Hiking pants are trousers made from lightweight synthetic fabric, usually nylon or polyester with some stretch, that dries fast, blocks the sun and moves with you on steep ground. That is the difference between a hiking pant and a pair of jeans or cotton chinos: cotton soaks up water, stays wet and pulls heat from your body, which on a New Zealand track where the weather can turn in an hour is uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst.
Hiking pants come in a few distinct styles. Stretch trekking pants are the all-rounders, with a nylon and elastane blend for freedom of movement on climbs and stiles. Convertible pants have zip-off legs that turn them into shorts when the day heats up. Roll-up pants have snaps or tabs that hold the hem at calf height, a lighter-weight alternative to a zip. Softshell pants use a denser woven fabric that blocks wind and shrugs off light showers. Cargo and utility pants add extra pockets and a tougher build for everyday outdoor use.
The most useful number on a hiking pant label is the UPF rating, which measures how much ultraviolet light the fabric lets through. A UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UV radiation, which matters under New Zealand’s high summer UV. Beyond that, the choice comes down to four things: stretch and fit, how quickly the fabric dries, whether you want zip-off or roll-up legs, and inseam length, typically offered in short, regular and long, around 76cm, 81cm and 86cm (30, 32 and 34 inches).
This guide compares ten hiking pants available in New Zealand across stretch, convertible, roll-up, softshell and cargo styles, with both men’s and women’s picks.
Hiking pants comparison
| Product | Best for | Style | Fit | Key fabric feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| prAna Stretch Zion | Best Overall | Stretch trekking, roll-up hem | Men’s | 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane | 4.7/5 |
| Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible | Best Convertible Pant | Zip-off convertible | Men’s | Omni-Shade UPF 50, Omni-Wick | 4.4/5 |
| prAna Halle | Best Women’s Hiking Pant | Stretch trekking, snap-up hem | Women’s | Stretch Zion fabric, UPF 50+ | 4.4/5 |
| Columbia Saturday Trail | Best Women’s Roll-Up Pant | Stretch, roll-up to capri | Women’s | Omni-Shield water and stain repellent, UPF 50 | 4.3/5 |
| Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II | Best for Insect Protection | Stretch trekking | Women’s | NosiDefence, SolarShield UPF 50+ | 4.3/5 |
| Outdoor Research Ferrosi | Best Softshell Pant | Softshell | Men’s | Wind-resistant Ferrosi fabric | 4.4/5 |
| ATG by Wrangler Synthetic Utility | Best Value Men’s Pant | Utility | Men’s | Water repellent, UPF 30 | 4.4/5 |
| Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible | Best Women’s Convertible | Zip-off convertible | Women’s | Omni-Shade UPF 50, recycled fabric | 4.0/5 |
| 33,000ft Water Resistant Hiking Pants | Best Budget Hiking Pant | Cargo, cinch ankles | Men’s | Water resistant, UPF 50+ | 4.6/5 |
| Mountain Warehouse Trek II | Best Cargo Trousers | Cargo | Men’s | UV Protect Max UPF 50+, quick dry | 4.0/5 |
1. prAna Stretch Zion – Best Overall
The Stretch Zion has a cult following among trampers and climbers, and it earns it with a fabric that genuinely moves. The blend of 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastane gives a full range of motion for high steps, scrambles and stiles, while staying tough enough to shrug off rock and scrub.
A snap roll-up feature at the hem lets you shorten the legs for stream crossings or a hot afternoon, and the pockets are well thought out: front porkchop pockets, back patch pockets and a side flap utility pocket. The pants are made in a Fairtrade-certified factory and are machine washable and tumble-dry safe.
It is the highest-rated pick in this guide, with 4.7 stars from more than 3,300 reviews.
Pros
- Excellent stretch for climbing and scrambling
- Durable recycled nylon fabric
- Snap roll-up hem for creek crossings and warm weather
- Practical mix of front, back and side utility pockets
- Highest rating in this guide across a large review base
Cons
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
- Ships internationally, so allow longer for delivery
- No zip-off legs
Key specs: Men’s stretch hiking pant. 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane. Snap roll-up hem. Porkchop front pockets, back patch pockets, side flap utility pocket. Fairtrade-certified factory. Machine washable.
2. Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible – Best Convertible Pant
If you want one pair that handles a cold start and a hot finish, the Silver Ridge Convertible is the classic answer, and one of the best-selling hiking pants anywhere with 4.4 stars from more than 7,300 reviews. The legs zip off so the pants become shorts without taking your boots off.
