If you’re dressing to hit the trails, you don’t need a totally separate wardrobe (it’s possible your trusty leggings will work just fine). But for extra protection from the elements, it’s worth your while to invest in pants that are designed specifically for the great outdoors.
Usually made from tough, abrasion-resistant materials and tailored with extra room to layer over heavy boots, hiking pants can get a bad rap for feeling stiff and looking frumpy. But newer brands like Alder, Athleta, and Outdoor Voices (and even some industry standards like The North Face and Columbia) are now putting out comfy, good-looking bottoms that have tons of functionality—we’re talking sleek joggers, high-waisted cargo pants, throwback-style convertible pants, and even a pair you don’t need to pull down when you pee. Again, you don’t need to overhaul your closet to enjoy a little nature walk, but if you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the trail this fall, the best hiking pants will level up your jaunts.
What should you look for in a good pair of hiking pants?
The right pants will be comfortable and functional. Keeping these tips in mind while you shop will make finding them that much easier.
Your pants should fit well around your waist and be long enough to cover your legs without creating a tripping risk. You don’t want the legs to feel too tight (because they could limit your movement) or too baggy (because they could catch on branches, rocks, and other hazards), Maggie Peikon, manager of communications at the American Hiking Society, tells SELF. Instead, your pants should move with you and stay out of the way while you maneuver around obstacles on the trail. Peikon says pairs with articulated knees, or darts sewn into the legs, will help the pants bend with you if you have to scramble, climb stairs, or high-step up an incline.
Pants made from flexible, breathable materials will save you from feeling restricted or super sweaty halfway through your hike (“mobility is so important,” Peikon says). But at the same time, they shouldn’t fall apart at the first sign of friction. Look for pants made from stretchy fabrics like spandex, elastane, or Lycra, as well as durable nylon materials like ripstop. If they’re also abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, or water-repellent, that’s even better (FYI, Peikon says cotton isn’t the best option because it tends to retain moisture). And for another degree of protection, you can shop for options made with bug-repellent or UPF-rated fabrics.
Pockets and attachment points
Even if you’re bringing a spacious day pack, it’s important to have a couple large, sturdy pockets available for your little essentials. Peikon says at least one should be big enough to fit your phone, and it’s always a plus if they have zippered or Velcro closures to keep your items secure. Depending on your choice of gear, she adds that it can be nice to have some sturdy loops on the waistband to attach your trekking poles or chalk bag.
Adjustability
Whether they have cinchable cords, Velcro straps, drawstrings, a built-in belt, or some combination of these, pants with an adjustable waist will offer a closer, more secure fit. Adjustable ankle openings can make it easier to pull on your boots while keeping cold wind and bugs out. Ingrid Johnson, a product specialist at REI, tells SELF it’s also useful if you can change the pants’s length. She points to convertible pairs that zip off into capris and shorts and bottoms with an internal loop and button that you can use to cuff the hems into crops.
Additional nice-to-haves
Don’t forget to shop with your outdoor plans and personal preferences in mind. If you’re headed somewhere cold, consider lined or insulated pants, or ones that are roomy enough to layer a pair of tights or leggings underneath. If you know you prefer a certain rise or cut in your pants, you can probably find it —gone are the days of exclusively mid-rise, teal women’s hiking pants.
Shop the best hiking pants
Don’t spend your next hike dealing with a pinchy waistband or sweating under thick fabric—check out our favorite hiking pants for pretty much any outdoor excursion, including beloved best-sellers, SELF Outdoor Award–winners, and a bunch of trail-tested pairs that our team can vouch for.
Best Overall: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Outdoor Research
Ferrosi Pants
Pros
Lightweight
UPF 50+ sun protection
Fabric is designed with multiple wears in mind
Wind- and water-resistant
Cons
Runs small, according to REI reviewers
Ferrosis are a consistent best-seller among hikers, rock climbers, and frequent travelers—this latest version is lightweight yet tough, with articulated knees, an interior drawcord, and even stretchier fabric. You can keep your stuff handy in the Ferrosi’s five pockets (including two with zippered closures), and navigate confidently in sudden bad weather, thanks to their wind- and water-resistance.
TL;DR: You can move freely in these pants, even if you’re hiking on technical terrain, wearing a climbing harness, or curled up on an hours-long flight. They’re a great go-to for your local trails, and they’re versatile enough to pack on trips when you want to save space and need pants that can (kind of) do it all. They even come with a lifetime guarantee.
Product specs
Sizes: 0 to 24 | Lengths: Short, regular, and tall
Runner-Up: Alder Apparel Take a Hike Cargo Pants
Alder Apparel
Take a Hike Cargo Pants
Pros
Very cute and comfortable
Tons of storage
Water-resistant
Stretchy
Cons
Frequently out of stock
We tested these straight-cut, high-waisted cargo pants two years ago, and they’ve only grown in popularity since (they’re officially a hit on TikTok). But they’re much, much more than just cute, #GranolaGirl-coded bottoms. “These are super high quality and comfortable to hike in,” our tester, who wore her pair of Take a Hikes for hours at a time, wrote. “The material feels like a really nice quality, and the stitching and construction are excellent.” She also noted that they fit true to her plus size and kept her dry when she got caught in a light rain. Plus, she found them cute enough to wear into town after her hikes.
