Hiking is a great activity that needs to be done with the best gears available to prevent serious accidents. It is very important to have the perfect set of best waterproof pants for hiking while going for a hike. There are features to look out for in a good hiking pant, check it out below.
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Contents
Factors to consider
Material
Off course the first thing you ensure is that your pant is waterproof. Second, the material should be breathable. Your pant, although is waterproof, also have some ventilation features. Lack of air vent on your pant will create sweat between your legs and your pant. This will lead to more sweat, more heat, and you will become wet from the inside out. Breathability can be either through material make-up or ventilation features. The waterproof and breathable material will keep water or rain from getting in and also letting out sweat and perspiration from the legs. A very good example of waterproof and breathable material is the Gore-Tex. Check it out in the product in this article.
Size and Fit
This is relative to an individual as no particular size can be recommended. Hiking pants are generally made to be baggy and elastic in the waist. Ensure your pant fits well on you but is not too tight. If you want a good waist fit, you should ensure that the pant is a little bit loose to allow air circulation. Also, keep in mind that you will be wearing boots which are also bulky but ensure that your pant fit well over them.
Climate
Change in weather condition or climate should also be considered when choosing a hiking pant. Though hiking pants generally cover a range of weather condition there are perfect choices for a different climate. Hiking when it is hot or dry will require you to wear shorts pants. In this condition of intense heat, wearing a convertible pant, and a pant that protects against sun ray is a good option. If you are hiking in cool or temperate condition, you should make use of a pant that protects against cold and wind.
Waterproof Rating
Hiking in a temperate region or the rainy season makes it important to ensure that your pant is waterproof. Most waterproof pants for hiking are light in weight as they mostly made of nylon which absorbs less water than cotton. A good waterproof pant should have water-repellant (DWR) coating. The DWR coating helps a pant to resist water from a gentle rain before it soaks through but in most cases, DWR will not keep you dry in under a heavy downpour. The waterproof rating is usually done in millimeters and pant of 1500 millimeters is good for moderate rain. For hiking pant that can withstand heavy rain go for a rating of 2000 millimeters and above.
Ray protection
When hiking in the desert, summer, or at high altitudes, you will need pants that protect against sun rays. Many pant makers consciously market the UPF rating of their product. You should choose to wear hiking pants instead of shorts during this period. however, the need for protection from the sun ray differs in level in people due to their skin. People with fair skin will be in high need of this protection as their skin burns easily.
Check out Some of the Best Hiking Pants for Sale
BenBoy Women Hiking Pants
This stylish hiking pant contains 100% softshell polyester materials for all-round comfort during use. It comes with multiple zipper pockets where you can keep your credit cards, keys, and other lightweight belongings. Also, the ensure that it fits true to size, the BenBoy women hiking pant comes with an adjustable waistband and supports belt use. Other features include patchwork knees, zippered cargo thigh pockets, and steric knee darts. To manage harsh weather, the pant features a waterproof lining to ensure warmth during windy and cold months. It is generally recommended for all type of outdoor activities.
Pros
- Softshell polyester material
- Multiple zipper pockets
- Waterproof fleece lining
Cons
- Size doesn’t favor short women
Free Soldier Men’s Hiking Pants
This hiking pant is constructed to resemble a soldier’s pant, and as a result, gives you a certain level of mental confidence that puts you in control of your hike. The Free Soldier Men’s hiking pant contains 12% spandex fabric and 88% nylon fabric. The combination of which produces a breathable, lightweight, quick-dry, wear-resistant, and scratch-resistant fabric. Another advantage of the blend of both fabric is that it promotes high elasticity, comfortable wearing, soft texture, and tackles wrinkles. Furthermore, a Dupont Teflon coating aids water repellant function as it repels stains and keeps liquid out of the pant. In all, the pant is flexible, comfortable, lightweight, and protects the skin from UV rays.
Pros
- Advanced technology
- Multiple pockets
- Spandex and nylon materials
Cons
- Thin and not rip-stop
Camii Mia Women’s Hike Pant
The Camii Mia Women’s hike pant combines 3% spandex and 97% nylon to produce top-quality hiking pant. The china product is suitable for various outdoor events like hiking, traveling, climbing, hunting, cycling, and camping. The surface layer is made from waterproof materials, and the inner layer contains fleece. Therefore, the pant considerably keeps out water and keeps you warm when it gets cold. Also, it has two front pockets, two knee pockets, and two back pockets, all of which are adequate to accommodate most of your portable personal accessories. To get optimum satisfaction, we advise that you carefully select your size, most preferably, slim-fit design.
Pros
- Inner layer fleece
- 6-pockets
- Hand or machine wash
Cons
- Cannot be dried with a dryer
BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pant
The BALEAF women’s hiking pant is designed to promote as much comfort as it can for women because of their skin and its delicacy. Much of this is demonstrated through an adjustable cord lock that is placed closed to the cuffs to enhance free pants hem movement and keep the bugs out throughout the hike. Also, the waist features an elastic drawstring and an articulated knee for maintaining excellent fit. Still, on convenience, the pant comes with four zip-closure pockets for storing valuables and contains UPF +50 for protection against ultra-violet rays. The pant contains woven fabric and is lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant.