Columbia’s Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric protects against the sun, and Omni-Wick pulls moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and dry. A partial elastic waist and a gusset make it comfortable on the move.
Storage includes a zip security pocket, side pockets with hook-and-loop closures and mesh pocket bags that help with airflow and drying. The fit is classic rather than slim.
Pros
- Zip-off legs convert to shorts
- Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection
- Omni-Wick moisture management
- Zip security pocket for keys or a phone
- Huge review base and free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Classic fit is roomier than a modern slim hiking pant
- Less stretch than the prAna pants
- Zips at the knee can rub for some wearers
Key specs: Men’s convertible hiking pant with zip-off legs. Omni-Shade UPF 50, Omni-Wick. Partial elastic waist, gusset. Zip security pocket, hook-and-loop side pockets, mesh pocket bags. Classic fit.
3. prAna Halle – Best Women’s Hiking Pant
The Halle is prAna’s bestselling women’s fit and uses the same Stretch Zion fabric as the men’s pick above: 95% recycled nylon and 5% elastane for flexibility and durability. It is abrasion resistant, so brushing past rock or bush does not tear it up.
The low-rise waist is designed to sit comfortably under a backpack hip belt, a detail that matters on a multi-day tramp, and the snap-up hem works well over hiking boots. It offers UPF 50+ sun protection and comes in three inseams to help find the right length.
It is rated 4.4 stars from 170 reviews.
Pros
- Stretchy, durable Stretch Zion fabric
- Low-rise waist sits comfortably under a pack hip belt
- Snap-up hem suits hiking boots
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Available in three inseam lengths
Cons
- Low rise will not suit everyone
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
- Ships internationally, so allow longer for delivery
Key specs: Women’s stretch hiking pant. 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane. UPF 50+. Abrasion resistant. Low-rise, backpack-friendly waist. Snap-up hem. Three inseam options.
4. Columbia Saturday Trail – Best Women’s Roll-Up Pant
The Saturday Trail is Columbia’s long-running women’s trail pant, rated 4.3 stars from more than 3,600 reviews. Its standout feature is roll-up legs that convert to capris when the weather turns unexpectedly hot, without the zips of a convertible.
The nylon and elastane two-way stretch fabric has articulated knees for easy movement, and Columbia’s Omni-Shield finish repels water and stains so a muddy splash or light shower beads off instead of soaking in. It also has UPF 50 sun protection.
A partial elastic waist adjusts for comfort, and there are two side pockets with hook-and-loop closures plus two back pockets.
Pros
- Roll-up legs convert to capris
- Omni-Shield repels water and stains
- Two-way stretch with articulated knees
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- No zip pocket for valuables
- Stock is thin in some sizes and colours
- Water-repellent finish is not waterproof in steady rain
Key specs: Women’s stretch hiking pant. Nylon and elastane two-way stretch. Omni-Shield water and stain repellent. UPF 50. Roll-up legs convert to capris. Articulated knees. Partial elastic waist.
5. Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II – Best for Insect Protection
Craghoppers’ Kiwi range is one of the best-known walking trousers in the world, and the women’s Expert Kiwi Pro II adds a feature most hiking pants lack: NosiDefence, a fabric made from specially engineered fibres that the brand says are too resistant for insects such as mosquitoes to bite through.
SolarShield fabric technology is tested to UPF 50+, a durable water-repellent finish handles light moisture and splashes, and the stretch construction moves without restricting you. Three zip pockets keep valuables secure, which is more than most women’s pants in this guide offer.
It is rated 4.3 stars from 87 reviews.
Pros
- NosiDefence fabric designed to resist biting insects
- SolarShield UPF 50+ sun protection
- Three zip pockets for secure storage
- Durable water-repellent finish
- Stretch for freedom of movement
Cons
- Insect protection is claimed for mosquitoes, so do not rely on it alone for sandflies
- Ships internationally
- Smaller review base than the Columbia picks
Key specs: Women’s stretch hiking trousers. NosiDefence insect-resistant fabric. SolarShield UPF 50+. Durable water-repellent finish. 3 zip pockets. Sized in AU sizes on this listing.
6. Outdoor Research Ferrosi – Best Softshell Pant
The Ferrosi is a softshell pant built for climbers and alpine trampers, and it suits New Zealand’s changeable conditions well. The Ferrosi fabric is tough but stretchy, breathable but wind resistant, so it stays cool on a long approach and still blocks the wind when you stop on an exposed ridge.
It is lightweight and quick drying, and the stretch handles big steps on rocky ground. This listing is the men’s version with a 30-inch inseam, rated 4.4 stars from more than 300 reviews.
