Best Hiking Pants for the Camino de Santiago

Finding the perfect pair of hiking pants can be overwhelming, considering all of the specs and features one needs to compare.

After all, every hiker expects a lot from their outdoor clothing. I want my clothes to be weatherproof, durable, comfortable, as well as allow for freedom of movement. It doesn’t hurt if they are fashionable as well.

However, you don’t actually need to test a lot of different models in the snow, sun, or rain to find the best pants for you. Even though clothing is a really personal choice, my guide will help you pick out the best hiking pants for your next adventure.

Best Hiking Pants Review

PrAna Stretch Zion Pants

PrAna Stretch Zion Pants

Features:

  • Material: 97% Nylon / 3% Spandex
  • Weight: 13.6 oz
  • Water protection coating: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

The PrAna Stretch Zion Pants have a lot going for them from a comfort standpoint. Whether you are sitting or hiking, you won’t experience constriction or tightness in any area.

The super stretchy and soft nylon fabric featured in these pants made me realize they’re an excellent choice for climbing. At the same time, they look and feel like a normal pair of pants.

They’re a great fit for the average hiker; not too loose, not too tight. The roll-up pant legs came in pretty handy whenever I was wading through water. The Stretch Zion naturally ranks as one of the most versatile models, as it’s a “do everything” pant that does great on the trail as well.

There are five pockets in total, only two of which are mesh-lined, so they don’t fare that well in hot weather. But the ventilation holes in the gusseted crotch (somewhat) make up for the lack of mesh pockets.

The PrAna Stretch Zion Pants are a great choice for spring and fall hikes. And you can rest assured that they will keep your legs warm in colder climates.

PROS:

  • Perfectly functioning features
  • Very versatile
  • Comfortable fit and fabric

CONS:

  • Not much ventilation

Check Latest Price


Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants

Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pants

Features:

  • Material: 88% nylon / 12% spandex
  • Weight: 11.6 oz
  • Water protection coating: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

As far as water-resistant hiking pants go, the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants are among the best on the market. This pair of hiking pants is quite stretchable as well, as it includes a high proportion of spandex.

Moreover, I found the fabric quite resistant to tearing on branches and thorns. The tight fabric and the DWR coating provided me with superior wind and water protection. The pants bead rain consistently and exceptionally well.

The eyelets at the ankle are an excellent feature. I was able to create an almost perfect seal by running my laces through them. Also, considering their performance and features, the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants are a surprisingly light model.

The gusseted crotch and articulated knees add some extra room. There’s also an integrated belt. The blunted corner of the snap closure at the waist is a particularly nice touch – it won’t poke and rub your stomach as you walk.

Thanks to the neat elastic drawstrings, I was able to easily roll up and secure my legs. You won’t have to stop to pull the cords too often, as they will stay put securely (not all roll-ups do this so effectively).

The pants have an exceptionally wide right thigh pocket. The gauge mesh pockets are useful, but they lack breathability since the fabric is tightly woven. Not counting the price, ventilation is the weakest metric for the Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants.

PROS:

  • Great at blocking wind and water
  • Stylish
  • Very comfortable

CONS:

  • Pricey


Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Features:

  • Material: 86% nylon / 14% spandex / 90D stretch woven ripstop
  • Weight: 12.2 oz
  • Water protection coating: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

One of the best things about this model is its one-of-a-kind blend of quick-drying materials. It’s quite rare for such a synthetic fabric to be so breathable. At the same time, it gives you the sun protection you need on warmer days, thanks to its 50+ UPF rating.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants also felt very stretchy while I was testing them. The light, supple mobility of these pants is pretty much unmatched.

They are as comfortable as some of the most expensive hiking pants on the market, even though they cost just a fraction of the price. The material felt very smooth against my skin.

Like the Arc’Teryx model I described above, this one also has a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. If you clip a backpacking waist around the pants, the soft material inside the waistband will reduce abrasion and rubbing.

