Hitting the Trail? Shop These 20 Hiking Pants First

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If you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you know that no matter how well-worn they are, a regular pair of pants doesn't always cut it. Enter: specialized hiking pants. Sometimes you'll need hiking pants that are snag-proof, other times you may want to convert them into shorts, and maybe you even wish you had ones with UV protection woven right into the fabric. The good news is, the pants that check off all of these boxes are only a click away. When you have the right pair of hiking pants, there isn't a trail you can't conquer, so look no further than this roundup to find your best fit.

01
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers
rei.com

Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers

No matter how extreme your hike, Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers ($155) can handle it. These pants are made with reinforced G-1000 Original fabric, can be waxed for added protection from the elements, and contain extra space in the knees to accommodate knee pads.

02
Marmot Kluane Hybrid Tights
marmot.com

Marmot Kluane Hybrid Tights

Yoga pants are a wardrobe staple if you have an active lifestyle, but let's be honest, for hiking they don't always perform the best. These Marmot Kluane Hybrid Tights ($50) however, seem to be the exception. They're as stretchy as your favorite pair of yoga pants, but they're also abrasion resistant, water-repellant, and they provide UPF 50 coverage.

03
Drifted High Waisted Hiking Pants
drifted.co

Drifted High Waisted Hiking Pants

When it comes to hiking pants, functionality typically takes precedence over style, but these Drifted High Waisted Hiking Pants ($128) are the best of both worlds. Available in black or green, these pants are durable enough for serious hikes, but feature stylish design elements like a high waistline, lace-up leg, and an overall flattering fit.

04
NORTHYARD Women's Hiking Cargo Pants
amazon.com

NORTHYARD Women's Hiking Cargo Pants

There's nothing worse than having to constantly readjust your pants while you're on a hike. Fortunately these NORTHYARD Women's Hiking Cargo Pants ($32) have both a built-in belt and a drawstring closure, so you can customize the fit to your liking.

05
Athleta Trekkie Convertible Hike Pants
athleta.gap.com

Athleta Trekkie Convertible Hike Pants

With a pair of Athleta Trekkie Convertible Hike Pants ($140), you won't have to decide between pants, capris, or shorts for your next hike. The pant legs can zip off above and below the knee, keeping you prepared for any adventure.

06
KÜHL Freeflex™ Roll-Up Pants
kuhl.com

KÜHL Freeflex™ Roll-Up Pants

If you want the versatility of convertible hiking pants but don't want to carry around the extra attachment when you unzip it, KÜHL Freeflex™ Roll-Up Pants ($89) are your best option. The hems can be neatly cuffed and snapped, so you can go from full-length pants to capris with ease.

07
North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants
thenorthface.com

North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants

There are plenty of waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry through waterfall hikes or inclement weather, but a good pair of waterproof pants is a must, too. These North Face Venture 2 Half Zip Pants ($80) are waterproofed and "seam-sealed" with DryVent™ technology and are adjustable around the ankles for added protection against puddles or splashes.

08
Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants
patagonia.com

Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants

These Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants ($55) are a must for multiday hikes. The polyester-blend fabric is coated with fluorinated DWR (durable water repellent) material and contains odor-control additives, allowing you to stay fresh from the beginning to the end of your hike, even if you get sweaty.

09
BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Hiking Pants
amazon.com

BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Hiking Pants

Pants built for subzero temperatures can often be bulky and hard to move around in, but that won't be an issue with BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Hiking Pants ($37). Not only do they keep you warm and dry, they're also slim-fitting with an adjustable waistband and eight percent spandex, allowing you to hike and climb freely.

10
REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants
rei.com

REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants

Perfect for hikes that involve any bouldering or climbing, these REI Co-op Savanna Trails Pants ($55) have double the padding around the knees to protect against scratches and scrapes.

11
Eddie Bauer ClimaTrail Pants
eddiebauer.com

Eddie Bauer ClimaTrail Pants

Hike all season long with these Eddie Bauer ClimaTrail Pants ($90). They're equipped with UPF 50 for warmer temperatures, StormRepel® technology for rainy weather, and are the perfect weight for layering in the winter.

12
Columbia Saturday Trail™ Stretch Pants
columbia.com

Columbia Saturday Trail™ Stretch Pants

Taking in the sun is great, but those harmful UV rays — not so much. That's where Columbia Saturday Trail™ Stretch ($60) have you covered. Enjoy the sunshine to its fullest because these pants are made with both Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency and Omni-Shade™ UPF 50.

13
Arc'teryx Gamma Mx Pants
arcteryx.com

Arc'teryx Gamma Mx Pants

If you're an avid hiker, these Arc'teryx Gamma Mx Pants ($299) are a worthwhile investment. They're designed specifically for anyone accustomed to hiking a wide range of terrains and conditions. The high quality Fortius™ 2.0 fabric is the ideal balance of warmth and weight, and they're made to last for years to come.

14
L.L. Bean Vista Camp Pants
llbean.com

L.L. Bean Vista Camp Pants

For adventures that don't require as much coverage around the calves, a lightweight pair of hiking pants is all you need. With a cropped fit and sturdy abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric, these L.L. Bean Vista Camp Pants ($60-$70) are an ideal option for laid-back hikes.

15
BGOWATU Hiking Cargo Pants
amazon.com

BGOWATU Hiking Cargo Pants

Having the right gear is important for any outdoor activity, but if you're more of a casual hiker, you may want to consider a pair of BGOWATU Hiking Cargo Pants ($22). They're constructed with high quality, quick-dry, UPF 50 fabric, but they're also affordably priced for beginner hikers.

16
Libin Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants
amazon.com

Libin Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants

While you can easily put your hiking essentials in a backpack, with these Libin Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants ($32), you may not need to. The pants feature five deep, roomy pockets for all your odds and ends.

17
Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Pants
dickssportinggoods.com

Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Pants

For those chilly early morning hikes, a pair of Mountain Hardwear Polartec High Loft Pants ($150) will keep you just the right amount of warm while you brave the elements. These pants are lined with fleece, and they're stretchy around the waist, knees, and cuffs, too, for added comfort.

18
Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV Trail Pants
nike.com

Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV Trail Pants

"Leave no trace" may be an important reminder for hikers to respect the environment, but for Nike it also means manufacturing clothes that are sustainable — hiking pants included. Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV Trail Pants ($140) are made with recycled fabrics that produce 30 percent less carbon emissions, as part of the brand's commitment to reduce their climate footprint.

19
Adidas Terrex Liteflex Hiking Pants
adidas.com

Adidas Terrex Liteflex Hiking Pants

Hiking the rim of the Grand Canyon or trekking through Yosemite? If so, you'll definitely want a pair of Adidas Terrex Liteflex Hiking Pants ($64). With ultra stretchy fabric and a grippy wide elastic waistband, these pants are designed to keep you comfortable through even the most challenging long distance hikes.

20
TBMPOY Women's Hiking Cargo Pants
amazon.com

TBMPOY Women's Hiking Cargo Pants

It's hard to enjoy your hike when your legs start to overheat, and these TBMPOY Women's Hiking Cargo Pants ($30) are just the solution, thanks to four-way stretch fabric that's both breathable and moisture-wicking.