
2 hand zip, 1 back zip, 1 thigh zip
2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh
2 hand, 2 back, 2 thigh, 1 coin
2 hand, 2 back velcro, 2 thigh velcro, 2 front tactical
Waist Strap and Fastener
Button and zip fly
Button and zip fly, Integrated belt with metal hook closure
Button and zip fly, integrated elastic cord
Button and zip fly
Snap and zip with French fly
Button and zip fly
Button and zip fly, elastic across back
Button and zip fly, waist cinch
Button and zip fly
Button and zip fly, full belt, elastic on hips
Button and zip fly, elastic velcro tabs on hips
Snap and zip fly
Button and zip fly
Button and zip with French fly, elastic on hips
Other Features
Drawcord cuff closures, side zip pocket
Gusseted crotch, articulated knees, integrated belt
Front and back knee articulation, gusseted crotch, slim straight fit
Belt loops
Gussetted crotch, tapered leg, cinch cord at cuff
Gusseted crotch, belt loops, mesh pockets
Removable legs with color-coded zippers and vertical zippers, elastic in waist
Ventilated inseam gusset, roll up leg snaps, adjustable waist tightening strap
Knife pocket, reinforced knees and rear
Gusseted crotch, full belt, elastic waist
All pockets zippered, stretch fabric
Articulated knees, gusseted crotch, mesh pockets for ventilation, compartment sections inside cargo pockets for organization, ankle zips and snaps for easy removal with boots
Gusseted crotch
Knife pockets, French fly, elastic waist
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Our testers found the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are incredibly comfortable, offer a high degree of mobility, and keep you cool even as the mercury rises. They are made of durable ripstop fabric and incorporate a higher-than-average 14% spandex, making them stretchy and unrestrictive. They provide high mobility for hiking, running, yoga, and rock scrambles. They are also very light, thin, highly breathable, and have drawcord cuffs so you can cinch them up higher on your calves if needed -— all great qualities in hot weather.
Though we found these pants performed super well in dry heat, they weren't as ideal for cold days, as their thin material doesn't provide much insulation. If you'll be facing colder weather, you might want to consider the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant or the Fjallraven Vidda Pro. We also found that if you go a few wears between washings (who doesn't?), the waist of the Ferrosi Pant tends to stretch out. There is an internal drawstring, but if you're hiking for more than a day at a time in these, you might want to wear a belt. Even so, the Ferrosi is our favorite overall pair of hiking pants and a super comfortable all-purpose option that especially shines in hot weather. If you want other lightweight options to consider, you can't go wrong with the Patagonia Quandary or the much slimmer but stretchier Mammut Runbold. Both of these options are lighter, but didn't impress our testers as much.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of our favorite overall pairs of hiking pants. They look good and feel good with a simple, functional set of features.
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a thin, comfortable pair of hiking pants with excellent value. The fit is well-tailored and athletic, with no restrictions on the user's range of motion. Our testers said, “The material is soft and supple and feels great against the skin.” There are plenty of pockets for stashing gear, and the fabric repels water with a DWR finish for a while when the pants are new. The CQR Tactical Raider has even more pockets and a lower price point, but it can't match the Trailmade in breathability, and we didn't feel comfortable wearing them around town. However, we found the Trailmade pants can be used for a variety of activities beyond hiking, including climbing, biking, running, yoga, and more. For such a low price, you can't beat the value.
The primary downside to these pants is their sizing. Compared to other brands, we had to size up by one inch in the waist and two inches in the inseam. Also, the fabric is on the thin side and doesn't offer much protection in cold or windy weather. There aren't any ankle cinch mechanisms, so you can't roll up the pant legs for use in hot weather. Other than those minor complaints, we couldn't find any major downsides to the Trailmade. Since they are priced lower than most of the competition and have great performance, these pants represent an exceptional value. The Patagonia Quandary Pants are also a great bargain. They are more comfortable and easier to move in than the Trailmade pants, but they lack just a bit of breathability and are not quite as lightweight. They're also a little more expensive than the Trailmade.
Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane | Weight: 12.3 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Comfort
Strong weather resistance
Look great
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks rear pockets
Costly
The Arc'teryx Gamma Pants felt comfortable and were great for a variety of activities in our testing. Their water and wind resistance make them an excellent choice for cool, wet-weather hikes. They also come equipped with a drawstring at the cuff, so if the sun comes out and the temperature rises, you can pull them up and secure them in place to keep your legs cool. We're also fans of the integrated belt on the Gamma. They include thoughtfully designed features, and the fabric offers enough stretch not to be a distraction while scrambling.
The primary drawback is that these pants are expensive. You could certainly spend less on a different model, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, and get less weather resistance, but they offer more breathability and are just as comfortable as the Gamma Pant. We also think it is an unusual choice not to include any rear pockets on the Gamma. Even with these things in mind, our testers love this model and will be pulling on a pair during future adventures, especially when inclement weather is in the forecast. There aren't a ton of other options in the category that match these pants for their combination of weight and weather resistance. However, if inclement weather is in your future, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro is a sturdy pant that allows you to beef up its waterproofing with extra applications of Greenland wax (sold separately). However, you won't find the same level of comfort in the Vidda Pro as you will in the Gamma Pant.
The Royal Robbins Alpine Road is for the casual business professional who goes straight from the office to the trail. This pair combines a more formal “office style” with the functionality of backcountry hiking pants. They come with elastic cinch cords in the ankles, and the thigh pocket is relatively discreet, meaning that it won't look too outdoorsy. The felt interior waist liner also adds to their comfort.
There are a few tradeoffs with these pants. They have a higher-than-average proportion of polyester and less elastane than the typical pair, which means that there also isn't quite as much stretch in the fabric. If you need more stretch in your hiking pants, the Ferrosi Pants or the Prana Brion II Pants might be a better option for you. Because of their design aesthetic, only one of the pockets on the Royal Robbins Alpine Road has a zipper, which left us wanting a little more security for our house keys when we went out for a quick hike. Even so, their seamless adaptability between the front and backcountry makes them an excellent choice.
The REI Sahara Convertible is a highly functional pair of hiking pants that can be turned into shorts. This model has a wide array of pockets — front, back, and sides — to keep many of your essentials close. During our testing, they provided decent water and wind resistance in cooler, wetter weather but were also light enough for when the sun came out. Plus, the lower legs have two sets of zippers that made it incredibly easy to pull them off over footwear of any type when it got truly hot.
Our primary issue with these pants is that the zipper around the leg rubs throughout the day, making them slightly less comfortable than their non-convertible counterparts. The side cargo pockets of the Sahara also have smaller openings, so it's difficult to reach the bottom to remove items. If you want convertibility without sacrificing the pockets, the Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible are another pair we appreciate for carrying our belongings, but they don't match the performance of the Saharas and are quite a bit more expensive. The Saharas also look like cargo pants and don't have the trail-to-town or office-ready aesthetic of so many other models. We also found the weather resistance to be lacking, and these pants took a much longer time to dry than others in our testing. If you want a little better weather protection from your convertible pants, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible are a good choice, though they're not quite as comfortable as the Saharas. However, if you love the versatility of removable legs, the Sahara Convertible is our top pick. If you'd rather skip the convertible part altogether, but need that extra breathability, the OR Ferrosi,Royal Robbins Alpine Road, and the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants have options of snaps or cinches at the cuff that allow you to roll the pants up and secure them.
Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton | Weight: 20.8 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Great features
Can take a beating
Customizable waterproofing
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff fabric
Not breathable
Expensive
The Fjallraven Vidda Pro is a rugged, heavily-featured pair of trousers for adventures that demand more than a simple hiking trip. With seven pockets, including three cargo pockets and a hatchet sleeve, these pants are built for outdoor work like hunting, construction, and rigging. The fabric is thick and doesn't snag easily, so these behave more like canvas work pants than athletic hiking pants. The seat and knees are reinforced, adding even more durability. We reach for these pants whenever we think we are in for some dirty work or rugged hiking.
