How to Choose Hiking Pants for Each Season

Person wearing hiking pants and hiking boots walking through a rocky, leafy area

There’s nothing like a good hike in the great outdoors – and the best part is that hiking is truly an all-weather activity. Hiking can be a great way to take in some of the beauty that nature has to offer, but it’s important that if you choose to take on this activity, you’re dressed properly with the right tactical pants and clothing. This is big for all hikers, as proper clothing is not only necessary for comfort but for health as well. Knowing how to choose good hiking pants for each season is a super important task to complete before you head out and hit a trail. We have plenty of bottoms to choose from at TD, but we’re going to break it down season by season so you know what to wear no matter the time of year.

Hiking Gear for Spring and Warmer Weather

Spring is one of the best times for hiking – you are getting to see nature have its rebirth after the colder weather. You’ll see beautiful blooms among other things, and probably plenty of birds, depending on where you hike. With that said though, you’ll still want to wear long pants for your springtime hikes. The downside to spring is that the weather can turn on you, and while it may warm up a bit in the afternoon, the morning and evening are likely to be cold, and you don’t want your legs exposed if the weather turns chilly.

Spring:

  • Characteristics: Protective and water-resistant, lightweight
  • Considerations: Long pants for temperature variability, avoid tight fits, durable material to guard against branches and bugs

Summer:

  • Characteristics: Convertible pants (zip-off to shorts), lightweight, UPF protection
  • Considerations: Protection from poisonous plants and bugs, options to switch to shorts in hot conditions

Avoid tight pants. Hiking requires lots of movement, and you don’t want to feel restricted. You’ll also want pants made of material that is not easily torn by branches or rugged terrain to protect your skin from exposure to different bugs, animals, and potentially poisonous plants. Look for something protective and water resistant (because spring is a rainy season) but also lightweight.

Summer Hiking Gear

Summer is the best time to wear convertible pants. We mean the ones that zip at the knee and can easily turn into shorts. This really is the best option for hikers, especially if you enjoy hiking in the woods or off trails. When you venture off trails or straight into the woods, you risk exposure to many poisonous plants, bugs, and potentially animals that could scratch or bite. Summer is also the hottest time of the year, so while you will want to wear long pants for the majority of the time, you’ll also want something lightweight, that keeps bugs and branches away, but doesn’t result in you suffering from heat exhaustion or overheating. If there is a clearing or you are hiking in a more desert-like setting, shorts are the better choice, as you won’t have to worry as much about the bugs or branches scratching you as you go. Finally, look for some items that have UPF protection. This way, you won’t have to worry about your bottom half getting too much sun exposure.

What to Wear to Hike in Fall

Very similar to spring, choosing good hiking pants for fall is all about comfort and warmth. It is less likely you will need waterproof or water resistant hiking pants as the temperatures drop, but it's always smart to stay prepared. Fall is generally more dry, but it’s also cooler. We recommend tactical pants that are sturdy and lined well enough to keep you warm, especially as temperatures drop quickly after the sun goes down. Thicker material will work well in this weather, just make sure that you still have a full range of movement.

Fall:

  • Characteristics: Sturdy and lined, thicker material, moisture-wicking
  • Considerations: Warmth for cooler temperatures, maintaining full range of movement, less concern about waterproofing

Always be prepared for it to be colder than predicted, and make sure that your pants are up to the task of keeping you warm and protected on your next adventure. Moisture wicking is very important in these pants, that way you can sweat, without feeling chilled later on in your hike.

Winter and Cold Weather Hiking Must-Haves

This is the coldest time for you to be out hiking, but for many, this is the season they enjoy the best. With that in mind, you’ll have several considerations and requirements for this particular batch of hiking pants. Make sure that you are finding waterproof options. In the winter, you can be hiking through snow or sleet, both of which can cause your clothing to suck up water like a sponge, unless you have the proper pants that are waterproof. Make sure that your pants are moisture-wicking and breathable.

Winter:

  • Characteristics: Waterproof, moisture-wicking, windproof, insulating
  • Considerations: Protection against snow and sleet, breathability to manage sweat, high insulation for cold weather

Even in the cold, you may wind up sweating during your hike, which could later lead to feeling colder, especially if you are not wearing the proper pants. Windproof is exceptionally important for this season, that winter wind can whip right through you and chill you down to the bone. Finally, you’ll want this pair to be insulating to help keep that cold weather from getting to you. Without a heater nearby, the cold will get to you much faster outside, and staying warm is vital to staying healthy and alive.

Shop TD for the Best Tactical Pants

We’re proud to offer the best of the best when it comes to tactical pants that are perfect for each season of the year. Shop our complete collection of TD pants full price on our site. And don’t forget to check out our blog for more hiking resources. Our tactical boots vs hiking boots and fall hiking tips posts are full of helpful information to make your next hike the best it can be!