Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Hiking pants are built for trail movement, changing weather, and repeated use, but the best place to buy them depends on how much help you want with fit, how quickly you need them, and how much you want to spend. A local outdoor store makes try-ons easy, online retailers offer the widest selection, and used-gear shops can lower the cost.
Quick Answer
You can buy hiking pants at outdoor retailers, specialty hiking shops, brand websites, major online stores, secondhand gear shops, and some rental providers. For most hikers, the best choice is a store with easy returns and enough sizes to compare. Prioritize fit, quick-drying fabric, mobility, weather protection, and secure pockets.
Key Takeaways
- Shop in person when fit is your biggest concern; shop online when you want the widest choice of sizes, brands, and features.
- For most trail use, nylon or polyester blends dry faster than cotton and often provide better stretch and abrasion resistance.
- Water-resistant hiking pants can handle light moisture, but waterproof rain pants are the better choice for sustained rain or cold, wet conditions.
- Secondhand outdoor stores can be a good value if you inspect seams, zippers, cuffs, fabric wear, and any water-repellent finish before buying.
- Fit matters more than the logo. Squat, take a high step, sit down, and test the waistband under your backpack hip belt before committing.
Where to Buy Hiking Pants: Quick Comparison
| Where to Shop | Best For | Main Tradeoff |
| Outdoor retail store | Trying on several brands and getting staff help | Local stock may be limited |
| Online retailer | Large selection, price comparison, and hard-to-find sizes | You cannot test fit before delivery |
| Specialty hiking shop | Technical advice and more specialized trail clothing | Selection may lean toward premium products |
| Secondhand or thrift store | Lower prices and extending the life of existing gear | Sizes, colors, and condition are unpredictable |
| Rental provider | Occasional trips or destination-specific cold/rain gear | Hiking-pant rentals are much less common than rentals for packs, tents, or snow gear |
Outdoor Retail Stores
Outdoor retail stores are one of the easiest places to buy hiking pants because you can compare fabrics, cuts, inseams, and features side by side. Large stores may carry traditional hiking pants, convertible zip-off pants, soft-shell styles, rain pants, leggings, and technical alpine models. A current REI hiking-pants selection, for example, includes quick-drying, convertible, moisture-wicking, and sun-protective options from multiple brands.
The biggest advantage is fit testing. Staff can also explain features such as gusseted crotches, articulated knees, venting, cuff adjustments, and different water-resistant finishes. Some outdoor retailers offer classes, events, member benefits, or seasonal sales, but these vary by company and location.
Pro Tip: Wear the shoes and base layer you normally hike in when trying on pants. Then squat, sit, climb onto a low bench, and take a high step. The waistband should stay comfortable and the knees should not bind.
Online Retailers
Online shopping gives you access to a much larger range of hiking pants than most local stores can stock. Multi-brand sites such as REI and Backcountry, brand-direct websites, and large marketplaces such as Amazon make it easy to compare materials, inseams, colors, features, and customer feedback.
The main drawback is fit. A medium in one brand may feel very different from a medium in another, and even two styles from the same brand can fit differently. Before ordering, compare your waist, hip, and inseam measurements with the specific size chart for that model. Also read the retailer’s current return and exchange policy instead of assuming every store handles returns the same way.
Reviews are most useful when they describe the reviewer’s body measurements, the size purchased, the activity, and the trail conditions. A vague statement such as “fits great” tells you much less than a review that explains whether the thighs run tight, the rise sits high or low, or the waistband rubs under a backpack.
Note: Online prices, inventory, and return terms change frequently. Check the product page and retailer policy at the time you order.
Specialty Hiking Stores
| Store Type | What You May Find | Best Reason to Shop There |
| Independent outdoor outfitter | Trail pants, rain shells, base layers, and regional gear | Local trail knowledge and personalized fit help |
| Brand-owned store | A deeper range of one brand’s fits, inseams, and technical fabrics | Useful when you already know that brand fits your body well |
| Mountain or destination outfitter | Weather-specific layers and gear suited to nearby terrain | Last-minute advice for local conditions |
Specialty hiking stores focus on outdoor clothing and equipment, so their staff may be better prepared to discuss details such as abrasion resistance, ventilation, pack-belt compatibility, layering, or waterproof shells. They can be especially useful if you are preparing for a long trek, rough terrain, desert heat, cold rain, or repeated backpacking trips.
Some specialty stores also stock brands that emphasize recycled materials, repair programs, or resale programs. Sustainability claims differ by brand, though, so check the manufacturer’s specific material and repair information rather than assuming every “eco” label means the same thing.
