Finding the right trail pants can make or break your hiking experience. Whether you’re facing scorching desert heat, mountain winds, or unexpected downpours, your legs need proper protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility. The perfect pair should move with you on steep climbs, dry quickly after stream crossings, and stand up to rocky terrain and thorny bushes.
1. Outdoor Research Ferrosi — Best Overall
Striking the perfect balance between protection and breathability, these pants earn their reputation as the gold standard for three-season hiking. The lightweight nylon-elastane blend moves like a second skin while shrugging off wind and light moisture. At $99, they deliver exceptional value with their airy construction that prevents overheating on steep climbs. The stretchy fabric handles scrambling and high steps without restriction. However, the lack of a built-in belt means you’ll need to pack your own. Despite this minor drawback, their versatility from day hikes to light backpacking trips keeps them at the top of gear lists year after year.
2. REI Co-op Trailmade — Best Budget
Proving that quality doesn’t always require a hefty price tag, these $70 pants punch well above their weight class. The quick-drying fabric handles sweat and stream splashes with ease, while the breathable construction keeps you comfortable during summer adventures. REI’s inclusive sizing makes them accessible to more hikers than many premium options. The wallet-friendly price point makes them perfect for beginners testing the waters of trail hiking. While the thinner fabric won’t match the durability of expensive alternatives, they excel for warm-weather hiking and travel where weight and packability matter more than bulletproof construction.
3. KÜHL Renegade Convertible — Best Zip-Off Convertible
When mountain weather plays games with your plans, these convertible pants adapt faster than you can check the forecast. The zip-off legs transform full pants into shorts in seconds, handling temperature swings from chilly dawn starts to blazing afternoon sun. Built tough with reinforced fabric and loaded with pockets for trail essentials, they’re designed for serious adventurers. The $139 price reflects their versatility and durability. The trade-off comes in extra weight and a baggier fit compared to streamlined summer pants. But for shoulder-season hiking where conditions change hourly, nothing beats the convenience of two pants in one package.
4. Arc’teryx Gamma — Best Softshell for Alpine & Shoulder Seasons
Built for mountain athletes who demand performance in harsh conditions, these softshell pants laugh at wind and shrug off light precipitation. The stretch fabric moves with your body during technical scrambles while the built-in belt keeps everything secure. Multiple testers praise their durability through seasons of alpine punishment. The $200 price reflects Arc’teryx’s uncompromising approach to mountain gear construction. Summer hikers should look elsewhere, as the weather-resistant fabric runs warm in hot conditions. But for Rockies, Sierra, or Cascades adventures where conditions turn nasty without warning, they’re worth every penny for serious mountain travelers.
5. REI Co-op Rainier (Full-Zip) — Best Packable Rain Over-Pant
Storm clouds don’t wait for convenient timing, which makes these packable rain pants essential emergency gear. The 2.5-layer waterproof construction with full side zips slides quickly over your regular hiking pants when weather turns ugly. At $100, they’re designed as a protective shell rather than all-day comfort wear. The full-length zippers make them easy to pull on over boots without removing your pack. Don’t expect breathability for extended hiking – they’re meant for weather protection, not primary hiking pants. But stuffed in your pack for spring and fall trips, they’re insurance against getting soaked when storms roll in unexpectedly.
6. prAna Stretch Zion II (men) / Halle II (women) — Trail-to-Town Versatility
Some pants work for hiking but look out of place at dinner afterwards – these aren’t those pants. The recycled fabric construction delivers trail performance with styling that transitions seamlessly from trailhead to restaurant. Thoughtful features like roll-up snaps and waist adjusters show prAna’s attention to real-world use. The $95-99 price reflects their versatility as a one-pant travel solution. The thicker, more structured fabric trades some breathability for durability and style. If you’re packing light for trips mixing outdoor adventure with urban exploration, these pants eliminate the need for separate hiking and casual wear in your luggage.
7. Patagonia Quandary — Lightweight & Sustainable Pick
Gear that performs well and helps the planet? Patagonia delivers both with these recycled nylon pants that pack down smaller than most fleece jackets. The NetPlus fabric made from recycled fishing nets gives ocean waste new life. PFAS-free DWR coating provides weather resistance without harmful chemicals. The lightweight construction and quick-drying performance make them ideal for fast-and-light adventures. At around $99, they’re competitively priced for premium sustainable gear. While they won’t match the stretch and durability of heavier softshells, they’re perfect for environmentally conscious hikers who prioritize packability and summer comfort over maximum weather protection.
8. Fjällräven Keb Trousers — Best for Rugged, Cool-Weather Trekking
Swedish engineering meets backcountry durability in these iconic trekking pants that laugh at thorns, rocks, and rough terrain. The G-1000 reinforcement patches and built-in gaiter features show they’re designed for serious wilderness travel. At $240, they’re an investment in long-term performance. Hikers logging hundreds of miles praise their weather resistance when waxed and exceptional durability through seasons of abuse. The heavy construction runs warm for summer hiking, and they’re not fully waterproof despite their weather resistance. But for bushwhacking, high-mileage trekking in cooler climates, or European hiking where durability trumps weight savings, they’re legendary for good reason.
9. REI Co-op Activator — Value Softshell for Windy/Shoulder Seasons
Wind can turn a pleasant hike into a miserable slog, but these softshell pants create a comfortable microclimate around your legs. The stretchy fabric blocks gusts while maintaining mobility for challenging terrain. At $100, they offer softshell performance without the premium price of high-end brands. The durable construction handles regular use better than ultralight alternatives. Like other softshells, they run warm in midsummer heat where breathable nylon pants would be more comfortable. But for blustery spring and fall conditions, or long shoulder-season adventures where temperatures fluctuate, they provide excellent wind protection at a reasonable price point for budget-conscious hikers.
10. Columbia Silver Ridge (and Convertible) — Best Hot-Weather Budget Option
Sometimes simple solutions work best, and these straightforward pants prove that point in desert heat and humid summers. The breathable fabric keeps air moving while the convertible versions adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. At around $60 MSRP, they’re accessible to new hikers testing their interest in trail adventures. The wide availability in big-box stores makes them easy to try on for proper fit. The basic construction lacks premium features found in expensive alternatives, but for entry-level hikers or casual trail walking in hot weather, they deliver solid performance. Their budget-friendly price makes them perfect for families outfitting multiple hikers without breaking the bank.
11. Baleaf Lightweight Hiking Pants — Best Under $40 (Inclusive Sizing)
Proving that hiking gear doesn’t require premium prices, these pants regularly sell for $30-39 on Amazon while offering impressive performance for casual adventures. The inclusive sizing from XS to 3XL in multiple length options opens trails to more body types. Quick-dry fabric and zip pockets handle basic hiking needs effectively. The extended sizing in regular, petite, and tall options addresses fit issues often overlooked by premium brands. Quality control can vary between production runs, and durability won’t match expensive alternatives. However, for budget-conscious hikers, travel pants, or trying hiking without major investment, they offer remarkable value and accessibility that makes outdoor adventure possible for everyone.