Pros
- Wind-resistant softshell fabric for exposed ridges and tops
- Breathable enough for long uphill walks
- Tough, stretchy and quick drying
- Well suited to climbing and scrambling
Cons
- The listing gives very little detail on pockets and fit, so check the size chart carefully
- Sits at the premium end of this guide
- Ships internationally, and some sizes show very low stock
Key specs: Men’s softshell hiking pant. Ferrosi stretch fabric. Lightweight, breathable, quick drying, wind resistant. 30-inch inseam on this listing.
7. ATG by Wrangler Synthetic Utility Pant – Best Value Men’s Pant
Wrangler’s ATG (All Terrain Gear) range is the outdoor line from the jeans brand, and the Synthetic Utility Pant is one of the most reviewed hiking pants you can buy, with 4.4 stars from more than 10,500 reviews. It looks more like a casual trouser than technical gear, so it works on the track and around town.
A water-repellent finish helps with wet grass and light rain, and it dries quickly. A gusseted crotch and stretch fabric add mobility, UPF 30 gives some sun protection, and a reinforced kickplate at the hem protects against wear from boots and rocks.
A zip utility pocket keeps a phone or keys secure.
Pros
- Excellent value from a well-known brand
- Water-repellent and quick drying
- Reinforced kickplate for durability
- Zip utility pocket
- Enormous review base
Cons
- UPF 30 is lower than the UPF 50 picks in this guide
- Straight leg is not as trim as a technical hiking pant
- Ships internationally
Key specs: Men’s synthetic utility pant. Water-repellent, quick drying. UPF 30. Stretch fabric, gusseted crotch. Reinforced kickplate. Zip utility pocket. Straight leg, regular fit.
8. Columbia Silver Ridge Utility Convertible – Best Women’s Convertible
The women’s Silver Ridge Utility is the convertible option for women who want zip-off legs rather than a roll-up hem. It is light and cool for hot summer days on the track or at the beach, and the legs zip off to turn the pants into shorts.
Omni-Shade Broad Spectrum technology gives UPF 50 sun protection, and the fabric is made from recycled material and is machine washable. Storage includes two side pockets, a larger side pocket for bigger valuables and a discreet back pocket.
It is rated 4.0 stars from around 50 reviews.
Pros
- Zip-off legs convert to shorts
- Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection
- Light and cool for summer tramping
- Made from recycled material
- Free delivery to New Zealand
Cons
- Lower rating and fewer reviews than the other Columbia picks
- Less stretch than the Saturday Trail
- Stock is thin in some sizes
Key specs: Women’s convertible hiking pant with zip-off legs. Omni-Shade Broad Spectrum UPF 50. Recycled fabric. Two side pockets, larger utility side pocket, back pocket. Machine washable. US sizing.
9. 33,000ft Water Resistant Hiking Pants – Best Budget Hiking Pant
For a first pair of hiking pants or a spare for the car, this 33,000ft pair is the most affordable pick in this guide, and it is well rated at 4.6 stars from around 80 reviews. The 100% polyester fabric is lightweight, breathable and wear resistant, with a water-resistant, stain-repellent surface that copes with light rain.
A 3D cut at the knees helps with movement, and bungee drawstrings at the ankles let you cinch the hems to keep out scrub and stones. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection and an adjustable waist.
There are six pockets in total, including a zip pocket and hook-and-loop back pockets.
Pros
- The most affordable pick in this guide
- Water resistant and stain repellent
- Cinchable ankles keep out scrub and stones
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Six pockets including a zip pocket
Cons
- Smaller review base than the established brands
- 100% polyester has less stretch than nylon and elastane blends
- Budget build will not match the premium picks for long-term durability
Key specs: Men’s cargo hiking pant. 100% polyester. Water resistant, stain repellent. UPF 50+. 3D-cut knees. Bungee ankle cinch. Adjustable waist. 6 pockets.
10. Mountain Warehouse Trek II Cargo Trousers – Best Cargo Trousers
The Trek II is a straightforward, lightweight cargo trouser for travel, holidays and day walks. It is tested to UPF 50+ with the brand’s UV Protect Max, and the quick-drying fabric dries fast after a wash or a wet walk, which is useful on multi-day trips.
Multiple secure pockets give plenty of storage for keys, a phone and snacks, and the trousers come in three leg lengths: short 76cm (30 inches), regular 81cm (32 inches) and long 86cm (34 inches). They also carry a two-year warranty.
It is rated 4.0 stars from more than 240 reviews.
