Hiking pants: fabric, stretch and weather protection explained

Good hiking trousers let you step up, crouch and sit comfortably without staying heavy and wet for the rest of the day. Start with fabric and movement, then look at pockets and extra features.

Understand the fabric

Nylon and polyester hiking fabrics generally dry more readily than cotton. Elastane adds stretch. A water-repellent finish helps light moisture bead, but it does not make ordinary hiking trousers waterproof. You may still need waterproof overtrousers for the trip.

Try the movements you will actually make

• Step onto a low bench without the waistband pulling.
• Squat and bend both knees.
• Try the waist under your pack's hip belt.
• Check whether pocket contents press into your legs.
• Make sure the hems work with your footwear.

Choose features for your outings

Zip-off legs can be useful in changeable temperatures, but try the zips and leg fit before buying. Shaped knees and a gusset—the extra fabric panel through the crotch—can improve freedom of movement. For a first pair, I would favour a comfortable, quick-drying design over a long list of features. When buying used, inspect the seat, knees, seams and zip teeth. Compare actual measurements with trousers that fit you, since the same labelled size can vary considerably between brands.

Read next: Merino or synthetic base layers for NZ hiking?.

Sources and photo credit

Information checked 29 September 2026.

• REI expert advice

Photo: Amanda Sandlin. Original photograph; CC0. Resized for web display.