What to Wear Hiking
by Robert
Posted on 04-02-2021 05:54 PM
The list below goes over some of the major factors you should consider when choosing what to wear while hiking.
Hiking shoes or boots are the most essential thing to wear when you hit the trail. They’re specifically designed for weather protection, comfort, and durability. They’ll cushion and protect your feet from sharp rocks, tree branches, and natural ruts in the dirt, while also keeping your feet warm and dry. Hiking boots are traditionally heavier than hiking shoes, which are more like heavy-duty sneakers.
What you wear for fall hiking will be similar to what you wear in the spring. Layers are key: start with a light t-shirt made of synthetic materials. Add a long sleeved fleece that zips at the front, preferably with a hood. A flannel shirt or wool sweater are options for additional layers.
With such a massive array of hiking clothes available from a multitude of outdoor brands around the world, figuring out what to wear hiking quickly goes from being a simple task to an intensive endeavor. What should i wear hiking? what pants should i wear? do i really need a pair of hiking boots?.
You need to research all these before heading out. They will impact what you wear hiking. Download printable checklist with so many important factors playing into deciding what to wear hiking, be hyperaware of the clothing materials. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, remember two things: no cotton and no denim.
It’s said that “practice doesn’t make perfect — perfect practice makes perfect. †the same might be said about the gear you need to wear hiking. Not just any old equipment will do, so preparing the right way is half the battle. To get out there with form and function in mind this fall, and before the end of summer, you need gear that passes muster and allows you to be ready for anything (including a socially distanced beer back in town).
Updated on january 28, 2020 have always wanted to get into hiking but don’t know where to start? one of the first tasks you need to do before you hit the trail is to decide what to wear hiking. Can i wear my sneakers? will this rain jacket be ok? if you aren’t sure what to wear, you aren’t alone, that’s one of the most common questions new hikers ask.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING HIKING CLOTHES
The number one thing to consider when choosing hiking clothes is comfort. Easy right? try it on. It feels great.
What to wear hiking in fall find the best clothes for hiking your guide to finding the perfect hiking shoes choosing the best hiking pants.
You don’t know need to ask an expert what to wear hiking in summer. Just remember always to layer your clothes when going out. Observe temperature changes and decide whether to add or remove some of your clothes accordingly. Follow our tips on choosing the right hot weather hiking clothes to ensure that you will enjoy your time outdoors.
BEST FABRICS FOR HIKING
The success or failure of your future hiking trips depends largely on the choices you make when purchasing your gear. These days the number of options at our disposal is mind-bogglingly high. So much so, in fact, that novice hikers could be forgiven for grabbing the first decent-looking garments they lay their hands on to spare themselves the cognitive overload.
When choosing what to wear hiking, you’ll first want to focus on the clothing layers that are nearest to your skin. These clothing items are called base layers. Base layers help regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin. Keeping dry is important while hiking coffee mug coffee mug for hiking lovers hiking unique coffee mug – it helps you avoid hypothermia in cold temps and helps keep your body keep cool in the heat. Look for apparel made of synthetic fabrics (such as polyester, nylon, or spandex) or merino wool.
Ideally, the pants you choose should offer protection, breathability, and insulation – as well as looking great, of course. Avoid cotton pants, as this is one of the longest fabrics to dry if you get wet. Instead, opt for pants made from merino wool or polyester. Merino wool offers excellent insulation if you’re hiking in cold weather, while polyester is great for breathability and is quick-drying.
What you wear can really make or break your fall hike experience. You want to be both warm and comfortable throughout the hike. How do you achieve this with the changing altitudes? the answer is simple: layers! layers are the secret weapon to any skilled hiker in the smokies. From head to toe, hikers want to make sure they are well insulated to protect against a cool breeze, but also have the ability to shed a layer or two in case you get hot on the trail. Keep in mind, wool and synthetic fabrics are better than cotton when it comes to hiking gear. You’ll want a fabric that can dry quickly, and will also keep you warm in case there is a slight breeze. Sturdy shoes and a windbreaker are also crucial items to bring on a day hike in the smokies.
