When it comes to trekking pants, the right kind can make all the difference in the world. Trekking is an activity that will expose you to extreme weather conditions, different temperatures, and a variety of terrains. It is therefore important to be equipped with pants that can endure all these adversities and make your adventure comfortable and enjoyable.
An essential part of any hiker's wardrobe is a pair of comfortable hiking pants. In addition to hiking, they are also useful for any outdoor activity. Moreover, they last far longer than any fashion trend. However, you should not just buy any hiking pants nowadays since there are so many different kinds available. You will often find that pants that are picked out poorly are anything but functional once they are worn.
Pants that are intended for hiking, or functional pants, need to be able to do everything: fit properly, but also be very flexible; be snug, but not cut into; be worn over hiking boots and not drag, and be able to eliminate any sweat. The perfect hiking shoe is extensively debated, but the correct pants are not given nearly as much thought. To keep your hiking trip fun for your legs, it's essential to have comfortable and durable gear. Otherwise, you'll overheat and tire before you even get halfway through the hike. Columbia, Prana, North Face, Patagonia, Reccy and Outdoor Research are some of the top brands known for making the best multipurpose trekking pants.
Choosing a pair of trekking pants can be confusing because there is a wide variety of trekking pants to choose from. There are a wide variety of choices available when it comes to the trekking pants men category. You can explore numerous options when it comes to style, materials, and colors. Some of the types of pants for trekking are mentioned below:
Traditional Pants:
It helps you in keeping your legs warm while hiking and also keeps them shielded from insects, thorns, rain, sun and wind exposure, and abrasions from rocks as well. Cool, wet, and hot trips with a lot of exposure to the sun are best suited for these pairs of pants.
If you desire a pair of pants that can be worn in both town or at work, traditional pants provide a more 'outdoor lifestyle' aesthetic compared to other types of pants. As a drawback, they aren't extremely versatile, so it might be worth bringing a pair of shorts as well on the trekking trip.
Convertible Pants:
Each leg of convertible pants is equipped with a zipper, typically above the knee, which allows the lower part of the pant leg to be unzipped and removed. As a result of its versatility, many hikers favor this style because it is light and saves space in their backpacks.
In addition to that, it is also easily washable as one can just remove the dirty part of the garment for washing. It can also be opened halfway to create a vent on the pants. However, most convertibles require removing one's shoes. Therefore, hikers rarely make midday switches because it takes too much effort.
Roll-Up Pants:
These are the trekking pants men prefer as it incorporates buttons and elastic on the lower leg and cuff respectively and can be rolled up if needed. Compared to convertibles, these features can provide just the right amount of relief and they are also much easier to adjust in the middle of an activity.
In general, any pair of pants can be rolled up; however, formalizing this feature ensures that the legs won't move during activities. No matter what calf size you have, these fit well, though the button limits how high the cuffs can roll up. Depending on the brand, some of them also come with sewn-on buttons that keep the cuffs in place after two to three rolls.
Tights:
The category of men trekking pants has been dominated by tights for a while now. Their main purpose is to express a reference for style. For practical reasons, fitting tight men's trekking pants is helpful in terrains that are filled with brambles and bushes that the looser pants might catch on.
How to choose your trekking pants?
To make an informed decision, buyers need to consider several factors before choosing pants for trekking. The following determinants should be considered while purchasing a pair of trekking pants:
1. Location
Trekking pants should be selected according to the location of the hike. For example, trekking in a desert or an area with high temperatures calls for breathable pants with zip-off legs that can be folded and transformed into shorts.
Trekking in a temperate climate requires waterproof trekking pants that are made of water-resistant material to withstand rain. When hiking in a jungle, you must wear pants that will protect you from insects and bugs. Similarly, if your hiking region has cold temperatures, then you must consider getting a high-quality pair of snowy pants that can keep you warm. Upon considering all the factors of your trekking location, you can make a purchase.
2. Quality
You'll save more money in the long run if you buy high-quality trekking pants instead of cheaper alternatives. The low-quality trekking pants have cheaper nylon making the pants stiffer, noisier, and more prone to ripping. In trekking pants, polyamide and polyester offer lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant properties that will make your trek more comfortable and memorable.
3. Right Fit
It's important to find pants that fit you well; too tight and you'll chafe, too baggy and you'll trip. Therefore, it is always a good idea to try on a pair of pants in the store before buying them.
A well-fitting pair of pants should provide more mobility. If the pants are too tight, you won't be able to move freely.
For a chafe-free fit, choose pants with gusseted crotches. There should be enough room in the pants so your movement isn't restricted, but not so much space that your legs are barely touching each other.
4. Lightweight
There is usually a weight range between 300 to 450 grams for trekking pants as opposed to normal pants, which weigh around 500 grams. As you are climbing up the mountains with your backpack or backpacks in those difficult terrains and temperatures, every gram will add up. Therefore, it is important to choose pants that are lightweight otherwise it will make your adventure extremely tiresome.
5. Quick Drying
In your trekking journey, there may be several cold streams flowing through the mountains or you may even experience adverse weather conditions. To avoid such situations, one needs to carry quick-drying pants as they can dry overnight and can also be worn the next morning. You can purchase pants made of polyester or polyamide which are mainly used for making waterproof trekking pants.
Conclusion
The pants we wear on our trekking journey play a very crucial role. The majority of us don't take advantage of it because we don't know how to make the right choice. You can find the best trekking pants India on websites like Reccy.in, Adventure Worx, Myntra, etc. By following this article, you will be able to make an informed decision on what kind of pants you would like to buy for your trekking adventure.