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Jun 10, 2025

7 Best Hiking Pants of 2025 | The Inertia Tested

A good pair of hiking pants makes for an enjoyable hike. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia If you’re getting out on the trail, a good pair of hiking pants is crucial. Some are designed to be

A good pair of hiking pants makes for an enjoyable hike. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia

If you’re getting out on the trail, a good pair of hiking pants is crucial. Some are designed to be lightweight and breathable, while others are designed to provide more protection and insulation. Many also have a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to help keep moisture from ruining a good hike. In our quest to find the best hiking pants, our team hiked hundreds of miles in both the hot, humid climates of Hawaii, Texas, and California, as well as the cool, rainy mountains of British Columbia. We’ve been wear-testing these options for months, trying to find the best hiking pants for every condition, style, and price.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide

Related: Best Women’s Hiking Pants | More Camping And Hiking Gear Reviews

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in June 2025 with a handful of new picks, refreshed links, updated navigation, and additional photos.

Best Men’s Hiking Pants: Patagonia Quandary PantsBest Women’s Hiking Pants: Patagonia Quandary JoggersBest Budget Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Trailmade PantsRunner-Up Best Men’s Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research FerrosiMost Versatile Hiking Pants: Prana Stretch ZionBest Heavy-Duty Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Keb TrousersBest Hiking Pants for Travel: Duer Live Free Adventure Pants

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Fabric: 96% NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon/4% spandex plain weave/DWR finish made without PFCs/PFASFit: RegularLeg Style: StraightWeight: 8.8 ozAvailable In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Sustainably made, 40+ UPF protectionCons: No ventilation zippers

A good pair of hiking pants offers flexibility, airflow, and sun protection to keep you out on the trails for longer. The Patagonia Quandary Pants check those boxes while also using sustainable materials. Made from 96% nylon that comes from recycled fishing nets, these pants help clean up the ocean as well as clean up your act. They look as good in town as they perform on the trail.

We found the Quandary pants to have the best combination of features, material feel, and price. We loved the pocket arrangement — two open hand pockets in the front, as well as three zippered pockets on the rear and side. This allowed us to comfortably slide quick-access items in and out while still keeping valuables protected. Plus, the super-light material dries out quickly, stretches comfortably, and looks great. Finally, there is a roll-up cuff with button securement, which is great for water crossing or cooling off. Our only qualm was a lack of vents.

The Quandary Pants are available in both men’s and women’s, and come in a wide variety of styles (as well as shorts) to suit your particular needs and wants. Plus, it comes with Patagonia’s legendary lifetime repair guarantee, so you can push your limits and know that these pants will be ready for the next adventure, no matter what happens today.

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Fabric: 96% NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon/4% spandex plain weave/DWR finish made without PFCs/PFASFit: RegularLeg Style: JoggerWeight: 8.8 ozAvailable In: Women’s, Men’s

Pros: Sustainably made, elastic waistbandCons: No ventilation zippers, fit tight around the butt

Editor’s Note: Check out the rest of our Best Women’s Hiking Pants.

Like most items from Patagonia, quality and function unite in the Quandary Joggers. The Quandary pants are lightweight and stretchy, making them easy to move around in. The elastic waistband is soft and comfortable, and the drawstring allows you to customize the fit. These joggers fit a little tighter in the butt and thighs, which is saying something because our tester has a fairly flat butt. You’ll probably like these if you’re slim, but if you’re curvier, they might not be the best fit.

Additional features we love include five total pockets (three zippered and two hand pockets), a hemostat/carabiner loop on the front right pocket, elastic cuffs, and built-in odor control to help keep the stank at bay. The Quandary Joggers are comfortable enough to wear for hiking and climbing as well as traveling or just hanging at home.

Although these are similar to our favorite pick for men, the Quandary Pants, the jogger cut makes these our favorite hiking pants for women. The slightly tapered cut adds some style points and also prevents excess material from snagging near your lower legs.

Read our full review of the Patagonia Quandary Joggers.