Many users will complain that these pants are too heavy, not stretchy, and not breathable. Indeed, we don't like to use these pants for average day hikes or any time acrobatic movements are expected. These pants are more suited to trudging through the forest while hunting than ultralight backpacking. If you need more flexibility from your trousers, we'd recommend the OR Ferrosi or the Prana Stretch ZionII. With lots of cotton in the fabric, the Vidda Pros don't dry out quickly, and most users just won't take the time to apply wax to make their pants waterproof. For quicker dry time and better weatherproof ability, you'd be better off with the Arc'teryx Gamma. Furthermore, the price tag of the Vidda Pro will deter many potential users. That said, if you are looking for a rugged pair of pants for whatever the great outdoors can throw at you, these are a durable and versatile option. If the price tag throws you off, the REI Co-op Trailmade may not have the durability and feature set of the Vidda Pro, but they are a comfortable and far more breathable option.
The Fjallraven Vidda Pro is a durable companion for rugged outdoor work and spending all day on your feet in cool weather.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
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A good pair of hiking pants is essential for cooler fall days.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
How We Test Hiking Pants
Our review process begins by researching the market for the best products available. We purchase the top contenders at full retail cost and perform our testing on hikes and camping adventures in the rain, sun, and wind and in controlled environments. Our testing grounds span a variety of locations, including the Oregon Cascades, the southern Utah desert, the Colorado Rockies, and New Hampshire's White Mountains. We analyze each pair's comfort and mobility, how well they protect us from the elements, and whether they keep us dry (enough) in the rain or allow us to stay cool in the damp heat of summer. We also purposely soak them and measure their drying time. In addition to a variety of outdoor activities, we wear them out and about for everyday use. For more info on our testing, see our full How We Test article.
Our lineup of hiking pants is scored across five performance metrics:
Comfort and Mobility (35% of overall score weighting)
Venting and Breathability (20% weighting)
Weather Resistance (15% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our lead tester is IFMGA Mountain GuideJeff Dobronyi. Jeff leads climbing, skiing, and trekking trips around the world, from his home near Ouray, Colorado, to the Alps, Andes, and beyond. He wears out gear faster than anyone we know and puts equipment through the wringer in his day-to-day mountain adventures.
Jeff is joined by GearLab testers Ben Applebaum-Bauch and Andy Wellman, who both love a good backcountry adventure. Andy is an avid climber, hiker, and alpine skier. He has published multiple bouldering and climbing guides of the American Southwest and knows the value that a comfortable, protective pair of hiking pants can provide. Ben got his start in the outdoor industry as a hiking guide and has led multi-week backpacking, cycling, and canoeing trips throughout northern New England and maritime Canada. He is also an avid thru-hiker, passing under the baking sun and over snowfields of the Continental Divide Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, as well as through the whipping winds and summer hail storms of the Colorado, Long, Oregon Coast, and Appalachian trails.
The CQR Tactical Raider has a loose fit that enables crouching, climbing, and scrambling.
The Stretch Zion II has great water resistance, shedding beads and resisting absorption.
The Patagonia Quandary has reliable water resistance and dries relatively quickly.
We test our hiking pants in both real-world and controlled environments.
Analysis and Test Results
We assess each model across five different scoring metrics that are the most significant contributors to the performance and quality of any pair of hiking pants: comfort and mobility, venting and breathability, weather resistance, additional features, and versatility. Each metric is weighted based on its relative importance to the overall function of the pants. If a particular metric is much more important to you than the rest, be sure to check out the specifics of how different models perform in that category (as opposed to just looking at their overall score). And also, check our hand-curated list of the best products across all of our hiking gear reviews.
What's the Best Value?
We don't consider a product's value in its overall numerical score, but we recognize that it is an important consideration in any purchase. Though the adage “you get what you pay for” often rings true, our years of testing experience have taught us that the highest-priced products are not always the highest performing. To assess value, we compare the price of each product against its overall score.
Comfort can be achieved through a combination of stretchy fabric, adjustability, and quality fit. The Patagonia Quandary offers plenty of all those attributes.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Patagonia Quandary are two examples of models that provide great value, costing far below the highest-priced options, yet stepping up to nearly any hiking challenge. The Prana Brion II also has great style at a reasonable price, but the undisputed best value on the market is the REI Trailmade. This pair performs almost as well as the best pants on the market for a fraction of the price.
