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If you're new to hiking, you might not think that you need a ton of specific gear to get out there. After all, we're just talking about a walk in the woods, right? Now, the level of truth here of course depends on the intensity of your hike. A short stroll on a paved path through the woods can easily be conquered with a pair of gym shorts and sneakers. However, if you plan to get into some tougher terrain, you'll definitely want to look into some hike-specific pants. The right pair of hiking pants will help you not only look the part, but stay comfortable and safe out on the trail. Look for a pair that's lightweight yet durable, and that can handle different elements that you might run into. To help you along the trail, we gathered some of our favorite hiking pants made for men. Each pair is well-suited for most hiking environments, so you can feel good heading out onto whatever trail you find. Check out our picks, and find the pair that'll work best for you.
1. Best Overall
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants - Amazon, $60
These Columbia pants are among the most popular hiking pants on Amazon with a 4.6-star average on over 11 thousand reviews. They're affordable as well as versatile, with zippered legs that convert into 10" in-seam shorts. The pants come with a built-in belt, and the moisture-wicking fabric ensures sun protection up to 50 UPF.
2. An Excellent Waterproof Value
TBMPOY Men's Outdoor Quick-Dry Hiking Mountain Pants - Amazon, $30+
These pants, which come with a ton of great Amazon reviews as well, are lightweight, waterproof and ready for any adventure. The flexible knee design allows for maximum flexibility, and the included belt will keep the elastic waistband where it needs to be. Plus, you'll have four zippered pockets at your disposal, so any small items you need will stay in your reach.
3. Quick-Dry Pans For Any Environment
FREE SOLDIER Men's Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants - Amazon, $32.99+
Coming in a ton of different colors and sizes, these Free Soldier hiking pants are a great bet for any and all bodies and terrains. They're made of a flexible nylon and spandex blend, which allows for increased mobility. They also feature a teflon coating for water resistance, along with ultra-quick drying. No matter what sort of adventure you get yourself into, these will help you along the way.
4. A High-End, Reliable Standout
KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants - REI, $109
Kuhl is one of the most loved brands of avid hikers, and this convertible pair is among their most popular hiking pants. The Renegades employ Duralux fabric that's both stretchy and sturdy while staying breathable. The pants are quick to dry and moisture-wicking, and their stealth zip-off system converts them into shorts without the usual annoying flap of fabric.
5. A Great Choice for Wind and Rain
REI Co-op Rainier Full-Zip Rain Pants - REI, $99.95
If rain is your biggest concern on the trail, you can look into a pair of pants that's intentionally designed to keep you as dry as possible. These REI rain pants are completely waterproof, and also resistant to winds up to 60 mph. The 4-way stretch shell fabric keeps them flexible and comfortable, and large zippered pockets will keep your phone dry, too.
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6. An Upgraded Luxury Pair
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - Men's Long - REI, $155
Fjallraven produces some of the most fashionable and functional outdoor gear around, so you can rest assured that the Vidda Pro Pants will get the job done. Unfortunately, this also means a higher price point, but if you can afford it, you'll get your money's worth. The pants are extremely durable, and come with a wide variety of intentionally-placed pockets. In the words of one REI reviewer, these are quite simply "the best pants on the market."
NEXT: THE BEST MEN'S WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS FOR RAINY TREKS