Fabric: 94% nylon, 6% spandex (bluesign approved)Fit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 10.7 ozAvailable In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Great price, gusseted crotch and kneesCons: A bit warm for certain climates

While there are a ton of great hiking pants in this guide, most of them are around $100 or more. In comes the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants: at $70 (on sale for less than $50 at the time of publishing), these pants boast many of the same chops as competitors. With five pockets, a durable and water-resistant fabric, and a gusseted crotch and knees, these are the best budget hiking pants this year.

The size and cut of hiking pants can be tricky to decide, and while you want something that fits snugly enough that it won’t snag on branches, you don’t want to be restricted in your movement. The Trailmade Pants strike a nice balance between fit and flexibility, and we found the straight cut was flattering without being restrictive. The gusseted crotch and knees helped these pants move with us as we hiked. While the material is a bit thick, we found the pants to be durable and water-resistant on the trail. And even though there are five pockets, only one of them is zippered — we would have liked one or two more zippered pockets. Also, these pants lack ventilation, so they aren’t ideal for hot weather.

That said, for such a great price, we found the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants to perform just as well as much of the competition, and these will make a great pair of hiking pants.

Fabric: 46% recycled nylon, 40% nylon, 14% spandexFit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 10.7 ozAvailable In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Lightweight, stretchyCons: Requires a belt

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi has a classic look but an active feel. The 14% spandex plays a part in this, allowing for optimum movement in whatever conditions we took them through. These hiking pants held up in the wet rainforest of the Pacific Northwest, and we found that they shed water well. The straight cut of the Ferrosi is somewhat slim, which we really appreciated as it provides a great balance of style and mobility.

The pants are without a drawstring or built-in belt, so you’ll need your own belt to keep these secure. This isn’t much of an issue unless you’re counting grams. But at 10.7 ounces, the pants don’t weigh much, and these were one of our top choices for comfort. They are just behind the Patagonia Quandary Pants due to a slightly less versatile pocket setup and lack of roll-up legs (though these do have an elastic leg cuff). Still, for hiking pants that look and perform great, the Ferrosi is a top choice.

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Fabric: 97% Nylon, 3% ElastaneFit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 11.5 ozAvailable In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Casual appeal, thoughtful construction, moves with youCons: Itchy at first

Prana designed the first pair of Stretch Zion pants 20+ years ago, and the current iteration makes a case for the brand’s attention to evolution in the category. The Prana Stretch Zion gave us comfort and reliability from campsites to cocktail hours and drew compliments either way. The 97%/3% fabric blend was just stretchy enough to prevent chafing or restriction on steep grades, but not so forgiving that it sacrificed shape.

A contoured outseam helped the Zion follow testers’ body shape and movement while hiking, rather than wrinkling and wadding around it. We also appreciated a horizontal stitch across the quad area. The design effectively segments the pants into a pair of shorts with leg tubes attached. This seems to create a subtle change in volume and shaping to provide room in the legs, but limit extra fabric in the crotch and hip area (great for climbing harnesses or a more updated/narrow fit in general).

The pants breathed very well throughout an unseasonably hot, dry Central Texas fall. A vented gusset seemed to facilitate this, plus a notably light fabric weight overall. We did need to send the Zions through a few wash cycles to knock down a somewhat prickly feel (typical of elastane textiles).

We appreciated durable touches like triple-stitched pocket hems, reinforced cuffs, and a robust button area. Some design choices, like the hooded back pocket, made less sense. On the other hand, anyone who likes a thigh pocket will likely enjoy the Pranas’ offset, gently pleated take. Satisfyingly wide belt loops and double cuffing snaps on the mid-calf complete the feature list.

Overall, it’s hard to want much more in a pair of hiking pants — especially one you can wear to a work or social function without looking like Jeremiah Johnson (unless that’s your thing).

