Roundup of the Best Hiking Pants for Fall

We’ve put dozens of hiking pants through the wringer this past year, searching for the best pair for outdoor adventuring. Hiking pants have to withstand a range of conditions, regulate your temperature, and wear comfortably— and with the rise of gorp-core fashion and chic outerwear, brands have to make their pants look great too. When reaching for hiking pants from the closet, reliability and performance are what separate a just-okay pair from your favorite pants you’ll be wearing all season long.

Having finally decided which pieces of long-legged gear made the cut, here are our picks for the top men’s hiking pants in 2024.

Best Hiking Pants

Vuori Meta Pant

One of the most casual-looking pants on this list, the Vuori Meta Pant hides its impressive performance behind a modern, sleek silhouette. A popular trend at the moment, you’ll see a lot of guys sporting this kind of premium pant with technical fabric, whether they are outdoors or at the office. The 100% nylon material has a 4-way stretch and does a great job at wicking away odors and moisture— it’s also labeled as UPF 30+. There are a few different inseam options as well as a large range of sizes and cool colors! The Meta Pant may seem like a steep price for such a typical-looking pair of performance pants, but it’s one of those products you have to try on to fully understand.

Mountain Hardwear Jackson Ridge Pant

The Jackson Ridge is a straightforward pair of pants constructed from durable cotton canvas, ideal for travel, camping, or light hiking. The tailored fabric is much thicker than nylon for a bit more padding and protection from trail debris— for example, sitting on that big rock by the fire will be a bit more comfortable and we’re all about that. Embracing the traditional 5-pocket styling, there are no cargo pockets so these durable pants wear well in more casual settings, too. Pop on a flannel and you’ve got the perfect autumn look that’ll stand up to the outdoors.

Mountain Khakis Mitchell Pant

Okay, I get “Mountain Khakis”— but who’s Mitchell? These updated heavyweight khakis are a super versatile pair of outdoor pants. The Mitchell Pant is described as a new version of Mountain Khakis’ flagship Cody Pant but with a more modern fit. The khaki fabric is 79% cotton with additional polyester and 2% Stretch Ottoman Weave for a softer feel. I’m not normally a huge fan of wrinkle-prone khakis, but the rugged build of the Mitchell Pant impressed me. There’s a classic 5-pocket construction so these pants can switch between a night on the town, a winter hike, and everything in between.

Salewa Pedroc 2 Durastretch Light Pant

A unique option on this roundup, the Pedroc 2 Durastretch Light Pant forgoes belt loops in favor of a stretchy mesh waistband. This construction makes sense for light, fast-paced hiking when you’re not carrying heavy cargo in your pockets anyway— might as well enjoy the snugness and extra comfort of an elastic waistband! Salewa makes a point of the water-repellant finish that’s free of fluorocarbon chemicals (i.e. better for the environment) which we are all about. Many other outerwear brands, including most on this list, are just now catching up to trying to limit their use of “forever plastics” like PFC in waterproof coatings. These great-looking pants have some convenient mesh sections that are super breathable, including a small rear mesh pocket. When you’re booking it up the mountain, these stretchy lightweight pants will move right along with you.

Outdoor Vitals Satu Adventure Pants

The Satu Adventure Pants are an unassuming pair of recreation trousers at first glance, but they’ve got a whole host of hidden features. Satu comes from the Malaysian word for ‘one’ and the brand claims this pair feels just as home during hikes as it does in the office— they skew towards the rugged side of things, but they definitely look good. One of the main advantages is the adjustable waist with the integrated belt strap for an ideal fit. There are also hidden side zipper vents to encourage airflow when needed and hidden adjustable hems— perfect for sinching down the ankles in wet conditions or while cycling. The Satu pants are one of the pricier pairs on this list, but you’ll love the rare integrated features in this all-in-one hiking trouser.

Roark Explorer Adventure Pants

The Roark Explorer Adventure trousers are made from 4-way stretch nylon that helps with range of motion and waterproofing. These lightweight pants have a DWR coating and a water-resistant cell phone side pocket to keep water out, just in case you find yourself in some drizzly conditions. There are belt loops as well as the included drawstring. I appreciate the added layer of protection around the knees given that the pants are 95% thin nylon— the 5% elastance means tons of comfort and mobility. Being from a solid brand like Roark probably drags the price of these lightweight pants up slightly, but they are a great pair to have in the hiking arsenal.

Pentagon BDU 2.0

Made by Pentagon Tactical, these cargo pants are designed around the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) style. That classification tells you pretty much all you need to know— these no-messing-around pants are built for action. The understated aesthetic flies under the radar while still integrating plenty of outdoor details, including reinforced seat and knees, ripstop fabric, and spacious cargo pockets. Available in tons (and I mean tons) of colors, the BDU 2.0 does the job for tactical personnel as well as more casual wearers in tough situations like paintball, fishing, or hunting. These won’t be your go-to for weeklong backcountry hikes but, given the affordable price tag, the BDU 2.0 pants are a solid daily wear.

KUIU Switchback Pants

Another nearly 100% nylon pair of hiking pants, the Switchback Pant is loaded with technical features and water resistance. To me, they feel a bit more substantial and durable compared to the Roark Explorer Adventure Pants while still having many of the same outdoor-friendly details. These pants from KUIU have 2-way stretch nylon, a DWR finish, and a horizontal-zipping thigh pocket. A touch of Spandex in the fabric makes this pair uber comfortable and an excellently versatile option for hunting, hiking, or fishing. I also enjoyed the premium stitching finish along with the five earth-tone color options— elegant and ready for the outdoors!

lululemon Classic-Fit Hiking Pant

I was a Lululemon doubter for a while, gawking at the brand’s seemingly outrageous prices but I’ve since come around… mostly. Your wallet will always be suspicious of you purchasing anything from the luxury-leisure brand, however, it’s money well spent if you wear the garment frequently. The Classic-Fit Hiking Pant is Lululemon’s answer to weekend hikes and outdoor getaways that bring along tons of comfort. Fabric engineering really is the brand’s strong suit after all. Also, there’s a perforated back yoke to better regulate body temperature, a zippered thigh pocket, and a hidden phone sleeve in the hand pockets. The pants are currently on sale for a great deal, but stock is running out fast.

66°North Reykjavík

The Reykjavík pants are a premium pair of hiking trousers with a stylish, slim cut. If the name hadn’t clued you in already, these pants are made by an Icelandic brand that’s nearly 100 years old, traditionally making protective clothing for fishermen working in the bitter North Atlantic cold. So yeah, these pants can handle your weekend hike with ease. We especially liked the comfortable, stretchable fabric that dries quickly and looks great around town, too. The Reykjavík pants come in three colors and cost a pretty penny— well worth it when they become your all-time favorite pair of pants for travel and outdoor recreation.

Related Hiking Gear

1. La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boots
2. Hillsound Trail Pro Crampons
3. Best Hunting Boots for Hiking Lots of Miles in Rugged Terrain