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Patagonia, Athleta, and Cotopaxi offer some of the best hiking pants on the market.
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The pants only come in one leg length, but can be cuffed easily.
Patagonias Chambeau Rock Pants are perfect for any pop in of outdoor adventure from hiking to rock climbing.
Plus, they still look as good as new.
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The pants could use more pockets and they run slightly large.
For year-round hikers, a pair of insulated pants is essential for staying warm in the colder seasons.
None of the pockets are big enough to fit a phone.
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These aren’t particularly warm or breathable, so they’re best used during the spring or fall.
Depending on your style preference, a pair of leggings might be your best choice for hiking pants.
The hiking pants lived up to the promise of four-way stretching material and offered full mobility while trekking.
We also appreciate the secure high-waisted fit and true-to-size nature of the bottoms.
Because of this, we feel that these leggings work best for shoulder season.
The sizes arent the most inclusive.
We wish the pockets were zippered for extra security.
Compared to leggings, we found these pants offer more mobility and room to move around freely while trekking.
Plus, the pants offer UPF 50+ sun protection to keep harmful rays off your legs.
These are water-resistant, not waterproof, so they may not stand up well to rain storms.
Avid hikers and mountain climbers will appreciate the technical features built into Helly Hansens Brona Softshell Pants.
Plus, the inseam is gusseted for even more mobility during a rigorous hike.
These arent the warmest pants for cold-weather hikes.
The material is also abrasion-resistant, water-repellant, and offers UPF 50+ protection.
The drawstring cords at the ankles hang a bit low and could get caught.
Some of the button closures on the pockets were hard to snap shut.
During six months of testing, the bottoms offered excellent flexibility for climbing over boulders and other obstacles.
Several hikes and washes later, the pants still look brand-new.
The pants run a bit large.
They wrinkled quite a bit after being packed in a suitcase.
After six months of regular use, they don’t show any signs of damage.
We also made sure to select pant options that range in waist sizes and lengths.
We also tested the hiking pants in warmer climates like Costa Rican rainforests to the snowy Pacific Northwest mountains.
Nylon is often more durable than a polyester.
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It is also heavier, so that needs to be taken into account, Schwartz said.
Hiking pants vary in the rise of the waist with adjustable features like a utility belt or drawstring tie.
Some pants wont have any adjustable features like elastic waistbands or button closures.
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You could also get a pair of zip-off pants that can be transformed into shorts for the summer.
Some hiking pants have UPF sun protection built into the fabric to reduce the effects of harmful rays.
Anna participates in nearly every product test the brand conducts, including this one.
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