Whenever I wanted to cool down in the heat, I was able to pull up and secure my legs above the calves or knees. The convenient leg cinch cords makes the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants comparable to a convertible pair.

When it comes to summer hiking pants, this model may just be the best. The pants offer decent protection against water, but they are too thin to provide serious wind protection. If you are planning a winter hike, it’s best to look elsewhere.

If you are interested in these pants, check out my Outdoor Research vs the North Face comparison as well.

PROS:

  • Maximum mobility
  • Very comfortable
  • Airy fabric

CONS:

  • Not great in cool weather


Columbia Noble Falls Pants

Columbia Noble Falls Pants 

Features:

  • Material: 100% nylon ripstop
  • Weight: 10.8 oz
  • Water protection coating: No additional treatment

If you are looking for a good pair of men’s hiking pants, but don’t want to break the bank, the Columbia Noble Falls Pants may be perfect for you. These pants are low priced, but they get the job done more than well.

One could call them the more affordable version of the popular Kuhl Renegade convertible pants. Although they are not water-resistant like the Kuhl Renegade, they dry out fairly quickly. These are lightweight hiking pants, and sweat evaporates from the all-nylon fabric rapidly.

For an entry-level pair of pants, I found this model to be very well-made – durability won’t be an issue.

The Columbia Noble Falls Pants feature two cargo pockets on the sides. One cargo pocket is zippered, while the other is Velcro. There are also two-mesh lined pockets in the rear, and two in the front.

Along with the conversion zips, they are the most prominent venting features. The convertible pant legs zip off quickly and easily. Breathability alone makes them worth the purchase.

I found that the 100% nylon material isn’t as stretchable as a nylon-spandex blend, but the material felt smooth and soft against my skin. Still, you can get a little more stretch beyond the advertised size, thanks to the two small sections of elastic on the waist.

If your waistline shrinks on a longer adventure, the belt also allows for a decent amount of adjustability. They won’t keep you warm enough when the temperature drops, but they are perfect for hot and dry climates.

PROS:

  • Inexpensive
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable

CONS:

  • Not water-resistant

Check Latest Price


Royal Robbins Alpine Road Pants

Royal Robbins Alpine Road Pants

Features:

  • Material: 66% nylon / 31% polyester / 3% spandex
  • Weight: 13.8 oz
  • Water protection coating: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

Even though they’re made for hiking, the Royal Robbins Alpine Road Pants sport a unique formal look. If you plan on going to the trailhead straight from your office, these are an ideal choice. Their adaptability and durability make them well worth the investment.

The versatility and weather resistance of this model is solid, even though it may not look like it at first glance. Compared to the average hiking pant, I found this model is a bit stiff, although it still performed admirably.

To help with mobility, the pants come with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch. The Alpine Road pants are less susceptible to stretching out. If you are on the trail for a few days, you won’t have to worry whether they’ll start to loosen up and slide down.

The thickness of the fabric makes them a solid option for nasty weather, even though I found them to be best-suited for cool-weather hiking. I never had to bring my gaiters – the pants come with adjustable ankle cords.

Even though these pants are tightly woven, the breathability is decent. They offer some venting options, mostly in the form of mesh-lined pockets, as well as sun protection.

This model doesn’t come with many features, but the ones it has are well-executed. I was able to easily open the horizontal zipper pocket with one hand, and I also found the handwarmer pockets to be deeper than average.

When it comes to backcountry versatility, hardly any other model can beat the Alpine Road pants.

PROS:

  • Cinch cords
  • Fashionable
  • Durable

CONS:

  • Could have more zippered pockets

Check Latest Price


 Marmot Arch Rock Pants

Marmot Arch Rock Pants

Features:

  • Material: 6% elastane / 94% nylon
  • Weight: 9 oz
  • Water protection coating: No additional treatment

The Marmot Arch Rock Pants are my new go-to hiking pants for warm weather adventures.

Weighing just 9 ounces, these nylon-blend pants excel at temperature regulation in 80+ degree heat while keeping me as comfortable as premium hiking pants. Costing quite a bit less than its rivals, the Arch Rock stands out for its impressive value.

