How to choose the best trekking pants and walking trousers

Contents

Whether you're heading out for a short walk in the woods or a multi-day trek in the mountains, choosing the right hiking trousers is crucial for your comfort and safety on the trails. Wearing unsuitable pants can quickly turn an adventure into an ordeal (chafing, dampness, cold...), whereas a well-chosen pair will keep you comfortable and protected throughout your hike. Why is it essential to choose the right walking trousers? Unlike regular trousers, hiking pants provide greater freedom of movement and wick away sweat to keep your legs dry. They also offer superior protection against external elements (wind, rain, vegetation, sun) compared to everyday jeans or standard tracksuit bottoms. Let’s go over the key criteria to help you find the ideal pair from our range of hiking trousers.

Several key factors should be considered when choosing the right hiking pants to suit your needs. Here are the main elements to take into account:

Type of hike (duration, season, terrain, climate)

Before choosing a pair of hiking pants, start by analysing your hiking needs. A two-hour walk on a flat path doesn’t require the same qualities as a week-long trek at altitude. The duration, the season, the terrain and the weather conditions all influence your needs.

• For short, summer hikes: a pair of lightweight and breathable trousers will suffice.
• For multi-day treks: opt for a more robust model, made from durable synthetic fibres, with a water-repellent finish or even waterproof trousers if you expect frequent rain showers.

The seaso is also a key selection criterion: in summer, prioritise ventilation and UV protection; in autumn or at higher altitudes, a softshell fabric that is windproof and slightly insulating is preferable. In winter, think about thermal insulation, wind protection and possibly a waterproof membrane.

Ask yourself three key questions:

• Where will you be hiking?
• When (season, climate)?
• How long will the hike last?

A pair of standard pants won’t suit every activity. Choose according to the type of hike you’re planning to ensure maximum comfort.

Comfort and freedom of movement

A good pair of hiking pants should be so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing them while walking. This depends on two main pillars: optimal freedom of movement and effective moisture management.

Freedom of movement:

• Ergonomic fits: pre-shaped knees, gussets at the crotch.
• Stretch fabrics: synthetic fibres such as elastane follow every step without restriction.

Thermal comfort:

• Hiking clothing should be breathable. A fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin prevents a clammy feeling.
• An elasticated waist or adjustable waistband reduces pressure points, especially when carrying a backpack.

Fit adapted to body shape:

• Avoid trousers that are too loose, which may hinder movement, or too tight, which may limit your range. Aim for a balance between fit and ease of movement.

Materials and fabrics (synthetic fibres, softshell, Gore-Tex, etc.)

The fabric is at the heart of a pair of hiking pants’ performance. Nowadays, synthetic fibres (polyamide, polyester, spandex, etc.) are favoured as they combine:

• Resistance to abrasion
• Quick drying
• Lightweight

Softshell trousers are ideal for the shoulder-season or unsettled weather: comfortable, breathable, windproof and water-repellent. However, for a winter hike in heavy rain, you’ll need waterproof trousers, usually featuring a membrane (such as Gore-Tex) to provide complete protection against the elements.

Natural fabrics like cotton or hemp may offer comfort but tend to dry slowly. Cotton/polyester blends are a good compromise between comfort and performance.

Weather protection (waterproofness, quick drying, wind resistance)

In outdoor activities, it’s essential to anticipate changes in the weather. Three key points to check on your hiking pants:

1. Waterproofness:
   
   • To deal with rain showers, a fabric with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex is ideal.
   • Alternatively, look at water-repellent trousers combined with lightweight, packable over-trousers.
2. Water repellence and drying:
   
   • A DWR finish allows water to bead off the surface.
   • Synthetic fibre fabrics dry quickly, which is crucial after a downpour.
3. Wind resistance:
   
   • Softshell trousers offer effective wind protection at altitude.
   • A winter hike always requires a protective fabric.

A good balance between weather protection and breathability is essential, particularly for treks or multi-day hikes.

In short, assess the weather protection offered by the trousers: are they just lightweight and breathable for sunny days, or will they also shield you from light rain and biting wind? Your choice should strike the right balance between protection and breathability, depending on the expected conditions.

Resistance and durability (seams, reinforcements, fabric thickness)

Hiking pants must withstand abrasion, friction, repeated bending and demanding conditions.

Key points:

• Durable synthetic fibres, sometimes with ripstop weaving
• Reinforcements at the knees, seat and lower legs: areas prone to wear
• Reinforced, double or even eliminated seams in certain areas to reduce the risk of tearing

A comfortable pair of trousers should remain high-performing over time. For technical terrain (rocks, brambles, crampons), choose premium trousers. It’s better to invest in a durable model than to replace it every season.

Number and placement of pockets

The trousers’ features make all the difference out in the field. Pockets are far more than an aesthetic detail: they determine how accessible your essentials are.

• 2 hand pockets: basic but essential
• Cargo pockets on the thighs: perfect for maps, snacks, gloves
• Zipped pockets at the back or on the sides: secure and easily accessible

Things to check:

• Robust fastenings (zip, Velcro)
• Placement compatible with a backpack: avoid pockets at the lower back if you’re using a hip belt

The trousers should offer enough pockets without restricting movement.

