Stay Cool and Protected From Ultraviolet, Bugs, and brush with the Most Breathable Hiking Pants
Innovative tech fabrics and the trail running boom in general have lead to a major shift in what constitutes the best and most breathable hiking pants. Say goodbye to your old convertible cargos; welcome in the era of hiking in running pants, porous textiles, and zipper vents.
Choose between traditionally cut hiking pants with fabric breathability levels that would be have been unfathomable ten years go. Or combine running shorts with supplemental running pants to create a versatile system that weighs less than a pair of convertible cargos. While you’re here, don’t miss our complete guides to running pants, running shorts, merino pants, fleece pants, rain pants, and down pants.
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Cover Photo: Back lit close up on Toray Dot Air Primeflex Fabric, as used in Zpacks Travel & Trail, Kuiu Tiberon
Quick Picks for the Best Breathable Hiking Pants
Running Style
Lightweight, stretchy, breathable, zipper pockets, elastic waist
- Editor’s Choice: Janji TTech
- Editor’s Choice: Path Projects Killam PX
- Most Stretch: Janji Atlas Multi
- Lightest Weight: Salomon SHKout Core
Hiking Style
Breathable, durable, belt loops, zipper vents, cargo pockets
- Lightest w/ Max Breathability: KETL Vent Pants
- Max Breathability + Zip Vents: Kuiu Tiberon
- Max Breathability: Zpacks Travel & Trail
- Bug Proof with Vents: Rail Riders M’s Eco Mesh, W’s Weatherpants
- Best Mesh Venting: Rail Riders Bone Flats
Running-Style Breathable Hiking Pants
Janji TTech
Men’s & Women’s
The Janji TTech (formerly Transit Tech) are a lightweight, stretchy, soft, versatile, pair of joggers with the best pockets in their peer group. Not only do they get dual zippered hand pockets, there is a bonus a zippered right side hip pocket. Unlike most breathable hiking pants which place secondary pockets on the thigh, TTech’s secondary is a mirrored placement of the right hand pocket. This keeps it high on the hip to prevent contents from bouncing and swinging as you stride. Beyond that, they have a simple elastic waist band with supplemental drawstring, and cuffed hems for that classic jogger aesthetic.
- Price: $98
- Weight: 7.4 oz
- Pros: Lightweight. Soft. Stretchy. Simply. Zippered hand pockets with bonus zippered side hip pocket. Elastic waistband plus drawstring.
- Cons: Short inseam length because jogger. Waistband runs loose relative to rest of pants.
Men’s Path Projects Killam PX
Men’s
The Path Projects Killam PX are my personal go-to hiking pants (and running pants for that matter). They fit well, wear well, check all of the my backcountry boxes. Killam PX is built with lightweight, breathable, quick drying, water resistant, and surprisingly durable Toray Primeflex fabric with 100% polyester 4-way mechanical stretch. They feature a flawless elastic waistband, and secure zipper hand pockets. There is a center back pocket designed for phone storage, which you might prefer to remove if it rubs under your hip belt. I will also note that the barely noticeable short ankle zips don’t create enough opening to pull on over my size twelve shoes. Ultimately, the biggest drawback is that Path Projects is a menswear brand, and no women’s fit is offered.
- Price: $98
- Weight: 8.9 oz
- Pros: Editor’s choice. Zippered hand pockets. Great waistband. Substantial mechanical stretch, no elastane. Elastic waistband plus drawstring is great. Dries quickly.
- Cons: Men’s fit only. Ankle zips are too short, don’t serve much purpose. Center back zip pocket may rub with hip belt.
Janji Atlas Multi
Men’s & Women’s
Janji Atlas Multi have more stretch than any other pair of running or hiking pants we tested, offering full range of motion and superb comfort. Despite a high Spandex composition fabric, they still resist water nicely and dry quickly. To ensure valuables are never lost, we only recommend running pants with zippered hand pockets; Atlas Multi check that critical box. As for feature, they have a unique double waist band that sit securely and comfortably, while holding bonus pockets for running gels. But as a drawback, it does create extra fabric that makes things slightly hotter and sweatier. Hikers feel free to remove the back zippered pocket if it interferes with your hip belt. The extra tall ankle zips can be opened to pull the pants on over shoes, but add a bit of extra weight.
