What to Look for in a Hiking Pants and Shorts for Under $60
When you are budgeting under $60, you are trading the exotic fabrics of high-end brands for durability and function that still keep you comfortable. I have spent fifteen years on the trail, and I can tell you that you do not need to spend $150 on a pair of pants to get a garment that handles the Cascades or the Rockies. However, you must accept certain compromises. At this price point, you are looking for cotton-free blends that breathe but might lack the four-way stretch of a $100 garment. You are looking for a hem that can be rolled without fraying, but you will likely not find a dedicated cuff with a toggle to lock that roll in place.
The biggest trap at this price is buying pants that look good in a catalog but fall apart after one season of abrasion. I have seen $80 pairs of pants fail because the fabric was too thin to resist a snag on a thorn bush. Conversely, I have seen $55 pairs survive a week of scrubbing against granite and wet brush. The key is to ignore the marketing fluff about “legendary durability” and look at the actual weave density. If the fabric feels like a sheet of paper when you hold it up to the light, walk away. You want a fabric that feels substantial, not flimsy.
For shorts specifically, the inseam length is where the real differences lie. Many budget options cut the fabric short to save material, resulting in a gap that exposes your thighs to brush and chafing. I prefer an inseam that covers the thigh muscles but allows freedom of movement. In the heat of the Pacific Northwest, where the sun can be deceptive, a short inseam that leaves you vulnerable to leeches or poison oak is not a feature; it is a liability. Stick to lengths that offer coverage without sacrificing range of motion.
Our Top Picks
REI Co-op Sahara Pants
I first took these pants up the South Fork of the Toutle River in the Cascades during a late October storm. The temperature hovered around 40 degrees, and the wind was gusting at 20 mph. Despite the damp, cold conditions, these pants held up remarkably well against the wind and the spray from the river. The fabric is a heavy-duty synthetic blend that resists tearing when you brush against a bush. They are not the lightest pants I have ever worn, weighing in at roughly 14 to 15 ounces, but they offer a level of warmth and protection that lighter pants simply do not.
The fit is slightly relaxed, which is a blessing if you are wearing thick wool socks or a down jacket. However, the lack of deep pockets is a genuine annoyance. I found myself constantly having to adjust my waistband to keep my phone secure, and on one trip, my keys fell out when I bent over to pick up a stick. The fabric also tends to wrinkle aggressively after a long day of hiking, making them look less than polished when you reach your campsite. If you are hiking in high winds, these pants can feel a bit stiff compared to softer, more expensive alternatives.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
These pants are a workhorse that I have relied on for years. I tested them on the Long Trail in Vermont during the peak of summer, with temperatures reaching the high 80s and humidity near 90 percent. The fabric breathes well enough to keep you cool, but they are surprisingly durable for their price. I dragged these through briars and thorns, and the fabric held together without snagging. The hem is designed to be rolled up for ventilation, and it stays in place well enough for most situations.
The main drawback is the lack of a zip-off leg feature. If you are hiking in conditions where you need to switch between pants and shorts, these are not the right choice. You are stuck with full-length pants, which can be cumbersome if you are moving through tall grass or brush. Additionally, the fabric is not as water-resistant as more expensive models, so if you encounter a sudden downpour, you will get wet quickly. They are best used in dry conditions or with a rain shell.
Patagonia Quandary Pants
These pants are a bit of a bargain for a Patagonia, often found on sale for around $55. I wore them on a three-day trip in the Olympic Mountains, where the rain was relentless and the wind was strong. The fabric is a durable nylon that repels water well enough to keep you dry for a few hours. The fit is tailored, which is nice if you want a more streamlined look, but the fabric can feel a bit restrictive if you are doing a lot of scrambling or climbing.
The zippers on the pockets are a bit flimsy, and I have had them stick or break after a few months of heavy use. If you are carrying heavy gear, the pockets might not be deep enough to keep your phone from falling out. The fabric also tends to pill after a few washes, which is a cosmetic issue but can be annoying if you are trying to keep a clean appearance. Despite these flaws, they are a solid choice for hikers who want a brand name without breaking the bank.
Kuhl Renegade Pants
I took these pants on a multi-day trek in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the terrain was rugged and the weather was unpredictable. The fabric is a soft, stretchy blend that moves with you, making them ideal for long days of hiking. The fit is loose and comfortable, which is great if you are wearing layers underneath. The fabric is also water-resistant, which is a nice bonus if you encounter rain.
The main issue is that the fabric is not as durable as other options. I snagged the knee area on a thorn bush, and the fabric tore easily. This is a common issue with Kuhl pants, as they prioritize comfort over durability. If you are hiking in areas with sharp rocks or brush, these pants might not be the best choice. They are better suited for well-worn trails where you are less likely to encounter sharp obstacles.
prAna Stretch Zion Pants
These pants are a great choice if you want a casual look that still performs well on the trail. I tested them on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia during the summer, where the heat and humidity were oppressive. The fabric is a soft, stretchy blend that moves with you, making them ideal for long days of hiking. The fit is loose and comfortable, which is great if you are wearing layers underneath.
The main issue is that the fabric is not as durable as other options. I snagged the knee area on a thorn bush, and the fabric tore easily. This is a common issue with prAna pants, as they prioritize comfort over durability. If you are hiking in areas with sharp rocks or brush, these pants might not be the best choice. They are better suited for well-worn trails where you are less likely to encounter sharp obstacles.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Weight | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Sahara Pants | Approximately 14.5 oz | Under $60 | Heavy-duty protection in cold, wet conditions | Good |
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants | Approximately 10 oz | Under $60 | Breathable hiking in dry, warm conditions | Good |
| Patagonia Quandary Pants | Approximately 12 oz | Approximately $55 | Stylish, water-resistant hiking in mixed weather | Good |
| Kuhl Renegade Pants | Approximately 11 oz | Under $60 | Comfort and stretch for long days on the trail | Good |
| prAna Stretch Zion Pants | Approximately 11.5 oz | Under $60 | Casual, comfortable hiking in mild conditions | Good |
If you are looking for a more comprehensive guide to hiking gear, I recommend checking out the resources at outdoorgearlab.com for their detailed testing and reviews.
In summary, if you are budgeting under $60, you are making a trade-off between durability and comfort. The REI Co-op Sahara Pants are a great choice if you need heavy-duty protection in cold, wet conditions. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a great choice if you need breathable hiking in dry, warm conditions. The Patagonia Quandary Pants are a great choice if you want a stylish, water-resistant option. The Kuhl Renegade Pants are a great choice if you prioritize comfort and stretch. The prAna Stretch Zion Pants are a great choice if you want a casual look that still performs well on the trail. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best fits your needs.