How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Could this be the perfect pair of trail pants? With a 34 in. inseam, the REI Co-op Activator V2 men's soft-shell pants offer 4-way stretch and lightweight weather protection. What more do you need?
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Windproof | Yes |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 34 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria 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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These pants are great! I've worn them a half dozen times comfortably hiking in 25-40 degree weather without a base layer. Minus 1 star because I didn't see "SEMI-FITTED" mentioned anywhere in the description! Fortunately, I did see this when I tried them on and decided to get them anyway. So, if you like pants a little loose, you will not be getting the fit you want.
There I was, on a late night grocery store wearing my new pants. Haven't even worn them in the mountains yet. I go to pay... and can't. My wallet is stuck in the back pocket. The zipper won't open, and even by using pliers - the blasted zipper won't open! I had to cut into the pants from the inside (at home) to get my wallet out. This flaw outweighs the excellent feel, weight, drw, and breathability. Oh, and it runs small.
I wanted to love these pants. The design is almost perfect. They have the potential to be a cheaper alternative to the Mammut softshell. The fatal flaw with the pants is the construction quality. I have owned five pairs of these over a two year period. The seams easily come apart in the crotch, and the fabric pills up, with ZERO trail use. This is a tragedy because, as I said, the potential is there. Personally, I would rather pay 125.00 and have superior construction and fabric.
A perfect hiking pair of pants: light but sturdy and, to some extent, water-resistant; very convenient. Zipped packets with reliable lining keep the car keys and other stuff safe. Not 5 stars because I had to exchange the initial, defective pair. Pay attention to the snap button; it might just fall apart.
I bought these for my husband. He is all about comfort...I’m more about style. These pants cover both. Really nice quality fabric. Fabric is thick with light stretch. Perfect for travel with the built in belt. The 34 length is right on. Wash and resist wrinkles well.
I”m 6’4” 200lb went with the 34x34 I wish they made a 36 length. I wear them backcountry skiing. They are the best! The shorter length is OK when wearing gators.
Took these backpacking and they had a great combination of flexibility and durability. Very comfortable
They’re so comfortable you can wear them in your sleeping bag. I really wish they would come out with a black pair I owe them over a hundred times and no issues. Buying another pair
I have had these for 4 years now and they are still in great shape minus one place I cut them with a crampon and another when pant leg came unrolled and got stuck in a bike chain. These work great as a soft shell that I can fit up to two layers underneath for the coldest of days. I love them for snowshoeing, camping, walking the dog in the winter, ice climbing, winter hikes, cold wet bike rides, really any winter aerobic activity besides ski touring and resort skiing these are my go to. Although they could probably even work as a ski pant if needed. Some reviewers complained about the zipper and the built-in belt causing trouble; I have had no such issues and really enjoy having the ability to adjust the belt based on how many base layers I have on. I am flexible and engage in a lot of activities in theses pants and the stretch is great, I never feel hindered by the pants. I also enjoy knowing my phone, wallet, maps, etc. are secure inside a zipper and not going to fall out. Since they do not have a built in cuff I usually pair them with a gaiter for snowshoeing and ice climbing. As far as fit I am 6'2" 185 (I like to workout) and the 34x34 works great.
snap is weak, comes unsnapped and then the belt comes unbuckled. I prefer the first version, but I outgrew them.