- Price: $134
- Weight: 9.0 oz
- Pros: Very stretchy. Very comfortable. Zipper hand pockets. Tall ankle zips allow for easy on/off over shoes. Elastic waistband plus drawstring. More water resistant than you’d think.
- Cons: High spandex percent holds moisture & odor. Expensive. Double waistband adds extra material. Center back zip pocket may rub with hip belt.
Salomon SHKout Core
Men’s
As a six ounce pair of ultralight pants to carry in your pack that replace or supplement shorts when temps drop or wind/bugs picks up, we recommend the Salomon SHAKEout Core. Critically, they feature zippered hand pockets to prevent valuables from falling out, and are the lightest pair we tested with that feature. The 100% poly fabric is lightly mechanically stretchy without Spandex, meaning quicker-than-average dry time, but a sub-optimal range of motion. We’re particularly keen on the top-of-butt vents to help reduce sweat. The biggest drawback to this fabric is that it could be stretchier. The biggest drawback to the design as a whole is that it is only available in black (hot in the sun), and no longer offered in women’s sizing.
- Price: $100
- Weight: 6.0 oz
- Pros: Ultralight. Very simple. Zippered hand pockets. Good waistband. Dries extra quickly.
- Cons: Men’s fit only. Black color only. Not quite enough stretch. Non-mesh pockets. Short inseam because jogger.
Hyper Breathable Hiking Pants, Traditional Style
KETL Mountain Vent Pants
Men’s
The KETL Mountain Vents are made with the coolest, lightest, most breathable fabric we’ve tested, perfect hiking pants for warm weather. The material is slightly lighter and stretchier than Toray Dot Air, with even larger perforations for improved air flow. On top of that, you get a comfy elastic waistband instead of a clunky zipper fly, deep hand pockets, two back pockets, and a nifty side thigh pocket. Drawbacks include the lack of women’s fit, lack of UPF rating (because the perforations are too large) and the fact that they don’t have zipper vents while some others like them do. But if you want the most breathable hiking pants fabric possible for a very reasonable price, these are a great option.
- Price: $94
- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Pros: Best-in-class fabric is lightweight, breathable, and stretchy. Comfy elastic waistband. Bonus thigh pocket. Good price.
- Cons: No women’s fit. Not UPF rated. No zipper vents.
Kuiu Tiberon Pants
Men’s & Women’s
Kuiu Tiberon pants are designed for warm weather hunting, and their AirMatrix fabric (a branded version of Toray Dot Air Primeflex) is best-in-class. The combination of an aerated grid pattern in tandem with thigh vents to dump heat makes them the most breathable hiking pants in our round up. In addition to that, you get better-than-average stretch, articulation of the knee and crotch, UPF 50+ sun protection, and DWR water resistance that also speeds up dry time. They have great zippered cargo pockets, but the hand and back pockets could be deeper. This is one of a select few pairs of vent pants available in women’s sizing, which we love to see.
- Price: $149
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Pros: Best-in-class fabric is breathable, stretchy, durable. Supplemental zipper vents. Cargo pockets.
- Cons: Hand pockets could be deeper.
Zpacks Travel & Trail Pants
Men’s
Zpacks Travel & Trail pants take advantage of Toray Dot Air Primeflex fabric, which we consider to be a best-in-class material for breathable hiking pants. The micro-perforations improve air flow and speed dry time, while mechanical stretch increases comfort without impeding range of motion. We like the elasticized waistband with belt loops and built-in tie off because it allows the user to decide how to keep their pants up. As far as storage goes, they get deep hand pockets, stealthy vertical zip cargo pockets, and back pockets. Biggest drawbacks are the lack of supplemental zipper vent panels that some of their peers have, and a unisex-only fit.
- Price: $119
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Pros: Best-in-class fabric is breathable, stretchy, durable. Elastic waistband. Bonus zipper cargo pockets.
- Cons: Its peers have bonus zipper vents. No women’s fit.
