Important Considerations When Buying Hiking Pants

Comfort is something never to be undervalued when you're on a hiking trip. Though you have the wonders of the scenery to keep you in awe, you want to make sure you're able to make it through the whole trip without feeling too hot, too cold or that your clothes don't fit properly. Hiking pants are one of those essential must-haves. They offer better functionality than a pair of jeans, more protection from the elements than a pair of shorts and they are versatile enough to see you through various temperature cycles.

Warm or cool
Since a lot of hiking takes place in regions where temperatures can vary greatly between hours of darkness and hours of daylight, it's important to wear hiking pants that can accommodate these fluctuations. Whoever invented zip-off pant legs was very clever indeed. It means not having to change clothes yet you can lengthen or shorten them on a whim and easily pack the removable sections in your backpack.

Stay dry
Wetness is a common issue when hiking. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, water is an essential element nearly everywhere you go. There's every chance you could lose your footing on a loose rock in a stream, push your way through dewy thigh high grasses or land on your behind on a mossy slope. Having to continue on your way with wet pants is neither comfortable nor practical. The sooner they dry the better, so your hiking pants should be made of a material that is water-resistant to a degree but that dries quickly. The longer you stay wet, the more prone you will be to chills, chaffing and plain old soggy skin. Good hiking pants will also help stave off perspiration.

Natural or man-made fibers?
Now while you may be inclined to believe that natural fibers would be most beneficial, the opposite is true for outdoor environments. When you're getting dirty and wet and being really tough on your clothes, hiking pants made out of nylon, for instance, will fare much better than those made of cotton.

Color choices
If camouflage is of importance, say if you are including animal hunting on your expedition, then you can actually buy hiking pants fashioned out of 'camo' fabric. Otherwise, your color choices may or may not be dependant on your environment but do keep in mind that light colors reflect harsh sunlight and thus can help you keep your cool.

Layering
Cold climates require clothes layering. It's the most practical way of dressing because you can add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Begin with thermal underwear because whatever is closest to your body will help to maintain your own body temperature. Thermal fabrics not only keep you warm but also draw moisture away very effectively. Next you can add insulating hiking pants that feature a fleece or other material that keeps the cold out and your body temperature in. Finally, water-resistant pants that 'breathe' make up the final layer.

Other features
Aside from the above, your personal preferences will dictate any other features you choose in your hiking pants. Most come with ample pockets for you to carry important items such as compasses, torches and maps. Some will be zip-fly, others button-fly and the variations go on. Always try your pants on as though you were on your trip, with the appropriate underwear as well. Once you're out in the wilderness, you don't want to have to struggle with fit when you could be enjoying the experience.