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Fabric: Main fabric: G-1000 Eco 65% recycled polyester/35% organic cotton; stretch fabric 63% polyamide/26% polyester/11% elastaneUPF Rating: N/AFit: StandardLeg Style: Boot CutWeight: 1 lb. 4.6 oz.Available In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Pockets galore, ventilation zippers throughoutCons: Mid-rise fit, pants swish together while hiking

The Fjallraven Keb Trousers are heavy-duty and ready for long weeks on the trail. These look like premium cargo pants, with all the qualities you’d want in a good pair of hiking pants. The Keb Trousers are on the warmer side, but luckily, they have hip-to-knee ventilation zippers as well as extra ventilation zippers along the calves. The Keb Trousers have a bootcut, so you can easily wear them over a pair of hiking boots. They also have boot hooks at the bottom of the pants, loops at the leg endings for attaching stirrups, and buttons along the bottoms of the legs for securely fitting the pants around your boots.

Due to their wider cut, we did notice the Keb Trousers tend to rub while hiking, making a swishing noise that is a bit annoying. If you adjust the buttons for a more snug fit, it can help a little. The pants have a mid-rise fit, which is flattering, but our tester didn’t find it the most comfortable for hiking uphill. The Keb Trousers have pockets galore: two hand pockets, two leg pockets, and one interior mesh pocket — these are great for backpacking or longer day hikes when you want quick access to gear. The Keb Trousers are also one of the most durable and water-resistant hiking pants we tested.

Read our full review of the Fjallraven Keb Trousers.

Fabric: 62% Cotton, 30% Tencel, Lyocell, 6% Lycra Polyester, 2% Lycra SpandexUPF Rating: N/AFit: StandardLeg Style: TaperedWeight: N/AAvailable In: Regular, Relaxed

Pros: Very comfortable stretch and fit, look great, excellent pocketsCons: Cold and heavy when wet, not super breathable

On a recent trip to Spain that featured lots of hiking along the Camino de Santiago, we packed a few pairs of hiking pants. The Duer Live Free Adventure Pants quickly rose to the top of our backpack as our favorite option for in and out of town. The comfortable cotton stretch blend was great for all-day wear, and these pants are a much more stylish option than most hiking pants. The big zippered cargo pockets are cut really well, and they don’t knock contents against your knees like some—plus, they fit a passport perfectly.

Our main qualm with any cotton-heavy blend is that they aren’t ideal in the rain, which we experienced plenty of in Spain. These do feature a DWR coating, and it worked well for light mist, but when the moisture increased, these got a bit cold and uncomfortable. That said, for an all-around pair of hiking pants that can be worn on the plane, in fashionable cities, and deep on technical treks, the Duer Live Free Adventure is our new go-to.

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Fabric: 98% cotton/2% spandexUPF Rating: 50Fit: StandardLeg Style: TaperedWeight: 8 oz.Available In: Men’s

Pros: Very lightweight and breathable, big front pocketsCons: Not ideal in rain, could use a touch more waist elastic

We are super high on the new Topo Designs Desert Pants (it may help that our men’s tester lives in the Sonoran Desert). These stylish, super comfortable cotton digs are an ideal pair of natural fiber summer hiking pants. Very simple in design, the Desert Pants are a great choice for hot trail to town hikes. If you dislike the stiff, swishy fabric of polyester/nylon-based hiking pants, these are a top choice.

The fit was just a touch quirky, with not a ton of space in the seat, so we wished for a little more elastic in the waist so we could size up. That said, the drawstring worked well, and we love the huge front pockets. The knees are stitched for a more mobile fit, and we have hiked in hot, sunny weather and cool, rainy weather, and these held up on everything (though they do wet out pretty quickly in heavy rain, being cotton). Surprisingly, the cotton dried out pretty quickly, probably because of the nice, light weave. Overall, we love the looks and feel of these hikers, and they are a regular in our summer rotation.