Secondhand and Thrift Stores
Secondhand stores can be a smart option for hikers who want to spend less or keep usable clothing in circulation. General thrift stores may have unpredictable stock, while outdoor consignment shops and used-gear programs are more likely to carry technical pants from recognizable outdoor brands. REI’s Re/Supply program, for example, sells used outdoor gear and apparel to members, and Patagonia’s Worn Wear program keeps eligible used clothing in circulation.
Used hiking pants are generally lower risk than used life-safety equipment, but condition still matters. Inspect the seat, knees, inner thighs, cuffs, pockets, belt loops, zippers, snaps, and seams. If the pants rely on a durable water-repellent finish, understand that the finish may need cleaning or renewal after heavy use.
- Check for thinning fabric, holes, seam separation, and broken zippers.
- Make sure the waistband still holds its shape and any drawcord or built-in belt works.
- Test every pocket closure before buying.
- Confirm the size by trying the pants on; older models may fit differently from current versions.
- Wash used clothing according to its care label before wearing it on the trail.
Buying secondhand also lets beginners experiment with different fits or features without paying full retail price. If a pair does not work for long hikes, it may still be useful for yard work, travel, or short walks.
Outdoor Gear Rental Shops
Renting can make sense when you need specialized clothing for one trip and do not expect to use it often. However, standard hiking pants are not as commonly rented as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, snowshoes, skis, or complete camping kits. Some destination outfitters and guided trekking companies do rent insulated pants, waterproof pants, or other trip-specific clothing.
Before relying on a rental, confirm the exact item, size range, pickup and return dates, cleaning policy, and replacement charges. Try the pants on before leaving the shop whenever possible. Check zippers, seams, cuffs, and waterproof areas so you know the garment is in usable condition before your trip.
Note: If you are traveling specifically to rent clothing, reserve it before departure. Apparel sizing is harder to substitute at the last minute than many pieces of hard gear.
Considerations When Buying Hiking Pants
Material and Drying Speed
Most general-purpose hiking pants use nylon, polyester, elastane/spandex, or blends of those fibers. These fabrics can provide a useful mix of low weight, stretch, abrasion resistance, and faster drying. REI’s hiking-pants guide notes that synthetics are common because of their technical performance, while nylon is valued for durability and polyester is often used for lighter, flexible designs.
Cotton can feel comfortable in dry, mild conditions, but it absorbs more water and dries more slowly. The National Park Service recommends warm, quick-drying synthetic or wool clothing for Denali backcountry travel and specifically advises avoiding cotton in that cold, wet-prone environment. The practical lesson is to match the fabric to the consequences of getting wet, not to assume one material is best everywhere.
Weather and Water Protection
Lightweight, breathable pants are usually the easiest choice for hot weather. In brush, desert sun, or bug-heavy areas, full-length pants can add skin coverage without the bulk of a heavy fabric. For cool weather, choose a cut that leaves enough room for a base layer.
Water-resistant hiking pants and waterproof rain pants are different tools. A water-resistant finish can shed light moisture for a while, but it is not designed to keep you dry through a long downpour. Waterproof rain pants use waterproof fabric and usually sealed seams, which improves rain protection but can reduce breathability.
Warning: Do not treat ordinary water-resistant hiking pants as a substitute for waterproof rain pants when cold, sustained rain could leave you wet and chilled. Pack protection that matches the forecast and the consequences of exposure.
Fit and Mobility
A good fit should let you walk uphill, step over logs, scramble, sit, and bend without pulling hard across the knees, seat, or crotch. Stretch fabric helps, but patterning matters too. Gussets, articulated knees, and knee darts can improve movement even when the fabric itself is not highly elastic.
Check the rise and waistband as carefully as the waist size. A belt buckle, thick seam, or bulky pocket can become uncomfortable under a backpack hip belt. If you regularly hike with a loaded pack, wear it while testing the pants. Also check inseam length with your hiking shoes so the cuffs do not drag or ride too high.
Useful Trail Features
- Secure pockets: Zippered pockets help keep a phone, wallet, key, or small trail item from falling out.
- Articulated knees or gussets: These features can improve range of motion for steep steps and scrambling.
- Convertible or roll-up legs: Useful when temperatures change during the day or when you want more ventilation.
- Adjustable cuffs: Helpful around brush, loose debris, or different footwear.
- Ventilation: Mesh-backed or zip vents can release heat during hard climbs.
- Sun protection: Look for a clearly stated UPF rating when UV protection is a priority.
