Hiking pants help protect the legs from the cold, sun and prickly plants.

Material

They are lightweight and quick-drying and wick moisture away from the skin. Elastane blends are common and help to ensure a tighter, more comfortable fit without restricting movement.

Reinforcement

Patches of thicker material on high-wear areas like knees, ankles and the seat will increase the life of pants.

Pockets

Multiple pockets are common, including hand-warmer pockets, rear drop-in pockets and larger thigh pockets. Some will be zipped to keep items secure. 

Leg protection

A useful function of pants is that they help protect the legs from the cold, insect bites, prickly plants and even the sun. Most pants should have a UPF rating of more than 40+ to provide sufficient sun protection during summer.

Belts

Trampers can lose weight during a trip, and on top of this pants can stretch or loosen though the demands of carrying a pack and navigating difficult terrain. A belt (or at least belt loops) and a drawcord waist will ensure they stay in place.

Water resistance

Hiking pants may be treated with a PFC-free durable water repellent to help them repel moisture and improve their comfort and warmth.

Inselberg Hedron Pants $310

These climbing pants have a four-way stretch double-weave fabric for abrasion resistance, a moisture-wicking polyester lining, articulated knees and seat, gusseted crotch, zipped hand pockets, a harness-friendly thigh pocket and integrated belt. 405g. www.inselberg.com

Earth Sea Sky Katipo Soft Shell Pants $299

These durable, water-repellent pants have an abrasion-resistant nylon outer and a soft, warm polyester lining. They feature four-way stretch, wind resistance, articulated knees, gusseted crotch for unrestricted movement, zipped hand warmer pockets, belt loops and zip fly. Made in New Zealand. 560g (m), 480g (w). www.earthseasky.co.nz

Rab Torque Pants $239.95

Constructed from lightweight Matrix double-weave fabric with four-way stretch for freedom of movement, these pants have a slim-fit design, leg zips with internal gussets and three zipped pockets. 385g (m), 365g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz

The North Face Basin Pants $200

These regular-fit pants have flexible four-way stretch and FLASHDRY technology for better moisture management. They have a non-PFC DWR finish, a waistband with belt loops, a zipped fly and thigh pocket, mesh-lined hand pockets, a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. www.thenorthface.co.nz

Rab Momentum Pants $199.95

Slim-fitting, breathable and stretchy pants for a variety of activities. They feature Matrix fabric, a stretchy waistband with drawcord closure, two open hand pockets and a zipped security pocket. 238g (m), 231g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants $169.99

Durable soft-shell pants made with 46% recycled fabric. They’re abrasion, wind and water resistant and have movement-mirroring stretch, a harness-compatible waist with an internal drawcord, drop-in hand pockets, a zipped mesh hip pocket, back zipped and drop-in pockets and a drawcord cuff. 371g (m), 253g (w). www.bivouac.co.nz

La Sportiva Brush Pants $199.95

Lightweight mountain pants with quick-drying high-stretch fabric. They have an elastic waistband with drawstring, two front pockets and one zippered rear pocket. The pants stuff into the rear pocket for compact packing. 254g (m), 222g (w). www.mountainadventure.co.nz

Cotopaxi Coraje Tech Pants $179.99

These pants are designed for bush and alpine environments and provide 50+ UF sun protection, two-way stretch, quick drying, two hand and back pockets plus a secure thigh pocket, articulated knees and a utility loop at the waistband. www.cotopaxi.co.nz

Marmot Arch Rock Pants $149.95

These abrasion-resistant pants are quick-drying, breathable and offer stretch for mobility. They have a PFC-free DWR finish, two hand pockets, a zipped security pocket, drop-in back pockets and articulated legs. 249g (m), 225g (w). www.marmotnz.co.nz