When choosing hiking pants, durability and protection from the elements are important for longer hikes. Convertible pants can save money, and double-stitched seams and synthetic fabrics are recommended. Comfort and practicality should also be considered, with a good fit and plenty of pockets.
Many factors involved in choosing hiking pants come down to personal taste, and if the hike is going to be short-lived on very safe ground, the type of clothing and equipment you choose is of minor importance. For longer hikes, however, these choices can sometimes be a matter of survival. It’s a good idea to choose hiking pants that are durable and can provide protection from the elements and that can adjust to temperature fluctuations.
When choosing your hiking clothing, you should buy pants that are suitable for both day and night. Temperatures at night can often plummet and you should make sure your clothes offer ample protection. Many styles of hiking pants feature lower leg sections that can be removed with zippers or snaps. During warmer temperatures, these trousers can be worn as shorts and when the air starts to cool they can quickly transform into trousers. In many cases, these types of convertible clothing cost a little more, but because of their versatility, buying these types of hiking pants can actually save you money in the long run.
Durability of construction is another important factor when choosing hiking clothing. Make sure most of the seams are double stitched. Double stitching helps reinforce seams, and this is especially true for seams that are exposed to a lot of stress. For example, when climbing, squatting or taking long strides, the inseam of the pants absorbs most of the physical pressure, and good quality hiking pants will have a double stitched inseam. The pockets and center back seams are also areas that take a lot of stress and should be reinforced accordingly.
While natural fiber fabrics often offer a greater degree of comfort, in practical terms, synthetic fabrics are typically much better suited for hiking clothing. You should look for hiking pants made of fabric that resists moisture and tears. If you’re caught out in the rain, wearing water-resistant clothing will help protect you from the elements and your risk of developing hypothermia.
Finally, comfort and practicality must not be overlooked. Hiking pants should ideally have a good comfortable fit, neither too tight nor too loose. Since you’ll likely find yourself in various body positions, test the fit of the pants while standing, sitting, and squatting. If they feel uncomfortable in any of these positions, it’s a good idea to select a different size or style. For practical reasons, hiking pants should have as many pockets as possible, at least two of which have zippers or press studs for closure.
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