I’ve been lucky enough to hike in some cool places. Colorado, California, Maine, Iceland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, to name a few.
Did I ever have a good pair of hiking pants?
Nope.
And certainly not for lack of trying—for some reason, every time I went to buy a pair, I got exhausted by the huge selection of options and convinced myself to stick with my sweats and shorts.
But take it from a guy who held out on hiking pants for a while: hiking pants make a big difference.
Whether it’s the extra warmth during chilly mornings and breathability in the hot afternoon, or lightweight protection from the sun, mosquitoes, and giant thorns, hiking pants bring a lot to the table in a small package.
That’s why I’ve researched countless brands to pull together my top recommendations, cutting through the hiking pants that aren’t up to snuff and narrowing down my list to the six best hiking pants for men, which you’ll find below.
My Recommendations
Best Overall: Western Rise AT Pant
Western Rise is a brand for travelers made by a couple of travelers from Colorado.
As outdoor-enthusiast ski instructors, they were always annoyed by having to carry around bags of activity-specific clothing. They dreamed of garments that could transition seamlessly between the slopes and the streets.
So, they set out to make their dreams a reality, resulting in Western Rise.
The Western Rise AT Pant is my pick for best hiking pant because it excels in many situations. Whether you’re hiking, biking, climbing, grabbing drinks, or heading to the office, the AT Pant is up to the task.
It’s able to do all this because of the stretch nylon canvas fabric that’s five times more durable than raw denim. This rugged nylon and spandex blend has two-way stretch, is water and stain-resistant, is breathable, and is lightweight enough to be packable.
These pants come in a whole mess of waist sizes, have six colors to choose from, and also have an extendable 32-34” inseam that makes it easy to cuff your pants up or bring them down for extra coverage.
Should pants be tight or loose for hiking?
It’s a matter of personal preference, ultimately, but I recommend pants with a regular fit. They won’t be so baggy that they snag on trees and thorns, but they’re also slightly loose and more breathable.
What I Like
- It’s just one pair of pants, but it’s great for many activities.
- The AT Pant is lightweight, breathable, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and has an adjustable inseam, all of which makes it great for hiking.
- The fabric is super strong and durable without being thick and heavy.
What I Don’t Like
- The AT Pant has one zippered pocket, but I wish it had a few more to ensure your essentials are stowed safely.
What Other Reviewers Say
A common headline in the review section for the AT Pant is, “Best pair of pants I’ve ever purchased.” These pants are well-loved for how comfortable they are, how well they fit, and how easily they transition between activities.
The only negative reviews I could find came from a few guys who didn’t find the pants that comfortable. Despite their negative experience, several mentioned that Western Rise didn’t handle the return process as well as could be hoped.
The Verdict
The AT Pant is designed to travel, hike, and simplify your wardrobe. It’s constructed from super durable nylon canvas fabric, which is lightweight, packable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant.
If you’re in the market for a pair of hiking pants that can get you through a twelve-mile hike and also look sharp for happy hour, check these bad boys out.
Who said hiking pants couldn't be durable and stylish? Designed to travel, hike, and simplify your wardrobe, the AT Pant is constructed from super durable nylon canvas fabric and looks great on. This means it's lightweight, packable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant too.
Best on a Budget: Arunlluta Hiking Pant
Price is another common obstacle to getting a good pair of hiking pants. Sometimes splashing out just isn’t an option, and you may want something more entry-level, rather than bells-and-whistles.
If you’re trying to keep costs down but still want pants that are good for the trail, I recommend Arunlluta’s Hiking Pants.
These pants are made from a hefty blend of nylon and spandex that nails the tricky balance of being lightweight yet still durable. This fabric composition allows them to breathe well but also be water-resistant when the weather suddenly turns.
In sunny conditions, the Arunlluta Hiking Pants offer UPF 50+ protection, preventing unintentional sunburns that can even happen through clothes.
Regarding organization and storage, these pants have six big, zippered pockets to choose from. I like the rugged, technical look these pockets give the pants, and the zippers ensure that your keys don’t accidentally fall from your pocket in the middle of the hike.