Pros
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Quick-drying, lightweight fabric
- Plenty of secure cargo pockets
- Three leg lengths for a better fit
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Lower rating than most picks in this guide
- Cargo styling is bulkier than a slim trekking pant
- Ships internationally
Key specs: Men’s cargo trousers. UV Protect Max UPF 50+. Lightweight, quick drying. Multiple secure pockets. Leg lengths 76cm, 81cm, 86cm. 2-year warranty.
How to choose hiking pants in NZ
Start with the fabric. Look for nylon or polyester, ideally with a few percent of elastane or spandex for stretch, and avoid cotton for anything longer than a short walk, because it stays wet and cold once it gets soaked. A durable water-repellent finish is useful for wet grass and light showers, but it is not a substitute for proper rain overtrousers on an alpine crossing or a wet Great Walk.
Then choose a leg style that suits how you tramp. Zip-off convertibles like the Columbia Silver Ridge give you shorts and long pants in one, which suits summer walks with cold mornings. Roll-up or snap-up hems, like the prAna and Saturday Trail, are lighter and have no zips at the knee to rub. A softshell like the Ferrosi is the better choice for exposed tops and cooler, windy days, and cargo pants suit travel and day walks where extra pocket space matters more than weight.
Get the fit right. The pants in this guide use a mix of size systems: most are US waist and inseam sizes, the Craghoppers is listed in AU sizes, and women’s US sizes differ from NZ sizes, so measure your waist and inseam and check the brand’s size chart before ordering. Delivery options can also differ by size and colour, so check the delivery line again after selecting your size. Try the pants with a pack on if you can, because a waistband that sits exactly where a hip belt goes will rub over a long day, and check you can lift your knee to hip height without the fabric pulling.
Good pants are only one part of a tramping kit. Pair them with the right footwear from our guide to the best hiking boots in NZ, a pack that fits from the backpack guide, and a reliable headlamp for early starts and late finishes.
Verdict
The prAna Stretch Zion is the best hiking pant for most people in New Zealand: stretchy, durable, quick to dry and practical, with a snap roll-up hem for creek crossings. For women, the prAna Halle uses the same fabric in a backpack-friendly fit, and the Columbia Saturday Trail is a well-proven roll-up alternative. If you want zip-off legs, the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible is the classic men’s choice, with the Silver Ridge Utility Convertible as the women’s equivalent.
For wind and exposed ridges, choose the Outdoor Research Ferrosi softshell. The Craghoppers Kiwi Pro II is the pick if biting insects are a concern, the ATG by Wrangler Synthetic Utility Pant is the best value men’s pant, and the 33,000ft pants and Mountain Warehouse Trek II are sensible budget and cargo options. Whichever you choose, check the size chart and confirm current stock and pricing before buying, since both change regularly.
FAQs
What are the best hiking pants in NZ?
The prAna Stretch Zion is the best all-round hiking pant for most people, thanks to its stretchy, durable recycled nylon fabric and snap roll-up hem. Women should look at the prAna Halle or Columbia Saturday Trail, and anyone who wants shorts and long pants in one should choose a zip-off convertible such as the Columbia Silver Ridge.
Why should you not hike in jeans or cotton pants?
Cotton absorbs water, dries very slowly and loses its insulation when wet, so a pair of jeans soaked by rain, a river crossing or sweat stays cold and heavy for the rest of the day. On New Zealand tracks, where the weather can change quickly, that raises the risk of getting dangerously cold. Synthetic hiking pants dry fast and keep moving freely.
Are convertible hiking pants worth it?
Convertible pants are worth it if you walk in changeable weather or want to pack light, because one pair covers cold mornings and hot afternoons. The trade-offs are zips at the knee, which some people find rub, and a slightly baggier fit. If you rarely switch to shorts, a stretch pant with a roll-up hem is simpler and usually more comfortable.
What does UPF mean on hiking pants?
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and measures how much UV radiation passes through the fabric. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about one-fiftieth of UV rays, blocking roughly 98%. That is worth having under New Zealand’s strong summer sun, especially on long days above the bushline where there is no shade.
Are hiking pants waterproof?
Most hiking pants are water resistant, not waterproof. A durable water-repellent finish makes light rain and wet grass bead off, and quick-drying fabric helps them recover fast, but steady rain will soak through. For alpine crossings or multi-day tramps in wet weather, carry a pair of waterproof overtrousers as well.
How should hiking pants fit?
Hiking pants should be loose enough to lift your knee to hip height without the fabric pulling, with the waist sitting comfortably above or below where a pack hip belt goes. Length should reach the top of your boots without bunching. Stretch fabrics like nylon and elastane blends allow a trimmer fit that still moves freely.