Pros
- Elastic waist with drawstrings
- Adjustable cord lock
- Protection against UV rays
Cons
- High-waisted
Upon Hiking Men’s Pant
Just because Hiking pants are needed for rugged outdoor exercise does not mean that they should not be aesthetic in the least sense. Although the Upon Hiking Men’s pant may not be as rugged as other hiking pants, its style and aesthetic design put it at the top of the pant chain. Made from 7% spandex and 93% polyester materials, the pant comes with zipper closure to manage privacy and enhance movement. The pants are water-resistant and combine elasticity and breathability into a single product.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Antistatic breathable
- Elastic
Cons
- Cannot be used in a rainstorm
Women’s Lightweight Adventure Hiking Pant
Like much quality hiking pant, the Women’s lightweight adventure hiking pant contains highly stretchy fabric that provides maximum comfort and easy performance. It features a zipper closure, a side waist elastic, and a zip-off pants leg for easy slip-on and pull-off. The water-repellant fabric contains 100% polyester material for durable, breathable, lightweight, and quick-dry performance. It also features UP 50 sun protection material to prevent damages caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays. After use, you can wash with the machine.
Pros
- Elastic waist
- Zipper pocket and convertible zipper-off pant
- Sun protection
Cons
- Sometimes causes brunching of the waistline
DAFENGEA Men Hiking Pants
The reason why many waterproof pants for hiking combines multiple materials and fabrics is so that they can explore their options and produce a better pant altogether. Consequentially, the DAFENGEA men hiking pants contains 8% spandex and 92% polyester materials to promote breathability and ensure lightweight properties. Also, the surface of the pant repels water and any water that seeps into the fabric dries off easily. The pant is flexible to use as it comes with zipper closure, adjustable waistbands with buttons, and can be used with a belt. You can keep your valuables safely tucked away in the zippered closure and ensure that you don’t lose any value.
Pros
- Water-repellant
- Flexible wearing options
- Breathable and lightweight
Cons
- Thin and doesn’t perform too well in cold weather
Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Pant
The Columbia men’s rebel roamer pant is built with softshell material for protection against foul or harsh weather. this is made possible through fully seam-sealed design and provide waterproof effect and at the same time, promotes breathability. As a result, the pant comfortably disperses excess moisture and heat. It features an advanced Omni-technology that guarantees adequate air-permeability and prevents sweat from building up especially after prolonged use. Other features include two zippered pockets located at the side, two back pockets, an adjustable pant cuff, and an adjustable elastic waist.
Pros
- Advanced Omni-technology
- Seam-sealed design
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- No leg Velcro or zipper
TBMPOY Women’s Waterproof Hiking Fleece Pants
This pant is designed with a zipper fly closure and a slim fit style. It has zippered hands and back pockets to keep some of your accessories. This pant has an adjustable waist belt which makes it fit comfortably to your waist size. The TBMPOY women hiking pant has other features such as lightweight, waterproof, breathable, warm, and surface soft-shell polyester material with fleece inside. This women pant is ideal for water sports, hiking, traveling, hunting, and fishing.
Pros
- It is not bulky
- It is ideal for cold weather.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Size might be a little small.
Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Hiking Pants
This hiking pant is comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and breathable which makes it perfect for traveling, fishing, hiking, walking or any other outdoor activity. It features such as anti-stain, wear-resistant, quick-drying, Dupont coating treatment, and soft elastic fabric that keeps you warm and dry. It has four zip closure, that means it can secure your phone, USB cord or other accessories. This man pant is made with a fabric technology that moves moisture from the skin into the fabric to keep you dry all day.
Pros
- Made with free accessories
- The material makes water evaporate fast
- Suitable for winter
Cons
- Small size
Singbring Outdoor Lightweight Waterproof Hiking Mountain
Made with soft shell polyester which makes it breathable, lightweight, waterproof, and warm. It fulfills the requirement of a standard pant; it has a large adjustable waist which can fit your waist size. The same size of this pant can fit both a big and small person because of its elastic waist. It is secured with a zippered pocket just like other great waterproof pants for hiking. Therefore, it is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities such as fishing, trekking, camping, hiking, or mountaineering.
Pros
- Can be used by both men and women
- Easy to clean
- Dry quickly.
Cons
- Does not keep water out too well
Helikon-Tex OTP Outdoor Tactical Pants
The material of this pant is 93% nylon and 7% spandex. This is a well known unique EU patent design, it is the seller’s best choice. Equipped with a 4-way elastic fabric which makes you comfortable, gives you a slim look with increased motion range without stress on the seams. It is breathable, lightweight, and has water repellant material which makes you comfortable during along use during the day. Its low profile design and stretchable material make it versatile and capable of fulfilling the need of a professional user. Its pockets are designed to secure your equipment.
Pros
- It pocket design does not hinder movement
- It’s suitable for soldiers
- It fit perfectly
Cons
- Accessories are not included
Tofern Women’s Winter Softshell Pants
The great women waterproof pants for hiking made with 94% polyester, 6% spandex outer layer, it has a polar fleece lining and TPU membrane. It is waterproof, breathable, scratch-resistant, and elastic. Given its 330g thick polar fleece, it can provide warmth, softness, and comfort. It is waterproof membrane up to 10000mm to keep you dry and cool during your daily activity. The tofern women pant is designed with an elastic waistband, making it fit and tight on you.
Pros
- Made with a webbing belt.
- Suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities.
- It is cheap.
Cons
- Makes swishing noise while walking.
Conclusion
You can make your choice from the list above or check out other stores if you need more guidelines. Take your outdoor activity, especially hiking to the next level with the perfect pant.