Do I Need Hiking Pants? [Are They Worth the Money?] 2023
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful nature that we are so lucky to have on this planet.
And having the proper gear to get out and explore it is very important to have a safe and enjoyable time.
So when you’re choosing what pants you’ll wear for your hike, you may find yourself wondering, ‘do I need hiking pants?’
Are they just like any other pants that you already have in your closet? Or are they something special that you should have?
In this post, I’ll give you the rundown on everything you should know about hiking pants and whether you should get yourself a pair.
Do I Need Hiking Pants?
The short and easy answer here would be no, you don’t have to have hiking pants to get out on the trail.
If you wanted, you could hike in jeans, leggings, sweatpants, or even a dress! Hey, do you!
But it is recommended to have a certain type of pants to have the most enjoyable time possible when you’re on the trail.
Hiking pants are specifically made to be lightweight, breathable, comfortable, fast-drying, and non-restrictive.
These are all really good qualities to have in a pair of pants for hitting the trail, which is why I do recommend having a dedicated pair of hiking pants.
But in the end, if you don’t have a pair or don’t have the means to purchase a pair, you can hike in whatever you want.
Pros of Wearing Hiking Pants
There are a few great reasons to wear specific pants for being on the trail, rather than any other sort.
Below you’ll find those reasons and why they’re so important to ensure you have a good hike.
Breathable
When you’re moving your body around, walking uphill, climbing over fallen trees, and stepping over rocks, you’re bound to sweat.
It’s just something that happens to the best of us, and when you get sweaty, you’re going to want something that lets in some airflow.
Having a pair of pants that are breathable is great for this and allows you to cool off, even while still wearing them.
Hiking pants are built for this since companies know that you’re going to be moving around in them a lot.
In other pants that are made for streetwear, you won’t find as much breathability.
Stretchy
Again, when you’re moving around so much, you want something that’s going to move with you.
The last thing you’re going to want it something stiff that is going to restrict you from walking, jumping, or whatever else you have to do.
Jeans and other street clothes can be very restrictive and stop you from bending in certain ways or lifting your legs up high.
But with hiking pants, you can be assured that you’ll be able to move however you need.
I mean, if you wanted to do the splits in them or lift your leg above your head, you could.
Plus, these stretchy pants are way more comfortable.
Comfortable
I’m all about comfort when I’m hiking.
Heck, even when I’m at home or out and about, you can almost always find me in a pair of leggings or joggers.
And you really need hiking pants because are no different, being so comfortable, soft, and stretchy.
They aren’t restrictive, they don’t cause chaffing, and they fit loosely against your legs.
You can also typically tighten or loosen them to fit how you want with a drawstring or built-in belt.
Having tight pants or something that can’t really be adjusted in size makes for a less comfortable time.
Fast-Drying
Having a pair of pants that are fast drying is especially important if you know that you’ll be out in the rain or snow.
If the pants that you have on are heavy or made of materials such as denim or cotton, they’ll soak up any water that gets on them.
But with hiking pants, most of them are made of lightweight, thin material that is fast-drying.
This is important when on the trail because you want to be comfortable and have dry clothes, even if it unexpectedly rained on you.
Fast-drying pants will typically dry within an hour of them getting wet.
It’s even more important in the cold because if you have clothes that get wet in the cold, your body is going to get cold faster.
This can accelerate the onset of hypothermia and just be plain old uncomfortable and unpleasant for you.
Lightweight
Another major plus of hiking pants is that most of them (with the exception of winter versions) are made of lightweight materials.
While this doesn’t matter so much when it’s cold out, in the summer, it makes all the difference.
If you’re wearing pants to protect your skin from sunburn, you want something that is loose, breathable, and lightweight.
Hiking pants are all of the above and will ensure that you stay cool, even on those extra hot days on the trail.
Many Styles
Finally, the last major pro and the reason you need hiking pants is that there are many styles of them.
You can choose between loose-fitting, jogger style, convertible, fleece-lined, rollable, etc. etc.
The list goes on and on.
There are so many different styles to choose from, that you’ll surely find a pair that you love.
Plus, many of them can be versatile, if you consider that when you’re looking for them.
So you can use them for other exercising, going around town, or whatever else you do outside of being outdoors.
Cons of Wearing Hiking Pants
There are also a couple of cons to wearing hiking pants, although they’re far and few between.