During testing in hot weather, the articulated knees and gusseted crotch allowed full range of motion while scrambling over rocks.

The pants feature UPF 50 sun protection, a lightweight and quick-drying fabric, an elastic waistband with adjustable belt, and a convenient zippered pocket to secure small items. The PFC-free DWR coating also proved effective at repelling water during storms.

While not as versatile for three-season use compared to pricier options, the Marmot Arch Rock Pants are purpose-built for warm weather hiking and climbing.

The fit runs slightly large and baggy for my preferences, though the roomier cut allows good airflow on sweltering days.

For those who fall between sizes, getting an ideal fit could be tricky.

PROS:

  • Excellent temperature regulation and breathability
  • Durable yet lightweight nylon-blend fabric
  • Articulated knees and gusseted crotch allow freedom of movement

CONS:

  • Slightly baggy fit isn’t ideal for year-round use


Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Trousers

Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Trousers

Features:

  • Material: 100% polyester (Fjallraven’s G-1000 Air Stretch fabric)
  • Weight: 10.5 oz
  • Water protection coating: Wax

The Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Trousers are unlike any other model on this list. Yet, they tick all the boxes – they are durable, breathable, and flexible where you I needed them to be.

I found the amount of stretch that these pants offer to be particularly impressive. The inseam crotch gusset allowed me to scramble up the mountain without feeling restricted.

Unlike most hiking pants, this model isn’t made from nylon. Instead, it’s made from quick-drying polyester. They don’t have a DWR finish, but the wax coaching offers superior weather protection. It did a great job of keeping dewy brush from saturating through.

The fantastic attention to detail exemplifies Fjallraven’s signature Scandinavian design. There is a well-placed pocket at each thigh – one is a slim cargo pocket while the other is a classic zippered thigh pocket.

Whenever I wanted to increase ventilation, I was able to simply unzip the 10-inch thigh zippers and the two mesh hand pockets in the front. You can also pull the cuff over the calves and secure them with the drawstring.

You’ll probably need to consult the size chart because the Abisko Midsummer Outdoor Trousers come in European sizes. But Fjallraven will hem them for free and give you a fully tailored fit if you buy them at one of their brick-and-mortar stores.

The Abisko Midsummer Outdoor trousers are one of the more expensive models on the list, but the aesthetics and the quality make them a worthy investment.

PROS:

  • Highly mobile
  • Versatile
  • Reinforced wear areas

CONS:

  • Pricey

Check Latest Price


The North Face Paramount Active Pants

The North Face Paramount Active Pants

Features:

  • Material: 90% polyester/10% spandex
  • Weight: 10.8 oz
  • Water protection coating: No additional treatment

The North Face Paramount Active Pants is a versatile product that pulls double duty from the trails to the town.

Despite the slim fit, these hiking pants moved with me thanks to the 90% polyester/10% spandex blend. The stretchy elastic waist and interior drawstring allow for genuine flexibility – always a big plus in my book.

Though not waterproof, the lightweight and breathable fabric still helped me stay cooler during high-output activities.

During testing, the gusseted crotch of the North Face Paramount Active Pants prevented chafing even when I was scrambling over rough terrain. While high-stepping did feel slightly constricting in the slim cut, I could easily roll up the legs when needing to vent heat on spring hikes.

The asymmetrical hand pockets take some getting used to, and items can slip out of the thigh zipper at times.

But the casually stylish look makes up for those small shortcomings, allowing you to transition seamlessly from the trail to dinner with friends.

PROS:

  • Stretchy and lightweight for mobility
  • Gusseted crotch prevents chafing
  • Accommodating elastic waist with interior drawstring

CONS:

  • Takes on water faster than competitor pants


Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers

Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers

Features:

  • Material: 65% polyester / 35% cotton
  • Weight: 8 oz
  • Water protection coating: Wax

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers stand out as one of the most unique hiking pants I tested.