On the functional side, our tester appreciated how stretchy and durable the pants felt, as well as how much storage they had: There are eight pockets along the waist and legs, and the waistband also has a loop for your keys.
A quick heads-up: The Take a Hike pants are so beloved that they frequently sell out. To stay in the loop on restocks and new colors, follow the brand on Instagram or subscribe to its email list.
Product specs
Sizes: XS to 6XL | Lengths: 28 inches
Best Budget: Baleaf Hiking Pants
Baleaf
Hiking Pants
Pros
Under $40
UPF 50+ rating
Quick-drying fabric
Cons
Not as sturdy as other options on our list
Baleaf makes sneaky-good activewear for its price point, and you can bet its hiking pants are next on our list to try (and add to the multiple sports bras and shorts that this writer already owns from the brand). Amazon reviewers like their deep pockets and the adjustable ankle cuffs, which have toggles that tighten or loosen to allow more room for your socks and boots. The waistband is also adjustable, with internal elastic and a drawstring, and the water-resistant fabric has four-way stretch that moves with you.
These may not be the most rugged trail pants, but they’re a great pair to add to your rotation for easier, lighter days.
Product specs
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Lengths: Petite, regular, and tall
Most Comfortable: Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants
Patagonia
Caliza Rock Pants
Pros
Durable on the outside, soft on the inside
Wide waistband lays flat and doesn’t dig
Cons
Runs slightly large in the waist
Not a lot of pockets
“These pants are so clearly made for the outdoors, but don’t feel like it when I put them on,” according to one SELF staffer. On one hand, their exterior is rough (“a little like wind pants,” she says). On the other, the interior is soft and brushed. “It adds a bit of warmth that comes in handy, especially during late fall weather,” she adds. The waistband is wide, with no closures or adjustment features—our staffer had hers taken in for a more secure fit. It lays flat and smooth against your torso, a major plus if you’re wearing a pack with a hip belt.
Our staffer likes her Calizas for rock climbing and hikes where she doesn’t need to keep a lot of items on her person (they only have two drop-in pockets, and if you try to stash heavy items inside, they can drag the pants down). Their stretchy, pull-on design also makes them a solid option for long travel days.
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Product specs
Sizes: 00 to 22 | Lengths: Short and regular
Best for Cold Weather: The North Face Summit Series Futurefleece Pant
The North Face
Summit Series Futurefleece Pants
Pros
Warm and soft on the inside
Compatible with winter boots
Cons
Waistband isn’t adjustable
It’s not official, but we consider the Summit Series Futurefleece Pants to be the spiritual successor to The North Face’s now-discontinued, Activewear Award–winning Tekware fleece-lined pants. They’re very warm, with a mid-weight feel and elastic cuffs that seal out the wind and cold. Their jogger silhouette makes it easy to tuck them into your winter boots or wear as part of a larger system of layers.
Some REI reviewers like to wear them under their snow pants, while others prefer to wear them over tights. Others still note that they’re comfy enough to wear on their own around the house. If staying toasty-warm is your goal, these pants need to be part of the equation.
Product specs
Sizes: XS to XXL | Lengths: 28 inches
Best for Warmer Weather: Athleta Trekkie North High Rise Jogger
Athleta
Trekkie North High Rise Jogger
Pros
Very lightweight and breathable
UPF 50+ rating
Sweat-wicking
Cons
Drawstring and waistband feel a little flimsy
Our senior commerce writer put Athleta’s Trekkie North Jogger to the test last year during the Northeast’s famously fickle spring season (one day it’s frigid, the next day it’s balmy). She layered a thin pair of leggings under the joggers during cooler weather, and noticed they felt surprisingly breezy on warmer days. “I was concerned about overheating, but I never felt uncomfortably sweaty—even as the jogger resisted wear and tear, it kept the air a-flowing,” she wrote in her review.
The Trekkie North Jogger’s fabric is definitely thin and breathable, but its weave is tight enough to give it some durability—our writer wore her pair while rock climbing outside and didn’t notice any rips or snags. Note: For truly hot weather, we can recommend some great hiking shorts instead.
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Product specs
Sizes: 0 to 26 | Lengths: Petite, regular, and tall
Most Versatile: Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pant
Outdoor Voices
RecTrek Zip-Off Pant
Pros
Three pairs of bottoms in one
Tough fabric
Wind- and water-resistant
Cons
Belt could be more adjustable
The RecTrek Zip-Off Pant is a favorite of one of our writer’s, who received her pair from OV over two years ago and still wears it year-round—after all, it’s pants, capris, and shorts in one tidy package.
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