The Best Hot Weather Hiking Pants to Stay Cool in 2024
Looking for the best pants to go hiking in the heat?
This is exactly what you will find in this guide!
To help you stay cool even when walking under a blazing sun, we have carefully selected the very best hot weather hiking pants, split in 7 categories, with reviews and pros & cons.
Let’s jump right to it!
No Time to Waste? Here’s My #1 Favorite!
- Lightweight & stretchy softshell pants
- UPF 50+
- Wind & water repellent
Best Hiking Pants for Summer: TOP3 Comparison Table
When I’m looking for the very best product to purchase, I love having a choice. Sometimes I’m trying to not spend too much, and in some other cases I want the absolute best product.
To make it easy for you, here’s a quick comparison table between my top pick, the best budget, and the best convertible option:
The Best Warm Weather Hiking Pants- Product Reviews
I know trying to figure out what to wear for hiking in hot weather can sometimes be a pain in the ass, when you have so many different options, from so many different brands, and they all look the same.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
I’ve listed below the 7 best hiking pants for hot weather by category; they are all top-quality, and I’m sure they’ll be perfect for you.
🥇 Overall Best: Outdoor Research Ferrosi
💰 Budget Pick: Jessie Kidden Men's Hiking Pants
🔁 Best Convertible: Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
🪶 Best Lightweight: MAGCOMSEN Men's Hiking Pants
💨 Best for Breathability: Gash Hao Mens Hiking Convertible Pants
💦 Best Quick Dry: FREE SOLDIER Men's Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants
🌵 Best for Desert: Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
Let’s see the reviews!
🥇The BEST Hot Weather Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi
- Softshell, Men
- 86% nylon, 14% spandex 90D stretch woven ripstop, 100% polyester grid fleece backer body and hood,...
Materials: 86% nylon, 14% spandex | Pockets: Hand pockets; 2 patch pockets in back; zip close patch pocket on the right thigh | Belt included: No; Sun protection: UPF 50+ | Dimensions: 58 x 1 x 32 inches | Weight: 9.6 oz
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are great technical pants especially made for summer hiking. For us, these are the overall best pants as they cover all the needs for hiking in hot weather.
Weighting only 9.6 oz, these ripstop pants are among the lightest hiking pants available. Quite loose with good ventilation, the pants won’t squeeze your body, perfect on hot days to avoid sweating too much. The UPF 50+ fabric will also guarantee full sun protection to avoid sunburns.
The mix of nylon and spandex make this pants so comfy and stretchy you could feel in pajamas. You are free of your movements, perfect for any kind of trails, even the most elevated ones. You can also adjust the pants to your size at the ankle for more comfort.
What we really appreciate on these pants is the water resistant feature, which is a real bonus and not too common on summer hiking pants. The only 2 things that could be blamed on these pants are the fact that they are not delivered with the belt (and you might need it due to its loose fit).
Maximum mobility & comfort
Good breathability & water resistant
UPF 50+ sun protection
Very light
No belt included
Check out the Youtube video below to see more about this product:
💰 The Best Budget Option: Jessie Kidden Men’s Hiking Pants Convertible
- Hiking Pants Mens: Comfort fit part elastic waist for many body types,water repellent,...
- Convertible Pants Men: Zip off hiking pants for men make for an easy change from pants to shorts,...
- Safari Pants for Men: Jessie Kidden men’s durable safari clothes for men features multi pockets...
Materials: 100% nylon | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close cargo pocket; 1 hook & loop thigh pocket; 2 hook & loop back pockets | Belt included: Yes; Sun protection: UPF 50+ | Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 3.5 inches | Weight: 12 oz
If you are looking for light hiking pants that are convertible at an affordable price, you should definitely go for the Jessie Kidden Men's Hiking Pants.
Thanks to its elastic waist, included belt and loose fit, these pants provide good comfort and ventilation when hiking. Thanks to its cargo style, you will have many pockets available to keep your belongings safe. But you should know these pockets are not very deep and some phones won’t fit into them.
What is great is the convertible feature: simply unzip the pants on the knees, and you’ll be in shorts in seconds.
Made of a fabric mixing sunscreen, water and wear resistance, these pants are durable and versatile. You can use it for any outdoor activity in spring and summer.
