There is a significant difference in choosing your darker pair of hipster jeans than the best hiking pants for a long trek or a trip overnight. You can easily spot these differences, including wearing pants that are loose-fitting to give you more mobility and less movement resistance.
Other variations may be less evident, and you do not want to learn them the hard way. When shopping for waterproof hiking pants of quality, you can easily be intimidated by hyped-up claims and inflated price tags. To give you a better perspective, here are 10 of the best waterproof hiking pants.
In a Hurry? Check Our Top 3 Picks!
- Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
- prAna – Men’s Stretch Zion Lightweight, Durable, Water Repellent Hiking Pants
- Columbia Rebel Roamer Waterproof Hiking Pants
10 Best Waterproof Hiking Pants
To help you decide, we have collected the best waterproof hiking pants available on the market today. You should only get the best waterproof hiking pants to give you the ultimate protection as you enjoy your outdoor adventures in various weather conditions.
1. Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
If outdoor activities are what you enjoy the most, such as riding vehicles that are all-terrain, fishing, and rock climbing, then you will want to wear a pair of rugged, adjustable, and comfortable hiking pants. These will protect you from wet conditions, sun exposure, and cold winds.
Manufacturers specifically designed the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Pants with a classic fit to give you the ultimate comfort while actively staying outdoors. These hiking pants have the unique feature of Columbia’s Omni-Shade with a UPF 50 fabric for the best protection against UV rays. It also has the Omni-Wick technology that prevents moisture from sticking to your skin to keep you dry and cool.
Having these comfortable and lightweight cargo pants make fishing, hiking, travel, or any of your favorite outdoor pursuit exciting; especially since they have the feature of a straight leg design with a classic cargo silhouette for lightweight performance. Aside from durability, this cargo pants also have mesh pocket bags, side pockets with a look and hook closure and a one zip-closure security pocket feature for the ultimate efficiency and convenience. It also includes an adjustable waistband placed exteriorly along with a partial elastic waist all for ease of motion, versatility, and a fit that is just right.
PROS
- Omni-Wick Advanced Evaporation
- Omni-Shade UPF 50
- Button Closure
- Machine Wash
CONS
- Insufficient protection in foul weather
Why You Should Choose
These pants give out a fantastic performance thanks to its quick-drying and breathable fabric. For travelers and hikers on a budget, you’ll find the Columbia Silver Ridge pants one of the best values on the list.
2. prAna – Men’s Stretch Zion Lightweight, Durable, Water Repellent Hiking Pants
Designed with a stretch fabric that four-way, the Stretch Zion Pants has abrasion resistance, quickly dries, and travels high. PrAna’s most popular hiking pants also have features of snap and roll legs, and cargo pockets with zippers.
Known among the outdoor crowd for their versatility and comfort, you can wear the prAna Stretch Zion Pants everywhere. It has the design for cargo pants, which means their feature and flexibility set includes a zippered cargo pocket with dual access, making it an excellent choice for backpacking and hiking. Other than the semi slim cut that moves along with you, you also have a wide range of motion thanks to a stretchable fabric and gusseted crotch. To make sure the pants fit, you can find a waistband adjuster in a low profile at the right of the first button.
The waterproof and stretchy fabric has faint similarities with a lightweight softshell, making it more substantial compared to hiking pants with standard fares. Although the added thickness may make them warmer on backpacking during the summer, the DWR coating on the trustworthy shell fabric excels in long backpacking trips. Especially those where the ability to handle extreme weather and toughness is a must.
PROS
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
- Angle cargo pocket with dual entry
- Abrasion-resistant
CONS
- Warm on hot temperatures
Why You Should Choose
If you’re looking for hiking pants for everyday wear, the prAna Stretch Zion is the best choice. Other than its sleek design, it provides the best breathability, and the fabric is light and stretching, making movement entirely unrestricted.
3. Columbia Rebel Roamer Waterproof Hiking Pants
Made from durable materials designed to withstand extreme situations from regular days to rigorous activities, Columbia prides itself on providing the perfect fit and more for apparel for men. The Rebel Roamer is the ideal example of comfort and durability that gives you the needed protection on your outdoor adventures.
They crafted these pants combining elastane and nylon to provide the right stretch when doing vigorous activities. The various technologies featured in the Columbia Rebel Roamer will give you the ultimate protection. Its breathable and waterproof exterior resists liquid absorption to keep wet and muddy environments from ruining the excitement outdoors. Having these featured combines ensures lasting and efficient protection from the different outdoor elements – whether it be mud or rain.
