Feel ready for any activity that comes your way with our gear list of top-rated pants
Drying out after several days of testing and side-by-side comparisons in the field. A large fall storm rolled through and we "took advantage" of the conditions on an extended backpacking trip.
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Make your adventure or chill day all the better with the right pair of pants for the job. From high-performance needs to athleisure wear, we've tested and reviewed a wide selection of pants to find the best. At GearLab, we do more testing of outdoor gear than any other website. Our clothing experts have compiled a list of the best pants, which are quality vetted through our extensive review testing process. We keep this list regularly updated, so it always reflects our latest picks as new products come on the market.
Do you need footwear or a jacket to stay comfortable in the outdoors? Our expert testers have worn them all. Also, don't forget to check out what we have to say about the best travel gear. We've got the inside scoop on some helpful gear that can make traveling by plane, bike, or car a more comfortable experience.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on May 22, 2023, to incorporate our latest picks for Long Underwear for Women.
All the Pants
You may think you can wear the same pant for every activity, but that's not the best. Investing in the right activity-specific pant can positively impact your comfort and performance. Since not all pants are created equal, and some choices are better than others, that's where our expertise comes in handy. We have the inside knowledge and details to help you select the best pants.
Perfect to layer on cold days hiking with the pup.
Credit: Roland Mott
Hiking Pants
Don't let your hiking pant choice keep you from trekking miles. From casual day hikes to multi-day adventures covering technical terrain, the best hiking pants for women or men can make a significant difference. Our favorite hiking pants blend comfort, mobility, and durability. They also can provide some coverage from the sun and bugs.
Photo of the Outdoor Research Helium III rain pants.
Credit: Ian Nicholson
Rain Pants
If inclement weather is in the forecast, packing the best rain pants is a good idea; chances are, you'll be thankful to have them when the rainy weather hits. Our favorite rain pants for women and men are functional and quick to dry, allowing you to keep outdoor adventures about the experience, not about getting soaked.
Though the pants do soak through quickly in a hard rain and take longer to dry than the previous version, they shake off a quick splash of water easily.
Before hitting the slopes or heading out for a wintery adventure, there's much to consider regarding snow gear. You will want a pant that can hold up against the snow and cold. Our recommendations can help direct you in the right direction to find the best ski pant for women and men for your needs and budget.
Another day on the slopes with the Powder Town in the Front Range of Colorado.
The Paperbag Waist adds a little flair to a wardrobe.
Credit: Jessica Albery
Budget Pants
It's essential to have a solid pair of pants in your wardrobe that do it all because our lives are not one-dimensional. Our clothing experts have narrowed down the competition to select the the best budget pants for men and women that optimize versatility, comfort, and range of motion, allowing you to move from one activity to another.
The Dickies Original 874, a timeless pair of work pants.
When you find a pair of bottoms this good you can't help but jump for joy!!
Credit: Jo Savage Photography
Long Underwear
Low outdoor temps call for a base layer, and the versatility of this type of pant makes them a must-have item for several outdoor enthusiasts. From climbing to skiing and multi-day backpacking trips to needing extra warmth under your everyday pants, the best women's long underwear and men's long underwear can improve your outdoor experience. We prefer options that provide softness without scratchiness and thermoregulation while you're out in the elements.
Stepping outside to gather wood to stoke the stove on a hut trip in the Wasatch
Sweatpants have become a popular wardrobe item for good reason. The best budget sweatpants for men and women blend versatility and comfort, working for everyday life beyond the couch. We've completed hands-on testing of several options to identify our favorites.
The cheap and breathable Hane's EcoSmart Open Leg Fleece Pant with Pockets.
For a budget option, we loved the way these pants flowed through our practice.
Credit: Matt Bento
Yoga Pants
For an avid yogi or fitness enthusiast, the best yoga pants are a must, but they also work for other activities beyond the walls of a yoga studio. Wear them for casual hikes or running. The best yoga pants strike the right balance between being stretchy and supportive and are easy to pull on.
A stellar fit allow these to layer wonderfully under any pants you would like to add some warmth to.
Credit: Jo Savage Photography
Conclusion
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or need to expand your everyday wardrobe, there's something for everyone in our best pants gear list. We hope this list has been helpful to you in your decision-making process.
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Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Lyra Pierotti, Clark Tate, & Molly Bradac
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