When buying these pants, watch out for the size and length to be sure it to be sure they will fit you well (a table will help you choose the right one). Also, the belt is quite long so you might need to cut it or to buy another one.
Best value for money
Convertible
Loose style
UPF 50+ & quick dry
Pockets depth
Super long belt
Careful when choosing the size
Check out this Youtube video to learn more about it:
🔁 The Best Convertible: Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant features our signature UPF 50 fabric for...
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's durable convertible pant features one zip-closure security pocket, side...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This men's convertible pant features a partial elastic waist, gusset detail,...
Materials: 100% nylon ripstop | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close pocket on left thigh + 1 cargo pocket on right thigh; 2 cargo pockets in back | Belt included: Yes; Sun protection: UPF 50 | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 2 inches | Weight: 10.4 oz
With the Silver Ridge Convertible Pants, Columbia offers the perfect compromise between durability and modularity, while guaranteeing optimal sun protection.
Its ripstop nylon design makes it bramble-proof and abrasion-resistant: you won’t be afraid to tear your pants at the slightest slip. The several adjustable features, the belt as well as the many closed pockets offer great comfort and security.
These pants are also versatile when the temperature rises, with UPF 50+ protection and Omni-Wick mesh panels to keep you cool throughout your hike. It doubles as a pair of shorts in seconds for extra coolness, the ultimate to make your body breathe.
With so many features to choose from, the Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants will be your perfect companion for any summer hike.
Easily convertible into shorts
Great breathability & UPF 50
Lightweight
Durable and quick drying fabric
Can be a bit tight
Pockets are a bit weak
Check out this video review to learn more about it:
🪶 The Best Lightweight Hiking Pants: MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hiking Pants
- Material: Nylon & Spandex Stretch Ripstop Fabric, Quick Dry And Lightweight, Suitable For Spring,...
- Quick Dry & Lightweight: Breathable, Quick Dry and Lightweight, Offering You Superior Comfort in All...
- 4 Zipper Pockets: 1 Zipper Pockets On Right Thigh, 2 Hand Pockets And 1 Rear Pocket With Zipper...
Materials: Nylon & spandex | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close pocket on right thigh; 1 zip close pocket in back | Belt included: No; Sun protection: No | Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches | Weight: 7 oz
Weighing in at 7 oz, the MAGCOMSEN Men's Hiking Pants are definitely the lightest walking pants for hot weather you can find on the market. They feel like a second skin!
Made of nylon and spandex, these pants offer great fit and comfort for you to be free to move during your outdoor adventures. The fabric also allows good ventilation and water repellency so you can stay cool and dry at any time. Knees are reinforced to prevent tearing and ensure good durability.
The only real drawback in these pants is the fact that they don’t have UPF protection. But as long as your legs are covered wearing them, you will have the minimum protection required. Also, pocket zippers are a bit fragile.
Ultralight & breathable
Water resistant
High tear resistance
Better ensure some allowance to get the right size
No sun protection
💨 The Best for Breathability: Gash Hao Mens Hiking Convertible Pants
- Multifunctional AND COMFORTABLE MATERIAL: 95% polyester material, light and breathable, excellent...
- UNIQUE DESIGN: The four-sided stretch fabric and the triangle crotch stitching make the pants good...
- FEATURES: 8000mm outdoor waterproof, can be completely dry after contact with water, also can be...
Materials: 100% polyester | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close pocket on right thigh; 1 cargo pocket on left thigh; 2 zip close pockets on back | Belt included: No; Sun protection: UPF 50+ | Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 9.7 oz
The Gash Hao Mens Hiking Convertible Pants is the best product when it comes to breathability. These pants are highly insulated and provide great temperature regulation whatever the temperature, warm when chilly and cool when hot.
They are one of the best pants for hiking in summer also because they have great protection against harmful UV rays and can be turned into shorts by simply unzipping the bottom halves. The material these pants are made from is comfy and allows for a good range of motion.
What we also like in these pants are the pockets: you have 6 pockets of various sizes allowing you to keep safe your small and bigger belongings. Be careful when handling the zippers though, as they are not very sturdy.