PROS
- Elastic closure
- Machine wash
- Omni-tech
- Ultimate comfort
CONS
- No pockets
Why You Should Choose
If you are currently on a tight budget and you want to purchase a pair of decent pants, the Rebel Roamer is the right choice. Columbia offers these pants of various inseams and sizes to outdoor enthusiasts. The Rebel Roamer also comes in a multitude of staple colors.
4. Outdoor Research Men’s Foray Pants
These light lightweight Foray Pants by Outdoor Research are waterproof despite being breathable and ensures in keeping you dry during a downpour, which you can also remove once the weather clears. For backpackers, climbers, and hikers looking for incredible waterproof protection, these wants are the perfect pair.
Constructed with a Gore-Tex PacLite and 50D face fabric, these Foray Pants provide a waterproof breathable membrane. You can ensure that Gore-Tex will keep you dry during rainy weather, other than giving an excellent durable seal for the pants. It also features a full elastic waistband that includes a drawcord to allow cinching down that fit, making sure it does not keep on riding up or down. The waistband also offers attachments for suspenders for those interested. However, you’ll have to purchase them separately since they don’t come with the pants.
As we move down, you will find a waterproof zipper of a three-quarter length. It gives you the ease of quickly taking them off and putting them on. Additionally, there is a zippered pocket at the back coated with waterproof material, which can act as a stuff sack. At the bottom is a cuff closure with a bit of elasticity along with a snap to make sure you can keep the pants in place. With the full seam-taped and lightweight waterproof protection, the Outdoor Research Foray is one of the best options to take into the backcountry.
PROS
- YKK AquaGuard Zippers
- Carabiner Loop
- Articulated Knees
- Gusseted Crotch
CONS
- Insufficient pockets
Why You Should Choose
Other than its durability, these pants also eliminated PFCs without having to jeopardize the performance of your gear. With the full seam-taped and lightweight waterproof protection, the Outdoor Research Foray is one of the best options to take into the backcountry.
5. Jessie Kidden Men’s Waterproof Hiking Pants
Manufacturers built a breathable and waterproof membrane on the fabric to make sure water gets repelled while maintaining and also improving breathability. Jessie Kidden’s hiking pants keep you dry during damp weather by transferring moisture away from your skin.
The fabric’s mid-layer is also of TPU material that is windproof to make sure any unnecessary breezes do not flutter your feathers. It has a Micro Polar Fleece lining to trap warmth effectively and provide next-to-skin comfort. Additionally, it also has semi-elasticated leg openings to prevent sneaking wind from entering, making sure to keep you comfortable and warm during cold weather.
Jessie Kidden’s Pants has belt loops, a removable belt, and a partially elasticated waist at the back to give you better flexibility. The button is of hook snap design to prevent it from suddenly popping open. You can also count on the two zipper pockets to store your outdoor essentials.
PROS
- Zipper closure
- Softshell pants
- Slim fit
- Zipper pockets
CONS
- Only mildly waterproof
Why You Should Choose
If you’re looking for promising hiking pants with a sleek design, you’ve found the pair. The durability and stretchable materials used, along with its preformed gusseted crotch and articulated knees, make these softshell pants excellent for great fits and full mobility.
6. Free Soldier Men’s Outdoor Cargo Waterproof Hiking Pants
With nylon and spandex fabrics combined, the Free Soldier Outdoor Waterproof Hiking Pants is breathable, lightweight, and quick dry. Its essential features include scratch and water resistance, making it outstanding with regards to moisture absorption.
Perfect for outdoor activities, the spandex fabric is also anti-wrinkle, has high elasticity, comfortable to wear, soft, and promotes freedom of movement. Additionally, Free Soldier inserted advanced technology – DuPont Teflon Coating that effectively repels stains and liquids, and UPF 50+ for blocking UVA and UVB rays – to keep these pants clean and dry while protecting you from the sun. The four-ways stretch fabric features unique characteristics of elasticity, ultralightweight, freely breathing, and quick-drying.
Other than keeping you dry, it also provides ease as you enjoy outdoor adventures. Free Soldier made sure to include reinforced articulating knees with a 4-pleat design and 3D tailoring to make it ultimately flexible and comfortable. The pants also have multipurpose pockets – 2 Slant Pockets at the front, 2 YKK Zipper Security Cargo Pockets infused with a COOLMAX mesh lining, and 2 Straight Pockets at the back – making it convenient for safely carrying wallets, phones, and other tactical items. It also has an adjustable belt with a metal buck to provide you with maximum comfort by allowing you to easily adjust the belt on your waist.
