How to Choose Hiking Pants

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The REI Mistrals are sleek, all-purpose soft-shell pants. They're perfect pants to keep you hiking comfortably through autumn's weather changes.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking Hiking |
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Fabric | 68% nylon/23% polyester/9% spandex |
Inseam (in.) | 32 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I've had these a few months now and love them for everything. Great for snowshoeing in 20-50 degree weather and they shed snow away like a hardshell. I'm 6'2" and 165lbs and the 32/32 inches fit great. They're durable and stretch to move with me but still have a nice, fitted look. I have hardshell pants, insulated tights, traditional hiking pants, and zip-n-goes, and I honestly see these pants replacing all those for 90% of uses. I can wear them for days from trail to bicycle to around town and they work great. I buy a lot of gear at REI but I've only been compelled to write reviews for a select few superlative products. This is one of them.
These pants do it all! I mostly wear them when rock climbing and after punishing them on rough rock faces I've found they are very durable. They are also surprisingly breathable and stretchy where you need it. These pants will keep you warm and if paired with a lightweight pair of thermal underwear, you would have no problem on most ski trips or cold weather hikes. What I really love about these pants is just how comfortable they are. I tried to keep them for my climbing days, but I often find myself wearing them around town as well. I plan on getting another pair.
I purchased these pants for a European trip in November. I was a bit apprehensive with the price, however the reviews here were very good and I was not disappointed and feel the price is well worth it. I selected these pants based on a few reasons. They are light weight compared to jeans, they roll down smaller than jeans, and they had some insulating and water repellent properties. My use for them was trekking around London, Paris and Verona in which they were perfectly suited for. Especially in London with the cooler weather and light rains that November brings there. Adding a lightweight thermal base layer would allow for one to go to much cooler places comfortably. They are incredibly comfortable and I liked the zippered pockets all around to make any potential pick pocketing difficult (very prevalent at the train and bus stations). I would love to be able to wear these more often and they will defiantly be a permanent addition to my travel bag. The type of material used and being Black allows for this pant to be used when going out to dinner as well. I liked that versatility about them. Although Black is awesome it would be nice to have other color options available. I will most likely buy another pair and would recommend these to anyone reading this review.
These pants stretch with movement and are very comfortable. Sizing is right on. They breath well when hiking and keep the warmth in, paired with a heavy base layer I took them up to Mt Whitney (my favorite place to test gear)in winter with 25-30 MPH winds and my leags were warm. blocks wind nicely. The belt loops were my only complaint, belt rides up due to the way the loops were stitched. Easy fix. I don't need a belt with these but had to test it. Not water proof but sheds water well (snow,sleet). The best thing about these pants is they move with your body and you don't know you have them on. Zipper on leg helps fit over large boots. Friends commented on them and wanted a pair. Worth having. Thank you REI for the great deal and product.
The Mistral is lightweight and comfortable and excels in activities like hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. I use them for back-country nordic skiing in warmer weather and I've even faked business casual at the office with the addition of a nice button-up. The front pockets don't interfere with a harness. The material is stretchy so it's great for rock climbing and cycling. I added a button and loop near the ankle that gathered the material to work better as a cycling pant. The leg zips can be used to allow the legs to be rolled up in warm weather. Overall, it's the most versatile outdoor pant I've owned.
I bought these in colorado over thanksgiving. I had been looking for a good pair of hiking pants for a while and was somewhat hesitant to spend that much money. They are worth every penny. I attempted to summit pikes peak a day or two after thanksgiving. Conditions past the tree line were less than ideal. −10 F and 65 mph winds. I was wearing Patagonia thermals under the pants and was perfectly warm and comfortable.. I was pleasantly surprised. They look good - are somewhat form fitting. The stretchiness is not obvious by looking at them, but is wonderful on steep terrain. I highly recommend these pants.
The REI Acme pants, made with Schoeller Dryskin, now discontinued, were the best general outdoor pants ever made. Compared to the Acme, the Mistral pants: o are made of a generic softshell material, much rougher on the inside; not as bad as Spandura, that after a day of climbing left the back of my knees bleeding from the abrasions, but halfway between Spandura and Schoeller Dryskin; o are less stretchy, as the axis of the major stretch of the material goes along the legs rather than around the legs like in the Acme pants; o do not have a patch cargo pocket on the thigh (which is a handy place to keep a folded map); o do not have a gusset behind the lower-leg zipper, which allows some wind through and makes it harder to roll up above the knee to make into shorts; o are more water- and wind-resistant. I would rate the Mistral as a superior shell pant over Capilene 4 bottoms for very cold weather (this would eliminate chafing, and they stretch fairly well), but much inferior to the late and lamented Acme pants for 3-season wear. Bring back the Acme pants! I want another pair!
The Good: The pants are all around durable, they don't stink after a 7 days of wear, and they are warm, even when hiking in the snow for 3 days ~7 hours a day. Love these pants and wouldn't trade them. They are my all around 4 season go to. The only thing I was disappointed about was that they were advertised as hiking/dress pants, and I don't think I could get away with them at work. The zipper pockets, and soft shell material make them stand out a little too much to be work pants that go with a button up, but if you have a more relaxed work environment they might work for you.
These pants are wonderful for hiking or backpaking. They breathe well, wick moisture, and are stylish enough that you can get away with wearing them around town and not stick out like a sore thumb. I love the stretchy material; it makes freedom of movement a non issue. My only gripe is the single stitching in the high wear areas. I had to take one pair back because the single stitching in the crotch pulled out while I was bouldering/climbing. Perhaps I pushed the pants beyond their limit, but it happened to the second pair as well. So long that you aren't doing the splits on a wall, these pants are excellent and I would recommend them to anyone so long that you don't use them beyond their limits, IE abuse their stretchyness.
These last iteration of the mistral, no longer available, were the best: symmetrical front and back zippered pockets, great fit. The activator and other replacements do not even come close. Why discontinue a great thing that always sold out (I have several pairs and want more).