Constructed with G-1000 fabric (65% polyester/35% cotton), these trousers embrace an old-school wax impregnation technique to repel water. Requiring an additional wax block purchase, the pants allow you to customize performance and increase durability over time.

During testing, the roomy design provided non-constricting mobility while I was scrambling over difficult terrain. The triple cargo pockets and axe sleeve offered ample organizational options for hauling my essentials into the backcountry.

However, the thick and heavy fabric of the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers trapped heat quickly compared to competitors. Few ventilation features only compounded breathability issues that made them uncomfortable in warm weather.

The cotton blend also absorbed more water initially than I expected. However, I was able to improve the resistance by applying some extra wax.

While washing removes wax treatments, the trade-off is infinitely customizable waterproofing and enhanced toughness.

PROS:

  • Thick and durable G-1000 fabric
  • Tons of pockets for storage
  • Unique customizable waterproofing technique

CONS:

  • Hot and heavy for warm weather use


PrAna Brion Pants

PrAna Brion Pants

Features:

  • Material: 97% nylon / 13% spandex
  • Weight: 12 oz
  • Water protection coating: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

The PrAna Brion Pants are great for hikers who like to keep things simple. This model excels as a casual, everyday pair on top of being a very functional hiking pant. The fabric provided me with full mobility and felt great against my skin.

Due to the hefty and warm fabric, these pants may not be the best choice for hot weather. But they are great for a wide variety of activities. These include climbing, paddling, hiking, camping, and working outside. The gusseted inseam adds to the flexibility.

Thanks to the DWR treatment, the fabric repels light precipitation before it gets a chance to soak into the material. The pair wasn’t able to protect me in a true thunderstorm, but it still offered solid water repellency. The Brion pants also have a UPF 50+ rating, so you can rely on them for sun protection.

Keep in mind that these pants sport a minimalist design, so they don’t come with any of the features found on most comparable models. Nevertheless, they still provide plenty of great value for the right wearer.

If you are looking for pants that transition seamlessly from trail to town, PrAna Brion Pants are an excellent choice.

PROS:

  • Affordable
  • Very comfortable
  • Stylish

CONS:

  • Too hot in warm weather

Check Latest Price


Best Hiking Pants Buying Guide

Close up of hiking pants

Do You Really Need Hiking Pants?

The short answer is: yes, you do. The best hiking pants are made of fabrics (mostly nylon and spandex blends) that are designed to keep you dry as you sweat more. If you wear plain cotton pants on a trail, you will get drenched in sweat in no time. Cotton absorbs sweat like a sponge and traps air near your skin. When the air pockets in the fabric fill up with water, cotton ceases to insulate. As it gets saturated with water, it gets heavier.

Whenever I wore plain cotton pants on a summer hike, I felt uncomfortably hot and clammy. And when it comes to winter hikes, cotton pants can literally kill you. Since cotton conducts heat away from your body and leaves you drenched in sweat, it’s a recipe for hypothermia in freezing or even marginal weather.

The synthetic fabric of hiking pants will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Wearing a good pair of wool pants is slightly better than wearing cotton pants, but wool still doesn’t wick moisture as well as synthetic fabrics. Nylon spandex blends also tend to be more abrasion resistant than natural fabrics. To learn more about hiking pants fabrics, I recommend checking out my post on the best softshell pants.

Is It Better to Hike in Pants or Shorts?

Compared to shorts, hiking pants offer a lot more protection from harmful plants, bugs, as well as the elements. They also offer better sun protection in the summer. Pants are a better choice if you are hiking in an area full of ticks or pests, or if the weather on the trail can change quickly.

However, hiking pants are heavier than hiking shorts, and they can make it difficult to regulate your body temperature in hot weather. They can also make it harder to climb over blow-downs or rock scrambles.

Thankfully, the best hiking pants address these problems. There’s also a third option: leggings. Check out my reviews of the best hiking leggings.