The decision to wear hiking pants or shorts is up to you, so let’s look at the pros and cons of both. Shorts give you ultimate freedom and are also cooler than pants, so if you’re going on a low-altitude summer hike, you’ll most likely be in good shape. Pants, which should be made of durable, quick-drying fabrics such as spandex or nylon (just as with your upper body, be sure to avoid cotton), should be worn if you expect any drop in temperature or heavy vegetation along the trail. Wearing pants keeps your legs protected from hazards such as poison ivy or other allergenic plants, and keeps you warmer when the temperature drops as you gain elevation.
The best advice for how to dress in peru is to dress in layers. The mornings and evenings can be very cold, but it can get very hot in the afternoons so you need to be able to shed a layer or two as the day heats up. Layers should be easy to carry with you if you’re not planning to stop back at your accommodations during the day to drop off jackets or change, so lightweight and comfortable fabrics are key. Be sure you are always prepared for the rain, as well, especially if hiking. Lightweight long pants and long sleeves will also come in very handy to ward off mosquito bites.
The weather will be the biggest factor impacting what hiking clothes you decide to wear. Keep in mind you can add or remove clothing items as the weather's demands evolve. Let's discuss 5 best practices and common mistakes to avoid. 1. Choose your fabrics wisely: choose clothing that helps you stay warm and dry as much as possible. Merino wool is a must-have because it is warm and insulates when wet. It is also relatively odor-resistant, which can be a significant advantage in the shower-less backcountry. Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene synthetics are also good choices. These fabrics are moisture-wicking and fast-drying. They generally are more durable and rip-resistant than wool as well. Stay away from cotton and denim, which absorb water when they get wet, take forever to dry, and provide minimal insulation.
QUICK LIST OF HIKING CLOTHES
Add a long sleeve top like the rei co-op active pursuits quarter-zip pullover to your list of fall hiking clothes for warmth and adjustability. The half-zipper gives you coverage or ventilation, depending on the conditions.
Guides · hiking guides when i first started hiking eight years ago, i honestly had no idea what to wear. I was going on a winter hiking trip, and i realized i had no hiking clothes. I didn’t even have an insulated jacket (please note that i lived in texas at the time). So i just bought a bunch of random stuff that honestly didn’t even work. Years later, after so much trial and error, and more hiking experience, i finally have a fantastic list of what to wear hiking. I don’t want you to go through the same pain points as i did as so, so i decided to create this list just for you! enjoy!.
The thing with sweatpants is that it screams ‘comfort. ’ and if you go on a hike in clothes that hinder your movement, then chances are you would never go again. You can wear them with any t-shirt or a sweatshirt, and they will not look bad. So get the most comfortable one from your closet and there it is your easy non-troublesome hiking outfit. Here’s a list of 20 shoes that women can wear with sweatpant.
There are also health benefits to sleeping in cleaner and drier clothes at night because they give your nether regions and feet a chance to gently reabsorb body fluids and heal. If you sleep in your salt-encrusted daytime hiking clothes at night, even if it’s just your boxers, the salt will continue to draw moisture from your skin. Wearing clean clothes and socks will reduce any ongoing irritation and help your skin recover its natural resiliency. Plump, resilient skin is much more durable, blister, and chafe-resistant than dry irritated skin.
WHAT TO WEAR HIKING IN THE SUMMER
These top layers serve different purposes, so depending on your activity level or destination, choose what to wear hiking wisely. Technical t-shirts: these are a great option for late spring, summer, and early fall hikes. If you’re going in the middle of the day, wearing a wool or polyester technical tee like the journey t-shirt from ridge merino will help keep you cool and dry throughout the day.
The opinion of whether you should choose pants or shorts for summer hiking remains divisive. Some people prefer wearing shorts; others argue that pants are a better choice. As for me, both pants and shorts can be used interchangeably depending on the location and weather. If you hike in a place that is well-known for ticks, long hiking pants can save you from the ugly tick bites and lyme disease. Monarch convertible and north face are two trusted manufacturers for hiking pants.
Whether you’re hiking in hot weather during the summer or you’re hiking in cold weather during the winter, wearing a moisture-wicking shirt has the potential to greatly increase your comfort on the trails… and comfort for after you finish your hike! so, what is a moisture-wicking shirt? in this case, the moisture that these types of shirts wick away is the moisture that’s on your skin… that’s your sweat!.
When it comes down to what to wear hiking you don’t need everything on this list. As it all depends on where you’re trekking, the season, your personal preference, and the route aspects. A walk through the woods to a waterfall in the summer is not the same as summiting a mountain in the winter. Though any season does share some basic principles on what you should wear hiking.