What I Like
- Compared to the competition, these hiking pants are super affordable.
- The nylon and spandex fabric is stretchy, lightweight, durable, breathable, and water-resistant.
- Having six big, zippered pockets goes a long way in ensuring that my valuables are safe and organized.
What I Don’t Like
- They have a slimmer fit, which might be too tight for some guys who appreciate more room in the legs.
What Other Reviewers Say
Overall, these pants have great reviews. Satisfied customers love how lightweight and breathable the pants are and the security that the pockets offer.
Several reviewers found the pant fabric too thin, and some even had issues where buttons popped off, or the fabric tore easily. While this isn’t great, it’s somewhat to be expected, at least on occasion, with a pair of budget pants that get some heavy use.
The Verdict
Just like any affordable garment, you may run into some issues if you decide to pit these pants against a rockslide, but overall the Arunlluta hiking pants are a solid pair to get you in the game. Best of all, they’re easy on your wallet.
The Arunlluta Hiking Pant is a solid budget option for anyone wanting a no-frills hiking pant that gets the job done. While they might not be on par with more premium or specialized brands, overall, they’re a solid pair of hiking pants to get you in the game - and at a solid price, too.
Great Value: Columbia Noble Falls Utility Pant
If you want a pair of hiking pants with some upgraded features but still a friendly price point, I recommend Columbia’s Noble Falls Utility Pants.
If you remember having cargo pants from Walmart with the zip-off bottoms that weren’t so cool, these are your redemption. Hiking can get hot, and the most breathable pants in the world can’t compete with just zipping half of your pants off.
These pants are constructed from a combination of polyester and polyester mesh, using Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Shade technology to protect from UVA and UVB rays completely.
They’re cut with a classic fit, which gives some comfortable room in the leg but isn’t so baggy that they’ll catch on trees and bushes all the time.
For pockets, there’s one zip-closure security pocket and other side pockets with hook and loop closures to keep your keys secure, even if you’re unlucky enough to get tumbled by an avalanche.
What I Like
- The zip-off pant bottoms are functional in warm conditions and great for cooling down.
- Recycled polyester and Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology make for stretchy, breathable, protective pants.
- The hook and loop closures and security pocket provide ample security for all my essentials.
What I Don’t Like
- The fabric isn’t water-resistant.
What Other Reviewers Say
Customers seem to love the fit and feel of these pants, with many saying the classic cut is perfect for all-day hiking. The zip-off ability was also a big hit with many reviewers, while others loved how well these pants wick moisture.
Several online reviewers had issues with construction quality, where brand new pants had bad stitching in the pockets, and their phone or wallet fell right down their pants.
The Verdict
I recommend Columbia’s Noble Falls Utility Pants as a solid, starter pair of hiking pants at an approachable price. The fabric is midweight, durable, wicks moisture well, and protects completely from the sun, and the zip-off pants provide functionality and quick cooling.
These hiking pants are the perfect pair to buy if you've never been hiking before. The fabric is midweight, durable, wicks moisture well, and protects completely from the sun. I’d definitely recommend Columbia’s Noble Falls Utility Pants as a solid starter pair at an approachable price.
Best for Rock Climbing: Vuori Technical Climber Pant
Rock climbing has always been a big outdoor sport, especially in the last few years.
Apart from needing a pair of pants that can withstand the wear and tear of scraping across rock faces, you want to be comfortable and well-equipped for the hike out to wherever you’re rock climbing in the first place, which is why I recommend Vuori’s Technical Climber Pant.
These unassuming rock climbing and hiking pants are made from ripstop fabric with a polyamide and elastane blend. Vuori takes ripstop fabric one step higher with their proprietary Schoeller fabric technology, which makes these pants even more durable and stretchy.
This fabric is also abrasion and water-resistant, which is ideal for any rock climbing or hiking conditions you find yourself in.
The Technical Climber Pants feature a zip pocket on the leg and an elastic waistband that stretches well and keeps you comfortable while scrunched in an awkward position on the wall.
