Kuhl clothing has distinctive styling in general, but its the durable fabric and well-sorted zip-off design that won the Renegade Convertibles a spot on this list. And while we do appreciate the flexibility a convertible pant brings, in use, its still not for everyone. The Co-ops biggest seller is the Sahara, which is an attractively priced convertible pant at $80 but has its fair share of shortcomings, which is why its included so far down this list. A nice, low-profile mesh pocket along the outer hem is both great for storage and can be unzipped to release hot air while hiking. And as a result, we often prefer to keep our hiking pants on rather than swapping out for a rain pant (like the Marmot PreCip Eco) even in a rain shower. And in designing a pant that has to accommodate the additional pinch points the zippers create, youll often get a baggier fit. As with an articulated knee design, the extra fabric improves range of motion and general fit and comfort. If youre the type that likes to carry a number of gadgets in your pockets or will be using the pants for travel, the Renegade offers a ton of storage options. and Arcteryx Gamma Quick Dry (9.9 oz.) Keep in mind, throwing on a pair of baselayers underneath can make many three-season pants very agreeable in the wintertime as well. Depending on the season in which you will be hitting the trails, thickness and breathability matter as well. Keep in mind that the Cirque II is a specialty pant. This budget softshell won us over with its excellent fit and stretch. Importantly, they retained a lot of what made the pant popular in the first place: Theres plenty of stretch in the construction, the built-in belt is helpful for dialing in fit, and you get ample pockets for hiking and travel. Both the Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry and OR Ferrosi have surprising levels of durability despite their lighter feel. Additionally, the thin fabric and basic pocket layout make the Ferrosi less appealing than alternatives like the prAna Stretch Zion II below for everyday wear and travel. Materials: 95% nylon, 5% spandexWeight: 1 lb. Past versions were on the normal to baggy end of the spectrum, but REI went in the other direction here with a regular fit and a flared bottom (making it prone to swishing on the trail). In addition, the updated model has limited storage, and long-time users of the prior generation Paramounts will particularly bemoan the loss of the cargo pockets. For $5 to $10 less than the competition, the Marmot has a full suite of features like articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and a hand-sized zippered closure along the right pant leg. For most three-season backpacking trips, you can spend significantly less and be just as pleased with the performance. As with the Liberator, the Renegades convertible design is among the best. One standout in our group is the Kuhl Renegade Convertible. For hiking, the double-weave stretch fabric allows for much better range of movement and breathability than you get with a rain pant or hardshell. How thick the material is will play a big role in a hiking pants best uses. A more minimalist alternative is a pant with a drawstring closure along the inside of the waistband (Patagonias Quandary and ORs Ferrosi have this), although weve found them to be less user-friendly (its hard to make quick adjustments) and functional overall than a belt-like design. We also found that the metal fastener on the integrated belt can cause some discomfort underneath the hipbelt of a pack, although this likely wont be a problem for everyone. Without intending to open a new can of worms, certain types of cold-weather hiking and bushwhacking beckons a more serious pant than the options above. Many trekking pants from technical brands like Arcteryx are heavy and almost shell-like in feel (like the Gamma LT above). But if the sizing is good for youit was spot-on for our testerand you like the security of zippered storage, the stretchy and comfortable Altvia has plenty of appeal.See the Men's Patagonia Altvia Trail. What are the shortcomings of the Columbia Silver Ridge? In many ways, the Quandary is a lighter and simpler alternative to the prAna Stretch Zion II above. The Ferrosi in particular is a very viable competitor with similar breathability and a little more stretchalthough it doesnt have a belt like the Gamma and is undeniably less premium-feelingand the Silver Ridge will cost you less than half as much. However, these pants are considerably more expensive than other lightweight options like the OR Ferrosi and budget Columbia Silver Ridge above. Its worth noting that the Ferrosi was recently updated, with highlights including a bump in sustainabilitythe fabric is now bluesign-approved and 46% recycledbut the winning formula has gone largely unchanged for years, which is a good thing. For casual hiking and even summer backpacking, the Columbia Silver Ridge is a great value in a hiking pant. This isnt a deal-breaker for us, however, and the Silencr still has a lot going for it in terms of versatility. And if you want a superlight and breathable option, a trail-running-specific short can do the trick (we've worn a range of styles from Salomon, Brooks, and REI). This may be overkill for those prefer to hike without being weighed down, but we appreciate the unobtrusive design nonetheless.See the Men's Kuhl Renegade Convertible. Outdoor Research, prAna, and Arc'teryx all have this concept down quite well, and REI and Columbia have recently changed the fit of a number of their pants to bring them in line with the competition. We count ourselves among the legions of Stretch Zion fansthe pant was our top-rated hiking design for yearsbut the new one looks and feels cheaper. Keep in mind that you probably wont want to wear the PreCip as your primary hiking pant for extended periods of time. The material has a cheap look and feel, and its surprisingly noisy on the trail (it reminded us in some ways of a ski pant). Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. One of the better designs on the market, the Kuhl Renegade is still a bit bulkier-feeling than a standard hiking pant, even with its low-profile zippers. The reasons for that are the same reason you dont often find yourself hiking in a fully waterproof jacket unless its actually raining: They just dont breathe as well. If youre planning on a full slate of summer hiking or want a pant that will last for years, the Arcteryx build quality is worth the extra cost. Its also among the lightest hiking pants on our list at 11.6 ounces, but managed to hold up well while hiking and scrambling in Utahs canyon country. The pant also has one of the more customizable fit systems with an elasticized waistband, both a button and snap closure, and a removable belt. Shorts are cheaper (typically about $10 to $20 less than a comparable pant), and offer better freedom of movement and ventilation. Materials: 50% nylon, 43% polyester, 7% spandexWeight: 1 lb. Last year, REI expanded the line to include the casual Sahara Path ($70), as well as the stretchier and more streamlined Sahara Guide ($90).See the Men's REI Sahara Convertible See the Women's REI Sahara Convertible. Its rare in 2022 to see hiking pants with cottonor any outdoor gear for that matterbut the Vidda Pro from Swedish company Fjallraven is a different breed. The fit of the Renegades is a little baggy for our tastes, but those that like a relaxed cut should find them perfectly suitable. We particularly like its low-profile styling that does a decent job of disguising the zippers. A recent addition to Patagonias hiking pant line, the Altvia Trail combines a durable yet stretchy build with a very functional storage layout. Hiking pants typically are made of a nylon blend, and most of the options here have at least a small amount of built-in stretch via elastane (spandex). In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. The downside of an integrated belt, particularly one that wraps all the way around your waist, is the extra bulk, which can potentially interfere with a backpacks hipbelt. Further, the fabric is among the thickest on this list, and we found it ran hot when backpacking in temperatures above about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These essentially are tougher and more weather-resistant pants that are ideal for alpine conditions, cooler weather, precipitation, and bushwhacking. are great options. Its always risky business updating a legendary line, but prAna dove in and gave their extremely popular Stretch Zion a full revamp for 2022. With a waterproof NanoPro Eco membrane and fully taped seams, these pants will keep you dry when the going gets tough unlike anything else on this list. In contrast to a traditional, straight-legged pant, the improved range of motion is immediately apparent. The Ferrosi takes our top hiking pants spot for 2022, but we do have a couple nitpicks with the design. The pant is water-resistant but not waterproof, meaning that it will eventually soak through in sustained downpour. Materials: 100% nylon, polyester mesh panelsBelt included: YesWhat we like: A great value and pockets galore.What we dont: Awkward fit and materials wont last forever. Despite good performance in hot weather at a value price, we have the Arch Rock midpack on our list because it isnt as versatile as the competition. Other favorites include the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Kuhl's durable Renegade. A higher percentage of elastane will result in a stretchier feel, which can be especially nice for those who tend to size their pants on the tight side. In addition to the standard two front and rear pockets, you get cargo pockets at both sides that have another set of compartment pockets inside for stowing valuables. A surprise inclusion on this list, the Columbia Royce Peak II offers great cool and even cold-weather performance at a very good price. The tapered leg design wont be for everyone, although we personally like it, especially when paired with low-top shoes. Of note: This article includes picks for both men and women, but weve also written a dedicated round-up on the best womens hiking pants. If and when they eventually soak through, drying time isnt too shabby either, reason enough for us to recommend sticking to hiking pants in all but the most extreme rainy days (and this is coming from a group of Seattleites). Enter the integrated belt. The various sizes means you should be able to find a spot for just about anything you decide to throw in. What are our concerns with the latest Sahara Convertible? First off, you dont get a built-in belt, and the drawstrings along the inside of the waistband are a less effective solution (theyre harder to quickly access and adjust if you need to tighten or loosen the fit). Additionally, the pant no longer includes an integrated belt, which is