A fall hike in the comfortable REI Trailmade.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Comfort and Mobility
One of the most critical considerations for any piece of outdoor clothing is its comfort. In the context of hiking pants, comfort means that they feel good; no chafing or riding up that would distract from the activity. The product should enhance your outdoor experience, not take away from it. If it isn't comfortable, the rest of the metrics probably don't matter nearly as much.
Comfort goes hand-in-hand with mobility. The more a model facilitates free movement, the better. The majority of pants in this review achieve their comfort by incorporating some stretchy material, such as spandex or elastane, in order to increase user mobility.
Some models have a gusset (strip of fabric across the crotch of the top pair), while others do not. Gussets tend to extend mobility.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Quandary, and Arc'teryx Gamma achieve a comfortable fit with a balance of a higher-than-average proportion of elastane and a slim but loose enough cut to maximize wearer mobility. The Ferrosi is stretchier than either of the other two, but all three are flexible. The Prana Brion II (with a very slim fit), Royal Robbins Alpine Road, and the Prana Stretch Zion II all have lower stretchy material ratios. Still, they somehow perform well above what one might expect based on the numbers alone, due in part to the multi-directional elasticity of their fabrics. The Kuhl Radikl pants also have a more standard fit but include strategically placed panels of super stretchy fabric at the knees, crotch, and lower back to facilitate mobility.
The felt liner inside the Ferrosi waist is a nice touch that minimizes abrasion and increases comfort.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Mammut Runbold pants are somewhat of an extreme. They are quite slim, even tight feeling, but compensate with a high proportion of spandex, facilitating wearer mobility. Other models, such as the REI Sahara Convertible and Fjallraven Vidda Pro, offer minimal stretch in the fabric and promote mobility with a looser, more relaxed cut. The REI Trailmade offers a comfortable, athletic fit for a low price. All of the top scorers in this metric have a gusseted crotch (an additional diamond or strip of fabric) that increases the roominess of the area to allow for large strides.
The Arc'teryx Gamma is super comfortable, with a high-end fit and stretchy fabric.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Venting and Breathability
Venting and breathability are crucial for staying cooler in the sunshine and summer heat. Venting refers to specific features included in a pair of pants that facilitate the release of heat and moisture away from your body. Things like zippered vents, mesh-lined pockets, and rollable cuffs are types of vents. Breathability is similar but refers to the quality of the fabric itself (as opposed to features built into it), including the thickness and density of the weave.
Not surprisingly, the pants made of the lightest and thinnest fabric tend to be the most breathable, while the pants with the most mesh and zippered vents prevented us from getting too sweaty in the first place. The OR Ferrosi is lightweight and breathable, making it a solid choice for hot climates. The fabric is thin, and air passes through with relative ease. REI's Sahara Convertible and Trailmade are also made from thin and lightweight nylon. Most notably, the Sahara has the advantage of completely removable legs to facilitate a quick cooldown. The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible is very similar to the Sahara but with slightly thinner fabric.
The REI Sahara Convertible has verticle zippers that make it extremely easy to remove the lower legs over shoes.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Though the Mammut Runbold has no specific ventilation features, its thin, stretchy fabric breathes well. The Prana Brion II is another similar pair with stretch but thicker fabric, so they don't breathe quite as easily, and the Kuhl Radikl is a surprise above-average scorer in the metric. Despite its heavier material, strategically placed highly elastic material along the sides and in the crotch keeps these pants cooler than we expected.
A fall hike in the Prana Brion II.
Credit: Sydney Paez Duncan
There are some in-between options like the Patagonia Quandary, which are fairly lightweight and breathable but don't have any dedicated ventilation points or way to keep the legs rolled up. The Royal Robbins Alpine Road is thicker and heavier but offers ventilation primarily by rolling up the legs and securing the elastic cinch cord in the ankles. The Arc'teryx Gamma don't have the most breathable fabric, but they do have a drawstring cord that allows you to cinch them tight over your knees.
