Hiking pants and shorts reviews, recommendations and tips.
Hiking pants, shorts, capris, knickers… there are so many options to choose from and we’ve tried a lot of pants and shorts over the years.
Our favorites are below with any pros and cons listed. Keep in mind that clothing styles change constantly, and something may no longer be available or works/fits as we described.
Info and tips about hiking pants and shorts are below the recommendations.
Disclaimer: All of these are our own purchases and were not supplied by any company for review EXCEPT for the Konfidant Air pant that Kuhl provided a complimentary pair for review, but did not provide compensation or exercise control over the content of this post.
See Also: Hiking Shirts | Hiking Footwear
Kühl Men’s Konfidant Air Pant
Tom bought two pairs of Kuhl shorts that he really liked, so he was very happy when Kühl contacted him to test a pair of their long pants.
Pro: Lightweight, stretchy, articulated knees, super comfy, UPF 50, quick dry, vents everywhere, pockets, pockets, and more pockets.
The one that perfectly cradles a cell phone and keeps it every-handy is a real gem, especially since he uses his phone as a point-and-shoot while we hike. I am so jealous my pants don’t have one.
The design is very flattering. While I don’t think Tom cares about that as much as the comfort and function, IMHO these look and fit the best of all his hiking pants.
Con: Yet to find one, though it has not been hot enough to truly test the venting capability.
Overall… This is all he wears now. We’ve got some other men’s stuff listed below, and they’re great, but they are languishing in the closet because he always ends up in Kühls.
For a more in depth review and photos, check out our Kühl Konfidant Air Pant Review.
Columbia Women’s Knee Pants
These “knee pants” hit a sweet spot between shorts and capris. Stretchy lightweight UPF 50 material, leg cords allow length to be cinched. LOVE these. LOVE.
These are “Saturday Trail II” and have 18″ inch inseams which I find perfect, hitting about 2″ below my knees. Two side pockets, two back pockets, and a right thigh zippered that fits a few essentials or my small phone.
Pro: Super comfy, lightweight, stretchy for scrambling up rocks. They are also terrific for biking and kayaking – they aren’t hot and dry quick. The fit is pretty flattering. I like that they are UPF 50 and cover my whole thigh in the kayak or car.
Con: No inner drawstring to adjust waist. Depending on your height, these will hit lower than the knee – if that’s an issue take a look at their long short version of this.
Update: Finally bought three new pairs in 2018 after wearing the original two pair since 2011. I use these basically every weekend to hike/bike/kayak plus casual use, from spring until fall. I live in these.
Note: My original pairs were “Just Right Knee Pants”. Columbia offers several knee and capri pants styles, some without pockets or different inseam length. These are 18″ inch inseams.
KÜHL Men’s Renegade Shorts and Ramblr Shorts
Pro: Stretchy comfort, very lightweight, quick dry, sturdy. Multiple pockets, including a handy one that keeps a phone secure yet accessible. Several inseam lengths to choose from.
A lot of pockets to stash your stuff, including a handy one that keeps a phone secure yet accessible. Ramblr pockets are riveted.
Easy care. Slid down an embankment while setting up a photo and was amazed not a drop of dirt stuck to Ramblrs.
Both are nice looking shorts that go from trail to around town without a problem.
Con: You won’t wear your other shorts anymore.
Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves
Ok, so these aren’t pants… but I’ve been using these as an easy-off layering item with the knee pants above for chilly mornings in shoulder season.
Also works nicely under hiking pants for a little boost of warmth.
Can be folded down to regulate temp without stopping to remove shoes. Also handy to have to protect my lower leg if the trail become brushy or buggy.
Bonus: Love these for air travel to prevent leg fatigue from swelling. Way better than compression sock-stockings because they can be paired with regular socks.
Tip: put them on after going through security because they may show up as “odd” on those ridiculous scanners – one time they triggered a pat down.
Con: Can be a little hot for warm weather use.
Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pant>
Lightweight, quick dying, comfy, stylish; also works as a casual/travel pant.
Pro: The shorts are a little longer than some other zip-offs, and they are so lightweight you often can keep them as long pants even when it’s really warm out (good for avoiding poison ivy and/or ticks)
Hiking Pants and Shorts Tips
Avoid hiking in cotton sweats/jeans as they retain moisture and invite hypothermia.
Hiking pants are usually lightweight, dirt-resistant, quick-drying/moisture wicking and often have SPF 30-50 sun protection. They also have lots of pockets to keep things handy, and come in several lengths… long pants, convertible pants, capri/roll-up styles, and shorts.
Convertible Pants (zip-offs) are functional, comfortable and practical – and can be worn year-round. In spring and fall the legs can be zipped off/on as the temp changes during the day (or if the trail gets overrun with brush or stickers).
They can be worn as just shorts in the summer, while in the winter you can add a thermal layer underneath. Zippers from the ankle to mid-calf and snaps/velcro at the ankle make it easy to get the legs on/off over footwear.
Just don’t expect to win any fashion awards – the legs tend to be baggy because of the zipper, and the shorts can be a tad too short (not quite as bad as those blue shorts with white stripes on the sides from the 1970s though… and if you just had a flashback to wearing those with your Zips sneakers, then you know what I am talking about)
Some now are available for in capri length (zips off at mid-calf), and some even have two zip-off lengths – shorts and capri.
Capri/Roll-up Pants – The legs roll-up with a fastener to capri length, or just are capris. Offer more coverage than zip-off shorts. Getting some air on your lower leg will often cool you down enough that you don’t need to be in shorts.
Knickers/Knee Pants – Falls inbetween shorts and capris… the length is usually at the knee, or a few inches below if you are slightly height-challenged like me.
Tip: If you use your zip-offs without the legs all summer, don’t be surprised if after a couple of years the pant legs are a slightly different color than the shorts – since they’ve been washed with a different frequency. I’ve had this happen to the point where it’s noticeable.
Bonus: Our hiking pants often do double-duty as travel pants. You increase your dorkiness factor if they are zip-offs, but hey, you are on vacation so who cares?