Reddit mentions: The best men hiking pants

First things first: Disclaimer.

I used to work at an outdoor retailer and got ridiculous savings on quality gear. Basically, something like up to 75% off. This may seem like a Merrell, Patagonia, and North Face fan-rant but it's not. Those were great deals or given to us for free from the supplier to demo. At the end of the day though, I was looking for the same thing I do now, as a broke, cycling bum hitting up good will. I still want decent construction, durability, and key materials.

So here we go.

Base I'm most unfamiliar with my base layers because I've been in warm weather since February. Sorry this one is kind of scrambled.

Feet: Fits or Smartwool hiking sock (Smartwool PhD series fit the best for me and are super comfy). In the winter I use some Remington socks I got on sale at Cabela's. Work great.

Leggings: icebreaker.

Long-sleeve: Patagonia Capilene Thermal or Smartwool long-sleeved.

Make sure your base layers in the winter are tight to your body. Next to skin is what they're typically called.

Mid

Pants: On a coldish day (40-50F) I don't have a base layer on and usually just wear my cheap knock-off cycling pants. Cycling or hiking or even just wandering around town. (Link) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iNBZzbC9W9AZQ] I have some Carhartts I wear for pretty much any work I do outside around the house or if I'm camping deep in the woods in the cold. They're flannel lined!

Top: Usually the Patagonia Better Sweater. This thing is an absolute animal. It's classy and is usually seen as a staple in the frat boy look but there's a reason why. It's awesome. It's very comfy and extremely warm. I've also used it in rough situations and it has come out fine. It's surprisingly durable. I also have a tattered up Moosejaw zip-up stretch fleece sweater. Stays really warm, even when wet! I've also heard great things about the North Face Denali.

Shell/Outer

Pants: Carhartt fleece—lined pants I mentioned above. If I'm out ice fishing and it's really windy, then I'll splash water on them and freeze them to make them more wind resistant.

Jacket: On windy, chilly days (low 40s to high 30s) I have a Moosejaw Harper Hooded Jacket. It's got a jersey cut so I'm covered when bent over. On cold days when I'm doing a lot of moving I have a North Face Morph Jacket that I got from the vendor. Anything from high 40s and up I usually just stick with my mid-layer. If I have a rainy day and I have to be outside then I just throw a Torrentshell on. If I'm in a pinch then a trash bag works too. I'm not picky on waterproof shells. I don't try to stay dry, I just try to stay warm when wet.

Apologies about how unorganized and formatted this is. I'm on mobile currently. I do better answering directed questions about gear then I do just telling about gear. I hope this helped though!

If you're used to consistently warm/comfortable temperatures, my best bet is you're going to want thicker layers than a person more accustomed to frequently colder temps :)

And sure! My gear varies a lot, as temperatures here range from -5 degrees F to 95 degrees F depending on the season, but I'll give you as comprehensive of a list as I can for my 30/40 degree F gear.

Boots: Asolo's Sharp Women's Hiking Boots
Baselayer(s):
UnderArmour/UnderArmour ripoff thin insulating long sleeve tee
Avalanche long sleeve pullover (Avalanche in general is a really awesome, relatively cheap brand; this is my "in case it gets extra cold" layer in most cases)
Fleece:
Land's End Polartec or a CB ski fleece.
Jacket:
I have a few different jackets that I alternate. CB is a very good brand, I've worn a lot of their gear, it's cheaper and warm. Generally, on a cooler but not cold hike, I wear a Columbia windbreaker.
Pants baselayer:
Either a pair of technical fabric leggings [similar] or a pair of Avalanche leggings.
Pants:
Loose, windbreaker like pants [similar]. I like hiking in pants like these quite a bit, but you might be better off looker for a tougher, less-likely-to-rip pair (more cargo-pant like?), especially for a longer time period of hiking. I've ripped through quite a few pairs of these pants.
Socks: SmartWool skiing or hiking socks are incredible. I also like to wear a liner sock to prevent from blisters and keep sweaty feet at bay.
Hat and gloves: I'm not very particular about these. I have a cheap snow hat from a local department store. These you definitely want to try on, as you want it to cover your ears for sure. As for gloves, look for a pair of thinner gloves for the daytime and perhaps a thick, warm pair for evenings. My hands tend to swell and get really warm while hiking and I prefer to not have anything thick on them (you can always shove them in your pockets if they get minimally cold), but you certainly don't want to get frostbite because you thought you could do without.