Hiking boots are essential all year round. However, during the colder seasons, they should be winter boots with more insulation than your regular summer-spring-fall hiking boots. Ensure that your boots are compatible with the crampons you need to wear. C1 rated crampons are compatible with all types of boots. C2 crampons will only be compatible with b2 boots that have heel and toe bails or welts.
If you are hiking in the hot summer months, shorts may be the natural selection to wear when you are out in the wilds. As long as the weather stays dry and the temperatures high, and you will not be walking through brambles or poison ivy, shorts are a good option.
In the summer months i tend to wear shorts when i go hiking because i live in utah and the desert can get hot! with this option, your legs are much more exposed to sunburn, mosquitoes, rough rocks, and branches that you might brush up against. I have a variety of hiking shorts ranging from athletic/running shorts, to a more durable trail short with zipper pockets. I like both!.
WHAT TO WEAR HIKING IN THE WINTER
The cold season should not stand in the way of having fun. It is still possible to have the time of your life in the snowy or chilly conditions with sufficient preparation. Adequate insulation, as well as protection from wind and moisture, is quite important. Failure to do that will only make you susceptible to hypothermia among other cold-related ailments. One of the safest ways to stay safe in freezing conditions is by dressing up in layers. This has to be done with the help of winter oriented outfits. In case you are unsure about what to wear hiking in cold weather, you are in for a treat. This article unravels everything you need to know about hiking in cold weather.
Not sure of which hiking shoe to get? this video might help you choose. Best winter hiking shoe: la sportiva spire gtx i used to wear these all year, but switched over to ventilated shoes for the main 3 seasons. But in the winter i like the water-resistance and warmth of a hybrid shoe / boot / trail runner like the spire gtx. I get mine a half size larger so i can wear them with heavier socks.
When gearing up for winter day hiking you want footwear, clothing and traction aids that can be used across a fairly wide range of temperatures, wind speeds, sun, precipitation types, and surface conditions. For example, typical winter weather includes: temperatures: from 40 degrees down to 20 below zero (fahrenheit) wind speeds:Â up to 50 mph.
The most commonly used synthetic fibers in socks are polypropylene and polyester. These fibers dry faster than wool but provide less warmth relatively. Experts recommend you choose marino wool socks to wear with hiking boots during winters. While socks made up of synthetic fibers have exemplary drying speed and are preferred for summer hiking.
If you just want the maximum protection and a shoe that will last (potentially) for thousands of miles, go with a hiking boot. I don’t wear them anymore, but when i did they were though as nails. Overall they’re heavier and require more energy to hike with. If you are going off-trail or want something very beefy for all conditions, including winter, a hiking boot is a good choice.
Fit - gloves too tight can cut off circulation, which is one of the worst things that can happen when hiking. Conversely, gloves that are too loose won’t properly insulate you from the cold and could prove hazardous when navigating treacherous terrain and hinder your grip. Warmth - the best winter hiking gloves will come properly insulated to ensure that you do not suffer the chill and feel like your not wearing gloves at all. Furthermore, some styles of glove will have longer cuffs that can fit under your sleeve, further protecting from the cold.
Hiking pants are fairly straightforward. In warmer temperatures, many hikers swear by convertible hiking pants that have zip-off lower leg sections that enable hikers to convert them into shorts, oftentimes without even taking off their hiking boots. On a winter hike, though, these convertible pants are unlikely to be much use. Even if you’re hiking on a longer trekking journey or a thru-hike, your tent is unlikely to be warm enough to merit converting your hiking pants into hiking shorts. A thicker and more robust pair of hiking pants are more likely to provide the requisite level of windproof, waterproof protection demanded by strenuous mountaineering, backpacking, and hiking in cold weather.
WHAT TO WEAR HIKING IN THE SPRING OR FALL
One of the biggest challenges for hikers occurs when you are first getting into hiking. You don’t know what gear or supplies to bring, what to wear, or what to expect on the trail. So today i want to provide you with a beginner’s guide to hiking so you can #optoutside this spring!.
December fields-bryant stay-at-home mom, wife, folk herbalist, bushcraft enthusiast, and writer at bushhippies. Com. My favorite hat for hiking is a baseball cap (acme hat co’s dad hat) with a bandana on hand or underneath. My partner and i both wear baseball caps most times when we hike to keep the sun out of our eyes and sweat from falling from our brow into our face on more strenuous trails.
