Best Hiking Pants in 2026: Complete Guide to Trail-Ready Bottoms

Table of Contents

• Best Hiking Pants in 2026: Complete Guide to Trail-Ready Bottoms

• What Makes Great Hiking Pants?
  Key Features to Look For

• Why NOT Wear Cotton or Jeans?

• The 8 Best Hiking Pants for 2026
  1. prAna Stretch Zion II – Best Overall (Men's $89)

• 2. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo – Best Value (Men's $55)

• 3. Kuhl Renegade Convertible – Best Convertible (Men's $99)

• 4. prAna Halle II – Best for Women ($89)

• 5. Arc'teryx Gamma LT – Best Ultralight ($199)

• 6. REI Co-op Flash – Best Budget Lightweight (Men's $69)

• 7. Outdoor Research Ferrosi – Best Breathability ($99)

• 8. Fjallraven Keb – Best Durability ($200)

• Hiking Pants Comparison Table

• Pants vs. Shorts vs. Convertible: Which to Choose?
  Choose Full Pants When:

• Choose Shorts When:

• Choose Convertible When:

• Fit Guide: How Hiking Pants Should Fit

• Caring for Your Hiking Pants

• Our Recommendation

• More Gear Guides

Best Hiking Pants in 2026: Complete Guide to Trail-Ready Bottoms

Finding the right hiking pants can make or break your trail experience. Too heavy and you'll overheat; too thin and you'll freeze on summit ridges. After testing pants across Colorado's diverse terrain—from the desert heat of Colorado National Monument to the chilly alpine winds of Rocky Mountain National Park—we've identified the best options for every hiking scenario.

Quality hiking pants are essential for Colorado's variable mountain terrain
Our Top Picks:

• Best Overall: prAna Stretch Zion II – Perfect balance of stretch, durability, and style

• Best Value: Columbia Silver Ridge – Proven performer under $60

• Best Convertible: Kuhl Renegade Convertible – Seamless pants-to-shorts

• Best for Women: prAna Halle II – Flattering fit with full mobility

• Best Ultralight: Arc'teryx Gamma LT – Technical performance at 10 oz

What Makes Great Hiking Pants?

Not all pants are trail-worthy. Whether you're tackling the easiest 14ers in Colorado or exploring day hikes near Denver, here's what separates hiking pants from everyday wear:

Key Features to Look For

• Stretch fabric (4-way preferred) – Essential for scrambling, high-stepping, and comfort

• Quick-dry materials – Nylon or poly blends that dry in under 2 hours

• DWR coating – Sheds light rain and morning dew

• UPF sun protection – UPF 50+ for high-altitude sun

• Articulated knees – Pre-bent design for natural movement

• Reinforced seat/knees – Extra durability where you need it

• Secure pockets – Zippered or deep enough to keep gear safe

Why NOT Wear Cotton or Jeans?

Cotton is the enemy of hikers. When wet (from sweat, stream crossings, or rain), cotton:

• Takes 5x longer to dry than synthetics

• Loses all insulation value when wet

• Causes chafing and blisters

• Can lead to hypothermia in cold conditions

"Cotton kills" isn't just a saying—it's wilderness survival wisdom. Learn more about preparing properly in our Insider's Guide to Hiking in Colorado.

The 8 Best Hiking Pants for 2026

The right hiking pants make a significant difference in trail comfort and performance

1. prAna Stretch Zion II – Best Overall (Men's $89)

Check Current Price on Amazon

The prAna Stretch Zion has been a trail favorite for over a decade, and the latest version improves on an already excellent formula. The "Zion Stretch" fabric delivers 97% nylon durability with 3% spandex flexibility—perfect for scrambling up rocky terrain.

Specs:

• Fabric: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex

• Weight: 14.4 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Roll-up leg snaps, ventilated inseam gusset

Pros:

• Incredible stretch that moves with you

• Durable enough for rock scraping and bush-whacking

• Stylish enough for post-hike beers in town

• Quick roll-up feature converts to capris

• Multiple inseam lengths available

Cons:

• Not as breathable as lighter options

• Runs slightly warm in hot weather

• Higher price point

Best For: All-around hiking in variable conditions. Our go-to for Colorado 14ers and multi-day backpacking.

2. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo – Best Value (Men's $55)

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Columbia has perfected the budget hiking pant. The Silver Ridge delivers 90% of premium performance at half the price. The Omni-Shade UPF 50 and Omni-Wick moisture management work as advertised.

Specs:

• Fabric: 100% Nylon ripstop

• Weight: 13 oz

• UPF Rating: 50

• Features: Zip-close security pocket, mesh pocket bags

Pros:

• Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio

• Excellent sun protection

• Lightweight and packable

• Great cargo pocket design

Cons:

• Limited stretch compared to premium options

• Fit can be baggy

• Durability not as high as prAna

Best For: Budget-conscious hikers, hot weather, and those who want solid performance without premium prices.

3. Kuhl Renegade Convertible – Best Convertible (Men's $99)

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If you've ever worn convertible pants with awkward, visible zippers and uncomfortable seams, the Kuhl Renegade will change your mind. The seamless zip-off design creates shorts that actually look and feel like shorts.

Specs:

• Fabric: Duralux softshell (nylon/spandex blend)

• Weight: 18 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Hidden zip-off system, 3D cell phone pocket

Pros:

• Best-in-class conversion system

• Excellent durability (Duralux fabric)

• Great stretch and mobility

• Versatile for temperature swings

Cons:

• Heavier than non-convertible options

• Premium price

• Can be warm in high heat

Best For: Variable weather hikes, traveling, and anyone who wants one pant for multiple conditions.

4. prAna Halle II – Best for Women ($89)

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The women's equivalent to the Stretch Zion, the Halle II is designed specifically for women's bodies rather than just sized down men's pants. The result is a flattering fit that doesn't sacrifice performance. Pair these with the right hiking boots for women for the perfect trail setup.

Specs:

• Fabric: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex (Stretch Zion)

• Weight: 11.6 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Roll-up leg snaps, stretch waistband

Pros:

• Designed specifically for women's fit

• Excellent 4-way stretch

• Looks great on and off trail

• Multiple inseam options (short/regular/tall)

Cons:

• Pockets could be deeper

• Higher price point

Best For: Women who want performance pants that also look good. Great for travel.

5. Arc'teryx Gamma LT – Best Ultralight ($199)

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When weight matters, Arc'teryx delivers. The Gamma LT weighs just 10 oz yet delivers technical performance that rivals pants twice its weight. The Fortius DW 2.0 fabric is a marvel of textile engineering.

Specs:

• Fabric: Fortius DW 2.0 (88% Nylon, 12% Elastane)

• Weight: 10 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Articulated patterning, laminated hem

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight

• Outstanding mobility and stretch

• Excellent DWR water resistance

• Breathable for high-output activities

Cons:

• Expensive (it's Arc'teryx)

• Less durable than heavier options

• Minimal pockets

Best For: Ultralight backpacking, fast hiking, and alpine climbing approaches.

6. REI Co-op Flash – Best Budget Lightweight (Men's $69)

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REI's house brand delivers excellent value. The Flash pants offer lightweight performance at a fraction of Arc'teryx prices.

Specs:

• Fabric: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex

• Weight: 11.5 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Zippered thigh pocket, elastic waist

Pros:

• Excellent value for lightweight pants

• Good stretch and mobility

• REI's satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Less durable than premium options

• Limited color selection

Best For: Value-conscious hikers who want lightweight without premium prices.

7. Outdoor Research Ferrosi – Best Breathability ($99)

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For hot weather hiking, the Ferrosi can't be beat. The lightweight, air-permeable fabric keeps you cool even when temperatures climb into the 90s—perfect for summer hiking in Colorado.

