While apres-ski style and a luxe, leisurely post-adventure day seem to be all the rage out in the wild, there’s one thing to keep in mind. It seems one should have to earn your keep, or at least dive into the “adventure” portion before hitting the lodge bar. For tackling the great outdoors (be it a winter hike, snowshoeing or snowmobiling), durable, hard-working pants are the name of the game.
The best outdoor pants aren’t quite snowpants, but they’re not quite tried-and-true work pants, either. They can, of course, be layered up accordingly with classic “long johns” based on your kit of choice, but the Venn diagram should still prioritize performance, ease of movement, and mobility. Oh yes, and comfort.
The best pants for outdoor adventures needn’t only be suited to one season, either. Finding a fabric at the right weight, one suited to both winter and spring (and yes, it’s possible!) is crucial. This is where fabrics like nylon or cotton canvas enter your wardrobe, fellas.
Brands are dealing up modern alpine pants with stretch fabrics and special formulas, but the good old-fashioned way (tough canvas or waxed fabrics) still work just fine. With your sights set on the horizon (and a rewarding cold beer at the end of it all), these are the best pants you should buy for outdoor adventures this season.
Photo via Beau Hayhoe
Relwen Off-Trail Windpants
The right pair of the best outdoor pants have to toe the line between ease of movement, durability, performance, and comfort. A tricky equation to get just right, but as I found out during a visit to the French Alps, Relwen has cracked the code. These boast a nylon-blend water-repellent shell built with plenty of stretch, plus an elastic shockcord waist for the perfect fit, while the mesh inner lining delivers maximum breathability. For snowshoeing, snowmobiling and enjoying a Spritz afterwards, consider yourself outfitted.
Photo via Filson
Filson Field Cargo Pants
Filson has been outfitting outdoor explorers for well over a century, a DNA that informs its modern heritage. So while you could opt for Merino wool pants or highly durable waxed Tin Cloth pants from the iconic brand, cargo pants crafted from sturdy 9.5oz. Cotton and modeled after an old-school military version should do the trick just fine.
Photo via Huckberry
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Lite Trousers
Fjallraven has long had an eye for summit-ready, trail-approved design, and its Vidda Pro Lite Trousers are an excellent outdoor gear addition packed with plenty of bells and whistles. Fjallraven’s G1000 Air Stretch fabric delivers durability and lightweight, flexible comfort, while a reinforced seat and knees amp up rugged performance at key stress points. The addition of angular button pockets also delivers ample EDC storage space, always a must out on the trail.
Photo via Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch Chore Pants
There’s a reliable ease about Taylor Stitch menswear, but make no mistake. The brand knows how to get down to business, as best seen in its organic cotton canvas line of workwear. If you want to go the more traditional route in terms of outdoor exploration, it doesn’t get much tougher than hard-working cotton canvas with reinforced double-knee construction, angled hip pockets for easy access to your EDC, and a handy pen sleeve for an essential you should never leave home without.
Photo via KUHL
KUHL Deceptr Pants
When conditions could turn at any moment out in the elements, be prepared with reliable, water-resistant pants in a tough-as-nails fabric that still readily moves with you. The nylon fabric blend is also fused with UPF 50+ protection for sunny early spring hikes, and mobility is a top concern with a gusseted crotch. Best of all might be a whopping seven pockets for any trail-ready essentials you absolutely need out there.
Photo via Finisterre
Finisterre Basset Utility Pants
Made for maximum freedom of movement out in the hills or on the trail, the use of cotton duck fabric repels wind and rain. Well-suited for the icy coastal surfing conditions that inspired the brand’s founding. Riveted slash pockets and reinforced construction, a key feature of the best outdoor pants, deliver traditional workwear style in the garage or out in the great beyond.