On top of all that, these waterproof pants offer very good value for money as they don’t cost more than 40 dollars!
Convertible
Waterproof
High moisture-wicking mesh
Super flexible & lightweight
Brittle zippers
A little itchy before a few washes
💦 The Quickest Drying: FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants
- MATERIAL: FREE SOLDIER Nylon Pants made of 86% nylon and 14% spandex, quick dry, lightweight and...
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: DuPont Teflon Coating with durable water repellent can effectively repels...
- FLEXIBLE & COMFORT: The pants for men featured 4-way stretch fabric which has the characteristics of...
Materials: 86% nylon, 14% spandex | Pockets: Hand pockets; 2 zip close cargo pockets; 2 patch pockets in back | Belt included: Yes; Sun protection: UPF 50+ | Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 12.8 oz
Thanks to a technological fabric coat with teflon, the FREE SOLDIER Men's Outdoor Cargo Hiking Pants definitely wins the first place of the best waterproof hot weather trekking pants!
In addition to being fully waterproof, the fabric is also ripstop and very stretchable for durability and maximum freedom of movement. For less than 40 dollars and available in no less than 9 colors, these pants are a great value for money.
What we really like about these tactical pants beyond the waterproofness, it is the elastic waistband that is fully integrated into the pants and adapts to your waist. It might be a problem though if you like it well tight. Also breathability is okay, but it could have been better.
Advanced technology waterproof fabric
UPF 50+
Great comfort
Nice look
Swishy sound when walking
Breathability is good but not exceptional
Hard to replace the original belt
🌵 The Best Desert Hiking Pants: Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Convertible Pants
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pant features our signature UPF 50 fabric for...
- HANDY FEATURES: This men's durable convertible pant features one zip-closure security pocket, side...
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: This men's convertible pant features a partial elastic waist, gusset detail,...
Materials: 100% nylon ripstop | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close pocket on left thigh + 1 cargo pocket on right thigh; 2 cargo pockets in back | Belt included: Yes; Sun protection: UPF 50 | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 2 inches | Weight: 10.4 oz
Yes, besides being the best convertible pants, the Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants is also the best desert hiking pants.
Indeed, these pants have everything to protect you against the hostile environment of desert. The pants straight leg cut helps to limit sand penetration and the mesh pockets allows sand to drain easily. The UPF 50 protection will keep you safe from the sun and its ripstop feature against the sand wind. Thanks to the fast drying feature, you won’t feel any sweat and they will keep you cool.
These pants are also very functional as they have no less than 6 pockets and the stretch fabric allows you to move as you please. Note that with a weight of 10.4 oz, these are one of the most complete lightweight hiking pants for hot weather.
The drawbacks you might have with these pants are the fit and the durability: if you are muscular or bulky, the legs might be a bit too tighten; and as for durability, the pockets stitching might come apart.
UPF 50
High moisture wicking capacity
Highly breathable
Can be a bit tight
Pockets are a bit weak
Check out this video review to learn more about it:
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Not satisfied with this selection of the best hiking pants for warm weather?
Keep reading then, you’ll find more options that are also great choices. 👇
More Options
The North Face Men’s Paramount Trail Convertible Pants
- VERSATILE WEAR. With zip-off legs, moisture-wicking FlashDry and a water-repellent finish, the...
- PREMIUM FABRIC. These pants have an ultraviolet Protection Factor 40 (UPF) and our FlashDry...
- RELAXED FIT. These pants are built with a relaxed fit for natural comfort. A crotch gusset and...
Materials: 100% nylon ripstop | Pockets: Hand pockets; 2 zip pockets in back | Belt included: Yes; Sun protection: UPF 40 | Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 8 oz
The North Face Men's Paramount Trail Convertible Pants is certainly one of the best hiking pants for tropical climate! When hot and wet, these light convertible ripstop pants quickly wicks away moisture and dry very fast to keep you cool thanks to the FlashDry technology fabric.
