If you’re going hiking in a place where the sun don’t shine, then you had better make sure that you are properly clothed for the occasion.
If you’re going to a wet place, you’re going to need a waterproof jacket. If you’re going to a cold place, you’re going to need a down jacket. But what’s most overlooked, are the pants!
Too many hikers don’t realize they could save themselves from crappy weather by simply going for a good pair of pants that will keep you warm and dry, even when it’s wet out on the trail.
We here at Boot Bomb have got you covered. We’ve selected some of the best pants for hiking that you can currently find online. Just have a look at our selection and you’ll be on the trail in no time.
5 Best Women’s Hiking Pants
1. Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant, Water and Stain Repellent
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia's Anytime Outdoor...
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade...
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: This women's casual pant...
- HANDY FEATURES: This women's casual pant features...
- BUILT TO LAST: Columbia’s attention to detail is...
The Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut is a great pair of outdoor pants for hiking. They offer freedom of movement, comfort as well as the versatility to perform a wide range of activities in different conditions. These outdoor pants are made of 100% nylon, making them lightweight and durable. Also, they are resistant to rain and stains. Furthermore, they are machine-washable. Therefore, cleaning them will be easy and fast.
These pants are also resistant to UV rays, making them perfect for outdoor or indoor use. Whether you are just strolling around the city, or you plan to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, these pants will protect you and keep you comfortable at all times. The shell features the proprietary Omni-shield technology, which repels water and moisture. Also, this technology ensures that these pants dry within the shortest time possible.
These women’s outdoor pants are designed to provide as much comfort as possible. They feature a body-skimming fit, which means you can wear them to run daily errands or during outdoor activities. Whichever way you choose to wear or use them, you will always feel comfortable and look great. They are fitted with a drawstring, which you will be using for closure. Thanks to this design, you can adjust them according to your preferred fit. Also, they are available in all sizes, from XS to XXL.
2. Columbia Sportswear Storm Surge Pant
- OMNI-TECH: Our proprietary technology provides...
- ALL-WEATHER RAIN PANTS: Designed to keep you...
- WET WEATHER COMFORT: More than just a cold shell,...
- HANDY FEATURES: These wind and rain proof pants...
- BUILT TO LAST: Columbia’s attention to detail is...
Featuring breathable and waterproof Omni-tech fabric, these hiking pants can be used in every wet situation. Seams have been firmly sealed to make sure that water does not penetrate, keeping you warm and dry even during heavy storms. They are light enough to be fitted inside your golf bag, and versatile enough for a wide range of outdoor activities. The pants are very functional. Regardless of how strong the storm is, these pants will withstand the splashing, the mud, and even sitting on wet grounds and you will not encounter any wetness issue. Drawstring closure allows you to adjust according to your waist size. It can also be loosened when you need some breathing around the waist area. The elastic waist is also weatherproof. The fit is great and they feel comfortable overall. Interior is highly breathable, thanks to the mesh lining. They are light enough to be worn during any weather, whether fall or summer.
3. Columbia Sportswear Saturday Trail Pant
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Women's Saturday...
- HANDY FEATURES: Two side pockets with hook and...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: A partial elastic waist...
- CLASSIC FIT: This pant is crafted of a classic fit...
- OMNI-SHIELD - Go ahead, try and get dirty....
Hiking pants should be comfortable and lightweight, and that is exactly what these ones have to offer. Featuring Omni-Shade UPF 50, you are guaranteed of advanced repellency and sun protection. They can be easily rolled up, and then converted to Capri knee pants. Security pockets have a zippered closure to ensure that your valuables remain safe and secure from pickpockets or falling down. The fit is comfortable, but still flexible enough not to constrict your movement. The material used to make them is great. It also stretches a bit to give the body enough breathing space, especially during the hot summer weather. The pants take a very short time to dry. Therefore, you can even wash them when you are taking your lunch, wear them and proceed with your hiking trip! Side pockets are firmly sewn to the main fabric. This means that they don’t bulge out. A zippered knee pocket has been added, which comes in very handy, when you want to store little things that can easily get lost such as hotel keys. There are two additional backside pockets, which you can use to store your wallets.
4. 11 Tactical Taclite Pro Pants
- Security
- Manufacturer: 5.11 Tactical
- Country of manufacture: Vietnam
Fashionable and stylish, the 5.11 Women’s Taclite Pro Pants are created using lightweight poly-cotton fabric. The crotch is fully gusseted to allow easy movement. Pockets are located in such a way that you have quick access to your gear, anytime you need it. The right front side has an external knife pocket, where you can easily store your knife with the hand that is not engaged. The pocket knife is strengthened with 100% cordura nylon. Slash pockets are designed in the rear. Created using 35% non-fading poly-cotton ripstop and 65% lightweight polyester, you get pants that are highly functional. The combination of the two materials also maintains a clean, neat professional look. They also feature HT Teflon Wear-Resistant Finish for soil and stain resistance. Therefore, they are able to retain that crisp look regardless of the hiking conditions. They come with thick belt loops, which are strong enough to support the weight of any side equipment. The fit is nice, just what you would expect in tactical pants for hiking. They can be used for both long and short hikes, and you will always remain comfortable.