- Insect protection: Some pants are factory-treated, and some clothing can be treated with products labeled for fabric use.
Sun and Insect Protection
Clothing can add meaningful sun protection, but not every fabric blocks the same amount of ultraviolet radiation. The Skin Cancer Foundation describes UPF 30–49 as very good protection and UPF 50+ as excellent. A labeled UPF rating is more useful than assuming every pair of long pants offers the same protection.
For sun protection, look for a stated UPF rating rather than relying on fabric coverage alone; UPF 50+ is rated as excellent protection by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
For tick and mosquito exposure, long pants can also help cover skin. The CDC advises wearing long pants and says clothing and gear can be treated with 0.5% permethrin according to the product directions. Permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.
Budget and Overall Value
You do not need the most expensive pair on the wall. Spend first on fit and the features your hikes actually require. Sales, outlet sections, previous-season colors, and used-gear programs can reduce the cost without forcing you into unsuitable pants. A simple quick-drying pair that fits well is often a better purchase than a feature-heavy technical model that rubs, binds, or stays in your closet.
Before paying, compare the care instructions and warranty or repair options. A durable pair that you can maintain and keep wearing for years may offer better value than a cheaper pair that fails early.
Conclusion and Final Tips
The best place to buy hiking pants depends on your priorities. Outdoor retail and specialty stores are strongest for fit help and hands-on comparison. Online stores offer the broadest selection. Secondhand shops can save money, and rentals may work for specialized trip-specific layers when local providers actually stock them.
Whichever shopping route you choose, prioritize comfort, freedom of movement, fabric that matches the weather, and useful features over brand recognition. Read the size chart, test the range of motion, check how the waistband works with your pack, and make sure the level of water, sun, or insect protection matches the conditions you expect.
If you’re looking to upgrade your hiking gear, you may also be interested in checking out this article on the best travel camera backpacks. Having a reliable and durable backpack to carry your camera equipment while hiking can make a big difference in your outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hiking pants?
Hiking pants are outdoor pants designed to make trail movement easier while handling sweat, abrasion, changing weather, and repeated use. Many use quick-drying synthetic blends and may include stretch, secure pockets, articulated knees, gussets, adjustable cuffs, or sun-protective fabric.
What features should I look for in hiking pants?
Start with a comfortable fit and enough mobility for high steps and squats. Then consider quick-drying fabric, stretch, secure pockets, articulated knees or a gusset, adjustable cuffs, convertible legs, a stated UPF rating, and water or insect protection when your hiking conditions call for them.
Where can I buy hiking pants?
You can buy hiking pants at outdoor retailers, specialty hiking stores, sporting-goods stores, brand websites, major online retailers, outdoor consignment shops, and thrift stores. Some destination outfitters also rent specialized waterproof or insulated pants, although ordinary hiking-pant rentals are less common.
What are the best brands for hiking pants?
There is no single best brand for every hiker because fit and use matter more than the label. Widely stocked outdoor brands include REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, prAna, Patagonia, KÜHL, Arc’teryx, Columbia, and The North Face. Compare the specific model’s fit, fabric, features, and return policy.
How do I choose the right size of hiking pants?
Use the size chart for the exact brand and model, then compare your waist, hip, and inseam measurements. The pants should let you squat, sit, and take a high step without binding. Leave room for a base layer if you hike in cold weather, and check that the waistband stays comfortable under a pack hip belt.
Can I hike in regular pants?
Yes, on easy hikes in mild conditions, regular pants can work if they are comfortable and let you move freely. For longer hikes, heat, rain, brush, or backpacking, purpose-built hiking pants are usually more practical because they tend to dry faster and offer trail-focused features.
Are hiking pants waterproof?
Most hiking pants are not fully waterproof. Some are water-resistant and can shed light rain or splashes for a limited time. For sustained rain, look for true waterproof rain pants with waterproof fabric and sealed seams.
Are used hiking pants worth buying?
They can be. Used hiking pants are a good value when the fabric, seams, zippers, cuffs, pockets, and waistband are still in good condition. Try them on, check for heavy wear in high-friction areas, and follow the care label before using them on a trip.
Sources
- REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Hiking Pants — materials, fit, features, and weather-specific selection.
- National Park Service: Denali Gear Checklist — quick-drying clothing, rain pants, and cold/wet backcountry layering.
- CDC: Avoid Bug Bites — long pants and permethrin-treated clothing guidance.
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun Protective Clothing — UPF ratings and clothing-based UV protection.
- REI Re/Supply FAQ — current used-gear and apparel program information.