Convertible
Super fast drying & DWR fabric
Crotch gusset and articulated knees for max comfort & mobility
Lack of pockets
Fjällräven Abisko Midsummer Trousers
Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 zip close pocket on right thigh + 1 cargo pocket on left thigh | Belt included: No; Sun protection: UPF 50 | Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 2 inches | Weight: 5 oz
The Fjällräven Abisko Midsummer Trousers is definitely the luxury option out of this list. It’s also the lightest pants you could find. But what makes these pants exceptional is the highly durable material it is made of (G-1000 Air Stretch fabric): by buying these, you can be sure you will be able to use it for years!
Highly durable fabric
Hip-to-knee zippered vents
Large and well-designed pockets
Eco friendly
Quite expensive
Not water resistant
prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pant
Materials: 97% nylon, 3% spandex | Pockets: Hand pockets; 1 cargo pocket on left thigh; 2 patch pockets in back | Belt included: No; Sun protection: UPF 50+ | Dimensions: Unknown | Weight: Unknown
The prAna Men's Stretch Zion Pant meets all the requirements to be in the best pants for hiking in hot weather, but also for mid-season thanks to its fabric a bit thicker than others. With UPF, DWR treatment, rolling up and quick dry system, these pants are ready for any adventure.
Several inseam lengths available for better fit & mobility
Built-in ventilation
Most versatile
Roll up pants
Careful when choosing the size
Thicker fabric so not for extreme heat
FAQ About Buying the Best Summer Hiking Pants
Is it better to hike in shorts or pants?
When you go hiking in the summer, the best is to choose pants convertible into shorts: this will allow you to be covered in the morning, when the sun is not yet high in the sky. In the afternoon when the heat increases, you can remove the lower part, which is a real bonus in terms of comfort.
Unlike shorts, pants protect you from sunburn, insects and scratches from tree branches or rocks. If any of these dangers are present during your hike, keep the lower part of your pants on.
What makes a great hiking pants for hot weather?
Beyond the look and the different pants accessories (number of pockets, elastic belt…) there are some important criteria to consider for summer hiking that are not essential for hiking in other seasons: breathability, lightness, sun protection and water resistance.
1. Breathability
Ventilation is critical to your comfort when hiking in the heat. As temperatures rise and the sun shines, you’ll sweat more than usual and you need a material that wicks that away quickly to keep you cool and dry.
So, if natural fibers like cotton bring a good feeling of comfort, they dry slowly, which can become unpleasant due to rubbing and generate a cold feeling. To evacuate sweat during your efforts, you should choose a hiking garment made of synthetic fibers. They are very breathable and also provide fast drying, an essential feature in case of strong heat or rain.
2. Lightness
It would be easier and lighter to wear shorts, yes. But as said earlier, this is not necessarily the best choice when hiking in extreme heat as your legs will be too exposed to the sun and injuries.
So prefer very lightweight hiking pants that will provide enough coverage to keep your legs hidden when needed without warming you or constrain your movements. Some light hiking pants weight less than 10 oz, so wearing them will feel like wearing nothing. Having convertible pants is a great plus if you really like shorts, you’ll be at ease at any time.
3. Sun protection
All clothing blocks sun rays to some extent, but clothing with a UPF rating offers guaranteed protection against sunburns.
So when choosing your pants, make sure to check UPF in the product description, preferably UPF 50+, as it will ensure protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays that can affect your skin (most of the pants in this guide offer UV Ray protection).
4. Water resistance
Having a waterproof treatment of the material remains important, even in summer. Especially if you are hiking in a tropical climate.
The best warm weather hiking pants have to resist to the small rains that are not rare in the mountains whatever the season or the heavy rains of tropical countries; to dry quickly when wet from rain, humidity or sweat; and to guarantee you to be always dry inside without being too hot.
Do hot weather trekking pants have to be loose?
The best summer hiking pants should be both loose and tight.
They should be loose enough not to restrict movement, but tight enough not to snag on rocks and branches. To try it out, do some yoga stretches while wearing them or go for a short jog before you go hiking.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hiking Pants for Hot Weather
All of the outdoor pants for hot weather included in this guide are solid choices, and which one will be the best for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
After a full review of the best options available on the market, our overall best choice is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants.
These are the best hiking pants for summer, especially because they are ultra-lightweight at less than 10 oz, with full sun protection, water repellency and excellent breathability at a more than reasonable price for this quality. In short, everything you need to walk comfortably for hours in the heat!
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