Best Hiking Pants (2023): Joggers, Leggings, and Convertibles

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When you’re trekking long miles on steep, rocky trails (or just trying to stay comfortable during casual night walks), it’s important to have the right shoes, socks, and hiking pants. Today’s outdoor brands offer an impressive array of features and proprietary eco-friendly fabrics that give hikers the protection they need—whether it’s protection from skin-damaging UV rays or protection from the elements while tackling mountaineering projects. cleverly designed protective pockets for mobile phones and valuables.
We asked several hikers and outdoor experts for their top picks and scoured the internet for well-fitting leggings, zip-up hiking pants, and comfortable, trail-tested running pants to round out this list of the best hiking pants. Whether you’re preparing for a big national park trip or just want to update your wardrobe with some cute dog-walking outfits, there’s something for every type of hiker below.
A perennial favorite among backpackers, Prana’s Halle style is durable, quick-drying and stylish for adventurers who want to travel light and double as pants. Made from ReZion fabric, an exclusive blend of recycled nylon, in a Fair Trade Certified mill, these pants help protect you from the sun and abrasion while protecting the environment. What Heather Balogh Rochfort, adventure journalist and author of Women Travelers, loves most is their versatility. “They fit almost any body type and are durable enough to withstand a variety of surfaces,” she says.
Any seasoned outdoor enthusiast knows that Columbia is a great choice for proven, affordable hiking clothing, and the Leslie Falls Pants are a top choice for Solo Women RV podcast host Katie Belge. “They’re loose enough to move around while hiking, but not too baggy,” she says of the stretchy fabric, modern silhouette and comfortable waistband. The fabric is also waterproof, “which is important when hiking in Oregon.”
Designed for light hiking and mountaineering, Nørrona’s best-selling Falketind Flex Softshell Trousers can withstand light rain while remaining perfectly stretchy and ventilated for long walks in the mountains. “They have the most interesting colors, are very light, dry very quickly and last forever,” says adventure photographer Paulina Dao.
Highly breathable and abrasion-resistant, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants have been a favorite among hikers, rock climbers and avid climbers for years. The lightweight design (12.5 ounces per pair) and secure zippered pockets combine with a comfortable, harness-compatible waistband to create a versatile gem that has the outdoors in its DNA.
“As a traveler, I like to have one pair of pants, and this is it,” says Kate Langston of REI’s bluesign-certified Activator Pants. As a professional travel writer, Langston often spends long days in a variety of climates, and the zippered pockets, mid-weight fabric, and durable water-resistant (DWR) finish make these shoes a must-have for packing luggage. The first thing in . An adventurous trip abroad. “In the winter, just add a layer of primer underneath,” he says. “These are the perfect pants for almost any season.”
Like Halle’s favorite product, Prana’s Stretch Zion Pant II has become popular among many adventurers thanks to its eco-friendly, durable, water-resistant fabric, mesh-lined pockets and sleek design. Plus, on hot summer days, hikers can use Prana’s roll-up feature to roll up and cinch each pant leg for maximum ventilation. Brand attributes such as Bluesign approved materials and Fairtrade certified manufacturing are just the icing on the cake.
I first saw Athleta’s massive six-pocket overalls when I was a slender European tour guide in Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago further from the North Pole than Norway. In an instant I fell in love. Not only are these babies made from eco-friendly, durable regenerated nylon and spandex (essential for rugged trails and rock climbing adventures), but they also have a UPF 50+ rating to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
If you’ve been looking for a pair of comfortable and durable hiking leggings with clever pockets to store your phone, keys, and snacks, your search ends here. Stio’s Glide High Rise Tech Tight is great for multi-day hikes as well as easy day hikes around town. Home Stio athlete and Native American advocate Geneva Mayall says the leggings remain stable on long trips filled with warm sunshine and the occasional fluttering snowflake. “Not only did they pass the test in variable conditions, but best of all, they stayed in place for the entire 13 miles without me having to constantly wiggle them,” she said.
Featuring a high waist, non-slip fit, and lace-up laces for maximum security, Vuori creates running and hiking leggings so comfortable you might want to wear them while lounging at home. Noel Russell, Whimstay’s marketing director, said: “They’re stretchy, breathable, buttery soft, moisture wicking and honestly make me feel great, which is important to me even though I don’t have any clothes in the remote corner. Region. The soul is visible.
These ultra-lightweight, moisture-wicking running and hiking leggings are stylish, stretchy, and feature HeiQ Fresh odor control technology to keep you feeling fresh during intrepid adventures. Plus, with fair trade seams and Patagonia’s proprietary blend of regenerated nylon and polyester, you can feel good while out in the wild.
