Mountain hikes can be physically demanding and involve long hours of walking. Good walking trousers are designed to provide comfort and ease of movement, reducing chafing and discomfort during the hike.
Safety should also be a consideration. Reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall comfort, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience. So make sure you invest in a pair of walking trousers that are durable, weatherproof, breathable and versatile.
Good walking trousers that cover the legs can protect against scratches from brush and undergrowth and reduce the risk of insect bites or stings.
We also recommend hiking trousers that have a selection of accessible pockets that are handy for storing small essentials like a map, compass, snacks, or a phone. Having these items easily accessible ensures you can keep track of your progress and have the necessary tools at hand.
Now you know what to look for in a good pair of trousers for mountain hiking, you should be able to make the right choice for you. However, if you want some recommendations of brands to check up on, we’ve drawn up a short list of the best walking trousers for mountain hikes.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Walking Pants
Lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi selection offers excellent mobility and has water and wind-resistant properties. The Ferrosi Pants range also features multiple pockets for storage and reinforced areas for durability.
These walking trousers are typically made from a blend of nylon and spandex, which offers a good combination of breathability, water resistance, and stretchability. They are also quick-drying, which is useful in wet conditions or during water activities.
The Ferrosi range is designed to be durable and can withstand the rigours of outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing. Multiple pockets, including front and back pockets, and sometimes a zippered thigh pocket, provide convenient storage options for small items.
Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants
Designed for outdoor activities, the Gamma LT Pants are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, especially for activities that require freedom of movement and versatility.
Made from a durable and stretchy material that allows for freedom of movement. They are water-resistant, wind-resistant, and highly breathable. The Gamma LT Pants have a trim fit and feature zippered pockets and articulated knees for added functionality.
Arc’teryx is known for its precise and athletic fit, ensuring it stays close to the body without restricting movement. The design also includes articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, allowing for a wide range of motion and ensuring the pants move with your body during various activities.
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Walking Trousers
These versatile pants are great for mountain hikes as they can be converted into shorts, allowing for quick adjustments to changing temperatures. They are lightweight, breathable, and come with multiple pockets, including front and back pockets, as well as zippered cargo pockets, providing ample storage space for small essentials.
One of the standout features of these trousers is their convertible design, which allows you to easily convert them into shorts by zipping off the lower part of the legs. This feature makes them suitable for changing weather conditions or when you need to adapt to varying levels of activity and temperature.
Columbia also uses advanced technology which makes their walking trousers ideal for mountain conditions. The company’s Omni-Shade technology is often incorporated into these trousers, providing UPF 50 sun protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays during extended outdoor exposure.
Some mountain hiking trousers in this range also feature Columbia’s Omni-Wick technology, which helps to wick away moisture and sweat from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable during active pursuits.
Patagonia Quandary Mountain Hiking Pants
Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, these mountain hiking pants offer a good balance of comfort, durability, and stretch. Designed to be breathable, they allow air circulation and ventilation to keep you cool during active pursuits together with water-resistant, quick-drying fabric, and a UPF 50+ rating that shields you from harmful UV rays.
The pants are often treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, providing some protection against light rain and moisture, making them suitable for changing weather conditions.
Other standout features include a gusseted crotch which provides better freedom of movement and comfort during challenging hikes and climbs together with articulated knees, further enhancing mobility and flexibility during outdoor activities.
Prana Stretch Zion Mountain Walking Trousers
The Prana Stretch Zion Mountain Walking Trousers pants are a highly popular range among mountain hikers. Typically made from a blend of nylon and spandex, they offer a durable and quick-drying fabric that allows for a full range of motion during outdoor activities.
Mountain walking trousers often come with a water-resistant finish, providing some protection against light rain and splashes, making them suitable for changing weather conditions.
In addition, the Prana Stretch Zion is designed to be breathable and often features mesh or ventilated pockets to enhance airflow and keep you cool during active pursuits.
They’re also quick-drying and have UPF 50+ sun protection, multiple pockets, an adjustable waistband, and a ventilated inseam gusset for enhanced comfort.
Berghaus Lomaxx
Berghaus Lomaxx is considered to be one of the best value-for-money mountain walking trousers on the market. Typically made from a blend of polyester and elastane (spandex), offering a stretchy and quick-drying fabric that allows for ease of movement during outdoor activities.
Durable, lightweight and versatile, these mountain hiking trousers can be used for a range of outdoor activities, thanks to their waterproof and UPF sun protection features.
As well as being competitively priced, Berghaus is committed to sustainability, and the Lomaxx Walking Pants are often made with Bluesign® approved fabrics, meeting strict environmental and social standards.
Mountain Hiking Trousers
Whether you’re heading into the mountains for a summer hike or a winter trek, the best mountain walking trousers help to enhance your experience by providing the protection, comfort and safety you need. So we hope the tips in this article help guide you in choosing the best walking trousers for your mountain hiking experience.
