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Guide: How to choose what trousers to wear hiking
From our humble beginnings in our founders' garage, we have always been passionate about hiking trousers. They are the perfect versatile pair of trousers for day hikes, multi-day treks, and everyday activities. But with a vast array of options, selecting the perfect pair can feel like navigating a forest maze. Fear not! In this guide, we'll walk you through all things hiking trousers: what they are, why they're important, and how to choose the perfect pair for your next outdoor excursion.
Different types of hiking trousers
Full-length Trousers
Full-length trousers reign supreme among hikers for good reason. Offering complete leg coverage, they keep you warm and shield your legs from thorns, prickly underbrush, and poisonous plants. When the winter chill sets in, go for thicker fabrics or fleece-lined options to stay extra toasty, or layer up with a warming baselayer underneath. But full-length trousers are also great during summer. A pair of lightweight and quick-drying trousers offer excellent sun protection and keep those pesky bugs at bay while keeping you cool.
Convertible Trousers
Enter the ultimate in hiking versatility – convertible trousers, also known as zip-offs. They seamlessly transform from full-length trousers to breezy shorts and back again, making them perfect for unpredictable weather and ever-changing trail conditions. And if you're all about on-the-go adaptability, look for the T-zip feature with handy calf zippers that let you ditch the lower leg section without taking off your boots. Trailside convenience at its finest!
Leggings and Tights
For hotter days or vigorous hikes, many hikers opt for hiking leggings or tights over regular trousers. These form-fitting, breathable, lightweight bottoms offer unrestricted movement, perfect for high-energy outings. But while they excel in comfort, they provide minimal defence against scrapes and may not be the best bet for bushwhacking through dense foliage or rugged landscapes.
Shorts
Shorts are a popular choice for hiking, providing ample freedom of movement and ventilation, especially in warmer weather. They provide relief from the heat and allow for better ventilation, keeping you cool and comfortable on the trail. But beware, with bare legs comes exposure to the elements – from scorching sunbeams and pesky insect bites to rough terrain and thorny bushes.
Should you wear shorts or trousers when hiking?
Choosing between full-length trousers or shorts for your hike boils down to a few things: the weather, the terrain, what you like, and how tough your hike will be. Full-length trousers are like your trusty shield, keeping you warm and protected, especially when it's chilly, or you're tackling rough trails. On the flip side, shorts are like a breath of fresh air, letting you move freely and stay cool, especially when it's scorching hot or the trail's not too gnarly.
But hey, if you're not keen on showing off your legs or worried about sunburn or scratches, no sweat! There are lightweight hiking trousers with ventilation zippers to keep you cool and comfy while offering that extra layer of protection.
Different types of materials
The material your hiking trousers are made of matters! What suits you best depends on the weather and how much mobility and durability you need. Polyamide and polycotton are the two most common types of material in hiking trousers.
Polyamide
Polyamide, a synthetic polymer material, is renowned for its lightweight, durability and quick-drying properties. It’s often used in hiking trousers to make them withstand rough terrain and hot weather conditions while providing comfort and flexibility. It can also be treated with a DWR coating to enhance the material’s water resistance, keeping you dry during light rain on the trail.
Polyamide can also be mixed with elastane to provide stretch to the fabric for more flexibility and freedom of movement. Nylon, a type of polyamide, is also commonly used in hiking trousers and offers the same benefits.
Polycotton
Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton, combining the durability of polyester with the softness and breathability of cotton. When used in hiking trousers, it’s often tightly woven plain weave construction—in other words, a canvas in a cotton and polyester blend that is very durable and abrasion-resistant. It’s often used in high-wear areas like knees, backside and instep to make hiking trousers more durable and long-lasting.
Plus, polycotton can be treated with a DWR coating or wax to make it more water-resistant, keeping you dry on the trail!
Should you wear waterproof hiking pants or not?
While polyamide and polycotton pants can get a DWR treatment to repel water, they're not exactly waterproof. If you're planning to hit the trails on a rainy day, you might want to consider wearing waterproof trousers. Just a heads-up, though, they're not as breathable as your regular hiking pants.
