If you want to get into hiking, you may be wondering what you should wear to keep you safe and comfortable. Our guide to the best hiking pants for men can point you in the right direction.
Hiking is an excellent lower body workout, with both aerobic and anaerobic benefits. It’s an excellent activity if you want to get fit! The question is, what should you look for in hiking pants? Do they need to be waterproof? What about sun protection? And how can you find the best pair of hiking pants for you?
We’ll answer all those questions, and give you some great recommendations for the best hiking pants out there.
The bottom line upfront: we like the Eddie Bauer Men's Guide Pro Pants. While they only have 2 pockets, they’re a great option for a lot of reasons. They’re durable, breathable, and comfortable to wear. Plus, they’re machine washable, so they’re very easy to care for.
We also like:
- PULI Men's Hiking Cargo Pants – these are great value, and they’re comfortable to wear
- THE NORTH FACE Men's Sprag 5-Pocket Pants – these pants are versatile, so you can wear them for other occasions too
We’ll be looking at:
- The best hiking pants for men, compared
- What to look for in hiking pants, including sizing, breathability, waterproofing, and more
- Our top 5 recommendations, with their key features, and our honest thoughts on their pros and cons
- Some frequently asked questions about staying safe and comfortable while hiking
- Which hiking pants for men we like the best, and why
Table of Contents
- Best Hiking Pants for Men Compared
- What to Look for in Hiking Pants for Men
- Top 5 Best Hiking Pants for Men
- Frequently Asked Questions
- To Sum Up …
Keep reading to find out more!
Best Hiking Pants for Men Compared
What to Look for in Hiking Pants for Men
Before we give you some recommendations, here are the key things you may want to look for when shopping for hiking pants:
Sizing/Comfort
Sizing is a key consideration. Some hiking pants can run small or large, so it’s worth adjusting your sizing to compensate.
Look for hiking pants that feel comfortable and lightweight to wear. You don’t want heavy fabric weighing you down on a hike!
Breathability/Ventilation
As well as looking for lightweight pants, you should look for breathable material. Look for mesh ventilation panels for the best ventilation.
You can also find moisture-wicking fabric. This means they will draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even if you get sweaty on the trail.
Waterproofing
Whether you go for waterproof pants is up to you. It’s a good idea to go for waterproof material if you plan to hike near water, or in bad weather. If you plan to hike on a hot day, you may not feel waterproof pants are necessary.
You can get pants that are super quick to dry. This is ideal if you think you might get wet on a hike, as you won’t feel uncomfortable.
UPF Protection
The other thing to look for is UPF protection. UPF-protective material helps to block UV radiation from your skin, which is important if you’re hiking in the sun. Fabric with a UPF rating of 50+ will block 98 percent of the sun’s rays, allowing 2 percent to penetrate the fabric.
Storage Pockets
Ideally, your hiking pants will have plenty of pockets. If you have enough pockets, you may be able to carry all your essentials on a short hike. Look for deep pockets with a zip or velcro closure to keep your valuables safe.
Ease of Care
Finally, it’s a good idea to look at the ease of care. Ideally, you’ll be able to wash your hiking pants in a washing machine with no problems (although depending on the fabric, you may have to wash them in a cold, delicate setting).
You can also find stain-resistant pants, which are ideal if you tend to go for muddy trails.
Top 5 Best Hiking Pants for Men
Let’s take a look at our top 5 hiking pants for men. We’ll be looking at their key features, and their pros and cons, so hopefully you can find the ideal hiking pants for you.
1. Eddie Bauer Men’s Guide Pro Pants – Most Durable
Key Features
- Materials: Nylon, spandex
- Pockets: 2
- UPF Protection: Yes, UPF 50+
The Eddie Bauer Men's Guide Pro Pants are super durable and comfortable to wear. They have a fairly streamlined fit, which means they will sit close to your body without being too restrictive, making them perfect for hiking. They do run small, however, which is something to bear in mind. You may need to go for a larger size to be on the safe side.