5. Columbia Sportswear Saturday Trail II Knee Pant
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Women's Saturday...
- HANDY FEATURES: Two side pockets with hook and...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: A partial elastic waist and...
- CLASSIC FIT: This pant is crafted of a classic fit...
- OMNI-SHIELD - Go ahead, try and get dirty....
The Trail II Knee pant is one of the best hiking pants for hot weather. The UPF 50 sun protection ensures sufficient sun shielding. Combined with Omni-shield moisture and stain repellency, you get the protection needed, as you hit the trails. A zipper is added on the security pocket to make sure that your items remain safe, wherever you are. The fit is slightly smaller. Therefore, you can order one size up. Again, this depends on the body type. Designed using lightweight material, they will dry fast on the go. The styling and cut is nicely done, just the kind of pants you need for the weather in the tropics. They are easy to clean and maintain, and easy to pack as well, whenever you are travelling. The elastics fitted at the knees work nicely. They stretch well to fit the curves of the avid hiker. They are comfortably loose without feeling buggy. Therefore, you get flexible mobility, while maintaining your style even when you are out there in the woods. Although they are designed for the hot weather, they tend to be water resistant, just in case you get caught by light showers.
5 Best Men’s Hiking Pants
1. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Silver Ridge...
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's durable convertible...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This men's convertible pant...
- CLASSIC FIT: This pant is crafted of a classic fit...
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade...
These quick-wicking and durable pants feature plentiful storage and built-in sun protection, making them perfect for warm-weather hiking. Made from 100% nylon, they are easy to clean and dry. Travelling with them is equally easy, since they fold into a miniature pack that does not consume space in your travelling bag. Side cargo pockets can be used to carry your quick access accessories like a pocket knife. Their advanced evaporation technology ensures that you always remain cool and fresh. No buildup of heat or perspiration inside regardless of the prevailing temperatures. The width and length are true to size while the material used is of high quality. They can be easily converted into shorts during hot weather. They are great for long-distance hiking and travelling, as well as various other outdoor activities. The pants are durable and lightweight. They allow free and easy movement, whether you are hiking, or mountain climbing. They can be worn all-year round, without exposing you to extreme weather elements.
2. Columbia Big-Tall Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
- OMNI-WICK: The ultimate moisture management...
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade...
- ALL WEATHER PANTS: These hard working pants are...
- STRAIGHT LEG — CLASSIC FIT: With a regular fit...
- HANDY FEATURES: Exterior adjustable belt with...
These cargo pants for hiking are made from ultra-lightweight fabric, just like parachutes. During high winds, they inflate. This billowing is designed to enhance interior cooling and billowing. Since you will be buying them for hiking, you should go a size higher, to give you that flexibility and ease of movement. They have six pockets. One has been secured with a zipper. This is perfect for storing most of your valuables like keys, credit cards and other smaller items, which can easily get lost in the woods. The remaining five pockets are Velcro-secured. Cargo pockets don’t appear bloated since they are low profile, unless you have stuffed them with large items. The pockets also feature mesh lining, which is perfect for breathing. The paper-thin fabric ensures that you travel light even when you get splashed by a downpour. The benefit is that they dry quickly. Even when you are rained on, they will just require an hour or so, and they will be dry. Additionally, you can clean them every evening during your hiking trip, and they will be dry be the time you wake up. It is a nice pair of pants for hiking, camping or fishing, especially during the hot summer months. They are feather light, cool and protective.
3. Columbia Rebel Roamer Pant
- OMNI-TECH: Our Omni-Tech technology features...
- COMFORT: With our nylon and elastane...
- TRUE TO SIZE: These pants are available in...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: This Columbia Men's Rebel...
The Columbian Rebel Roamer is one of those outdoor pants for wet weather. They should be the first thing you pack, when you are heading for trails that experience frequent raining. These technical pants provide protection and comfort, from the city to the wilderness. They have high breathability and waterproofing rating, which makes them ideal for hiking under different weather conditions. Featuring 70D nylon fabric, Omni-Tech double layer waterproofing, and fully sealed seams, they will ensure you remain dry, regardless of the weather conditions. Interior lining is 100% nylon, reinforced with 210T taffeta for additional warmth, especially when it gets cold. They are designed with a wide elastic waist band, as well as modern classic fit. This makes it easy to adjust, for a perfect sure fit. The leg openings are adjustable. They are also fitted with hook and look cuff tabs, allowing easy adjustment of the pants, over the boots. They are windproof, waterproof, lightweight, breathable, durable and easy to pack and wear. These hiking pants will ensure that you remain dry, even when the trail conditions involve heavy rainstorms.