Type of fit (slim, regular, loose, convertible, etc.)

The fit has a major impact on comfort and ventilation. There’s no one-size-fits-all fit – there are several options depending on your hiking style and the weather conditions.

Different fits:

• Slim fit trousers: close to the body, ideal for speed, but beware of overheating in summer
• Regular fit: versatile, comfortable in all seasons
• Loose fit: good ventilation, ideal in hot weather or worn over thermal leggings in winter

Some fits allow for layering (e.g. thermal tights + standard trousers for a winter hike).

What trousers should you wear for your way of hiking?

Men’s and Women’s Trousers for an Optimal Fit

Outdoor trousers are generally available in both men's and women's versions to accommodate different body shapes. What are the differences between men's and women's hiking trousers? Primarily, it comes down to fit and sizing. On average, women tend to have wider hips and a narrower waist compared to men, which directly affects the cut of the trousers. Manufacturers adjust the design accordingly: women’s trousers are more fitted at the waist, with extra room around the hips and thighs to provide a comfortable fit without being too tight or too loose. In contrast, men’s trousers usually have a straighter cut from the waist to the hips and a slightly roomier fit around the legs to suit a masculine silhouette.

In practical terms, this means that female hikers will benefit from choosing women’s hiking trousers to ensure a comfortable fit. If a woman selects a men’s model in the same size, she might find the waistband too loose or, conversely, the hip area too tight. Similarly, male hikers will be more comfortable in a men’s model, especially if they have muscular thighs, as a women’s fit may be too narrow in that area. Beyond the cut, other details may also differ: the inseam length is sometimes slightly adjusted, and the placement of pre-shaped knees is tailored to the average leg proportions of each gender.

When it comes to technical features, there should be no difference in quality—women’s trousers are made with the same high-performance fabrics, pockets, and functional details as men’s. Additionally, female hikers have access to alternative clothing options, such as the hiking skirt or skort (a skirt with built-in shorts, offering excellent freedom of movement) or technical hiking leggings, which are vera stretch and comfortable. These alternatives provide extra comfort for some hikers but are better suited to specific conditions, such as fair weather, as skirts offer less protection against brambles and insects.

The best outdoor trousers for every season

To wrap up this guide, here are some practical tips to help you choose the right outdoor trousers based on the season and the type of hike you’re planning. These recommendations will refine your selection by considering specific conditions:

How to dress to enjoy the trails in summer:

• Summer Hiking: In hot weather, opt for trousers that are lightweight, highly breathable, and in a light colour. Thin, quick-drying fabrics will be your best ally to avoid overheating. Convertible trousers that turn into shorts are particularly useful when mornings are cool, but afternoons become scorching. Look for models with UV protection if you're hiking in direct mountain sun. Avoid thick fabrics or tight fits in summer, as they trap heat and sweat. Pro tip: don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your legs, especially if the fabric is lightweight or if you've removed the lower legs of convertible trousers—the sun is intense at high altitudes! Check out our summer hiking clothing guide for more details.
  

And in Winter?

• Winter Hiking: In cold or snowy conditions, you need trousers that are warm and insulating. There are two approaches: either wear trousers that are lined or made from thick material (some winter trousers feature an internal fleece lining or brushed fabric for warmth) or use a layering system (regular trousers + thermal leggings underneath). Either way, remember that even in winter, you will sweat—your trousers must wick away moisture to prevent you from freezing when you stop. Thick softshell trousers are an excellent winter option, as they block wind and insulate while remaining breathable. Also, consider snow protection: water-repellent or waterproof trousers are essential to prevent getting soaked when walking through powder. Pair them with high gaiters to keep snow from entering your boots. Finally, choose a slightly looser fit in winter (or stretch fabric) to allow for layering and freedom of movement.

What About the Shoulder-Season?

• Spring and Autumn Hiking: These seasons can be unpredictable, with all four seasons in a single day. Choose versatile trousers. Convertible models can be a good choice in spring when mornings are chilly but afternoons warm up. Autumn tends to be wetter, so water-repellent pants are almost essential—carry waterproof over trousers in your pack if rain is likely. During shoulder-season, layering is key: choose trousers that are not too thick but allow room for thin thermal leggings underneath if needed, or opt for models with ventilation zips to regulate body temperature during intense activity.

By following these seasonal tips, you should be able to refine your choice and even consider

 having multiple pairs of outdoor trousers suited to different conditions if you hike regularly. A passionate hiker often ends up with a lightweight summer pair, a softshell pair for the shoulder-season and winter, and waterproof over trousers as a backup in their pack. Over time, you can build your ideal hiking wardrobe, starting with the pants that best match your most frequent needs.

In conclusion, choosing the right hiking trousers is an important decision, but with this article, you're now well-equipped to find the perfect pair. Remember, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all trousers for every scenario—your decision should be based on your personal usage and preferences. Identify your priorities (comfort, lightness, rain protection, etc.), check labels and technical descriptions, and invest in quality gear—your legs will thank you on your next adventure!