They have 2 pockets, which isn’t as many as some of the others on this list. The pockets are pretty generous in size so you should be able to fit your cellphone and wallet in there easily. The pockets have zippers, which means your valuables will be secure.
The standout feature of these pants is their durability. The material is UPF 50+, which means it will give your legs great protection from the sun. They’re breathable, so they’re ideal for hiking in hot weather, and they have ‘Polygiene Technology’ in the waistband area, minimizing odor to keep you feeling fresh.
They are machine washable, but you’ll need to wash them on cold using a delicate setting, with similar colors. You can’t use fabric conditioner either, as it can ruin the fabric.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Breathable
- Great UPF protection
- Minimizes odors in waistband area
- Slimline without being too restrictive
Cons
- Runs small, so you may have to size up
- Only 2 pockets
2. CQR Men’s Hiking Pants – Best for Hiking Near Water
Key Features
- Materials: Cotton, nylon, spandex
- Pockets: 8
- UPF Protection: Yes, UPF 50+
The CQR Men's Hiking Pants are great pants if you plan to go hiking near water. In terms of comfort, they feel great to wear, as they’re so lightweight. This makes them a good choice for hiking in hot weather. They run slightly small, which is something to keep in mind.
They have a whopping 8 pockets, including 2 angle-cut slash pockets for items you need quick access to, 2 mini lip pockets for small items, 2 Velcro-secured flap pockets for valuables, and 2 rear open-top pockets. The smaller pockets are quite shallow, which is a drawback.
With a UPF rating of 50+, these pants will protect your legs from the sun. They also have rear mesh areas for ventilation, keeping the backs of your legs cool. The fabric dries incredibly quickly, which makes them the perfect choice if you want to hike near water.
They are machine washable, but it’s best to wash them using a cold setting to avoid shrinkage.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Ventilated
- Dries very quickly
- Generous amount of pockets
- UPF rating of 50+
Cons
- Runs small, so you may need to size up
- Some of the smaller pockets are quite shallow
3. PULI Men’s Hiking Cargo Pants – Best Value
Key Features
- Materials: Nylon, spandex
- Pockets: 6
- UPF Protection: Yes, UPF 50+
The PULI Men's Hiking Cargo Pants are lightweight, great value pants, great to wear for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. They’re comfortable to wear, and they’re true to size.
They have 6 pockets, including 2 cargo flap pockets, 2 slant pockets, and 2 hip flap pockets. The pockets are pretty generous in size, so you should be able to fit all your necessities.
These pants have a UPF rating of 50+, so you can trust they’ll keep your legs safe from the sun. They’re lightweight and water-resistant, so they’re pretty good for hiking in hot weather, or near water. They’re also breathable, so you won’t have to worry about overheating.
You can machine-wash these pants, using a cold setting. The downside is, that they will get some pilling after a while, so while they’re pretty cheap to buy, they may not last as long as some of the other pants on this list.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Waterproof
- Good UPF rating
- Decent amount of pockets
- True to size
Cons
- May not last as long as some of the other pants on this list
4. CQR Men’s Flex Ripstop Tactical Pants – Best for Hiking in Bad Weather
Key Features
- Materials: Polyester, cotton, spandex
- Pockets: 8
- UPF Protection: Not stated
The CQR Men's Flex Ripstop Tactical Pants are durable pants, ideal for hiking in tough conditions. They feel comfortable to wear, and they’re true to size.
In terms of pockets, they’re pretty generous, with 8 pockets altogether, some with velcro to keep your items secure.
They don’t have a UPF rating, which is something to bear in mind if you’re hiking in the sun. They’re geared for law enforcement, military, and outdoor activities, so they’re made to resist liquid, dirt, and stains. Ideal for hiking in bad weather, or on very muddy or dusty trails. The downside is they’re not as breathable as some of the others on this list.