Hello! This is my second year bike commuting and I love it! The coldest days of the year in Baltimore look around -15C so it shouldn't be too bad! Things I use/suggest are the following

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For you:

Bike helmet cover, something like this to keep in the warmth, but doesnt get too hot

Pair of ski goggles

Gloves

Buff

A pair of cycling only outdoor pants to wear as 'ski pants' over your regular pants like these

Wool socks (Costco has great merino wool ones)

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For the bike:

Fenders

A nice set of lights like these

Bar mitts like these

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And just make sure you keep up with cleaning the salt and grime off your bike!

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Good luck!

The ones I settled on are pretty expensive, but they are nice. The Prana Stretch Zion

I like them because thy have just a little bit of a spandex content, so they're just a little bit streatchy, they don't restrict you at all.

They're also gusseted for full range of motion.

They're really lightweight so they don't slow you down.

Dry quickly, well ventilated, fit well, well made and durable. Reinforced on wear areas. Lots of benefits. Most other climbing pants would have the same.

Cheaper options would be some gusseted tactical pants. They usually don't have the spandex content, or as lightweight, but are still fairly nice.

I've never really understood the whole baggy clothes/sweatpants thing. I see absolutely no benefit to them beyond simply being better than jeans.

I used to work in these same conditions, summertime in the Mojave desert and the surrounding hills.


I had a light weight field shirt and very light weight field pants.

I really recommend both of these. The shirt has vents on at the shoulders, and a large vent horizontally along your back to help airflow, and is a a pretty nice light weight material. Mine was a bit too big for me, which I think actually helped with the airflow. My coworkers had basically the same shirt but long sleeved, I preferred the short sleeve personally. I tan easy so didn't have to worry much about burns (this applied sunscreen a couple times a day), and I thought the short sleeves helped with the wind-flow.

The pants are really thin and lightweight, could be a problem with rips if you're hiking through some thick brush. I hiked through a bit of brushy terrain throughout the summer, and only got one small rip after several months. They are really breathable and don't overheat you in the high temps out there. I've never had lightweight hiking pants before, so I don't have any other brands to compare to, but these were the shit. I also had to wear snake gaiters all day, and even with the extra layer of those things, my legs never got too bad. Wearing these pants and shirt together felt like I was wearing nothing at all.

A nice wide rimmed sun hat or light bandana or something to cover your/neck is also a plus. That sun is no joke.

I'd also recommend sunglasses, especially big ones with think walls on the side. Something like this rather than like this . Having the big walled edges helps block out all the light. If they are small and skinny you can get light contrast in the corner of your eyes all day and it gets annoying. It's not a huge issue, but I think it really helps, the sun is so bright out there.

Bring lots of water in your car, and a camelback if you are away from your car for often. Drink water often, even if you're not thirsty. Drink a lot of water before you even leave the house. I drink a lot of water in general, but when working that job I would easily drink 2 gallons a day, sometimes 3.

Keep in mind, my job had me walking/hiking around 5-10 miles a day, but I imagine you'll be moving around a lot too for whatever you're monitoring?

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions or anything.

I played this past weekend and the temp was close to 0 before windchill was factored in.

I wore these pants, which /u/afropirg recommended, with a pair of longjohns underneath. It was the perfect amount of warmth and very nonrestrictive. On top I wore a few long sleeve layers (underarmor cold gear, thermal, thin cotton hoodie) under a wool softshell. Again, I had full range of motion and wasn't bulky. The only thing I'd potentially add would be a wind resistant layer, but I wouldn't say it's necessary.

The only parts of me that got cold were my feet, I had only worn a single pair of wool socks in my waterproof boots. And my face when playing into the wind.

The takeaway here is, warm socks x2 and a face shield if its windy.

Also, one thing I learned is that when you take your hand out of your gloves to putt, if your hand is warm it will stick to the cold soft plastic of putters. Causing some awkward releases. I remedied this by taking my hand out early to give it a chance to 'cool off' for a clean release.