As with the women’s version, our gear testers loved the men’s leggings’ stretchy, comfortable fit and snug fit. The 7-inch zippered pocket can store your keys and smartphone, keeping your valuables safe, while the touch-resistant nylon fabric ensures long-lasting use for even the most avid outdoorsman.
Throw these zip-up hiking pants into your luggage on your next outdoor adventure and be prepared for the weather. Made from Outdoor Research’s award-winning Ferrosi fabric, a lightweight, weather-resistant, durable and breathable nylon-spandex blend, these convertible hiking pants transform into protective clothing for hot hikes.
Patagonia’s Quandary Convertible Pants can be transformed into three unique styles: shorts, cuffed cropped pants, and boot pants. They’re ideal for mountain lovers in areas with cold mornings and hot afternoons and provide UPF 50+ sun protection so you can enjoy bluebird days without worrying about your skin.
Combining the rugged aesthetics of cargo pants with the convenience of a zipper, these pants are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require exceptional durability and flexibility. Made from a combination of 95% nylon and 5% spandex, Kühl’s Duralux fabric moves easily during hikes or climbs, has two-way stretch, and offers superior quick-drying properties in case you decide to jump into a mountain lake.
Not only do prAna’s epic Zion pants come in enough fun, earthy tones to suit any mood, but the brand just released an elastic-waist version of its best-selling pant, making them even more accessible for those of us who tend to lose and gain weight. easy. There is tolerance. Writer and avid outdoorsman Itay Grunfeld is also a big fan of the eco-friendly ReZion fabric used in these pants, which is made in a Fair Trade Certified mill. “Stretchy fabric and plenty of pockets make even the toughest hikes a breeze,” says Grunfield.
Sometimes, on very hot days, the best hiking pants are not long pants, but shorts. Tyler “Mac” Fox, travel enthusiast and founder of Halfway Anywhere, is currently obsessed with the four stretch side pockets and zippered back pockets on the Patagonia Strider Pro 5”, which he carries long-distance, racking up thousands of miles. “Their waistband doesn’t constrict me when I’m wearing a backpack,” he said.
Happy Hike Studio Pants are just as comfortable to wear on a walk as they are afterward while drinking beer with friends in the city. The wide waistband ensures you won’t suffer from the dreaded chafing while hiking, and the ultra-soft, four-way stretch fabric (made from recycled polyester and spandex with a durable, water-resistant finish) gives hikers the freedom to move around and climb even on the toughest hikes.
With a drawstring at the top and breathable, quick-drying fabric at the bottom, this is the appeal of the Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers. They’re light enough for challenging ridge climbs on warm days, and the elastic waistband and leg cuffs make them ideal for bouldering and yoga. A deep front pocket prevents your smartphone from accidentally slipping out, and a reflective logo on the side helps ensure visibility while strolling through dimly lit towns.
The idea behind the Zendo Jogger from Outdoor Research is simple: combine the comfort of cotton with the durable, quick-drying UPF sun protection you’d expect from nylon hiking pants. Plus, low-profile, well-placed pockets help keep your phone, wallet, and even a couple of protein bars safe while you’re on the go.
It’s no secret that Prana makes some of the best hiking pants on the market, and the Halle Plus II takes the best features of Halle’s best-selling line and ups the ante with inclusive sizing. Constructed from ReZion’s proprietary stretch fabric made from regenerated nylon, the pants feature a street-ready fit and features such as a rolled hem snap for hot weather, UPF 50+ protection and a secure zip pocket. Right side. Travel writer and Emmy-nominated makeup artist Kareem Orange is a firm believer that these extra pockets are a must-have for work or outings.
Outdoor Research’s award-winning Ferrosi Softshell fabric has achieved legendary status in some outdoor circles. This is because lightweight breathability magically combines with durability and weather resistance, making these hiking pants the perfect choice for multisport enthusiasts. Stretchy enough to climb sandstone slabs and durable enough to withstand weeks of trekking through the countryside, the Ferrosi Pant is a three-season pant that won’t give up before you do.
For maximum comfort on long, sunny hikes, we turned to Kühl and their special Duralux fabric, which has the feel of cotton but still has the sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchy characteristics you’d expect from big-brand hiking pants. The Renegade Convertible’s styling also offers maximum versatility, with zip-up legs that quickly transform into shorts, perfect for creek crossings and sweltering days on dusty singletrack.
Not only do prAna’s epic Zion pants come in enough fun, earthy tones to suit any mood, but the brand just released an elastic-waist version of its best-selling pant, making them even more comfortable and better able to accommodate weight fluctuations. Writer and avid outdoorsman Itay Grunfeld is also a big fan of the eco-friendly ReZion fabric used in these pants, which is made in a Fair Trade Certified mill. “Stretchy fabric and plenty of pockets make even the toughest hikes a breeze,” says Grunfield.
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Post time: Sep-21-2023