Bonus: Best Heavy Duty Trekking Pant: Fjallraven Keb
Materials: G-1000 made of 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton. Stretch material made of 65% recycled polyamide, 24% polyester, 11% elastane
Weight: 24.5 oz | 697 g
Waist: Zipper fly, button closure, belt loops
Price: $240
Pros:
- Features legendary G-1000 fabric in high abrasion areas for protection & durability
- Large, ergonomic pockets can hold a lot without banging against your body while moving
- PFAS-free
- Ventilation zippers
Cons:
- Slim fit that may not accommodate larger body types
- No rear pockets
- Heavy & expensive
Addition by Field Mag Founder Graham Hiemstra: A staple of outdoor and everyday culture in Scandinavia, these heavy weight, durable, weather-resistant hiking pants are about as iconic as a pair of pants can be. The longstanding Keb has been in the Fjallraven lineup since 2010 and more recently redesigned to pair some stretch with the legendary waxed cotton G-1000 fabric. I was initially drawn to the pants for their utilitarian aesthetic, knowing the Swedish outfitter makes quality product. After getting my first pair around a decade ago, I quickly learned the pants look great but function even better. And surprisingly, the slim fit is actually very comfortable for long treks, off trail bushwacking, and even car camping in general. It’s a joy to move however you need to in nature, kneeling in dirt or dead campfire coals, squeezing between granite boulders, always wiping your hands on your pants, while knowing no harm will be done and that the pair will only look better with age.
Over the past handful of years I’ve backpacked and hiked hundreds of miles in the Fjallraven Keb trouser, car camped and road tripped, and even done a little wet wade fly fishing. (And Field Mag contributor Karthika Guptajust declared the Keb her favorite hiking pant, too.) Through it all, I’ve been impressed by how the many cargo pockets hold a lot without feeling bulky or preventing full range of movement. I love the look of the pant, and though I typically prefer a much looser fit, the way the Keb hugs your body feels secure and purposeful. Like a military uniform. Generous ventilation zippers are a plus for warmer days, and openings for kneepads (an accessory) may never get used, but it’s nice to know they’re there. The fact they are available in three lengths— short, regular and long—is also a plus.
Trail Performance: 8 – Best for rugged terrain and long days in cooler climates
Versatility: 7 – The serious, distinct look is most at home in the alpine, though could also be styled for city wear
Features & Build: 9 – Tons of pockets and features, reinforced zones, hardwearing
Overall Rating: 8
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pants are best for hiking?
Even within the category of hiking pants, there's a lot of variability. Choosing from all of the available options comes down to the same factors as choosing many other types of outdoor gear: where you're going, for how long, what time of year, and the weather forecast. Lighter hiking pants that aren't waterproof but do offer sun protection might be perfect for the desert, but you might want something warmer and more rugged if you're bushwhacking in Alaska. One of the options above should work for most scenarios.
How are hiking pants different from regular pants?
Hiking pants are made of performance-focused fabrics that are more durable, waterproof, and often stretchier than your standard pair of blue jeans. Depending on the pair of pants, hiking bottoms might feature DWR finishes, sweat wicking properties, UPF sun protection, added Spandex, and other fabric features. Hiking pants also often come with more tangible features like an integrated belt, zippered pockets, roll-up or zip-off legs, articulated knees, and gusseted crotches.
Should you always hike in long pants?
Nope! Hiking shorts are also a great option for taking to the trails. That said, you might consider wearing hiking pants for more than just warmth—hiking pants can provide protection from the sun, from ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects, and from light scrapes and scratches.