Do you need a fleece and a base layer? I'd ditch the fleece honestly you can use the base layer if you are cold in the morning combined with the down jacket. Hiking if you are cold use the Rain Jacket and Base layer or just the base layer in the morning should be plenty if you remain active. Also the Prana pants weigh a ton if you want a pair of hiking pants and also want to bring shorts just get a nice pair of convertibles. https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Silver-Ridge-Convertible-Gravel/dp/B006QYGOA4/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=CjwKCAjwmZbpBRAGEiwADrmVXuK5cuDuClknlhlflM3li9ITXmfLw_IKsDZ9ZGsl_HIkYX2HTwO2BBoC00MQAvD_BwE&hvadid=178120229673&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032191&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=15237872622100748925&hvtargid=kwd-18779364752&hydadcr=12916_9733689&keywords=columbia%2Bsilver%2Bridge%2Bpants%2Bmen&qid=1562813125&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1 I use these and they are quite durable and comfy for the price only ever use the pants function if its really buggy or cold w/ base layer. another option is to use the rainpants as pants while hiking.

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I'd also ditch the cozy for meals it isn't needed that's an item I dropped this year as well most of the times my meals were way to hot to eat and enjoy with it imo.

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Late September temps will also get pretty cold personally I'd bring a 20 degree quilt w/ layering you are bring to help if needed that would also get your weight lower by 5-6 oz.

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If you ditch the pants and fleece thats almost a 1.5lbs loss in weight. Can't think of much else tbh you could get a nitecore nu25 headlamp and that would allow you to ditch bringing spare batteries I love mine.

Are you in DC? I haven't figured out how to look cute while cycling in DC winter, but here's how I stay warm.

In winter, I wear layered jackets, lobster gloves (with another pair underneath if it's really cold), these cycling pants with yoga pants underneath if it's freezing out, smartwhool ski socks and sneakers and then change into my work clothes at work. I used to use a ski mask, but I traded it for two black fleece headbands - one over my ears and one I wear around my neck and pull up over my mouth. I know that sounds super weird, but I think it's more comfortable than the alternatives. Happy cycling!

oh and these are the pants.

They are my all time favorites. Stretchy, stylish cut, etc. I go from the office (engineer) to casual wear in these. Just a perfect all-arounder and they fit like a dream which is why I love them as a tall skinny dude who can never find good pants. I really like them. I got them on sale for $40.

I've been super happy with these cheapish pants off of amazon in any weather below about 55F. Any warmer and they are too hot. I've worn them down into the single digit fahrenheit and they are more than enough. Plus, I can easily fit knee pads over them. They aren't quite tights but are definitely not baggy either.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQDTTBC/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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For UK these look pretty similar but the price goes way up. They are also some on ebay with reasonable shipping.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/4Ucycling-Windproof-L-promise-WEIGHT-140-165Lbs-HEIGHT-56-58/dp/B00POSIS0C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549378738&sr=8-3&keywords=4ucycling

I've cycled a lot in craghoppers kiwi active trousers before. They've got some stretch to the material so you have plenty of freedom to move. Not very expensive. They're mainly for outdoors or hillwalking, but a pair in black looks perfectly respectable for the pub.

Here's what I'm going to wear for my 5 month journey through SE asia and New Zealand....

• 1 very light cotton button down shirt
  
• 2 Soccer Jerseys (Adidas climacool)
  
• 1 Baseball Jersey
  
• 1 pair denim jeans
  
• 1 pair of Colmbia convertable pants
  
• 2 cotton shorts
  
• 1 swim trunks
  
• 4 pairs of Adidas climacool underwear
  
• 4 pairs wigwam acrylic socks
  
  For the colder climate in New Zealand
  I'm bringing
  
  
• 2 pairs of long hiking socks
  
• Thermal underwear
  
• Thermal top
  
• A cold weather jacket
  
• A windbreaker
  
  
  
  The soccer jerseys are probably the absolute greatest thing to wear when traveling. They are light, easy to wash, quick drying, and great in the heat!

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback.