PROS
- Multipurpose pockets
- DuPont Teflon Coating
- UPF 50+
- COOLMAX mesh
CONS
- No belt loops
Why You Should Choose
Free Soldier’s quick-drying and waterproof pants are perfect for outdoor camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, cycling, running, fishing, combat, mountaineering, military, working, traveling, and backpacking.
7. BenBoy Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Hiking Pants
BenBoy’s Waterproof Hiking Pants has a waterproof surface made with quick-dry fabric to keep you comfortable. It also has multiple zipper security pockets, an elastic belt, and an adjustable elastic waist, making the pants safe and stylish.
If you consistently go hiking on a different season, then you’ll have no problem with BenBoy’s Outdoor Hiking Pants. Outdoor activities become more enjoyable with its slim fit style. Made with polyester fabric, it has features that make them anti-static, waterproof, windproof, wrinkle-free, and anti-friction. Cycling, hiking, camping, or climbing – it doesn’t matter what type of outdoor activities you do, you will never go wrong into wearing these pair of pants
PROS
- Zipper closure
- Quick-dry
- Slim fit
- Abrasion-resistant
CONS
- Lacks layers to keep you warm during winter.
Why You Should Choose
If you’re looking for pants to keep you dry during rainy weather, these are the perfect pair. Other than the high quality used for the BenBoy’s Outdoor Waterproof Hiking Pants, they also provide the perfect, snug, and stylish fit on your waist.
8. Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi Hiking Pants
Outdoor Research based on Seattle knows a thing or two about extreme weather, which is why it’s not a surprise that the Ferrosi Hiking Pants is a top choice for hiking no matter what the season. Despite it being lightweight, the pair has a nylon shell design, making it a high-quality feel with its sturdiness.
The fabric is excellent perfect for regulating temperature since it’s strong enough to shed light rain and cut the rain, but it also provides breathability when the temperature rises. It’s worth mentioning that the pants had a recent update, such as making the vertical zipper on the thigh pocket horizontal and removing the zippers on the back pockets. However, the formula generally remains the same.
The Ferrosi is among the leading hiking pants you can use for any weather condition. If you have plans on wearing these pants for trekking, then it’s undeniable that it will give you 100% satisfaction. Whether its climbing or simple wear around town while traveling, the Ferrosi is always an option with its all-time favorite design.
PROS
- Movement mirroring stretch
- Quick-drying
- Wind Resistant
- Drawcord ankle adjustments
CONS
- Does not include built-in belt
Why You Should Choose
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi has qualities that take them several feet off the deck. The stretchy yet robust, wind-resistant yet breathable fabric maintains its cool during long hikes and also moves with every high-step you take. It’s the perfect hiking pants for a climb.
9. Columbia Men’s Royce Peak II Waterproof Hiking Pants
The Columbia Royce Peak II provides boundless even and cool cold-weather performance for a pretty good price. The budget softshell will most likely win you over with its excellent fit and stretch. They shed rain and water very well and makes for the perfect pants for hiking during the winter or snowshoeing when you don’t find the option of having a waterproof sealed seam necessary.
The Royce Peak II also has articulated knees and a gusseted crotch that delivers exceptional comfort and an excellent range of motion, making them notable features, especially at a price like this. Other than sufficient storage that the low-profile mesh provides found on the outer hem, you can also unzip it to free hot air during hiking. These pair of pants are an excellent find for 3-season outdoor use at a promising value.
PROS
- Omni-shield
- Zip-closed security pocket
- UV blocking material
CONS
- Warm for summer use
Why You Should Choose
Having the Omni-Shield and the built-in sun protection combine guarantees lasting and efficient protection from various elements outdoors from the ground up. Royce Peak II is the ultimate example of durable and comfortable materials that provide the protection you need when it’s most
10. Arc’teryx Beta SL Waterproof Hiking Pants
The Beta SL is waterproof pants you can easily pull on with a PacLite innovation and Gore-Tex texture. Manufacturers made sure to scrape the strengthened insteps area-safe and trim along with a durable N150p-X Gore-Tex surface.
Other than having a lower leg zipper suitable for boots, you can also fully utilize the pants during severe climates thanks to its convenient features including being small, ergonomic, and light. The moderate plan lessens the weight and boosts packability without having to give up its key highlights. A gusseted groin and explained knees for the fortification of crucial wear zones provide the opportunity for development.