When it comes to hiking outfits in the fall, it can be a bit confusing. After hiking for years, i finally have a handle on what to wear hiking in fall, and it all comes down to one thing… layering. For someone who grew up in texas, layering was very difficult for me to grasp in the beginning. But since then, i became a hiking layering expert as an adult, which means you can easily become one as well! it would be best if you had some practice and some guidance. So if you need help with hiking ideas in the fall, check out all my suggestions below! i even have some cute hiking photo outfits for inspiration 🙂.
Absorb shock, reduce wear and tear relieve pressure on the knee joints allow the calves to work with ease provide stability in rough terrain enable you to ford a river reduce strain from descending a steep trail alleviate the weight of your hiking pack food & water for your day hike this one is important for survival. You do not want to hit the trail without enough water and you surely do not want to fall hungry and weak while out in the wilderness. We have to keep weight in mind here so you should not bring any food in jars or containers. Luckily there are a lot of energy bars, trail mixes and trail snacks available. These 2 easy snacks are highly recommended due to their low weight, compact size and energy packed punch.
The dry-fit pants serve the same function as the dry-fit shirt and are excellent to use as a base layer on those chilly days when hiking in the fall. I don’t wear dry-fit pants unless i foresee the temperature dropping below 30 degrees. That is just a personal preference. For some reason, my legs never seem to get cold no matter what the temperature is outside or if they do get cold, i don’t realize it. Cold for me starts in my torso. As long as my torso is warm, so am i, but not everyone is like that. If you like comfy warm legs get a pair of these.
If you're interested in extending your hiking season into the winter, don't be scared off by colder temperatures and falling snow. Winter hikes have their own charm that can't be matched by the spring, summer and fall seasons. It does come with its own set of challenges, but many hikers find that once they get out and about, it really is the most wonderful time of year.
2. Type of Hike
There are a few different options for what pants to wear hiking, and it comes down to what type of hike you’re doing and your personal preference. For multi-day hikes, i always wear hiking pants. For day hikes, i’m much more likely to wear hiking leggings or shorts. Traditional hiking pants: if you’re doing a long or multi-day hike, you’ll probably want a pair of traditional hiking pants. These are made from a durable material that is breathable while being weather resistant.
Newbies to hiking often misunderstand the dangers of visiting the back country until it’s too late. Yet what to bring hiking isn’t a difficult topic, as long as you ensure you’re prepared for all types of weather and situations. Take into account the duration, weather, difficulty, and distance of the hike when choosing the gear for your day hike.
A walk in the woods is an excellent way to retreat and regroup from the hectic pace of everyday life. And for those type a personalities among us, a demanding hike up and down a mountain is even better. Regardless of how you approach it, your hike will end up being much more enjoyable — and safer — if you are outfitted properly. Here’s what you need:.
Hiking pants serve several purposes. They help keep the sun off your legs, protect you from minor abrasions, and keep you warm in cooler conditions. Hiking pants are not my favorite to shop for because if you don’t have a model’s body, you really have to take some time to figure out which cut and/or brand works best for your body type. Not all hiking pants will be flattering on everyone. I imagine, for this reason, many hikers prefer to hike in yoga pants or leggings. Also, probably because of the freedom of movement. However, if you get the right hiking pants, you will have all the freedom of movement you need as well. Just remember quick drying, moisture wicking! no cotton and absolutely no denim jeans!.
You have a few choices when it comes to picking a type of outer pants for snowshoeing or winter hiking. The type you choose will depend on your budget, how cold it is where you hike and what style of hiking you do. Softshell.
For day hikes, you probably don’t need to bring a full meal up the trail with you. But you may find yourself needing a snack at some point. Clif bars, which are compact enough to stash in your pocket, have been favored by outdoor explorers of all types for years for their flavor and nutrient richness. This variety pack will ensure you don’t get tired of any one kind, but you’ll still be getting the benefit of up to 11g of protein to keep your energy levels high.
If you tend to hike often when the weather is wet, rainy, snowing, or windy, then you’ll need to make sure you have a waterproof layer for your outer shell. That way, you’ll stay dry no matter what type of climate you encounter. You’ll want an outer shell of hiking pants that resists water but still ventilates well. Stay away from pants that are too heavy and don’t breathe well.