The pants are the Columbia PFG Blood & Guts III Convertibles. They have an amazing water/stain repellent coating that works fantastic. Only thing is that the crotch area could use some extra room. My waist and inseam are perfect but I'm in the process of taking apart another pair that were too big to make a gusset to fit in this pair. Just my 2 cents.
Here's a link for em: https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Blood-Convertible-Pants-Fossil/dp/B00L2IURH0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=columbia+pfg+blood+and+guts+pants+men&qid=1567098114&s=gateway&sprefix=columbia+pfg+blood+&sr=8-3

I highly recommend the Global Adventure Pants by Columbia Sportswear. They're extremely lightweight, breathable, and comfortable and look nice enough for everyday office wear (I even wore mine to a wedding once). I lived in West Africa for a year, where it gets VERY hot, and alternated a black pair and "kettle" (ie khaki) pair pretty much every day. They're not as breathable as shorts, obviously, but come pretty darn close.

https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Mens-Global-Adventure-Pant/dp/B010NHRZ3E

Also on REI, Columbia site, etc

Yes! I have two pairs and they can easily be purchased from sites like Sierra Trading Post (during sales) or Steep and Cheap for well under $70. I think I paid $70 total for both pairs shipped if memory serves me correctly.

Also Adidas makes a decent pair of climbing pants which can be purchased off of Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Outdoor-Edo-Climb-Pant/dp/B00DR95LL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418228551&sr=8-1&keywords=adidas+climbing+pants

They stretch and have an elastic waste band but the feature I really like is the leg holes can be tightened so they don't get in the way. They don't stretch as much as the zion pants but they're a nice pair for cheaper.

Also shorts.

Oh wow, a bit pricey. I was hoping to stay under 30$. Think thats doable?

I guess maybe a better question would be what kind of material I should be looking for. I found these on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYX0ETE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A18VXALR45L3PZ

FWIW, I'm in the Pacific Northwest and commute all year.

I've been using this gear with great success and good relative comfort:

http://amzn.com/B00DQZ0S3K

https://www.showerspass.com/products/club-shoe-covers

http://www.columbia.com/mens-evapouration-jacket-RM2023.html

http://amzn.com/B00435IPFK

http://amzn.com/B008KUXRAW

Wear your helmet over your hood, and a pair of regular safety glasses. When it is really cold I add a balaclava and a fleece jacket. Fenders are a must to keep the dirt down, and I use this lube in the winter:

http://amzn.com/B000WYCD5O

I have an old pair of windproof campmor gloves that are no longer made. If you get cold just pedal harder. It almost never happens, I'm usually too hot.

Your bike depends on your distance, speed and budget. Make sure you get disc brakes, mandatory in my opinion for the higher speeds. This is my ride: http://i.imgur.com/bXXJkjS.jpg, just passed 1400 miles. It is BBS02 on a Kona Dew, I've since switched to Schwalbe Marathon tires. Cost about $1100 and has already paid for itself in gas and parking. 35mph for ~10 miles, 25 mph for 30-40 miles.

Oh, and fuck the snow and ice. Those are the days I drive or work from home.

When I want to wear pants for kayaking my goto has been: https://www.amazon.com/prAna-PRMBR32IPant-P-Mens-Brion-Pant/dp/B00948BSCS/

They dry very quickly, allow for good flexibility, and are quite comfortable.

I've used these for a few years. They are significantly warmer than they look and are wind and waterproof. They are some random brand but are priced much cheaper than name brand bike stuff and better than a lot of other things I've tried.

To about 20 deg I am fine with just regular compression shorts underneath and as it gets colder I add leggings and eventually smart wool pants.

They are "asian sized" which for me means I need a large. I normally wear size 29 x 30 jeans and small under amour leggings.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQDTTC6/

Regarding pants....

I like conversion / convertible pants really useful for hiking and backpacking. They dry very easily and are lightweight. I even found a pair of these at Goodwill for 5 bucks! Their non pleated and look like dress pants at first glance.

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Mens-Silver-Ridge-34x32/dp/B004GJ048E/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333380014&sr=8-1-spell

Yep, Rainier Travel Chino. Just weighed at 11.75oz.

Here's the Columbia pants:
https://amazon.com/Columbia-Silver-Ridge-Convertible-34x32/dp/B0058YVLP6/

The Columbia pants have a magical ability to stay clean after days on the trail as well. And they come with a nice thin nylon belt that I use all the time since it doesn't interfere with my pack hip belt.

Prana brion are my go-to outdoor pants. The Zion version has cargo pockets, but these are pretty slim fit.

I use them for cycling, climbing, hiking, etc.

If you’re interested for something on your legs there are some great inexpensive options available on Amazon. As much as I love my local shop, it’s hard justifying $100-$200 for some of the name brand stuff when things like this are available.