Rail Riders Men’s Eco Mesh & Women’s Weather Pants
Men’s & Women’s
Rail Riders Men’s Eco Mesh and Women’s Weather Pants are a mainstay in hiker bug protection, and they’ve accompanied us for decades throughout Alaska and the Sierra. Both versions use the same factory Insect Shield-treated, bite-proof woven nylon fabric, creating a redundant shield against critters. They also benefit from exceptionally deep hand pockets. The biggest drawback is that only the men’s version gets the massive zipper vents, which are arguably the most notable feature. While the Women’s Weatherpants get a gusseted crotch (men’s does not) and a nice cargo pocket (men’s does not) as consolation prizes, it is frustrating that they aren’t the same. That zipper vent is highly desirable, and what allows them to be breathable hiking pants. Another drawback that applies to both versions is the non-stretch nature of the fabric. While this helps boost bite proofing from mosquitos and speed up dry time, it also impairs range of motion and decreases comfort.
- Price: M’s $120, W’s $100
- Weight: 10.0 oz
- Pros: Bite-proof fabric is factory treated with permethrin. Men’s has massive zipper vent. Complimentary webbing belt. Deepest hand pockets ever. Partially elastic waistband. Durable fabric.
- Cons: No stretch. Men’s does not have a gusseted crotch. Women’s does not have zipper vents. Dad-core aesthetic.
Men’s Rail Riders Bone Flat
Men’s
For maximum air flow in warm weather, we recommend the Rail Riders Bone Flats. This pair has four large mesh panels along the inner and outer leg, creating a cross breeze draft surpassing all other breathable hiking pants. On top of that, they utilize an extremely thin but durable nylon fabric that does not insulate, and dries very quickly. The biggest drawback is that they have zero stretch, and the fabric itself not aerated like what we see from Kuiu and Zpacks. This decreases range of motion and comfort, while reducing maximum breathability potential. They’re also only viable in hot weather, because unlike their vented peers, the mesh panels do not zip closed.
- Price: $115
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Pros: Best-in-class airflow. Thin, durable fabric dumps heat. Complimentary belt.
- Cons: Men’s only. No stretch. Vents can’t be closed. Dad-core aesthetic.
Large Zipper Vents on Rail Riders Eco Mesh
Logic for our Selection of breathable hiking pants
Why having the most breathable hiking pants matters
If it weren’t for bugs, UV exposure, or brush, you would probably choose shorts over pants because of the air flow. Hiking is hot and it’s difficult to keep cool. That’s why having the most breathable hiking pants with the coolest fabrics matters.
Why not convertible hiking pants?
- The circular zipper track creates an uncomfortable pinch point around thick, muscular hiker quads. This yields what is ultimately an uncomfortable piece of clothing to wear.
- The zipper adds weight, manufacturing cost, and failure potential.
- Because of the above two points, they are inferior at being shorts and inferior at being pants. I prefer my clothes to be comfortable and offer superior performance.
- A pair of running pants and running shorts together as a system is lighter weight than a traditional pair of convertible hiking pants, and takes less effort to change.
- Running shorts are much shorter, improving range of motion and air flow.
- Based on my real world hiking experience, I never actually use the convertibility. Doing so is fussy, requires a few minutes with shoes coming all of the way off.
Why the focus on zippered hand pockets for running styles?
Compared to traditional hiking pants, running pants have shallow pockets. It makes sense; if they’re too deep, your items will bounce around. However, shallow pockets drastically increase the likelihood of items falling out. If that item is your phone, wallet, or keys, it could be a disaster. A lost phone could ruin a backpacking trip. As such, we only use and recommend pants with zippered hands pockets. However, zippers are not necessary for traditional hiking pants with deeper scooped pockets that create an adequately secure hold to begin with.
Conclusion to the most breathable hiking pants
For 90% of people 90% of the time, opting for pants over shorts means hotter, sweatier legs. So when it comes to choosing hiking pants, focus on breathability above all else. Whether you choose lightweight running wear, high tech air grid fabrics, or mechanical zipper vents, your legs will thank you. Happy trails!
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