3. Conditions of the Hike
For all footwear be sure to make sure you have good arch support, solid stitching and a good lace that you will not end up stepping on or breaking. Sandals – believe it or not, yes you can go hiking in sandals. Some brands of sandals like chacos are made specifically for hiking. These will be for hiking in warm weather and they are great for wet conditions and crossing small riverbeds and puddles as they will dry quite quickly afterwards. Sandals are very light which is a plus, but will also not provide much support for your ankle and foot, nor will you be protected from bumps and scrapes, so stick to hikes that will not require much travel up non traditional paths.
Every fall season, hikers experience uncertain weather patterns that not only change daily, but also can deviate from forecasts and surprise you with unexpected—and unfavorable—conditions. This volatile weather trend is especially pronounced on long treks, which put hikers at the mercy of the clouds for hours on end. The sixty-seven 4000-footers in new england that rise above tree line also pit outdoor enthusiasts against serious weather changes. Without the protective coverage of trees, this can send temperatures plunging by as much as 30 degrees and whip up dangerous winds. Compound the cold and wind with any form of precipitation, be it rain, sleet, or snow, and you've got the makings of a harsh hike.
Most hikers sort themselves into three categories: beginner: never been hiking or only on a few day hikes intermediate: several seasons of hiking in moderate conditions and various lengths of hiking trips hard core: hike every week, year round, rain or shine in all kinds of terrain and make backpacking a regular occurrence.
And how to get it by diane spicer meet hiking for her's diane a hiking clothing layering system will save you time, make you as comfortable as possible in challenging trail conditions, and will keep you safe when you have to stay out overnight on an unplanned bivouac. That's why dressing in layers on a hike makes sense year round!.
Despite the relatively well-marked and well-worn trails that most people hike in our region, and the fact that even the most remote areas are not more than a day's hike to civilization (in good conditions), it's still possible to get lost in the southern appalachians, and every year people still do.
Unless you’re heading way up in elevation or still battling shoulder-season conditions, you probably don’t need a puffy, a base layer, a wind layer, and a mid-layer. A good mid-layer can be a heavier merino or a packable fleece. It should fit so you can layer it over a next-to-skin shirt, but under a wind or rain jacket. This is a good layer to pair with your shell for shoulder-season hikes, or if you’ll be above tree line and expect the temperature to drop.
Underwear – woolx merino daily boxers primary function: wicks humidity away from the skin common materials: polyester, merino wool underwear should offer similar qualities as the upper body base layer; it should be moisture-wicking, quick-drying, breathable, comfortable against the skin and odor-resistant. Hiking underwear is normally made of polyester or merino wool. Underwear made of cotton is not suitable for aerobic activities such as hiking as it absorbs too much moisture and thus causes chafing as well as rapid conductive heat loss. Long underwear bottoms can be used in very cold conditions but as they can’t be put off easily during the hike (you need to first put off your boots and pants), they are usually only used for around-the-camp activities after the hike. Long underwear bottoms can also be made of polyester fleece for maximum thermal efficiency. Many hikers prefer knee-length underwear in order to reduce chafing in the thighs area.
Why is merino wool so great for hiking?
When it comes to hiking apparel, quick drying materials are your best friend. Look for materials like merino wool or polyester blends. These materials are also odor resistant! durability is also important, particularly for pants and outer layers. Look for durable rip-proof materials like nylon in hiking pants and jackets. Warmth layers are crucial for colder weather. Look for insulating materials like down (or a synthetic down blend) or fleece.
$62 to $90 at rei many folks like super soft, itch free merino wool for clothing. It feels less clammy than synthetics, still keeps you warm when wet, and it stenches far less than most synthetics — a big plus for long backpacking trips or travel where frequent washing many not be possible. This is our favorite and most versatile wool/poly blend baselayer that combines the best of both fabrics. It has a zip for temperature control and ventilation, thumb loops to keep your hands warm and for sun protection. Its ultra-breathable mesh panels deliver cooling airflow in key areas. Finally, it has just the right amount of warmth for most of the year but we’ve also used it with great success in the deserts of utah.
Hiking should be a comfortable activity and your clothes should reflect that. Avoid jeans, cotton shirts, open-toed shoes, crocs, and restrictive clothing. If the terrain you’ll be hiking on has rocks, thin materials like yoga pants can get shredded quickly. Rei suggests you wear comfortable, yet sturdy pants, sturdy shoes, a brimmed hat, and polyester, nylon, or merino wool.