4. Columbia Sportswear Silver Ridge Cargo Pant
- OMNI-WICK: The ultimate moisture management...
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade...
- ALL WEATHER PANTS: These hard working pants are...
- STRAIGHT LEG — CLASSIC FIT: With a regular fit...
- HANDY FEATURES: Exterior adjustable belt with...
Mile after mile, these cargo pants will wrap you in comfort, as you hit those trails. With ripstop nylon fabric, you are assured of long-lasting wear. On the other hand, the Omni-Wick fabric treatment helps to wipe or pull sweat away from the body immediately. Featuring a UPF rating of 50, the fabric is designed to offer reliable protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Featuring side cargo pockets, you can easily store your travel and trail items. Two rear pockets and front hand pockets provide additional space to store you hiking essentials. The crotch is gusseted, thus providing freedom of movement for that extra comfort. For a comfortable and secure fit, the pants have an integrated elastic and webbing belt on the side.
5. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Silver Ridge...
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's durable convertible...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This men's convertible pant...
- CLASSIC FIT: This pant is crafted of a classic fit...
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade...
These Silver Ridge Convertible pants are lightweight and thin. They are just perfect for hiking during hot conditions while still providing adequate protection. With three lengths and 11 waist sizes to choose from, they are able to provide many sizing options. The face fabric is soft and smooth against the skin while the elastic waist allows easy adjustment. These breathable hiking pants will ensure that you remain cooler, especially during hot trail conditions. Their durability is unsurpassed, which can be attributed to the ripston nylon material. They offer sufficient pockets for storing and securing your items when on the move or hiking. Their convertible legs provide an easy transition to shorts, especially when the weather gets hotter. Back pockets have covering flaps that stick to the Velcro tabs. This feature helps to secure your valuables inside the pockets. They are perfect for backpacking, travelling, and hiking especially in warmer climates.
All About Pants For The Hike
Jeans look great. They are rugged and even last for many years. However, have you ever tried wearing jeans for outdoor activities? They are hot, heavy and even useless when they get wet. In fact, you would require some scissors or even a knife to convert jeans trousers into a pair of shorts.
The good news is that, you can leave those jeans at home. Hikers require versatile, comfortable and functional pants for backpacking or hiking. There are many considerations to make when selecting the appropriate backpacking pants for you.
Especially for those of you who don’t have a lot of experience with hiking yet… keep reading!
This, right here, is the stuff you wish you could tell your past self to spare him/her from becoming soaked all the way up to your belly button.
Types of Hiking Pants
Pants can be divided into different categories depending on their respective designs. One of the main features considered when buying a pair of pants for hiking, is whether to go for one that converts into a capris or one that converts into a pair of shorts. This guide will help you to select the right hiking pants, specific to your adventure.
Convertible Pants
These are hiking pants with a zipper on both legs. The zipper is usually fitted above the knee. This feature allows you to remove the lower section of the legs, thus ending up with shorts. Many hikers prefer this versatility, instead of carrying a separate pair of pants or hiking shorts. The leg bottoms can be easily washed once they get dirty, without removing the pants entirely.
Roll up Pants
These ones provide an alternative option to the convertible hiking pants. The pants can be rolled up or the bottoms can be buttoned, thus converting them to capris. They can promote breathability and good air movement just like shorts, without any extra weight.
Sizing, Mobility and Fit
Form-fitting is usually the best fit to go for, when looking for a pair of outdoor pants. However, avoid pants that are too tight, as they will limit your mobility. Some people go for a looser fit. Baggy pants are not perfect for hiking, since you will have to bear with extra material hanging around. On the other hand, pants that are too tight will lead to chaffing on your legs. Outdoor pants with gusseted crotches and articulated ankles are the most flexible, comfortable and mobile when trekking. Pants designed with a certain portion of stretch material like spandex will also provide a comfortable fit and easy travel.
Climate and Destination
The last thing, and a very important consideration to make when buying hiking pants, is the prevailing weather where you will be hiking. Different pants are ideal for different weather conditions, as you will find out below.
Cool or Temperate
For fall and spring hiking, or hiking at higher elevations, go for pants that can provide sufficient protection against cold as well as strong winds. Although some days might be hot, you can always counter this by rolling up your pants. If you encounter a rainstorm, the ability of your pants to repel water and remain dry should be an important consideration. Nylon fabrics repel water and also dry faster, once they become wet.
Hot and Dry
If you will be hiking in low elevation summer or desert conditions, you might find it challenging to identify the appropriate pants. Excessive heat might tempt you to go with hiking shorts. On the other hand, you still require sufficient protection against strong sunshine as well as wind. There is also foliage to consider. Convertibles are the most appropriate in these situations.
Final Tips
If you will be hiking for many days, and you are limited in terms of what to carry, ensure that your hiking pants are multipurpose. Convertible pants are more preferable for thru hikers or backpackers. The most important consideration is to choose a fitting pair of pants, comfortable and durable to last you the entire time in the wilderness.