Hiking in the thicker, warmer Royal Robbins Alpine Road.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The less breathable pants are also the thickest and heaviest and have the fewest vents. With its extraordinarily dense and heavy G-1000 fabric and no vents, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro is a pant designed exclusively for colder weather.
The Fjallraven Vidda Pro doesn't offer much breathability through its thick and durable fabric.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Weather Resistance
If rain is in the forecast, you'll want to be protected. Sometimes, just walking through densely vegetated trails in the morning dew is enough to soak your hiking pants. Though none of the models in this review claim to be fully waterproof, quality water resistance is a bonus for a pair of hiking pants. We also consider wind resistance and dry time when assessing performance.
Most of these pants focus on being lightweight and comfortable while repelling light precipitation. To achieve this, many come with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating applied to the outside of the fabric. This chemical coating helps the pant shed precipitation. DWR treatments do wear off over time, especially if you wash your pants frequently. If you are planning a long trip with a much-beloved pair, you should apply a new DWR finish before you head out — something like Nikwax Tech Wash is an excellent and simple way to reapply DWR coating in your home washing machine. To test water resistance, we wore these pants outside as often as possible in wet weather. For a more controlled environment, we also conducted spray and shower tests, giving each pair an even spritz to understand the process of absorption versus water beading as well as dry time after saturation.
We spray each pair of pants with water and measure the relative dry time of each one.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
For cooler weather, we like the Arc'teryx Gamma, which holds its own in wet weather and is relatively warm. The DWR coating does a great job of shedding water even after a lot of wear, and they dry out quickly since water stays on the surface. The Gamma stands out from the rest of the competition, balancing water resistance with comfort and mobility the best. A handful of pants in this review fall into the solid second tier, including the Patagonia Quandary, Royal Robbins Alpine Road, and Prana Stretch Zion II.
The DWR coating on the Arc'teryx Gamma facilitates excellent beading.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The CQR Tactical Raider and Fjallraven Vidda Pro are both much thicker than the rest and are meant for cooler weather. Born in cold and soggy Scandinavia, Fjallraven's Vidda eschews modern DWR coating in favor of a more natural, durable, and customizable treatment — manually applying Greenland wax. So long as you are willing to take the time for the initial treatment, they can withstand moisture about as well as (or better than) any other pair in this review. But, with the other models, you don't have to work so hard for it. Though the CQR Tactical Raider and Fjallraven Vida Pro bead water well, they also take much longer to dry when they do get wet.
Testing the Fjallraven Vidda Pro's water resistance. These pants come treated with Greenland wax, which you can you can purchase for reapplication as needed.
Credit: Andy Wellman
On the other hand, it is no surprise that pairs with the thinnest fabric like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible, Mammut Runbold, and REI Trailmade are also the fastest to dry. Though they all absorb water almost immediately, the fact that they dry so fast is a big plus for avoiding hypothermia and staying comfortable.
Though the Mammut Runbold don't repel water, they dry very quickly.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Features
Features are all of the “extras” on a pair of pants that enhance a wearer's experience. Each pair has its own set of unique features, including the type and number of pockets as well as their locations, waist tightening systems, belts, and button and fly styles. Some of these features are functional additions that inspire our adoration, while others are excessive or not as useful as they sound. Products that receive a lower rating either include fewer valuable features or the features that they do have don't reach their potential. Favorite features among our testers include integrated belts and pockets that are large enough and deep enough to protect items from inadvertently popping out.
Without a doubt, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro is the most heavily-featured hiking pant we tested. It boasts seven pockets, including two front pockets, two rear pockets, and three cargo pockets. It also has a phone sleeve in one of the cargo pockets and a hatchet sleeve for quick access when fighting zombies on the trail. In all seriousness, this pair has too much going on for most hikers, but for hunters, outdoor workers, and other users engaged in rugged activities, these pants have all the features you'll ever need.
Reinforced knees and three cargo pockets are among the excellent features on the Fjallraven Vidda Pro.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Kuhl Renegade Cargo pants boast one of the most robust feature sets. It has many pocket options for those who like to have all their trail trinkets handy and organized. The CQR Tactical Raider comes with no fewer than eight pockets — two front, two rear, two cargo, and a smaller one above each quad for a knife or compass. It also has D-rings for carabiners and keys, elastic in the waist to accommodate a range of sizes, and a French fly for added durability.