What I Like
- The proprietary Schoeller fabric is super durable and precisely what you want from a good pair of climbing or hiking pants.
- The abrasion-resistant and water-resistant fabric can take a beating in rough conditions without missing a beat.
- There are five tasteful, earth-toned colors to choose from for these pants.
What I Don’t Like
- Since rock climbing often puts you at angles where valuables can fall out of your pockets, I would prefer to see at least one more zippered pocket.
What Other Reviewers Say
One reviewer recommended choosing these pants over Patagonia’s options, and that’s about all you need to know. The Technical Climber Pants are well-loved for how they fit, their durability, and how well they perform while climbing and hiking.
The only non-positive review I could find came from a guy who said that they’re a little warmer than he expected, but he liked them apart from that.
The Verdict
Whether you’re hiking, climbing, walking, or just lounging, Vuori’s Technical Climber Pants are comfortable and durable, and they look good. The Schoeller fabric has ripstop technology, is abrasion-resistant, and also water-resistant, so I’d say these are perfect for climbing and hiking alike.
Vuori’s Technical Climber Pants are comfortable, durable, and above all - they look good. The Schoeller fabric has ripstop technology, is abrasion-resistant, and also water-resistant, so I’d say these are perfect for climbing and hiking alike.
Best Premium: lululemon Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants
Despite many items costing an arm and a leg, lululemon has a huge following, and for good reason.
Their garments are made with high-tech fabric that’s responsive to your body to keep you dry and well-aerated, and their Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants are no exception.
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a particular breed that produces wool that’s much finer and softer than regular wool. Wool doesn’t immediately sound like a good choice for athletic clothing, but merino wool is actually great at regulating body temperature and wicking moisture (plus it’s lightweight).
As such, lululemon’s Merino Hiking pants are naturally thermoregulating to keep you pleasantly warm or cool, no matter how volatile the conditions. This fabric is also sweat-wicking and quick-drying, and the interior is brushed for additional softness and warmth.
These pants are cut with a classic-tapered fit, which gives room in the seat and thighs but narrows slightly at the ankle.
There are two zippered pockets on each leg, which is great for securely stashing valuables, and the fabric is perforated behind each knee and at the back waistband for extra ventilation.
What I Like
- The Merino wool construction really sets the lululemon Hiking Cargo Pants pants apart. It’s a premium fabric and ensures that these pants are naturally thermoregulating, lightweight, and moisture-wicking too.
- The classic-tapered fit gives room in the seat and thighs and keeps it streamlined around your ankles.
- The perforated fabric behind the knees and at the back waistband goes a long way in keeping your lower half ventilated.
What I Don’t Like
- There are only two color options available, but one of them is black, at least.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t many reviews for these hiking pants, but the ones I did find are positive overall. Satisfied customers love the tapered fit and quality of the merino fabric, and how much room the side zippered pockets have.
Although there aren’t many reviews overall, I couldn’t find anything negative, which is excellent.
The Verdict
If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket or want some top-shelf gear, lululemon’s Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants are a great choice. The fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, and there are ample pockets. There is also extra ventilation behind the knees and at the back waistband, to keep you feeling fresh.
If your primary focus is quality, lululemon’s Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants are an awesome option to upgrade your outdoor wear with something more premium. The fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying and the construction allows for ventilation to keep you feeling fresh.
Best Chino Hiking Pants: Outerknown Nomad Chino
Not everyone likes the stretchy, synthetic feel of modern hiking pants—some prefer a classic chino for their outdoor excursions.
Chinos have their roots in British Military uniforms, which tells us that these cotton-blend pants have seen some action in the field and excelled. So, if you were thinking, “Who the heck wears chinos on a hike?” you might be surprised to learn that many people do, and Outerknown know this.
Outerknown’s Nomad Chino Pants are my recommendation for a chino style hiking pant that’s built to handle some serious use. They’re rugged and comfortable, and they’re made with 100% organic cotton, which helps reduce the use of harsh, synthetic chemicals that damage the environment.