For the most part, there are two possible choices when it comes to materials for hiking underwear. The first is merino wool, a natural fiber. The second is synthetic fibers, primarily nylon or polyester. Both merino and synthetic materials have pros and cons. If you are interested in reading about them in more detail, then check out our article on which baselayer material is best.
1. Underwear: it’s taken me years of hiking to realize that the layer closest to your body can make a huge difference! cotton just doesn’t cut it on our most sensitive assets! better materials include polyester, nylon and merino wool, which move moisture away from the body, helping to prevent chafing and uncomfortable wetness. Check out this article that discusses five great sports bra choices for the active woman.
In terms of the t-shirts and long-sleeve hiking shirts you should go for a lightweight breathable fabric like merino wool or polyester. As you will be sweating a lot each day, you want a shirt that dries quickly and performs well in moist / wet environments. You do not want to trek in cotton as it is hydrophilic and inhibits moisture transfer. Nylon is okay but does not breathe as well as merino or polyester.
Consider a pair of woollen socks to protect your feet. The merino wool option is worth a look. These would be valued by anyone taking a hiking trip as they are breathable. Include a spare pair.
staying cool is all about improving airflow. Look for hiking tops, shorts, and pants that have built-in vents that you can open in the heat. Mesh tops, and clothing with slits, are also a great way to beat the heat. This white mesh back top ( above) that is also layered is a great hiking top.
Fast, flexible cargo pants that go with a t-shirt are the highlight for use on the trail. However, make sure your cargo pants are not 100% cotton. You’ll still want cargo pants/shorts made of moisture-absorbing material. For men, baggy hiking pants or running shorts made of similar materials are excellent for hiking. Just be sure to leave the cotton riders at home and opt for breathable polyester and elastic underwear instead. Women hikers have the possibility of exploding as leggings and yoga pants are excellent for hiking appointments.
Prana monarch convertible pants yep, you read that right - pants! i almost always wear pants while hiking, even if it's hot outside because it helps avoid ticks and because i'm just obsessed with these pants. Every time i post a hiking picture ( usually on instagram ) i get a ton of questions about my hiking pants. They are prana monarch convertible and i have them in every single color available (khaki, gray, black, and army green). Many people also ask what size i wear in these pants and that answer is a size 4. However, i bought them at different stores, at separate times but within the same few months and honestly, some colors are tighter than others even though they are the same size - just keep that in mind. I love them because they are breathable, movable, and flattering. As the name suggests they are convertible pants so you can remove the bottom and magic - you have longer shorts.
If you are planning to hike where you expect the trail to be mostly hard rocks, shorts may be perfectly fine. On the other hand, if you’re hiking in the bushes, you may consider switching to full-length pants or you can wear your crew socks with your shorts.
View on amazon check price wearing pants while hiking on a hot day may sound really absurd. Wait until you go hiking on a tick-infested hiking trail. So, it is always important to have a pair of light, loosely fitting pants with you while hiking during summer. This will of course help with the airflow. However, for more convenience, choose convertible hiking pants. With this, you can always take away the lower part when there is a need to and boom, you have your pair of shorts.
Pants - funny hiker gifts ultimate hiker camper gifts best gift for new hiker pants offer a lot more protection from the elements, bugs, and harmful plants than shorts. If you’re hiking in an area where the weather can change quickly or where the threat of pests such as ticks is increased, pants are probably the better choice. Of course there are some downsides to pants - it’s harder to regulate your body temperature in pants, they’re heavier, and they may limit some movement when you need to do rock scrambles or climb over blow-downs. Convertible pants and roll-up pants give you more control over body temperature; we tend to prefer roll-ups because they typically have a more flattering fit and are lighter weight than convertible pants.
Happily for hikers, blue jeans are now best left back at home or camp. Hiking pants have rescued hikers who need a versatile, comfortable and practical set of pants for hiking and backpacking. Hiking pants are lightweight, quick-drying pants (made from various types of nylon) that are ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Hiking pants are lightweight, come with plenty of pockets, have no bulk and dry fast. Even better, many hiking pants are “convertible hiking pants,†which means the legs can zip off—turning the pants into comfortable hiking shorts.