These work great in the range you’re talking about. I haven’t worn them below 30, but I suspect they would work down into the mid 20’s.

Baleaf Men's Thermal Cycling... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PVXNC92?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I routinely wear these down into the teens and even single digits. The pant legs are a little baggier so you might want a band or some electrical tape around the drive side.

4ucycling Unisex Windproof... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTDK?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

http://www.amazon.com/Prana-Mens-Brion-32-Inch-Inseam/dp/B00948BSCS

Not as slim, I imagine, but you might be able to find a good fit. (36 for me is a little too big, but I can never buy my waist size of 32)

You may want to get a balaklava, if your coughing is from breathing in cold air. It helps to warm up the air you breath in, and retain some moisture.

To stay warm, a wind breaker is a must. I picked up 3 of 30% wool blend thermal inner shirt at TJ Maxx (so you'd not be able to find one, sorry. I'm actually looking for more too.) and it's extremely warm. Around 30F, I'd wear this inner, a fleece and wind breaker. I'm almost too warm. (I have a bar mitts, so it helps too.)

The other one is the thermal pants. I got this one and works pretty well.

BTW, 8 miles seems long at beginning, but once you get used to it, it's a comfy distance.

I use these tucked into my hoodie. Fits perfect, keeps my hands warm, especially with a hot hands inside and is out of the way when throwing.

I have Nike Hyperwarm winter running gear base layer to wear under my 4ucycling pants. My legs never get cold. Feet I have a pair of winter hiking socks.

I don't understand it either, but I just watch the breakdowns of each of the concepts and try to learn them. I take a video ... of the video on my phone and then play it back slowly until I am able to conceptualize what he's doing and try to copy it. My pants are these - it was about 40F out, which isn't too bad though compared to other places.

I have the ucycling. Looks good so far.

looking for more cold weather stuff on amazon now 🙃

I don't need these yet but I have a feeling come winter I will

these bad boys are only 20 bucks so I'm getting a second pair.

Is this your first year commuting too? When it gets below freezing do you need special tires or a different bike? And what about riding when it is snowing -- don't do it, or... can it be done safely?

Right now I'm commuting on an aluminum frame roadbike with no fenders, but I'm looking to buy another bike for redundancy as the current bike kind of needs the whole drive train replaced.

Even in January! I also wear these pants alone or over my regular pants for walking the dog, commuting, or any time I have to be outside for an extended period. They block wind like nothing else. I've been stopped by a cyclist who had the same ones just so they could congratulate me on having warm pants. They are asian sizing though so check out the reviews.

Not spendy or flashy, but warm and durable.
4ucycling Unisex Windproof Athletic Pants for Outdoor and Multi Sports, Black, 2XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9jK5BbCY9KT7T

Hey thanks.

Yeah, I'm looking for something like this...I think...I really don't have experience with weatherproof pants. Which is nuts, considering I've now cycled through 3 PA winters, but I've always just layered and "sucked it up". But I'm sick of doing that and want to be warm.


https://www.amazon.com/4ucycling-Windproof-Athletic-Outdoor-L-promise/dp/B00POSIS0C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483726461&sr=8-2&keywords=bike+rain+pants

I was hoping some here would have experience with overpants like these, compared to tights. Or any other better solution they've come up with.

I'm concerned they may be too bulky or loose in the lower leg, that I'd have to worry about them getting caught in the chainring.

Over 40ish deg, I'm kinda set. I'll just ride in thermal tights and my Gore softshell. At those temps and up, I don't mind getting a little damp in the legs.

I've been contemplating some breathable and convertible hiking pants that zip off into shorts when necessary, such as this:

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-Sportswear-Silver-Ridge-Convertible/dp/B0058YVLP6/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1368679132&sr=1-1

Haven't pulled the trigger but I'm digging the idea of the versatility.

I've been rocking a couple of pair of these for the last 2 winters. Very comfy.

https://www.amazon.com/4ucycling-Unisex-Windproof-Athletic-Outdoor/dp/B00AQDTTDK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=4ucycle+pants&qid=1569518457&sr=8-1

For those of us who are still waiting for capitalism to crumble, there's always...

Super Z Outlet $7

Compass 360 $35

Beechfield $7

Columbia $50

SturdiGuns $33