Not exactly but hiking pants are generally breathable, lightweight, sweat-wicking, water-proofed, comfortable, and has a lot of pockets to secure your belongings. The type of material plays a huge part of pants since it is the closest thing sticking on our body and contributes to a big difference. I really like hiking pants, especially those with zippered pockets to keep my keys, wallet, and valuables and close to you. Hiking pants can range from $30 to well over $350. The higher-end hiking pants come in UV protection material sheltering you from the sun.
I would wear hiking pants if I am doing more than five-mile hikes because I would like to feel comfortable and airy, which makes hiking feel freer. Otherwise, shorts, cargo pants, or leggings would have worked too. Hiking pants typically fit just right with some extra room in all the right places versus other types of pants. For this reason, hiking pants may be necessary when doing a longer hike in this case.
Hiking pants are generally made of a mixture of polyester, nylon, spandex, or other type of material.
Types of hiking pants
There are some convertible pants that can be interchangeable from long to short pants connected pieces with zippers, high-waisted hiking pants, hiking pants with lots of pockets, hiking pants which are best for hot weather, hiking pants best for cold weather, and hiking pants with UPF and hiking pants with best weatherproof, etc. There are some right balance to what type of trail you usually frequent to each hiking pants selected.
Hiking pants alternative
For relatively short hikes, my alternatives to hiking pants are leggings, shorts, tights, breathable joggers, skirts, skorts, pants with adjustable cords, and sometimes dresses. Leggings and shorts are my regular go-to, but wearing other bottoms will not stop me from hiking.
Jeans as an alternative for hiking
I have seen people hiked in jeans but I would pray for them to not get the jeans wet during the hike. Jeans can be restrictive, bulky, and limits movement but it can be great for going through the spiky brushes and protecting you from direct sun.
Reasons why hiking pants are necessary
Hiking pants are necessary because its generally made of sweat-wicking material and are lightweight and breatheable. As you hike and as your body commits to physical activity, it becomes warmer, thus type of material is an important aspect of the hiking pants.
Hiking pants generally fits better as it is roomier in the crotch area and knees. This makes hiking up and down, hiking fast really easy enhanced mobility.
Hiking pants vs regular pants
The comparison with of hiking pants vs regular pants are:
Hiking pants are made of material suitable for wicking moisture after sweating,
Regular pants which are typically made of cotton will hold on to the moisture
Hiking pants are sizeable and adjustable. regular pants can be tighter and fixated.
Things to look out for when purchasing hiking pants?
•Type of material – This is utmost important as fabric largely is the made up of the pants and if its itchy, that does not do anyone any good.
• Size – Pick something that is your size thus trying them out before commit to a purchase is a great idea as the sewing and style may be different and it may be tight and loose in some important areas.
• Custom lightweight – nobody would like to carry extra unnecessary weight
• Insulation- with insulation you will not feel too hot and too cold when weather changes. It regulates with the temperature of your body
• Waterproof- I personally love waterproof items, it is less messy and keeps you dry the entire time
• Moisture wicking and fast drying – choose a material that is not 100% cotton as cotton holds more moisture
• Antimicrobial fabric- This is typically performed through chemical treatment to inhibit microbial growth
• UV protection – This is optional as it can be combat with sunscreen
Are hiking pants worth it
Lastly, after all this, you might still ask, are hiking pants necessary and worth it? It is necessary and worth it if you go hiking regularly and it is definitely for those who value comfort. It can serves as regular pants and be worn everywhere, it saves space in your closet. Hiking pants add values to your pocket if you can use them regularly especially when you purchase a high dollar amount one.