Just like a great pair of hiking boots, every hiker needs a great set of pants that are up for the task and durable enough to stand up and perform under any conditions. The best hiking pants are not only durable, but comfortable. Most outdoor brands make some pretty epic pants, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to reap the benefits. Below are some of the best men’s hiking pants every outdoorsman will love under $250.
Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants
If ultra-soft, ultra-lightweight pants are must haves for your adventures, these pants need to be on your radar. The Gamma LT pants are stretchy but durable and even come with an adjustable webbing belt to ensure a perfect fit. Don’t let the soft, comfortable fabric fool you. These pants come with built-in abrasion resistance that will withstand most obstacles that come your way.
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants
It’s rare to find cotton pants that can stand up to the rigors of outdoor life, especially from a premium brand. The Vidda Pro Ventilated Pants are 35% cotton which makes them more durable than most of its competitors, allowing you to traipse through tougher environments without having to worry. Need an extra layer of protection? Coat these pants with Fjallraven’s beeswax to make them even more waterproof.
Prana Stretch Zion Pants
Most outdoor pants tend to scream that they are, in fact, meant to be used outdoors. If you have a busy day ahead of you before you can make it to the trails, you don’t have to worry about changing. The Prana Stretch Zion Pants embody a simple design aesthetic that makes them perfect for work, hiking, dinner, and everything in between without looking like you just walked out of the forest. Don’t worry, they are also wrinkle-resistant, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, and even come with sun protection.
Kuhl Renegade Convertible Pants
The Kuhl brand is no stranger to making popular and long-lasting hiking apparel. The Renegade Convertible Pants are one among many in their line that will provide years of use. The soft, cotton-like fabric makes hiking comfortable and the fabric provides just enough stretch to give you all-day comfort, even on the longest hikes. Besides, wouldn’t you want pants that can also turn into shorts? Long hikes usually have drastic changes in temperature depending on the time of day, so you’ll need pants that can cope.
REI Co-Op Activator 3.0 Pants
Last, but certainly not least are the Co-Op Activator Pants. This is the third generation of these popular pants, and each new iteration just seems to get even better. These pants have maximum moisture-wicking abilities, are water-repellent, and have lots of stretch. Co-Op Activator Pants are designed to be more flexible, especially around the knees to give you more mobility on trails. When the trails start getting rougher and dirtier you can always use the convenient drawcords at the cuffs to keep debris out of your shoes.