Although I’ve been hiking for more than a decade now, it took me a long time to realize that proper hiking attire is incredibly important. Gone are the days of pulling on a thick sweatshirt or little cotton shorts in preparation to summit a mountain. Whether you’re opting for some all-seasons pants or shorts you can swim in, finding a pair of moisture-wicking, lightweight and durable hiking bottoms is crucial.
Luckily, getting yourself a proper pair doesn’t have to cost your entire paycheck. In fact, we’ve found durable leggings on sale for just $50. Obviously, if you want to invest a little more, you totally can, but spending big is not required. Here are our favorite picks for both women and men.
Affordable and Durable Hiking Bottoms
Favorite picks for women
1. Relaxed Fit: Look like the coolest gal on the trail in Patagonia’s 5″ Baggies Shorts. They feature a relaxed fit and are made from lightweight recycled materials—so they’ll feel great, without leaving behind a major environmental impact.
2. Spend Less: If you aren’t looking for anything pricey (and to be able to wear them as regular all-day leggings), go for the Carhartt Force Utility Leggings. The high-rise fit is super flattering, and they’re on sale for $50, so seriously, why not?
3. Made For Water: Columbia’s Sandy Trail Shorts were quite literally made for you to take a dip in the lake after that long trek on the trails. The ripstop nylon and polyester combo is durable and quick-drying. Meanwhile, the Nonflurinated durable water repellent finish promises to keep you dry if caught in the rain.
4. Crunchy Cute: Attention all crunchy gals, belted hiking shorts are both flattering and practical! The cinched waist keeps things in—especially when you’re making your way down a rock slide. And in addition to providing reliable sun protection, they’re also moisture-wicking.
5. So Many Colors: It comes as no surprise that Cotopaxi Brinko Shorts come in the coolest colors, based on the rest of the brand’s offerings. The shorts feature an elastic waistband and drop-in pockets.
6. All Seasons: Dressing appropriately for the weather while hiking can be a trip—especially with chilly mornings and scorching afternoons. That’s where prAna Koen Pants come in because they’re long yet lightweight. And best of all, they have a ‘short’ and ‘tall’ option so you can find the perfect fit for you.
7. Ol’ Reliable: Although they may not be the cutest option on the list, Libin’s Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants are going to last beyond your lifetime. These durable hiking pants will be with you through every summit, river trek or gardening session. Either way, they’ll go the distance for ya.
8. Stretchy: Some hiking shorts and pants can wear a little stiff, but Columbia’s Hike Shorts are famously stretchy. The Omni-Wick technology manages moisture by moving it from your skin to the fabric, where it can dry more easily. And the built-in interior crepe mesh brief gives you the option to swim, even if you forgot your bathing suit.
9. Skort: Surprisingly, there are so many benefits to a hiking skort—like the comfy fit and extra airflow. And this one comes in so many colors. It’ll look great in all your summit photos, and you’ll love how it feels.
Comfortable options for men
10. Year-Round Hiker: Whether you’re trekking through the snow or desert, Patagonia’s Quandry Pants will be there for you for all seasons. The material is moisture-wicking. Meanwhile, it provides UV-protection, so even if it’s a scorcher, you’ll stay protected.
11. Not Too Pricey: These Pudolla hiking shorts are super affordable, as they start at just $30. They come in a few neutral colors, and the slim fit is actually pretty flattering. The many pockets are a huge plus, especially for packing a few extra granola bars.
12. 2-in-1: If your hike starts out cold (and ends in the sun), Moosehill hiking pants do it all. They’re moisture-wicking and super stretchy. And while you can start off wearing them as pants, the legs zip off to shorts. And really, what’s cooler than that?
13. Most Affordable: Walmart’s Ozark Trail Hiking Pants are water-resistant, and provide UV protection… and just $23. They come in regular and plus sizes, too.
14. Cargo: For more of a cargo fit, you’ll love these lightweight joggers? They’re equally durable to classic hiking pants, though they have several pockets (literally, there are five), and the color options are pretty cute. Plus, the elastic waistband is extremely comfortable… it’ll be hard not to wear these everyday.
15. Vacation-Ready: The great thing about Eddie Bauer’s Men’s Guide Pro Shorts is that they’re super packable. Even if you don’t think you’ll need another pair of shorts on your backpacking trip, you might as well take ’em with you.
16. Multi-Purpose: Do anything and everything in Eddie Bauer’s Top Out Ribstop Pants. The elastic and cotton materials fit comfortably, and they’ll last a long time.
17. UV Protection: If you’re particularly prone to sunburn, Columbia’s Silver Ridge Utility Pants may be the way to go. The Omni-Shade technology is made from tightly woven fabric, providing UVA and UVB protection. Meanwhile, it wicks away moisture, too, so you won’t sweat too much.
18. Eco-Friendly: Adidas’ Terrex Multi Trail Running Shorts are made for trail-running, as they’re incredibly lightweight and moisture wicking, but you can absolutely hike in them, too. They’re made from 100% recycled materials. That way, you can feel good about your purchase.