Now, if you're dealing with sporadic rain showers, stash a pair of lightweight and packable rain pants in your backpack. That way, you can put them on when needed and let them air dry on your pack once the skies clear up.
Functional design
Alright, let's talk design! When it comes to hiking pants, you want them to fit just right. However, the perfect fit is subjective and depends not only on your body shape but also on personal preference. And some features you might not consider can take the trousers from a good fit to a great fit.
Snug fit over the calves
Wider legs might be more fashionable right now, but it’s not the most practical during a hike. Look for a snugger fit over the lower leg to keep things from flapping around in the wind and prevent bugs and debris from getting into your shoes. Plus, it'll make it easier to see where you're stepping, especially on those tricky trails.
High-waisted
A higher waist accommodates different body shapes and sizes, making them more comfortable for many to wear. With that added coverage and support, you won't have to worry about your pants sliding down while you're moving, carrying your backpack, or bending down. It ensures a secure fit throughout your hike, so you can focus on the trail ahead instead of constantly adjusting your clothes.
Stretch
Adding stretch to hiking pants provides greater freedom of movement, making them more comfortable during dynamic activities like hiking. It allows the fabric to move with your body, whether climbing steep terrain, scrambling over rocks, or navigating tricky trails. Having stretchy fabric over your backside and knees is super handy for tackling those uphill climbs or hopping over obstacles. When it comes to bending down or kneeling, having stretch around your hips and upper front ensures you can move freely without any restrictions.
Ergonomic tailoring
A gusseted crotch and articulated knees are great ways to tailor hiking trousers for more mobility and comfort on the trail. The gusseted crotch gives extra room where your legs meet your torso, reducing chafing and letting you move freely during climbs or scrambling. Articulated knees are shaped to match your natural bend, so you won't feel restricted when navigating steep slopes or uneven terrain.
Reinforcements
And let's not overlook reinforcements. Knees are often reinforced for kneeling or scrambling, while the backside gets extra protection for those sitting breaks or shuffling down a steep slope. Additionally, reinforcements on the instep help guard against abrasion from boots or rocky terrain. These reinforced areas provide added durability, ensuring your hiking pants last a long time.
Features to consider
When choosing your ideal hiking pants, it's essential to consider the features that can make your outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. Here's a rundown of some handy features to keep in mind:
Pockets
Pockets are like your trusty sidekicks on the trail, always there to hold your essentials while you explore the great outdoors. Think about where you want those pockets to be and what you'll be carrying – cargo pockets for the big stuff, zippered pockets for keeping things secure, and those handy mobile pockets for quick access. With the proper pocket placement, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips without hindering movement.
Waistband
A comfortable fit at the waist is a must for your hiking trousers. You don’t want them sliding down, but also not digging in when you bend down or climb. Having elastic or stretch in at least part of the waistband ensures you can move comfortably without feeling cut off at the waist.
Belt loops or built-in belts ensure that you can adjust the waist so your trousers won’t ride down. Some hiking trousers can also be adjusted at the side of the waist with Velcro, which is perfect for easy resizing on the go.
Ventilation
Stay cool and comfortable during your hike with strategically placed ventilation zippers. Thigh zippers allow for increased airflow, especially on warmer days or during strenuous climbs. Ventilation zippers placed on the outside of the thighs are easy to access on the go, even while wearing a backpack, and provide better airflow compared to zippers placed on the inside of the thighs.
Ankle cuffs
Your trousers should fit snugly over your shoes or boots to keep out bugs and debris while hiking. Adjustable and elastic cuffs ensure the trousers are easy to put on and fit snuggly around your ankles. There are different ways to adjust cuffs. Velco adjustments are quick and easy on the go, buttons are more secure but less convenient, and drawcords allow precise tightening but can be bulkier.
Zippered gussets at the ankles enable you to modify the width of the trouser leg to suit various footwear styles. Meanwhile, a boot hook on the inner cuffs secures the pants to your shoe laces, preventing them from riding up.
Knee pad compatibility
Consider trousers compatible with knee pads for added protection and comfort during rugged hikes. Knee pads help cushion the knees from impacts and abrasions and offer added protection when navigating rough terrain, kneeling, or scrambling.
