The Best Hiking Pants of 2025: Staff Picks

The Renegade Recon hiking pants from KUHL deliver on all our qualifications for high-performance hiking bottoms, and there’s no question why they’re consistently top-rated by REI Co-op Members: They breathe well, move with you and block the elements. Several REI customers say these are their favorite pants on or off the trail. The lightweight yet durable fabric (nylon with a hint of spandex) is rated UPF 50+ to block the sun. It also wicks moisture, dries quickly and is treated with nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) to help keep you dry for miles. An articulated fit and gusseted crotch make it easier to navigate over fallen trees and up steep scrambles while lower knee darts mean bending and crouching are a breeze. Tapered bottom cuffs and inset pockets (with a concealed zippered security pocket) give the Renegade Recons a good-for-work-or-play versatility. The elasticized waistband adds comfort whether you’re headed to the next mile marker or to the breakroom for a coffee. Finally, two back pockets mean plenty of options to stash the big three—keys, phone, wallet—regardless of your activity.  

One reviewer in Alaska reported that the Renegade Recons are the most comfortable pants they own, both during the work day and "through a 12-hour rainy Alaskan Hike." Another in Montana said that while they hesitated at the price, they’re glad they tried them because they found them “indestructible” even after heavy wear. “I have alternated between two pairs, five days a week for about four months now with zero issues. I beat these pants and they take it, which is surprising considering how ‘light' they are. They're still water repellent after 20+ washes too!” Buy here.  

Rugged climbs and slick rock scrambles are no problem for these lightweight yet rugged women’s hiking pants from KUHL. They win their category because the stretchable fabric allows mobility without sagging over prolonged periods, and the versatile roll-up leg can fit over boots or convert to capri-length for crossing shallow streams. The water-resistant, breathable fabric is also UPF 50+ rated against the sun’s rays. Rear and thigh snap-closure pockets keep items secure. In short, the go-anywhere, do-anything Freeflex Roll-Up pants are the whole package.   

An REI customer-reviewer from Washington, D.C., wore hers to Costa Rica for field work and said they kept her comfy through the start of the wet season. “They leave ample room for your curves and aren’t baggy after a few hours of wear. They also dry quickly, and I get compliments on them every time I wear them.”  

“I bought one pair for hiking and it was so flattering and comfortable I bought a second in another color for hiking—and then I realized I like them better than my jeans and I started wearing them for every day,” wrote one customer-reviewer in New York City. “They are light enough to be comfortable even in the summer, they stretch in every direction, and they look great.” Buy here.  
 

Short hikes and asphalt adventures still demand technical performance, and the lightweight Stretch Zion Halle Pants from prAna earn high marks for substance and style. The recycled nylon fabric resists abrasion and wrinkles, and a touch of elastane helps the pants move with you. Like others in our lineup, the Halle pants are rated UPF 50+ for prolonged fun in the sun and treated with a nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) that helps you stay dry on drizzly hikes.   

One REI customer-reviewer found the stretch perfect for climbing Angel’s Landing, a rock formation in the pants’ namesake Zion National Park, and reports that the Stretch Zion held up nicely after several days’ wear. “They do stretch a bit when climbing but tying the drawstring worked perfectly and they were very comfortable. I would buy them again in a second. I have zero complaints.” 

Generous front hand pockets and back patch pockets offer easy-access storage. Stash valuables (money, keys, ID) in the zippered side pocket or stealth (shhh) zippered pocket hidden within the right back patch. The mid-rise cut is designed to offer a comfortable buffer under a backpack, and the flattering straight-leg silhouette makes these perfect for days when you’re heading right to the trailhead after work. Buy here.  

The 20-year-old prAna Zion collection is a staple in hikers' closets, beloved for its signature stretchy fabric and top-of-the-line durability. The Stretch Zion Standard pants are REI Co-op Members and staff's pick for days when you plan to spend a little time on and off the trail. The breathable and lightweight recycled nylon fabric battles sun, rain, sweat, stains and wrinkles, while a hint of elastane provides superior range of motion. The gusseted inseam helps too, offering superior flexibility so you can go straight from cubicle to crag: Simply roll up the legs and secure them with the attached snaps when you’re ready to scramble. A webbing waistband adjusts for the perfect fit with a stylish and secure tension lock. 

“I wear the Stretch Zion Pants daily,” says REI merchandising planning assistant Kenny Duong. “Great for climbing, backpacking or daily wear. I can wear this pant for roughly three to five days straight and not worry about changing it.” 

The Stretch Zions are outfitted with mesh-lined pockets galore, including a zippered dual-entry cargo pocket at the thigh, a concealed zippered coin pocket with an elastic key loop, and generous back patch pockets. Buy here. 

When you’ve got miles to go before you sleep, you want a pair of pants that can keep up with you, and the Ferrosi pants from Outdoor Research will quickly become your favorite trailmate for multiday adventures. Durable, lightweight 90-denier ripstop nylon gets a major stretch boost from the most added spandex of any pant on this list, which not only helps you stay nimble but also keeps your legs looking fresh even after epic mileage days. The sun-protective, wind- and water-resistant material stands up to stains and snags while providing breathable comfort.  

“I want to live in these,” says a customer-reviewer from California who bought four pairs. “These are the most comfortable, well-fitting hiking pants I have ever found. Period. The fabric is soft and super light, stretch is awesome, abrasion resistance is very good (hiking through—and falling in—heavy overgrown shrubs yielded no snags or abrasions whatsoever).”  

