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

Material

They are lightweight, quick-drying and wick moisture away from the skin. Elastane blends are common and provide a snug but comfortable fit without restricting movement.

Leg protection

Hiking pants help protect the legs from the cold, the sun, insect bites and prickly plants. Most 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 pants can stretch or loosen through the demands of carrying a pack and navigating difficult terrain. A belt (or at least belt loops) or a drawcord waist will ensure they stay in place.

Reinforcement

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

Pockets

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

Earth Sea Sky Katipo Softshell Pants $339

These winter travel and mountain pants use XTR Thermalite fabric for wind resistance, water-repellency and warmth. The nylon outer provides abrasion resistance and they have  a gusseted crutch, zipped handwarmer pockets, belt loops, a streamlined seat with no back pockets and a metal stud waist button. Made in NZ. 476g (m), 424g (w). www.earthseasky.co.nz

Patagonia Women’s Terravia Peak Pants $279.99

Built for trips, these spandex pants feature a slim fit, a built-in removable belt, gusseted crutch and knee articulation, zipped front, thigh and back pockets, reinforced knees and boot-friendly cuffs. Made in a Fair Trade-certified factory. 499g. www.patagonia.co.nz

The North Face Basin Pro Pants $250

These pants use two-way stretch fabric with FlashDry technology to manage moisture. They have a zipped thigh pocket, hand and back pockets, drawcord ankles, a gusseted crutch, articulated knees for mobility and durable woven overlays on the seat and knees. 346g (m), 340g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Rab Torque Pants $239.95

Rab’s classic mountain pants are constructed from lightweight Matrix double-weave fabric with 4-way stretch for freedom of movement. They have high-wear reinforcements, a regular fit, leg zips with internal gussets and three zipped pockets. 362g (m), 311g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz

Montane Tenacity Pants $239

All-terrain pants constructed from Granite Flex softshell fabric for breathable wind protection. The low-profile waistband sits under a hip belt and there’s an articulated fit for mobility. They have a YKK-zipped fly, hand pockets and a thigh pocket. 370g (m), 345g (w). www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Rab Momentum Pants $199.95

These tapered multi-activity pants are lightweight and breathable to help you remain cool on warm days. They feature Matrix fabric, a stretchy waistband with drawcord closure, two open hand pockets and a zipped security pocket. 242g (m), 285g (w). www.outfitters.co.nz