Keen yet discreet ideas of development help shed points of interest. The cautious plan takes responsibility for the decrease of creases, lessening the need for unwanted materials that also limit abrading and wear. Arc’teryx made sure to strengthen primary wear territories to increase durability. Thoughtfully designed, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is a pair of phenomenal shell pants. Its lightweight will make for perfect waterproof hiking pants, and the burliness to fill a hard shell pants’ niche.
PROS
- Gore-tex fabric
- Extremely light
- Versatile
CONS
- Does not fit over boots
Why You Should Choose
Although the Beta SL might not be an affordable option for pants strong enough to withstand any weather, they still provide an amazingly good value. The climbing comfort, thoughtful design, and durability all combined to produce the perfect pants for lousy weather.
Buying Guides: What to Look for in Best Waterproof Hiking Pants
Initial Considerations
Like any apparel for hiking, the first step in choosing the best waterproof pants is considering how you will use them. You can then decide which pants will sufficiently suit your hiking needs. To state examples, have you thought of the climate for your hiking trip? Do you think you will hike and climb in heavy rain? Do you want your pants to have an extra layer of dryness and warmth in case some unexpected showers might suddenly come? Or you might be hiking on a snowy mountain, making you need additional protection from the weather.
You can choose from several types of waterproof hiking pants that meet the various needs of a user. There are waterproof pants specifically designed to become standalone pants, while there are others for comfortable wear over your standard hiking pants. For quick use, you can opt for a pair of all-in-one pants that serve as the durable hiking bottoms you’ll need on the road for the necessary protection from extreme weather elements. However, personal preference still gets to decide on which option to choose.
Fabric
One essential factor you should always consider when shopping for waterproof hiking pants is the fabric. You’ll want to make sure that the material has sufficient waterproof protection to guard you against unpredictable weather. However, it also has to be lightweight and breathable to keep you from feeling heavy on the trail. Ventilation features are primary for the best waterproof hiking pants to let air quickly pass through, guaranteeing that your skin does not gather sweat. If a pair lacks the necessary ventilation, you’ll end up feeling sweaty, damp, and irritatingly uncomfortable.
Fit
Another critical aspect you should bear in mind is the fit. Indeed, the right size does matter, but the fit is a crucial aspect to remember. The best waterproof hiking pants provide an excellent waist fit while maintaining looseness and breathability in the legs, letting enough air to flow inside. For moderate to hefty hikes, wearing hiking boots will inevitably produce added bulk, which is why your choice for a pair of waterproof hiking pants has to fit over your shoes while not bunching excessively. A rule of the thumb is that your pants should have an excellent fit over your standard hiking gear, with an additional elastic band you can cinch at the wait, but one you can also expand to allow enough breathing room.
Weight
Another crucial factor when deciding which waterproof hiking pants is the best is the weight. If you are having difficulty packing your hiking bottoms and it curiously weighs your baggage down, then you’ve picked the wrong pair. Remember that hiking pants come in all various shapes and sizes – some are bulkier than most – when looking for the right pants to suit your needs.
Another essential aspect to keep in mind is layering, and your outside layer is the waterproof gear that protects you from the different weather elements you might encounter. If you plan on taking a long hiking trip, then keep a heads up on experiencing stormy weather to make sure your waterproof pants are inside your pack. With that in mind, you can quickly grab them for an added layer at a moment’s notice if the time comes.
Hiking for Weight Loss
Hiking to lose weight is one of the best plans. To do this, you must be consistent and have certain key tips. Each of these tips can speed up the weight loss process and give you better results.
That is why below we will see:
10 Tips when Hiking to Lose Weight.
1. The number of calories burned hiking: In this case, it means counting the calories consumed, as well as the calories burned. Taking into account your activity level and your age, you must have an adequate diet.
In this way, you will have better control of the calorie deficit you need to lose weight. However, you should consult a professional to get the diet that best suits you.
2. Limited food and drinks: It is highly recommended to avoid those foods and drinks of a celebration. While it can be very tempting to consume alcohol or foods that are not part of your diet, this can also be harmful.
Related read: Best wood burning backpacking stoves
In this way, you will be damaging the balance of calories consumed and burned that you have achieved. Therefore, you should limit the celebrations and food offered at one of these events.
3. Challenges in the walk: It is correct to establish a route and a difficulty that adapt to your physical condition and age. However, it is advisable to take difficult walks.
