Hiking in Jeans [7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid It] 2023
There are so many different kinds of hiking pants out there to choose from, but what about hiking in jeans?
Can you do it? Is it worth it? Or should you find a different pair?
There are many pros and cons when it comes to hiking in your favorite pair of jeans, and in this post, we’ll go over many of them.
From comfort levels to flexibility to breathability, you’ll definitely want to know what to expect from jeans on the trail.
Can You Go Hiking in Jeans?
The easy answer is yes, of course, you can wear jeans on the trail because you can do whatever you want! You’re the boss of you!
But whether or not it’s a good idea should be the real question.
A lot of people will tell you a lot of different things about what you should or shouldn’t wear for hiking, but won’t give you reasons why.
So in this post, we’re going to go over the reasons why you should not hike in jeans in most cases.
I know, I know. That’s not what you wanted to hear.
But unfortunately, it’s the truth for a few different reasons.
Now, if you’re going on short, easy hikes, then wearing jeans is no problem and in fact, you should just wear whatever you have!
But if you’re planning to head out on longer, more difficult trails, then I would recommend investing in a nice pair of hiking pants.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Hike in Jeans
Below you’ll find the 7 top reasons why you should choose a different pair of pants for hiking, rather than your beloved jeans.
1. They’re Heavy
Lightweight hiking pants are great because they’re usually really stretchy, breathable, and allow you to move.
On the other end, you have pants like jeans, which are pretty heavy.
Compared to other materials, denim is heavy and becomes even worse when it’s wet.
When you’re hiking short distances, this may not be that big of a deal.
But when you’re going longer distances, you want something that is going to be lightweight on your legs.
They’re also thicker than other pants, which definitely plays a role in their weight and many of the other factors in this list.
2. They’re Not Fast-Drying
Fast-drying fabric is one of the top criteria that I look for when choosing my hiking pants.
If I happen to get rained on, I want those pants to be dry before I can even realize that they were soaked.
Jeans are the complete opposite of that.
When jeans get wet, they soak up every bit of water and they become even heavier than they were, to begin with.
They then take a really long time to dry and may not ever dry until you take them off and throw them in the dryer.
And, when jeans get wet, they tend to suction to your legs and it just feels really strange, especially for long distances.
This can be really uncomfortable and can increase the chances of your legs chafing because they’re now rubbing together against a wet material.
If jeans get wet in the winter, they could freeze if the temperatures are cold enough, which can be dangerous.
They provide no insulation when this happens and just won’t keep you warm in the way that you need in the cold.
3. They Don’t Stretch
When you’re on the hiking trail, it’s likely that you’ll be stepping over logs, rocks, and exposed tree roots.
For this type of terrain, you’re going to want something that can stretch and move with your body.
So yes, you can go for those ultra-stretch jeggings that you have in the closet, but they’re still going to restrict you.
Jeans can only stretch so far and it’s typically not very far at all.
To be the most comfortable that you can be, you’re going to want something that can fully stretch with you.
I’m talking about a pair of pants that if you did the splits, would just stretch right with you and you wouldn’t even feel them.
Unfortatunely, even the stretchiest of jeans can’t do that.
4. They Can Rip Easily
Going along with the fact that jeans aren’t very stretchy is the risk of ripping your favorite pair.
What a disappointment it would be if you wore your favorite jeans on the trail and came back to the car to find a hole ripped in the knee.
Jeans tend to be easier to rip when we’re moving around because they don’t stretch in the way that we need them to.
So all of that stepping over the logs and rocks that I talked about earlier, is going to put stress on the denim.
This is also a way to wear your jeans out faster and make them not last you as long as I’m sure you’d like.
5. They Aren’t Breathable
One thing that I know I need in my hiking pants is breathability because I tend to get pretty warm when I’m up and moving around.
So having a pair of lightweight pants that allows my skin to breathe is very important.
Jeans happen to be probably one of the least breathable pairs of pants on the market.
They’re made of a heavy material that isn’t built to be exercised in, so there’s really no need for them to be breathable in the everyday world.
But in the hiking world, you will want pants that are breathable and won’t get too hot.
A pair of lightweight hiking pants will do just that for you. Jeans? Unlikely.
6. Chafing is More Likely
While chafing can happen in any pair of pants, it just happens to be more likely in jeans.
Especially when it’s hot outside and you’re sweating, you may feel chafing on your thighs.
This can make for a really uncomfortable experience.
Jeans aren’t breathable or moisture-wicking, in fact, they’re the exact opposite of both of those.
So they just don’t do what needs to happen in order to avoid that awful chafing sensation.
And when your legs rub together as you walk, they’re going to be rubbing against a rough, possibly wet material.
That right there is a recipe for disaster and discomfort.
