These Lightweight, Quick-drying Hiking Pants Have Kept Me Cool All Summer—and They're Under $80

Travel + Leisure

5 days ago

While preparing for my recent trip to the Galapagos Islands, I kept coming across hiking pants on suggested packing lists. At first, I was skeptical and wondered why I would need long pants on a warm-weather trip. While I knew I'd be hiking most days, I thought I'd be better suited to face the Ecuadorian sun in running shorts or tennis skirts.
A few days before my vacation, I ended up making a last-minute trip to browse the TJ Maxx activewear section. There, I stumbled upon the Free People Movement Fly By Night Pants. They instantly caught my eye for being more fashion-forward than your typical hiking pants, which encouraged me to take the leap and buy them, knowing I could wear them for more than just hiking on my trip.
On our first full day of activities, it became clear to me that these Free People pants weren't only cute but also practical. Since the Galapagos is at the equator (we passed through it multiple times during the trip), the sun is much stronger than I'm used to. These pants kept my legs protected to avoid sun damage and burns.
Made from 100 percent nylon, they're lightweight, airy, and breathable. I was able to move around in them with ease while hiking on different terrain. I felt just as comfortable in these pants as in shorts, if not even more so, since they shielded my skin from the intense heat. A bonus: While these pants did wrinkle in my suitcase, any creases fell out while I was wearing them, so I already know I'll be bringing them on future trips.
But what really put these hiking pants to the test was the unpredictable climate of the Galapagos. When we set out for a hike, we never knew if we'd be in the sun all day or facing rainstorms. During the worst downpour of the trip, these water-resistant pants kept my legs completely dry underneath. Plus, when I hung them up in my cabin, they dried off much quicker than any of my other hiking clothes, which makes them more convenient for travel.
These pants are slightly oversized in the leg but have a more fitted elastic waistband that offers a good amount of stretch. I'm generally a size 0 to 2 in bottoms, and the XS is a perfect fit on my petite frame. 'I bought my usual size Medium and they fit comfortably with room to wear over leggings [for colder weather],' said one Free People shopper. Some reviewers recommend sizing down, but Free People Movement tends to run slightly big overall, and these pants fit consistently with the brand's sizing. One thing to keep in mind is that they are a cropped style, meant to hit above the ankle. I'm 5-feet tall, and they fit me more like full-length pants, which I appreciate as I generally struggle to find wide-leg pants that fit me properly.
Shoppers agree that these pants would be cute and comfortable for everyday activities beyond the trails. 'I bought these for my trip to Europe, where I'll be walking a lot,' said one shopper, adding that they are very flattering and cute. The only downside to these pants is that they make a swishing sound when you walk, but personally, I've found this to be pretty minimal, and I tend to forget about it while wearing them.
After a weeklong cruise in the Galapagos, I've officially been converted to a hiking pants aficionado. I'm currently planning my next active trip to Alaska, and I fully plan on stocking up on more styles beforehand. Continue on for some similar styles I'm currently eyeing, all on sale for under $100.
These nylon hiking pants are lightweight, breathable, and quick drying like my Free People Movement pair, but offer an additional benefit: They're made with UPF 50+ fabric for built-in sun protection. Plus, they feature a drawstring on the ankle hem that you can either cinch to keep debris and bugs out or push up to turn them into capris. Choose from 10 different colorways, ranging from fun colors like lake green to neutrals like black.
These jogger-style hiking pants have five different zippered sections for stashing valuables, which would come in handy on a travel day when you want to keep track of your essentials in the airport or on the trails. Available in both petite and regular inseams, these travel pants have over 4,800 five-star ratings. 'The UPF protection ensured that I had no sunburn on my legs hiking between 14,000 and 17,000 ft elevation,' said one reviewer after returning from a five-day hike of the Inca trail at very high altitudes with intense sun exposure. 'These pants withstood everything,' she said, adding that even when she fell on steep, jagged stone, the pants were unscathed.
Another fashion-forward option, these stylish hiking pants have wide legs and a utility belt-style belt. The hue of this coastal teal colorway reminds me of my favorite Free People Movement pair, though the pants are also marked down in black. Plus, these pants are sweat-wicking, quick-drying, abrasion-resistant, and made from UPF 40+ material.
These ultra-lightweight pants are not only breathable but also designed to be packable. You can fold them down to fit into the left-hand pocket, so they take up minimal suitcase space. The waistband also has loops that you can attach carabiners to for climbing.
If you're looking for more of a fitted style, consider these straight-leg pants with a stretchy mid-rise waistband. They're made from an omni-proof material, which means they can repel and withstand a variety of elements like water and stains, so you'll have them for many getaways to come. One reviewer who bought these pants for an Iceland trip said, 'I wore them over thermal leggings and fleece sweatpants, so these added warmth and were waterproof.' $118 $57 at Beyondyoga.com
I'm currently eyeing these wide-leg pants for my upcoming trips to both Spain and Alaska for their versatility. While they look like sleek trousers, they're actually made from lightweight athleisure material. It's rare to find pants that can take you from the trails to a night out on town, so at over half off, it's an instant add to cart for me.
Made from a breathable, stretchy cotton blend, these hiking pants are designed to keep you comfortable on casual hikes. The split-leg style would turn heads, but they also come in solid variations. As part of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, they're currently marked down to just $53, so we won't blame you for grabbing multiple hues.
My mom swears by Free Country for outdoorsy clothes, and I can see why. This versatile style combines the comfort of sweats and the function of hiking pants. Plus, they have a zipper that you can use to turn them into shorts if you get sweaty or decide you don't need the extra sun protection. They'd definitely come in handy in a destination with unpredictable weather (like, say, the Galapagos).
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