As the terrain and difficulty increases, the body will burn more fat and calories. This happens since your body needs the most energy to meet those goals. Also, your body can be strengthened with each challenge completed.
4. Get elevations: When you move up the hill quickly you will be adding another obstacle to your walk. As you run or walk faster you will be able to burn more calories.
Also, walking uphill allows for greater fat burning and further strengthens your body. So, if a hill is found, it is not recommended to avoid it.
5. Do not accelerate downhill: When your body is tired it is tempting to take advantage of the hills downhill. Although if you want to get better results it is recommended to slow down.
In this way, the muscles will need to slow down the acceleration achieved down the hill. Of course, this increases the difficulty and the burning of calories.
6. Add trekking poles: When you add these poles, you will have the possibility to improve the movement of the arms. In this way, you will be moving your arms and legs during the walk. By doing this the body manages to burn more calories.
On the other hand, this type of canes will allow you to avoid some damage and injuries.
7. Nutrition properly: Hiking is a more difficult activity than it seems. Therefore, your body must have adequate nutrition to meet this goal. For this, you must consume carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.
You can also bring water and snacks to consume during the journey. With these elements, you can reach a greater distance.
8. Drink a lot of water: When you drink a lot of water, your body weight increases. This can be positive because the body needs to strengthen itself more when walking.
Also, the more gear you carry the better it will be. This will allow you to have a greater amount of weight and therefore a greater effort for your muscles. The result of this is an increased calorie burn.
9. Analyze progress: As you add kilometers and calories burned you can carry out an analysis. This analysis will show how effective your way of hiking has been. Along with this, you can change the details necessary to further optimize the results. You will also be able to learn more about hiking weight loss before and after.
10. Adherence to other strength exercises: When you perform certain strength exercises, your muscles will improve their performance. Along with this, you will be able to walk longer distances and burn more calories. Some useful exercises are planks, squats, lunges, sit-ups, and push-ups.
FAQs
After reading which pants to choose along with the features to consider when choosing a pair, you probably might have a few questions in mind. To help you out, you will find answers to some of these questions below.
How do I wash waterproof hiking pants?
You might have thought that the waterproof feature of hiking pants might mean a different way of laundering them. As a general step, check the pants’ label to see the recommendation of the manufacturer. Their instructions will deem superiority on ways to wash waterproof hiking pants.
A little reminder, though, using fabric softener and regular laundry detergent will breakdown the waterproof clothing’s fibers, making them not recommended for use.
How does UPF work?
Apparel receives a rating for UPF protection based on various factors, including treatments, dyes, and construction. By thoroughly selecting the type of fiber to use such as polyester and nylon – both of which do a magnificent job in repelling harmful UV rays when woven tightly and densely. It then results in the fabric letting only several UV light rays through.
Particular dyes can also affect the radiation amount that can enter the apparel. Although the color does not alter, the coloring, however, can provide protective properties against UV sun, adding to the rating of the garment. Finally, manufacturers can also have particular chemical treatments as another way to boost the clothing’s UPF protection rating.
What is the Best Fabric for Waterproof Hiking Pants?
There are three fabric types that industries commonly use to produce hiking pants. Each has its ups and downs, and the fabric type you should choose should be based on what suits your needs.
Nylon is abrasion-resistant and durable. This human-made fabric is almost completely waterproof and is considerably wind-resistant. Other times, it is entirely windproof by itself.
Polyester, although less durable than nylon, you will find it better overall – especially in wicking sweats – and also feels less like plastic. Depending on the used weave, polyester can either be thoroughly water and wind-resistant or not at all.
Spandex or Lycra is a fabric material often mixed with nylon and polyester. It provides a handful more stretch and flexes to the finished fabric, making it comfortable for sitting, kneeling, and moving.
If you do off-trail hiking most of the time, nylon is a recommended choice since it resists abrasion from brushes, boulders, and thorns. At the same time, polyester is excellent for activities of high output, such as running and quick hiking.
Are Convertible Hiking Pants Needed?
It solely depends on the day’s weather and temperature and space you have left in your pack. If you mostly hike during warm climates, hiking pants you can convert into shorts is a useful feature. It also saves you from carrying an extra pair of shorts on your trip.
As a hiker, it’s crucial that you completely understand the various material types that consist of your pants. Without a doubt, it’s vital to concentrate on how you feel once you wear the pants with a fully loaded hip belt and a backpack.
Try to avoid too restrictive pairs or bulky feelings around the waistband. Remember that good waterproof hiking pants are adaptable, durable, and will last several years of extreme use.