a feature that we really appreciate. The added give in the material also can be a real boon on the trail, and even more so when it comes to setting up a tent and moving around camp. For hiking in hot weather, the Marmot Arch Rock offers impressive temperature regulation at a decent price. We still dont love the Vidda Pro Ventilated for hikers and backpackers covering a lot of ground, but for off-trail jaunts (think fishing and hunting) or extra warmth and protection around camp, its an interesting option. The Gamma breathes extremely well with its TerraTex fabric (and dries fast too), has a good amount of stretch, and has our favorite fit on this list that isnt too baggy or too tight. But for fall, winter, and spring hiking in nasty or off-trail conditions, the Cirque can be your bomber hiking pant. The benefits are readily apparent: A 2-in-1 style means you dont have to pack extra clothing, and it's a quick process to increase leg ventilation. Theyve even incorporated elastic into the waistband to give it a jogger-like fit and feel. The softshell material is tough, comfortable, and resists the elements well including a DWR finish. As a result, roll-up pants are becoming more and more popular in both mens and womens styles. At $180, the Gamma LT is far and away the most expensive pant on our list. To start, the updated ReZion fabric lacks the supremely soft and comfy feel of the original. That said, we do appreciate a hiking pant that can double down for everyday use or be worn for travel. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. This pant offers an impressive mix of protection from the elements and mobility: Its water-resistant, breathable, and tough enough for off-trail adventuring that might tear some of the lighter weight pants to shreds (the face fabric of the Cirque II is a burly 90D). Starting with the stretch, this slim-fitting pant includes a healthy dose of spandex (14%) for excellent mobility and all-around comfort. Materials: 63% nylon, 26% polyester, 11% spandexWeight: 14.5 oz.Belt included: NoWhat we like: Incredibly versatile and super comfortable.What we dont: Not ideal for hot conditions. In the end, there are still a fair amount of positives with the updated model, but it has lost its status as our favorite hiking option.See the Men's prAna Stretch Zion II See the Women's prAna Halle II. The biggest concern with a softshell pant like the REI Activator is that it will run warm. For a hiking pant that can be worn every day and excels at travel (we brought ours to Patagonia), its a nice option.See the Men's Kuhl Silencr. Taken together, the Sahara certainly arent the worst hiking pants out there, but we prefer the convertible options from Columbia and Kuhl above. This pant is made from Fjallravens tough G-1000 material that is 35% cotton, which is heavier than most other options on this list, and we all know that it doesnt exactly shine in terms of water resistance (for waterproofing, Fjallraven recommends applying their environmentally friendly beeswax for added protection). Materials: 100% polyesterWeight: 14.4 oz.Belt included: NoWhat we like: Great crossover design for hiking and daily use.What we dont: None of the pockets have closures; does not come in a women's version. Billed as a lightweight hiking and travel pant, the Patagonia Quandary balances performance and casual needs. In general, the shorts versions have a similar fit, fabric blend, and pocket layout as their full-length counterparts. For this reason, weve added a technical softshell to this list: the Cirque II from Outdoor Research. With two large, drop-in style side pockets along with four standard pockets on the front and back, the storage options are plentiful, but none allow you to securely stow your electronics or wallet. So how good are hiking pants when the rain starts to fall? Materials: 100% nylonWeight: 15 oz.Belt included: YesWhat we like: Durable and includes a belt.What we dont: Lower-quality materials and build. A great pair of hiking pants offers comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In temperatures topping 80 degrees Fahrenheit, they kept us nearly as comfortable as the premium Arcteryx Gamma Quick Dry above. But the price is right, and the Arch Rock lines up really nicely for those looking for a highly breathable design.See the Men's Marmot Arch Rock. From our list, pants like the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo and Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry excel in hot temperatures with their thin, breathable fabrics. And for those who want zip-off capabilities, the pant also is also offered in a convertible variation for $5 more.See the Men's Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo See the Women's Silver Ridge 2.0. Trimming weight from their popular Terra pant, Montanes Terra Pack has a streamlined and feathery ultralight build. To help highlight differences in weight, we've included the numbers in both our product specs and comparison table. Our biggest gripe with the Kuhl Silencr pant is that none of the pockets have closures or even clips. Offered at a reasonable $55 and often available for considerably less on Amazon, these pants perform well with breathable and quick-drying fabrics (this also makes them popular among travelers). Most of the softshell-style pants like the Columbia Royce Peak, prAna Halle, and prAna Stretch Zion are tough enough that we had few concerns brushing up against and