The Mammut Runbold has somewhat unique velcro tabs that allow for easy waist adjustment on the move.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The REI Sahara Convertible has six pockets for more-than-ample storage and removable legs that turn them into shorts. Our only knock against the feature set of the Sahara is the button closure, which seems like it could pop off with heavy use. The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible has a very similar set of features, but the front pockets are super deep, which is great for peace of mind. It also includes a full, removable belt for easy adjustability. The Prana Stretch Zion II has an integrated belt (as does the Arx'teryx Gamma Pant) and comes with unique ventilation holes in the crotch and roll-up snaps in the legs for a capri-length look. The Kuhl Radikl has unique stretch fabric panels that add comfort, mobility, and ventilation to the hiking experience.
The CQR Tactical Raider has deep, pleated cargo pockets great for holding snacks.
The included full belt in the Columbia Silver Ridge is a nice addition that can be used for any pair.
We compared all the features of every pair of pants. Some of our favorites include large pockets with secure seals and integrated belts.
We are also partial to pairs that streamline their offerings but have high-quality execution. We appreciate the hearty snap and French fly of the Royal Robbins Alpine Road and the simple zippered thigh pocket. The zippered front pockets of the Mammut Runbold and Arc'teryx Gamma add extra security and peace of mind (though the Gamma loses points for its lack of back pockets). The former also comes with nifty velcro tabs on the side of the waist for easy adjustability, and the latter has a sleek integrated belt. We like the embedded elastic cord in the Patagonia Quandary and its zippered thigh pocket.
The Gamma has three zippered pockets, including two waist pockets and one low-profile integrated thigh pocket.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Having the option to roll up the legs and cinch them down around your calf or above the knee when the weather gets warmer is useful. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Arc'teryx Gamma, and Royal Robbins Alpine Road benefit from this add-on. The Fjallraven Vidda and Prana Stretch Zion II have snaps at their cuffs that help them to function similarly, if less elegantly.
The cuffs on the Fjallraven Vidda Pro can be tightened by a button strap with three tightness settings.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Versatility
The best hiking pants offer performance besides just hiking on the trail. Some have enough style to cross over into town or office use, and others allow use for other activities like climbing, scrambling, yoga, mountain biking, running, camping, and everything else.
Holding down one of the top spots in the metric is the Arc'teryx Gamma, which brings not only a high level of functionality for hiking but an equally strong performance as a comfortable pair of everyday town and work pants. They are also useful for climbing, scrambling, long travel days, and yoga.
We love climbing in the Arc'tery Gamma pant, in addition to hiking and backpacking.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The REI Trailmade also offers high versatility. It performs well as an all-around hiking pant, and can also be used for nearly every other adventure you can imagine. We took this pair on mountain bike rides, mountain runs, and climbing trips, and it performed well every time. We even took it down the Grand Canyon on a rafting trip and never needed another pair of pants for three weeks! At a low price, these pants offer an incredible value and return on investment.
The REI Trailmade is at home on the trails on foot or on a bike.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Mammut Runbold is great for its flexibility in the backcountry and utility for long-distance travel. With their stretchier fabric blends and ever so slightly looser fits, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Patagonia Quandary served us well when we needed to scramble and stretch, making them great choices for many different activities, from hikes to yard work.
No matter how you like to get outside, we've found a pair of hiking pants that can keep up with you.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Royal Robbins Alpine Road similarly combines high performance with superb style and adaptability between trail and town. Also looking great is the Prana Brion II, which is a simple but stylish pant.
The Royal Robbins Alpine Road look good on the trail and at the office.
The Prana Brion II Pants look great around town.
Both the Alpine Road and Brion II look great from the backcountry to the front office.
Conclusion
The pants you wear can make or break how much you enjoy your adventure. And with so many options on the market, the challenge can be deciding which ones to buy. If you need a pant for wet weather, check out our best rain pants review. We hope our expert reviews help make your next pants purchase easier so you can enjoy whatever the trail throws at you.
—
Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Andy Wellman, and Jeff Dobronyi