Can Be Expensive
Compared to other pants that you may own, hiking pants can be expensive, if you’re purchasing some of the name brands.
They can cost upwards of $50-100 or more, depending on the styles and brands that you’re looking at.
But, if you’re looking for budget pairs, they are out there too!
In fact, I have a few budget pairs and they’re great.
Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark are great places to look for used gear that is relatively inexpensive.
Typically One Use
Although there are hiking pants out there that are versatile, most of them are made for one use only.
I typically only use my hiking pants for just that, hiking, so they take up more space in my closet.
If you’re only going hiking once or twice a year, I would recommend just using what you have.
But if you plan to go more often, invest in a pair for yourself.
Can Be Noisy
One more thing that people have noted about a con of hiking pants is that they can be noisy when they rub together.
You know that “swish-swish-swish” sound that a pair of windbreaker pants make? Yeah. That.
But it really isn’t that big of a deal and if that’s all that I have to deal with for comfort and all of the perks, then so be it.
What Are Hiking Pants?
So if you’re wondering, “what the heck even are hiking pants?” Don’t worry, you aren’t alone.
Many people don’t know that there are specific pants, built for hiking, and instead just wear whatever they have.
Hiking pants are made to be worn outdoors and are durable, lightweight, comfortable bottoms that are built to protect your legs.
Whether it be keeping the sun off of them, warding off bugs, or protecting you from getting scraped by a stick, they do it all.
There are so many varieties of hiking pants from full-length to shorts to convertibles (hiking pants and shorts in one!).
Most are made out of nylon or polyester material because these are some of the best for exercising and activities.
Best Men’s Hiking Pants
PrAna Stretch Zion II
The PrAna Stretch Zion II pants are great for men because they are comfortable and have a built-in belt.
With the belt, you can tighten them to fit how you’d like.
Plus, they’re made of recycled materials! Better for the Earth!
Best Women’s Hiking Pants
Outdoor Research Ferossi
These flattering pants will look great on most women and don’t even look like hiking pants.
They’re super stretchy and comfortable for all-day wear.
Plus, you can cinch the at the bottom to make them fit more like joggers.
FAQ: Hiking Pants
What Should I Wear if I Don’t Have Hiking Pants?
If you don’t have a pair of hiking pants, choose a comfortable pair of stretchy pants such as leggings or joggers.
These should preferably be made of an athletic material, rather than cotton, but use what you have.
You pretty much just want whatever pants you wear to be comfy and able to be moved in.
Can I Go Hiking in Jeans?
There are quite a few reasons why I recommend not hiking in jeans.
They’ve heavy, they take a really long time to dry, and they’re just not stretchy enough to be out in the wilderness.
That being said, if you really want to and have nothing else to wear, jeans are okay as a last resort.
What Kind of Pants Should I Wear Hiking?
The pants that you wear hiking should be comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and preferably made of nylon or polyester.
With all of these qualities, your pants will have you set to enjoy a great day on the trail.
What Pants Should I Avoid for Hiking?
As I mentioned above, avoid wearing denim or jeans out hiking, and I would also recommend staying away from cotton.
Denim and cotton can get really heavy, especially when they’re wet, and this can get uncomfortable or dangerous in the cold.
Cotton pants include things like cotton leggings (athletic leggings are good!), pajamas, and sweatpants.
Read more about what not to wear hiking here.
Do I Need Special Pants for Hiking?
You don’t necessarily have to have a pair of hiking pants, and if you don’t, that’s okay!
Just use what you have, as long as you’re comfortable in them and can move around!
But if you have the means to purchase yourself a pair of hiking pants, I do recommend having ones that are lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying!
How Much Do Hiking Pants Cost?
The price of hiking pants depends on what brand you’re looking at and the style.
Cost can range from $20 all the way up to $200.
Many places sell them, including REI, Amazon, Backcountry, and more.
Amazon tends to have the most budget-friendly options, although REI’s name brand has a few great choices as well!
Wrap-Up: Do I Need Hiking Pants?
Trying to determine whether or not oy should bite the bullet and purchase a pair of hiking pants, you should consider a few things.
Think about how often you hike and whether or not it’s worth it for you to buy a pair.
And also consider whether or not you own a pair of pants that are flexible, breathable, lightweight, and fast-drying.
If you do, then you’re set to go!
But if you don’t, continue to make that decision for yourself; do I need hiking pants?