Fabric: G-1000 Lite Stretch: 52% polyester (recycled)/35% cotton (organic)/13% polyester (T400); back: 88% polyamide (recycled)/12% elastaneUPF Rating: 50Fit: StandardLeg Style: TaperedWeight: 10.9 oz.Available In: Men’s

Pros: Fantastic blend of durability, breathability, and fitCons: No back pockets

Another awesome summer hiking pants with a bit more all-around chops, the Fjallraven Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers have quickly become a favorite in our rotation. The fabric blend is excellent, with a more breathable back fabric and a more durable front. Leg vents help you easily dump heat, and the big front hand pockets paired with front cargo pockets give you a lot of options for carrying trail needs on a backpacking trip or hike. We do wish there was at least one rear pocket, but the tradeoff is a super lightweight fabric that breathes incredibly well, a worthy option in the summer. Plus, we love that the cuffs are cinchable. As ever with Fjallraven, the fit is among the best with these pants—stylish but well articulated.

Fabric: Recycled PolyamideUPF Rating: 50Fit: StandardLeg Style: TaperedWeight: N/AAvailable In: Men’s

Pros: Simple, effective hiking pants, look goodCons: Doesn’t stand out in any category

Finisterre out of the UK has been dropping some of our favorite gear this year, and the Men’s Walker Pants are another standout. These are your classic hiking pants with a focus on sustainability: really durable recycled polyamide, built-in belt, nice deep front pockets with a zippered rear pocket. The Walker Pants would make a great everyday pair for serious hikers. The breathability wasn’t the best, but we think these do better for cooler and wetter weather, where the DWR and moisture-resistant fabric shine. The fit is great, and they even pack into a pocket, which is nice for a backpacking trip or an all-day hike when you need to shed or add a layer.

Fabric: 90% recycled nylon/10% spandexUPF Rating: 50Fit: StandardLeg Style: TaperedWeight: 8 oz.Available In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: UPF 50 rating, adjustable bungees at the cuffsCons: No ventilation options

We love Cotopaxi for its fun, bright colors and reliable gear, and the Cotopaxi Subo Pants are no exception. Although the colors are more muted than most of Cotopaxi’s gear, the pants come in six colors, making them easy to match with more colorful pieces on top. The Subo Pants have a UPF 50 rating and are treated with a durable water-repellent finish, which our tester greatly appreciated during intermittently sunny and rainy hikes near her home on Oahu.

The Subo pants have an elastic waist with a drawcord, which makes for a comfortable fit and easy adjustments. One of our favorite features of the Subo is the adjustable bungee at the cuffs for times when you don’t want your pants to snag. There are two pockets in the front as well as a zippered pocket in the rear. The Subo Pants are comfortable and flexible and work well for both hiking and rock climbing. The only thing missing is a ventilation option, but due to the lightweight, soft, and stretchy material, we found these hiking pants worked well for warm weather.

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Fabric: Fortius DW 2.0 88% nylon/12% elastane (bluesign approved)Fit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 12.5 oz.Available In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Incredibly lightweight, drawstring at the cuffsCons: No ventilation zippers

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are super comfortable and flexible, making them ideal for year-round hiking. The Gamma pants are wind and water-resistant, providing moderate insulation when you need it. There is an adjustable drawstring at the cuffs, which allows you to get a snug fit around the ankles.

The Gamma Pants have a mid-rise cut, meaning they hit around the belly button. Our tester didn’t find the higher cut to be as comfortable for hiking, but for climbing, she saw how these could work well with a harness. These hiking pants also have two zippered hand pockets as well as a strategically placed zippered thigh pocket that can be accessed even while wearing a climbing harness. Plus, our team found the standard version to be abrasion-resistant (crucial for climbing).

We also tested the quick dry version, which offers an even lighter (9.9 oz) composition with 92% nylon to give a bit more water repellency. The tradeoff here is a bit of a noisier fabric when hiking. Both hiking pants are highly recommended by our team.

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Fabric: 88% nylon/12% spandex 90-denier stretch double weave (bluesign approved)Fit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 13.6 oz.Available In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Built-in belt, zipper at the bottom of the legsCons: No ventilation zippers

There’s a lot to love about the Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants. The fabric on the Cirque Lite pants is lightweight and breathable but is also wind and water-resistant, so you’re prepared for whatever nature decides to throw your way. The waist features a snap button closure with a built-in belt for size adjustments, which we thought was super cool. The pants slim down a bit at the lower legs, but have zippers if you want a wider fit for getting them over boots. The hiking pants include three zippered pockets but unfortunately have no ventilation zippers.