We’d recommend washing these on a cold wash to prevent shrinking. They’re pretty easy to care for, and they dry quickly.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- True to size
- Good amount of pockets
- Resists liquid, dirt, and stains
- Fast drying material is easy to care for
Cons
- Not as breathable as some of the others on this list
- UPF rating not stated
5. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Sprag 5-Pocket Pants – Most Versatile
Key Features
- Materials: Recycled nylon-stretch blend
- Pockets: 5
- UPF Protection: Yes, UPF 50+
The THE NORTH FACE Men's Sprag 5-Pocket Pants are comfortable to wear, but they look great. They can be worn in all types of situations: hiking, fishing, running errands, or just lounging around at home. The pants are true to size, which is great.
They have 5 pockets, but some of them are pretty small. The front pockets are large enough to fit your phone and wallet, but the back pockets are a little on the shallow side.
They’re pretty durable, but they don’t have a UPF rating, which is something to keep in mind. They have a water-repellent finish, and the moisture-wicking fabric means you won’t feel damp if you start to sweat on the trail. They’re made from a recycled nylon-stretch blend, and they feel lightweight, making them ideal for wearing in warmer weather.
They’re pretty easy to care for, as they’re machine washable, and they dry quickly.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Versatile enough to wear in different situations
- Good amount of pockets
- UPF 50+
- Water-repellent
- Moisture-wicking
- Made from recycled materials
- Easy to care for
Cons
- Some of the pockets are shallow
- No UPF rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about hiking pants for men:
Can I wear jeans on a trail?
We wouldn’t recommend wearing jeans on a hike.
Firstly, denim is less comfortable to wear than the polyester/nylon you tend to get in hiking pants. They’re stiffer, and they may start to dig in after a while. Plus, denim absorbs water. This means if you get wet, you’ll have to put up with the fabric rubbing against your skin, which will start to feel sore after a while.
Secondly, denim doesn’t offer the same protection as some hiking pants (for example, UPF protection).
For those reasons, we’d recommend wearing hiking pants instead of your regular jeans when it comes to hiking!
What do I need to start hiking?
There are a few things you need to get started with hiking:
- A large water bottle or flask
- High-energy snacks to give you a boost on the trail
- Sunscreen if you are hiking on a high UVA/UVB day
- Insect repellent, if you are hiking in an area with lots of insects
- Your phone, or a paper map
- Hiking poles if you feel you need them
- Hiking boots, hiking shoes, or hiking sandals
- A durable and comfortable hiking backpack or daypack
Can I wear hiking pants for other outdoor activities?
Absolutely! Hiking pants are great for all kinds of activities: fishing, golfing, hunting, just running errands, or going on a long walk.
How can I stay safe on a hike?
There are a few key things to consider when it comes to staying safe on a hike:
- Hike with someone else. Hiking with a partner, or in a group, means you can rely on eachother if you get lost, or if someone gets injured.
- Tell someone where you’re going. If you do decide to hike alone, let someone know where you’ll be, and what time you expect to be back.
- Research the area first. Using a website like Alltrails, you can assess whether the trail is suitable for your fitness/experience level. Plus, you can look out for risks, like wildlife or weather concerns
- Be prepared. Make sure you’re equipped with everything you need (see above for a list of essential gear)
- Take it slow. If you’re new to hiking, take your time to build up your endurance.
To Sum Up …
If we had to pick one favorite from the list today, we’d go for the Eddie Bauer Men's Guide Pro Pants. They’re close-fitting without feeling too tight, which is perfect for hiking, as it minimizes the risk of loose fabric snagging on trees or rocks. They’re very durable and easy to wash, and they feel great to wear.
The downside is they only have 2 pockets, but these pockets are pretty deep, so you may be able to fit everything you need in there anyway.
If you’re just getting started with hiking, you may want to look at the PULI Men's Hiking Cargo Pants. They’re not as durable as the others on this list, but they’re great value, and they feel comfortable and easy to wear.
We also like the THE NORTH FACE Men's Sprag 5-Pocket Pants. They look great, and you can get away with wearing them both on and off the trail. They’re water-repellent and moisture-wicking, too.
Hopefully, this has helped you to find the perfect pair of hiking pants for men!
