How to Choose Hiking Pants
Choose a pant fit
- Standard: consistent width from top to bottom
- Slim: tighter to the leg
- Relaxed or wider: fits loosely throughout the thighs, knees and calves
What material do you prefer?
- Synthetic
- Polyester: affordable, stretchy, doesn't wrinkle
- Nylon: durable, abrasion-resistant, less stretch
- Spandex: stretchy, moves easily, less breathable
- Natural fibers
- Cotton: durable, breathable, dries slowly
- Wool: stretchy, durable, odor-resistant, pricier
- Hemp: durable, renewable, can feel rougher
Consider additional features like:
- Moisture wicking: moves moisture (namely, sweat) to the outer surface while also drying quickly
- Pockets: help carry items you want to have accessible
- Sun-protective fabric: a higher UPF rating provides better sun protection
- Convertible: can be worn full-length or as shorts
- Insect repellent: pants treated with insect-repellent coatings can help keep pests off