There’s a good reason the Ferrosi line has been going strong since 2009, and the thoughtful details are what put these pants at the top of our backpacking kit list. A harness-compatible full-coverage waist (adjustable with an internal drawcord) saves you climb time, and drawstring hems let you quickly roll or cinch up at the lower leg. And, of course, pockets for days: two drop-in hand pockets and back patch pockets hold your on-trail necessities like snacks or a smartphone, while secure zippered thigh and back pockets are more easily accessible when harnessed up. Buy women’s. Buy men’s. 

Trekking is hard work, so having a rugged pant that can keep up is a must. For those moving fast or in hot weather, a sleek legging may be preferable. Those may sound like two different pairs of pants, but in a pair of Abisko Trekking Tights HD from Fjallraven, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for durability. These light but hard-wearing tights have reinforcements where you need them most: the bum and the knees. "I love the reinforced coverage on the seat—I feel like I can plop down anywhere without worrying about the fabric thinning or staining," says one REI customer-reviewer after nearly a year of use. Read more: Hiking in Leggings and Yoga Pants  

The durable, double-knitted recycled-polyester stretch fabric wicks away moisture, and a nonfluorinated durable water-resistant (DWR) finish keeps you dry rain or shine. A comfortable waistband with an inside drawcord offers comfort, adjustability and easy movement. Two generous leg pockets—one zippered and one with an envelope closure—keep items accessible and secure whether you're scrambling over rocks or sitting by the campfire at the end of the day. Buy here. 

Wallet-friendly and high-quality: That's what you get with a pair of lightweight, breathable Trailmade pants from REI Co-op. They're made from a durable, nylon-spandex blend that holds up even if you get snagged by a branch or stumble on rocky terrain. The nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR)–treated fabric offers UPF 50+ protection. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch make movement easy and double-layer kickplates (reinforcement sewn in at the hems) at the ankles add durability. And they were designed to fit every body: Like the rest of the Trailmade collection, these hiking pants were made in collaboration with a diverse range of testers and partners to create a line that fits from XS to 3XL. 

"As a petite girl, it's difficult to find pants in general that fit in length without tailoring. These do," says Christina Miller, who oversees community moderation and engagement for REI. "They also fit looser in the thigh, which is a struggle to find in outdoor gear for women to begin with. But these fit a thicker thigh and small waist without a gap." 

In addition to easy-reach trouser-style hand pockets and drop-in back pockets, a zippered thigh pocket is plenty deep to secure items like your phone, headlamp or other trail essentials you want handy. An internal drawstring lets you tailor your fit, and leg bungees can be adjusted to accommodate your favorite hiking footwear. Clip your keys or sunglasses to the cord loop at the waistband. No wonder one reviewer from Massachusetts (who owns a pair in four different colors) calls them "the best pants ever!" Buy women's. Buy men's.

When you're looking for versatility and comfort on warm-weather hikes, zip-off convertible pants are hard to beat. Because they transition from pants to shorts easily, they're great for days that start cool and warm up with the sun; for hikes that vary in intensity level; and for water crossings. Since 1995, the iconic Sahara Convertible Pants have been a best-seller for REI Co-op and are the pinnacle of pants-to-shorts innovation. The latest version is even easier to zip off without removing your shoes and has color-coded zippers to guide you in reattaching the right and left legs.  

A lightweight nylon and spandex fabric helps keep you cool in hot temps and has a DWR coating to keep the rain off. (The pants dry quickly if they get drenched). Like the rest of the REI Co-op Sahara collection, the convertible pants feature UPF 50+ rated material to keep harmful UV rays at bay. The men's Sahara Convertible Pants feature front hand pockets, back pockets and two cargo pockets, one of which is zippered. The women's Sahara Convertible Pants have spacious, patch hand pockets, back pockets and a zippered right-side thigh pocket for extra storage without the bulkiness of cargo. (This pocket is only useful when they are worn as full-length pants.) The trousers are lightweight but durable and pack down to a stuffable size, making them ideal for traveling as well as for shoulder-season hiking. Also available in women's stretch, kids’ and kids’ jogger versions. Buy women's. Buy men's.

Anyone who's been caught outdoors in a complete downpour knows the benefit of fully waterproof hiking pants. Enter the highly technical XeroCloud 3L rain pants from REI Co-op, which feature a 3-layer HydroWall soft-shell fabric that’s water- and windproof, highly breathable and stretches when you do on the trail. That breathable membrane means you won’t get that same crunchy plastic feel as you might with some rain pants. A gusseted crotch and articulated knees help boost your ability to scramble up or climb down with ease. Your bottom half stays super dry thanks to a nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the recycled nylon/polyester face, and a lightweight, soft jersey backer means happy skin if you go without an underlayer or pull these over shorts.      

The fully elastic waistband comes with a drawcord for adjustability, and ankle zippers do double duty, offering quick ventilation as well as making it easy to pull these pants on or off over boots. Two zippered hand pockets are generously sized without being bulky, and you can stuff the pants into their own left pocket, which means you’ll never be caught unprepared in bad weather. Like most REI Co-op apparel, these technical pants come in a range of sizes, including short and tall sizes and from XS to 3X. Buy women’s. Buy men’s.