Specs:

• Fabric: 86% Nylon, 14% Spandex (Ferrosi)

• Weight: 11 oz

• UPF Rating: 50+

• Features: Zippered thigh pockets, low-profile waist

Pros:

• Exceptional breathability

• Lightweight and stretchy

• Wind resistant enough for light gusts

• Great range of motion

Cons:

• Not as durable for rough terrain

• Limited insulation for cold weather

Best For: Hot weather hiking, desert trails, high-output activities in summer.

8. Fjallraven Keb – Best Durability ($200)

Check Current Price on Amazon

Built like a tank with stretch where it matters, the Keb is designed for the harshest conditions. The G-1000 Eco fabric can be waxed for enhanced water resistance.

Specs:

• Fabric: G-1000 Eco Stretch (65% polyester, 35% cotton)

• Weight: 18.5 oz

• Features: Reinforced knees/seat, ventilation zips

Pros:

• Incredibly durable – will last years

• Can wax for waterproofing

• Ventilation zips for temperature control

• Timeless style

Cons:

• Expensive

• Heavy compared to synthetic options

• Slower drying due to cotton content

Best For: Bushwhacking, rough terrain, those who want pants that last 10+ years.

Hiking Pants Comparison Table

Pant
Price
Weight
Best For
Stretch
Durability

prAna Stretch Zion II
$89
14.4 oz
Overall
★★★★★
★★★★★

Columbia Silver Ridge
$55
13 oz
Budget
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆

Kuhl Renegade Conv.
$99
18 oz
Convertible
★★★★☆
★★★★★

prAna Halle II
$89
11.6 oz
Women's
★★★★★
★★★★☆

Arc'teryx Gamma LT
$199
10 oz
Ultralight
★★★★★
★★★☆☆

REI Co-op Flash
$69
11.5 oz
Value Lightweight
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆

OR Ferrosi
$99
11 oz
Hot Weather
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆

Fjallraven Keb
$200
18.5 oz
Durability
★★★★☆
★★★★★

Pants vs. Shorts vs. Convertible: Which to Choose?

Rocky Colorado terrain demands durable hiking pants that can handle scrambling and brush

Choose Full Pants When:

• Hiking through brush, thorns, or dense vegetation

• Expecting cold temperatures or wind

• Sun protection is critical (high altitude)

• Dealing with biting insects (mosquitos, ticks)

• Scrambling over rocks (knee protection)

Choose Shorts When:

• It's reliably hot with no temperature drops expected

• Trail is well-maintained with no brush

• You prioritize maximum ventilation

• Short hikes near trailhead

Choose Convertible When:

• Uncertain weather or temperature swings

• Traveling and need versatility

• Dawn start (cold) with warm afternoon expected

• Don't want to carry extra shorts

For Colorado hiking, we generally recommend full pants or convertibles. Morning temperatures at trailheads can be in the 40s even when afternoon highs reach 80°F. Check out the best hiking trails in Colorado to plan your next adventure.

Fit Guide: How Hiking Pants Should Fit

• Waist: Should sit comfortably without belt cinching—you'll be wearing a pack hipbelt

• Seat: Enough room to high-step without binding

• Thighs: Room for muscle movement but not baggy (catches on brush)

• Knees: Can bend fully without pulling at waist

• Length: Slight break at ankle or just above boot top

• Inseam: Get the right length! Most brands offer short/regular/long

Caring for Your Hiking Pants

• Wash in cold water – Preserves DWR coating

• Avoid fabric softeners – They destroy DWR and reduce wicking

• Tumble dry low or hang dry – Heat reactivates DWR

• Re-apply DWR periodically – Use Nikwax TX.Direct or similar when water stops beading

• Repair small tears immediately – Tenacious Tape prevents spreading

Our Recommendation

For most Colorado hikers, the prAna Stretch Zion II hits the sweet spot of stretch, durability, and all-weather performance. If you're on a budget, the Columbia Silver Ridge won't let you down.

For variable weather on longer hikes, grab the Kuhl Renegade Convertible and adapt as conditions change.

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