While these pants were well-featured and comfortable, they couldn’t quite match the combination of specs and price of some of our top picks.

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Fabric: Toray Dot Air PrimeflexFit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 12 ozAvailable In: Men’s

Pros: Good breathability and stretchCons: Not very stylish, fit is slightly off

We were super excited to test the Path Projects Boreas Field Pant, as the brand is putting out some awesome gear in the hiking and running spaces. While the pants fell a little short in the style department, the performance was really solid, and if you like a roomy leg fit with lots of breathability, the Boreas will make a great option. We found the fit to be just a touch funky, which took away from how nice the material is. The Toray Dot Air Primeflex is super stretchy, with tiny aeration holes to allow heat to vent effectively. It worked great, and we can see the Boreas being an awesome summer hiking pant option. We hope the brand refines the fit in the seat and thigh a bit, as we felt this would help with climbing steep trails.

Fabric: 100% PolyesterFit: StandardLeg Style: StraightWeight: 12 oz.Available In: Men’s

Pros: Comes with a dedicated smartphone pocketCons: No ventilation

Kuhl’s Silencr pants make a great trail-to-town hiking option. Polyester has ups and downs when it’s the only fabric in a pair of pants; on the plus side, it is remarkably durable for the weight. Polyester also provides excellent sun protection. On the downside, these hiking pants are less breathable than competitors, and since there are no vents, they can get pretty hot. The Silencr makes a great high-elevation or fall-weather hiking pant when the sun is shining but the temperatures aren’t too high.

The slip-in, quick stash smartphone pockets may seem gimmicky, but once we started wearing these, the pocket became a welcome feature. As much as we’d like to say that phones don’t play a part in our 21st-century lives, we have to be real. So, to have quick access to trail maps and snapping photos, it’s nice to have a dedicated pocket just for that purpose.

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Fabric: Blue Ocean nylon (75% recycled), 5% spandexFit: SlimLeg Style: StraightWeight: Not specifiedAvailable In: Men’s

Pros: Stretchy fabric, commitment to sustainabilityCons: Fairly tight fit

LIVSN gets its name from the Swedish word Livsnjutare, which means “One who loves life deeply; an enjoyer of life”. While we shy away from marketing speak, we felt it was important to mention the guiding force behind the brand name. One thing is for certain: LIVSN seems to follow that ethos well with these pants. We tested them in all sorts of conditions, and they had just the right amount of stretch to be up to the test, whether it be climbing, hiking, bushwhacking, or trail running.

The Ecotrek‘s material is made up of 75% Blue Ocean nylon, a proprietary blend that comes from recycled fishing buoys in Taiwan, which is fairly close to where the pants are made. This is important if you feel a responsible supply chain is an important factor, which, as consumers, we all seem to be realizing that it is. Yet the pants still have to perform well, and we found the trail pants, while tight and thin, still held up well while being breathable and durable. If you like a more relaxed, baggy fit, these pants might not be for you, but if you want a more form-fitting pair of pants, we found these to be really stylish.

Fabric: 52% recycled polyester, 13% polyester, 35% organic cottonFit: StandardLeg Style: Long, Zip offWeight: 11.6 oz (Men’s M)Available In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Easily convertible to shortsCons: Pant legs can get lost

For those who have a hard time deciding between pants or shorts, the inner dialogue can come to an end with the best of both worlds. Many times convertible pants have a funky look to them, but Fjallraven’s Abisko Midsummer Zip-Off pants do a great job of hiding the zipper. While in hiking pants mode, the Abisko provides good sun protection while still feeling cool, thanks to a 35% organic cotton blend in the materials. But should it get too hot out or you just feel like rocking shorts for a while, the shorts mode looks and feels great without the zipper feeling bulky or in the way.

The only downside to these is the risk of losing a pant leg. We wish Fjallraven had provided a more clever way of keeping your pant legs secure. It might sound silly, but our testing team has lost a couple of convertible pant legs in their hiking days, and unless you want your pants rendered shorts forever, it’s worth keeping a close eye on them.