7. They Aren’t Comfortable
For some people (my boyfriend, for example), jeans are extremely comfortable and you choose them over anything else.
And for others, (like me, for example), jeans are the worst and I only wear them when I’m in a dire situation.
So this one is really a personal preference, but when you put all of these factors together, jeans just don’t seem like the best bet for your hiking pants.
If you’re going on shorter hikes, they may be just fine.
But with longer distances, they may get pretty uncomfortable and you may be wishing you went with something else.
Things to Consider
If you’re heading out for a hike and are trying to decide whether or not to wear your jeans hiking, consider these few things.
Distance of the Hike
How long is the hike that you’re going to be doing?
Short hikes can be great for wearing your favorite jeans because you won’t be on the trail for too terribly long.
But if you’re going out for a longer distance, I would grab something else from your closet.
Another thing to look at is how hard the trail is and what the terrain is like.
If it’s a pretty flat nature trail, no worries. But if it has more difficult terrain where you’ll be stepping over a lot, avoid them.
The distance and difficulty can definitely help you decide whether or not you should wear them.
Weather Conditions
Take a look at the weather conditions for the day of your hike and see if there’s supposed to be any rain or snow.
If it is supposed to rain or snow, I really recommend that you choose something that’s a bit faster drying.
Jeans will take a really long time to dry and this can be dangerous if it’s cold outside.
Plus, it’s just plain uncomfortable to be in wet, clingy pants.
Your Personal Comfort
Lastly, think about what you are personally comfortable wearing.
If you’re most comfortable in jeans, then, by all means, wear those dang jeans! Just be careful if it’s supposed to rain or snow.
If you don’t like jeans at all, then don’t go for jeans!
It can really be as simple as that.
My boyfriend likes jeans and doesn’t even own a pair of sweatpants (Aghhh. I know…).
He wore jeans hiking for a few years until he recently found a pair of hiking pants that he actually likes.
Best Pants to Wear for Hiking
Now that you know the reasons why you shouldn’t wear your jeans on the trail, here are a few other options of pants to choose from.
Best Men’s: PrAna Stretch Zion II
This straight-leg, comfortable pair of pants are made of recycled materials.
They have a built-in belt for that perfect fit.
With multiple colors to choose from, you can choose your favorite.
Plus, they’re versatile and could be worn into town or on the trail.
Best Women’s: Outdoor Research Ferossi
These pants have a flattering fit and can cinch at the bottom to make joggers.
With the stretchy fabric, you can move in any way that you need.
They’re versatile and also offer a convertible option!
FAQs
Is it Better to Hike in Jeans or Leggings?
If you have to choose between jeans and leggings, I would choose the leggings.
They’re going to be more stretchy, allow you to move more, and are just overall going to be more comfortable.
The one thing to note is that leggings tend to be easier to snag on branches and trees, so use caution when on the trail!
I know what it’s like to rip a brand-new pair. 😭
Is it Better to Hike in Jeans or Sweatpants?
Between jeans and sweatpants, go with the sweatpants.
They’ll allow you to stretch and move more than jeans will and are comfier.
But if you have the choice, go with something else, because both can be pretty warm.
Choose leggings over both of these options.
Why are Jeans Bad for Hiking?
It’s not that jeans are bad for hiking, it’s just that they aren’t the best option out there.
They tend to be heavy, restricting, and don’t dry quickly.
These factors can create a pretty uncomfortable situation pretty quickly that you can avoid with a good pair of hiking pants.
What Kind of Pants Should I Wear Hiking?
When you’re looking for a pair of hiking pants, go for a pair that is lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, and fast-drying.
This will allow you to be comfy on the trail and won’t restrict you from doing anything that you need to do.
From crossing streams to stepping over logs and rocks, you’ll be covered and good to go.
What Jeans Are Best for Hiking?
If you have to choose a pair of jeans to wear hiking, choose the stretchiest pair that you can find.
Grab those ultra-stretch jeggings.
These are going to be your best bet because they’ll give you the most freedom in your mobility and are typically lighter weight than true denim.
Basically, stay away from any sort of real denim, because that’s what tends to be the heaviest and most constricting.
How Do I Wear Hiking Boots With Jeans?
One way to wear your jeans with hiking boots is to cuff them to keep them from dragging on the ground.
Simply fold them a few times and you’ll be set.
Skinny jeans are a bit easier because they’ll usually just stop right above the boot, or you can again fold them to make them stay.
Wrap-Up: Hiking in Jeans
Are you stuck digging through your closet trying to figure out what pants to wear for your day on the trail and are leaning towards jeans?
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t choose them including the fact that they’re heavy, restricting, and soak up water.
Instead, go for something a bit lighter weight and more freeing, such as leggings or a pair of dedicated hiking pants.
Overall, hiking in jeans isn’t the ideal option and you should try for something else when possible.