squeezing between rocks and brush on the trail. That said, due to this categorys noteworthy variation in styles, weve also created a unique round-up of the best womens hiking pants. In addition, it excels at temperature regulation: Weve found its tough enough to cut the wind and shed light rain but dries quickly and breathes when the thermometer starts to climb. And with zippers at the bottom of the cuffs and a small metal hook to secure to your laces, the lower legs of the pant can be tuned to fit over anything from low-profile trail runners to bulky hiking boots. Most hikers head straight for a lightweight nylon pant, which is the makeup of many of our choices above, but we can tell you firsthand that a burlier softshell is underrated. These pants have creative storage options with large zippered thigh and compartment-style pockets. We really liked the Screeline in years past, but that model has been discontinued (at least for the time being). But its hard to argue with the price or vast color and size options, which is why weve included the Silver Ridge here. But outside of these complaints, the Royce Peak works well for three-season (non-summer) outdoor use and is a good value. Many of the core models above are designed for three-season use, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, prAna Stretch Zion II, and Kuhl Renegade. Materials:Nylon w/stretchWeight: 8.4 oz.Belt included: YesWhat we like: Very light and packable.What we dont: Button fastener fell off early in our test. For something a little different, the sleek Silencr hits the sweet spot between performance and casual wear. The big benefit is you dont have to fuss with zippers, all thats required is a low-profile button and some tabs to secure the pant legs, and you get many of the ventilating benefits of a zip-off in a length. On paper, theres a whole lot to like about prAnas latest effort. In practice, weve taken it on hikes up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and have not experienced any overheating, which is a pleasant surprise. In addition, the zippers certainly arent the smoothest we tested, and the cheaper materials wont hold up as well as the more premium designs here. Its listed as being ideal for high-energy alpine climbing, mountaineering, and ice climbing, so its clearly built with alpine conditions in mind. Nowadays, there are a number of pants that hit that sweet spot for us, with an athletic fit that isnt overly tight. It just makes for a more comfortable wear. Heres the story: The REI Activator 3.0 feels thicker than a true summer pant and weighs a bit more than popular models like the OR Ferrosi or Columbia Silver Ridge, but you get more for it. Most hiking pants shed light rain pretty well, thanks to a durable water repellent coating (youll often see if listed as DWR), which makes the droplets bead up and roll off. Outside of that durability hiccup, we think the Terra Pack is a well-rounded yet impressively ultralight option.See the Montane Terra Pack. Further, Patagonia leads the charge in sustainable measures, and the Quandarys nylon is 65% recycled, and the fabric is bluesign-approved, which means the pants are sourced from and made with sustainable materials. Both are positive changes in our opinion and make the pant more versatile. This makes the Silver Ridge more prone to swishing on the trail, and we prefer a more tapered design for long days outside. Year after year, one of the best-selling hiking pants is The North Face Paramount Trail Convertible. The impressively low 8.4-ounce weight is largely due to the proprietary Vector Lite fabric, which we found breathes well and offers excellent stretch for scrambling and crouching to take photos (a plus while backpacking Perus Huayhuash Circuit). But we love shorts for day hikes on well-maintained trails. We've tested the full array of stylesin varied conditions from the heat of Utahs Canyonlands to the snow of A key piece of any gear closet is a go-to daypack. No hiking pant that youd want to bring along on a summer backpacking trip will be truly waterproof. With the ability to zip off and convert into shorts, convertible pants are a popular choice for year-round hikers and outdoor adventurers. If you have an allegiance to The North Face, give the Paramount Trail a look. The II utilizes an all-new fabrictheir more sustainable ReZion blendand sees a number of changes, including a new button closure and slightly different fit. All of the pants above are traditional hiking designs (or a softshell in the case of the Arcteryx Gamma LT), but we wanted to include at least one true rain pant. Additionally, the fit lands a little too far on the baggy end of the spectrum for our tastes, although thats mostly a matter of personal preference. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandexBelt included: NoWhat we like: Available in a wide range of sizes; easy-to-remove legs.What we dont: Strange fit and no integrated belt. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. Its what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether its a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. We also tried the Slim Pant version, which resolves the pant-leg issue, but the trim fit elsewhere will be polarizing for some. Its worth noting that weve included the Vidda Pro Ventilated version here. That said, the Altvia is still sufficiently trail-ready with a highly durable and abrasion-resistant exterior, DWR coating for shedding light moisture, and zippered closures on five pockets. Of note: The Ferrosi line has expanded recently and now includes a convertible option, cargo model with more pockets, and climbing-ready Crux Pant that features reinforced Cordura on the knees.See the Men's Outdoor Research Ferrosi See the Women's Outdoor Research Ferrosi. The thoughtful mix of materials and solid construction make the Renegade impressively toughours still look like new after extensive useand the generous amount of stretch is a nice upgrade from another popular (but since-discontinued) Kuhl hiking pant weve tested, the Liberator Convertible. In this article, youll find many of the same models here (names and colorways often differ) in addition to a variety of womens-specific hiking pants and trail-worthy leggings.Back to Our Top Hiking Pant Picks Back to Our Hiking Pant Comparison Table. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. All told, you can use this pant for three-season hiking and backpacking, and it also makes a good option for travel. Materials: 86% nylon, 14% spandexWeight: 10.7 oz.Belt included: NoWhat we like: Stretchy, breathable, and tough.What we dont: Doesnt come with a built-in belt; not as around-town-friendly as some. In terms of materials, many of todays top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy nylon for mobility and protection from wet and windy weather, and increasingly come with features like zip-off legs and articulated knees. Materials: 94% nylon, 6% elastaneWeight: 11.6 oz.Belt included: NoWhat we like: Lightweight and a good price.What we dont: We prefer the trimmer fit of the Ferrosi above. Articulated knees mimic a persons walking motion by creating a natural bend in the knee area of the pants. And thicker pants like the Arc'teryx Gamma LT, REI Co-op Activator 3.0, and Outdoor Research Cirque are great for the alpine, shoulder seasons, and even light winter use. And our Fjallraven Vidda Pros look so unique that we always jump on an opportunity to wear them. Read more about us. Our picks above were selected based on the experiences of both male and female testers, and youll notice that wherever available we link to both the mens and womens versions. REI Co-op has an interesting history with hiking pants and the lineup frequently changes. One of our favorites comes with the prAna Stretch Zion IIits low-profile, small adjuster is made out of webbing and resembles a shortened belt. We wouldnt bring the Activator on a true summer or desert hike in hot conditions, but its a nice three-season pant that can take you all the way down to near freezing. For one, the sheer number of zippers in the design has us concerned about its long-term durability (and weve unfortunately had a number of Patagonia zippers fail on us recently). Unlike other types of outdoor gear, for most hikers the exact weight of their pants isnt a top consideration (after all, you're not usually carrying them on your back). Hiking pants will typically offer a few of good storage options in the form of a cargo pocket or two. In addition, the standard model has a more pronounced flare at the bottom, which led to a lot of annoying pant-leg swishing. However, in testing the Paramount Trail, we were struck by the fact that these pants fall short in just about every measurable category. In the end, the Gammas value (or lack thereof) pushes it slightly down our rankings, but we still think its a fantastic all-around option.See the Men's Arc'teryx Gamma Quick Dry. On the flip side, the thickness of the G-1000 fabric allows you to move through brush and slide over rocks without worrying about tears. In particular, outdoor clothing brands like Kuhl and Patagonia (depending on the model) tend to cross over well as everyday pants. Materials: 95% nylon, 5% elastaneWeight: 13.5 oz.Belt included: YesWhat we like: Great organization, built-in belt, and sustainable construction.What we dont: ReZion fabric looks and feels cheaper than the original Stretch Zion. But hikers that hit the trail in the warm summer months are left with a difficult decision: Pants or shorts? The extra zippers can be a pain to use, and no matter the design, they add weight and bulk. Finally, the 31-inch inseam is a polarizing choice: Most pants either offer a standard 32-inch inseam or a 30-inch option, so this in-between length may not work for some folks. Simply put, the toughness and durability cant be beat. That said, for hitting the backcountry, its as good as it gets on the market currently. Now for the bad news: We think the latest Stretch Zion II is less competitive than the original. Finally, the belt loops are surprisingly small and reportedly only work with narrow designs. With an all-nylon shell and 50 UPF sun rating, zip-off legs, and an included belt for adjusting the fit, these pants do the job for most hikers who dont need a serious performance piece. The good news for those that want to pick up a pair of hiking shorts is that many of our favorite pants are offered in this style. The company always seems to pay attention to the small details, and the Quick Dry is no exception. Truly summer-specific pants like the Columbia Silver Ridge are more tear-prone and should be restricted to more casual hiking and backpacking. Outside of the potential qualms that some have about the look, zip-off pants are often not as practical as youd probably think.
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