Why Is Everyone Wearing Giant Hiking Pants?
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Hiking pants — as worn by German tourists in Times Square, the most granola guy at your college co-op, and actual outdoorspeople — are traditionally rather slim-fitting and tapered. They’re designed to always stay up, resist snagging, and allow freedom of movement. They look utilitarian at best and dorky at worst, especially when tucked into socks or gaiters.
In recent years, though, trail trousers have gotten looser and baggier and altogether less crunchy looking. Whether you’re shopping at REI or a niche Korean outdoor brand, raver-looking parachute pants as well as skater-influenced cargo silhouettes abound, some of them voluminous enough to actively catch wind when trekking at high elevation. Blame the Y2K trend (cool hiking girls on Instagramtend to pair their big pants with wraparound Oakleys), the bouldering craze, thecultural reaction againstleggings, or the inevitable reverse influence of streetwear on outdoor aesthetics after so many years of gorpcore. We’re in a billowy moment.
It’s obviously easy to hate on this trend. If you’re backpacking a long-distance route as opposed to taking photos at the trailhead parking lot, you probably don’t want your pants to be so baggy they inhibit movement or rustle constantly. Or do you? The utility of specialized outdoor clothing is often overstated. Last year, in the Bolivian Andes, I watched many local mountaineers scale 5,000-meter peaks in jeans, hoodies, and Nike Dunks. They were much faster than I was in my Columbia trekking trousers. In the end, you can actually just wear whatever you feel comfortable in when spending time outside. Getting a fit off can certainly be part of the fun. Also, buying one pair of pants that can be worn to the hip open-plan office as well as on an upstate hiking trip is just good sense.
I’ve retired all of my skinny hiking pants over the past year or so and replaced them with swishier styles without looking back. For those looking to do the same, here are a few pairs (at varying degrees of roominess) to consider.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Pretty much the most oversize cargo pants you can buy.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
An affordable Old Navy option for summer hiking.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Breezy big-pocket pants from Outdoor Voices.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Stretchy skater pants from always reliable outdoor brand Prana.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Slightly more restrained yet still voluminous pants.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
One of my favorite silhouettes, from Swedish ski brand Peak Performance.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Seniq's playful pants are beloved by hiking influencers for a reason.
New! You can now save this product for later.
More From The Strategist
- The Back-to-School Hall of Fame
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- Everything You Need to Outfit Your College Dorm
- The Strategist Summer 100
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