Fabric: 94 % Nylon (61% recycled), 6% ripstop spandexFit: RelaxedLeg Style: StraightWeight: 11.7 ozAvailable In: Men’s, Women’s

Pros: Comfortable, great price pointCons: No ventilation, seat area is fairly baggy

Backcountry’s house-label clothing has a reputation for quality without the markup. Their Wasatch pants are no different and come in a number of styles, but we were fans of their regular pants for their versatility and good looks. The hiking pants come with their own belt that comes undone with a simple click, giving you the same fit every time. The pants have a single cargo pocket on the side, but it’s not too big, more of a pocket for a small tube of sunscreen or lip balm than a trail map or phone. On the trail, we loved the simple and mobile design of these hiking pants.

We would have loved some ventilation zippers and maybe another pocket or two. But for more temperate climates and casual hikes, the Wasatch Ripstop Pant is comfortable and durable.

Hiking pants are a great option in long, sharp trail scrub. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Testing out some of the best hiking pants in the business. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia

In order to test out the best hiking pants, you guessed it, we hit the trails. In an effort to test a wide range of both men’s and women’s styles in different climates, this review was spearheaded by Steve Andrews, Sam Anderson, and Rebecca Parsons, both avid hikers and outdoors people. Our editors also contributed testing notes and impressions of hiking pants they have experience with.

Rebecca Parsons lives on Oahu in Hawaii, where it is consistently warm and humid, with frequent rain showers. Rebecca also regularly visits her parents in southern California which is slightly drier, with moderate temperatures year-round. Hiking in Hawaii, Rebecca tested many of the lighter and more breathable pants on our list.

Steve Andrews tested the pants in the coastal rainforest and craggy bluffs of the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, a place with thousands of miles of hiking trails. The humid climate lends itself well to testing the water repellency of these hiking pants. He carried a few essentials, such as a phone and a multitool, to see how the pants would feel with gear in the pockets. The steep trails provide perfect terrain to see how the pants stretch under duress, as well as how breathable they are after a long day on the trail.

The Ferrosi pants by Outdoor Research had enough flex for hiking movement, yet still looked good enough for city streets. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

As the name suggests, hiking pants are pants that are specifically designed for hiking. That means they are typically lightweight, quick-drying, have an assortment of pockets, and don’t have any extra bulk. Additionally, they often have some type of weather-resistant coating, such as Omni-Shield™ or durable water repellent (DWR), to help them perform well in rain or snow. Their purpose is to protect your legs and, depending on where you’re hiking, keep you warm.

A good pair of hiking pants should most definitely come with pockets. Whether you plan to use them for an easy-access place to stash your phone for photos, a place to store your bandana, or somewhere to warm your hands, pockets are a must. Many of the pants we tested had multiple pockets, some with zippers, some without, and some with both zippered and non-zippered pockets.

If you like to slip your hands into your pockets to warm them up, then you’ll want non-zippered pockets in the front. If you plan to store quick-access items in your pockets, then zippered is the move. Finally, if you plan on wearing your hiking pants for climbing, you’ll want a pocket or two situated lower on the leg so you can still access it while wearing a harness.

Zippered pockets are perfect for stashing essentials. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia

Ventilation zippers in hiking pants are a game changer. When you get hot while hiking, a ventilation zipper is an easy way to let in some air so you can cool off. Some hiking pants have zippers that run the entire length of the pants. Others have ventilation zippers in the thigh area and around the ankles. And some just have ventilation zippers in the thigh region. In our opinion, the more ventilation options the better. We appreciate ventilation zippers even in pants designed for cooler regions because you never know when you’re going to overheat. Plus, excessive sweating, especially when it’s cold out, is an easy way to ruin a hike.

Some of the ventilation zippers open directly to the skin, whereas others have small mesh panels beneath. We didn’t have a preference either way, but if you’re worried about debris getting in, you may prefer ones with mesh underneath the zipper.