Pant Length: Full-Length, Convertible Pants and Roll-Up Pants

Man wearing hiking pants

Convertible Hiking Pants

When things get hot, roll-up pants and convertible pants give you more control over your body temperature. Convertible hiking pants best suit year-round outdoor adventurers and hikers simply because they are pants and shorts at the same time.

A convertible pair of pants allows me to zip off the lower part of my legs. That’s why I prefer to call them zip off pants.

The 2-in-1 style means that you can increase leg ventilation in a jiffy. You also don’t have to pack extra clothing. So that the convertible pant legs can come off easily, they typically have a very relaxed fit, something I always really liked about them.

While some hikers appreciate the flexibility convertible pants offer, others often complain that they are too baggy. If you prefer slim fit pants, convertibles may not be the best option for you.

Roll-Up Hiking Pants

Roll-up pants transition easily from town to trail. They allow you to quickly change the length of the pants. Roll-ups tend to have a more flattering fit than convertible pants. A typical pair of roll-ups comes with some tabs and a button that allow you to secure the pant legs. Other models use drawcords.

The average pair of roll-up hiking pants allows you to roll up the legs from full length to ¾ length, but you still get many of the benefits of a zip-off. One drawback of roll-ups is that the legs can feel a bit uncomfortable when rolled because of the extra fabric.

Full-Length Pants

While you can’t adjust the pant length on regular hiking pants so easily, high-quality full-length pants often come with mesh pockets and zippered vents to increase airflow.

Water Resistance

There really is no such thing as truly waterproof hiking pants. But, most high-quality hiking pants have a DWR finish that makes them water-resistant.

Durable water repellent (DWR) coating causes the water to bead and rolls off the fabric while maintaining breathability. It is used to treat almost all rainwear, and the quality of the coating can vary.

However, all types of durable water repellent coatings wash out over time. To ensure your pants will offer weather protection through their entire lifespan, you can use sprays, such as Nikwax TX Direct to restore their DWR coating.

Some high-quality hiking pants, like Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Trousers, steer clear of DWR, but still offer water resistance. For instance, the aforementioned model uses wax instead of DWR.

Style/Fit

  • Relaxed Fit – If you prioritize comfort, the best hiking pants for you are the ones that have a relaxed fit. The relaxed fit gives you a little more wiggle room and makes it easier to move around. Relaxed fit pants are great for hot weather because they tend to stay cool throughout the day. They are usually heavier due to the extra fabric.
  • Straight Leg/ Slim Fit – If you are looking for a pair of hiking pants that you can also comfortably wear around town, slim fit pants are the way to go. Slim fit hiking pants have some stretch to allow for freedom of movement, even though they usually look like everyday pants. They also tend to be more lightweight than other styles of pants.
  • Articulated Knees and Gussets – Some pants have special seams sewn in the knee area of each pant leg. Knee articulation always made it easier for me to move around in the pants. When you take a big step up, the fabric doesn’t pull on you. Similarly, hiking pants can have a gusseted crotch. The gusset increases the overall range of motion and durability by taking the stress off the seams.
  • Integrated Belt – Hikers who are in-between sizes tend to love integrated belts. An integrated belt allows you to dial in the fit. It comes in handy on long-distance adventures, such as the Camino, where hikers tend to lose a lot of weight along the way. However, an integrated belt adds extra bulk.

Weight and Thickness

On average, men’s hiking pants weigh from 8 to 17 oz. Unless you plan to carry more pairs of pants in your backpack, the weight of the pants is usually not an issue. I prefer to bring just one pair of pants and clean them along the way.

The thicker the pants, the heavier they are. Thicker pants are more durable and abrasion-resistant pants. However, some top-shelf models, like the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants, are exceptionally abrasion-resistant and lightweight at the same time.

Conclusion

Blue hiking pants

The best overall pair of the bunch are the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants. They exceed the performance of the competition and are a great choice for a variety of hiking adventures.

They are especially great for summer trails – they’ll protect you from the sun and keep you cool at the same time. If you are looking for lightweight, durable, flexible, breathable, and reasonably-priced hiking pants, the Ferrosis are probably your best option.

Leave a Comment