Hiking Pants And Shorts

The best materials for hiking pants strike a balance between performance, comfort, and durability. Here's what we prioritise here at Alton: 

Moisture-Wicking & Quick-Drying
Look for fabrics that are moisture-wicking (also called sweat-wicking), such as nylon, polyester, or merino wool. These materials pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable as you move through tough, technical terrain. 

Lightweight & Breathable
Breathable, lightweight hiking pants or hiking shorts will allow for airflow and keep you cooler when you’re working up a sweat. 

Natural Stretch & Flexibility
Freedom of movement is key for your comfort on the trail. Look for hiking pants with a stretchy, articulated design that allows you to move easily across challenging terrain without feeling constrained. 

Highly Durable
The wild can be tough on your gear. For this reason, choose hiking pants made from fabrics that balance breathability, stretch and other properties with abrasion resistance like nylon blends or reinforced ripstop materials that can withstand scrapes and snags without sacrificing comfort. 

Water Repellant
Hiking pants made from material with water repellent properties are always handy. This technology creates a barrier on the fabric's surface, allowing water to bead up and shed, without affecting breathability.

UV Protection
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial. Look for hiking pants made from material with a UPF rating of at least 30+  as this will help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. 

Sustainable & Ethically Made
Today, it is possible to find hiking pants that are made responsibly while maintaining high-performance standards. Look for internationally recognised standards, such as bluesign® certifications, that ensure the materials uphold high ethical and environmental standards. 

By choosing Alton, you’re investing in hiking clothing that delivers industry-leading performance and comfort. And just as importantly, you’re contributing to a more sustainable and ethical outdoor industry as a whole.

If you’re asking us if you should wear pants when you’re hiking, the answer is yes. Trust us, no one wants to see you hiking without pants. 

Ok, ok, enough funny business. We know what you really meant, and the answer is still yes, hiking pants are necessary.

While you can wear ‘normal’ pants hiking, they generally lack the features and properties that make hiking pants ideal for outdoor activities. They are often made from cotton or other fabric blends that retain moisture and are slow to dry, which can cause chafing and even be a safety risk if you’re hiking in cold conditions. 

Hiking pants, on the other hand, are designed to be the perfect balance of quick-drying, lightweight and super tough. They’re made for hiking, so it makes sense that they’ll perform better in outdoor scenarios. 

So yes, ‘normal’ pants might be fine if you’re going for a cruisy day hike. But, if you’re heading out for a longer trip, facing challenging conditions or hiking in cold climates, then we highly recommend investing in appropriate, fit-for-purpose hiking clothing.

Yes, 100%! 

A lot of people opt for hiking shorts when out on their adventures, especially for warm weather hikes. But like all hiking gear, wearing shorts while hiking comes with its own set of pros and cons. 

Here's the deal: 

Pros of Hiking Shorts

1. Perfect for hot weather. Lightweight hiking shorts are ideal for hot weather or for high-intensity activities where you’re working up a sweat. 
2. Enhanced range of movement. A lot of people prefer hiking shorts because they are less restrictive compared to pants and allow you to move freely and comfortably across varied terrain.
3. Lightweight and layerable. Hiking shorts are great for hiking because they are lighter and compact but can be layered with thermals or rain pants if needed. 
4. Quick drying. If you’re doing frequent river crossings, hiking shorts make life a lot easier. And, even if they do get wet, they’ll dry out in a jiffy. 
5. More affordable. Hiking shorts are (surprise surprise) shorter than hiking pants, meaning they require less fabric and resources to produce. Because of this, they usually come with a lower price tag. 

Cons of Hiking Shorts

1. Less protection. Hiking shorts offer less protection from sun exposure, insects, and cuts and scrapes. Because of this, shorts might not be the best choice for rough terrain with sharp rocks or dense brush.
2. Not ideal for cold climates. Hiking shorts won’t be suitable for cold, snowy weather or high-altitude hikes. You can still use them, but you’ll need to make sure you have other layers to keep you warm and dry. 

Our expert team here at Alton has put a lot of thought into our hiking shorts and pants to make sure they tick all the boxes when it comes to performance, durability and comfort, minus the irrelevant features that just get in your way. 

Explore our entire hiking clothing collection today to find the perfect kit for your next adventure.

Our hiking clothing, along with everything else we make here at Alton, comes backed by our All Good Guarantee, a Lifetime Warranty* against manufacturing defects. In the rare case that your Alton kit isn’t performing as it should, we’ll replace it or repair it for you. Shop our best-selling hiking gear online today, knowing it is built for a lifetime of adventure. 

Free shipping for all orders over $100 AUD within Australia and $150 USD in the USA. For more information on local and international delivery, please visit our shipping page.