Kuhl’s Silencr pants offer water repellency, durable materials, and a well-placed phone pocket for easy access. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

In addition to ventilation options, you’ll want your hiking pants themselves to be breathable. Even if you plan on hiking in a colder area, you’ll still be moving around a lot in your pants and will likely find yourself heating up. Look for a material that lets a little air escape so you don’t feel like you’re hiking in your own personal sauna.

Hiking pants “rise” refers to how high the pants sit on your waist. Through our testing, we found that most pants either had a standard-rise (hit below the belly button) or a mid-rise (hits in the middle of the belly button), but some even had a high-rise (hits above the belly button). This all comes down to personal preference, but it’s something to note if you have strong opinions one way or another. In general, go with a hiking pants rise that feels good for your normal pants.

Most of the pants on our list had some sort of adjustable ankle cuffs. The ankle cuffs refer to the bottom of the leg of the pants that rests over your ankle. Buttons, velcro, and drawstrings were all options we encountered. An adjustable ankle cuff can be helpful as it allows you to cinch the bottom of your pants tight to help prevent your pants from swishing around and to keep dust and debris out of your boots or shoes.

If the pants have a slimmer leg, an adjustable ankle can be helpful for fitting them over your boot. The only pants on our list that didn’t technically have adjustable ankle cuffs were the jogger-style pants, but they usually had elastic in the ankles, so there was still some wiggle room.

A good pair of hiking pants should have a weather-resistant coating. Photo: Kip Tousuell//The Inertia

Typically, hiking pants aren’t waterproof — those would be rain pants. Fully waterproof pants aren’t breathable and aren’t the best option for hiking unless you’re in constant rain. However, a good pair of hiking pants should be water-resistant and often feature some sort of weather-resistant coating that works to keep the pants relatively dry.

The most common coating found on hiking pants is a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that is applied to the outside of the pants. In our experience, pants with a DWR coating do a great job of keeping you dry unless you find yourself caught in a crazy downpour or are wearing them on river crossings. Another type of coating used to weatherproof pants is Omni-Shield.

While all hiking pants provide some level of sun protection, some are UPF rated. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Because they cover your legs, all hiking pants provide some level of UV protection. However, some hiking pants are specifically designed with sun protection in mind and have a UPF rating to show for it. We found that lighter pants designed for warmer weather typically came with a UPF rating, whereas pants designed for cooler regions did not. Note: Just because a UPF rating isn’t listed doesn’t mean that the pants don’t provide UV protection.

Hiking pants are a piece of clothing that gets put through the wringer. Depending on where you’re hiking, your pants will likely rub against brush, rocks, sticks, and more as you navigate the trail. As such, you’ll want pants that are durable and won’t easily tear.

Some hiking pants, like the Prana Stretch Zion, can be dressed up or down. Photo: Sam Anderson//The Inertia

Hiking pants come in multiple different cuts and styles, including bootcut, straight leg, jogger, and slim. There is no right or wrong choice, as everyone has a preference and each choice comes with pros and cons.

Bootcut hiking pants start fitted around the hips and thighs and then flare a bit from the knee to the ankle. The benefit of bootcut pants is that they easily fit over your boots, but the extra material can get in the way depending on how wide the cut is.

As the name suggests, straight-leg hiking pants have a straight cut from top to bottom. They typically still fit over boots, but it’s helpful if they have an adjustable ankle cuff in case it’s a tight fit.

Patagonia’s Quandary pants are free-moving, comfortable, and sustainable. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Jogger-style hiking pants tend to be looser on top and then slim down toward the ankles. Jogger pants often have elastic cuffs or draw-cords to cinch them tight. These types of pants were the most common in hiking pants that doubled as climbing pants. Some testers found this style to be the most comfortable and thought they felt similar to sweatpants. It really depends on whether you want your pants to sit above your hiking boots or over them.

This isn’t a super popular cut for hiking pants, but we did test slim hiking pants in some women’s styles. Slim-fit hiking pants taper down at the bottom and often sit above your hiking boots or shoes.

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Editor’s Note: Check out our guide to the Best Women’s Hiking Pants. Or click here for more gear reviews from The Inertia.