This means you can feel a bit better about making a purchase, knowing there’s less environmental impact. The cotton twill fabric is durable and actually gets more comfortable as you wear it.
Outerknown garment-dyes these pants for a lived-in feel and offers six, neutral colors to choose from.
What I Like
- The 100% organic cotton twill fabric is strong, rugged, and gets more comfortable over time.
- These chinos are sturdy and breathable on the trails, but also sharp and tidy enough for a casual date or outing with friends.
- The classic, straight-leg cut makes these easy to wear and easier to pair with hiking or casual outfits.
What I Don’t Like
- Despite the fit and feel of cotton twill fabric, it’s not the best at moisture-wicking or quick-drying.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Nomad Chinos are well-loved for their classic chino fabric, lived-in feel, and classic cut. They’re great for people who prefer traditional-style hiking pants that aren’t exclusively synthetic material.
The Verdict
I recommend Outerknown’s Nomad Chinos if you’re in the market for rugged, outdoor-equipped pants. They’re a relaxed style with a classic cut and are just as good in the office or at happy hour as they are on the trails.
Lots of folks love the Nomad Chinos from Outerknown, due to their chino fabric, lived-in feel, and classic cut. I recommend these for people who prefer traditional-style hiking pants that aren’t exclusively synthetic material.
2 Key Things to Consider When Choosing a Hiking Pant
1. Your Planned Activity
It’s best to choose hiking pants based on the activity you plan to do, and also the climate or time of year in which the activity takes place.
For example, if I’m planning to hike up a glacier in Iceland, I’ll need some long, warm, and durable hiking pants.
If you’re heading to a rain forest or area with stream crossings, you’ll want hiking pants that are water-resistant, breathable, and quick-drying.
On the other hand, if you like to go where the wind takes you and aren’t sure whether you’ll end up on top of a mountain, in a river valley, or at the brewery afterward, grab pants that can do it all, like Western Rise’s AT Pant.
Is it better to hike in pants or shorts?
This is also a matter of personal preference, but I recommend hiking in pants in colder conditions and shorts in warmer environments, provided that you’re not going through dense vegetation like poison ivy, thorns, or thistles.
2. Your Budget
The Arunlluta Hiking Pant is a solid budget option for anyone wanting a no-frills hiking pant that gets the job done. While they might not be on par with more premium or specialized brands, overall, they’re a solid pair of hiking pants to get you in the game - and at a solid price, too.
If you don’t want to obliterate your bank balance with an expensive pair of hiking pants, you really don’t have to.
There are plenty of affordable hiking pants out there that are made from technical fabrics that will barely set you back—I recommend Arunlluta’s Hiking Pants and Columbia’s Noble Falls Utility Pants.
If, instead, you want a more premium pair and have room in your budget, I recommend Vuori’s Technical Climber Pant and lululemon’s Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants.
Which Is Best for You?
With these six pairs of hiking pants at your fingertips, you shouldn’t have any issue finding the right pair for you, your planned activities, or your budget.
If you want an all-around great pair of hiking pants that can keep up with multiple activities on and off the trail, I recommend Western Rise’s AT Pant.
Who said hiking pants couldn't be durable and stylish? Designed to travel, hike, and simplify your wardrobe, the AT Pant is constructed from super durable nylon canvas fabric and looks great on. This means it's lightweight, packable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant too.
Guys who want to keep their spending down but still need a competent pair of hiking pants should check out Arunlluta’s Hiking Pants.
If you’re looking for a value play and want great pants at an approachable cost, I recommend Columbia’s Noble Falls Utility Pants.
Got rock climbing plans in your future? Check out Vuori’s Technical Climber Pants.
If you’ve got cash to drop and want some premium threads and design details, go with lululemon’s Merino Wool Hiking Cargo Pants.
Lastly, if you like to keep it old school and want a rugged pair of hiking pants that you could also wear to the office, I recommend Outerknown’s Nomad Chinos.
If you know a hiking buddy who needs to stop wearing his sweatpants on technical hikes, share this article with him! He’ll thank you when he’s comfortable and well-aerated on your next 15-mile hike.
