How to choose hiking pants?
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Time to read 4 min
Whether you're a fan of Sunday walks in the forest, a mountain trekking enthusiast, or a fan of long, rugged trails, choosing the right hiking pants is essential. Comfort, breathability, protection from the elements, environmental impact... many criteria come into play. At Lagoped, we design technical, responsible, and European pants, designed for all adventures. Here are our tips to help you find the perfect pair.
Choosing pants suited to your practice
The first criterion to take into account is the use you will make of your trekking or hiking pants .
Day hike or easy stroll
For short outings or those without technical difficulty, lightweight, flexible, and easy-care pants are sufficient. They must guarantee good freedom of movement and dry quickly.
👉 The RIOUPOU pants from Lagoped are perfect for this purpose: stretchy, breathable and comfortable with their elasticated waist and crotch gusset. They also have 3 zipped pockets (one of which is compatible with wearing a harness) and a featherweight of 280g.
Trek or technical terrain
For more challenging outings (altitude, duration, uncertain weather), the pants must meet other requirements in order to protect more effectively against harsher external elements.
Favor:
Reinforcements on the knees, buttocks, lower legs
Technical materials : ripstop, stretch
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Secure and well-placed pockets (harness, belt)
Sustainable, local and responsible manufacturing
👉 By incorporating a soft, 4-way stretch main material, 4 zipped pockets compatible with a harness and stretch, water-repellent ripstop reinforcement panels on the seat, thighs and knees, the PTARMIGAN2 pants offer uncompromising protection and freedom of movement. All while guaranteeing ethical and 100% European manufacturing.
What is the difference between softshell pants and classic hiking pants?
Softshell pants are designed to offer an excellent compromise between protection and thermal comfort. They are made from a technical fabric that is denser than traditional pants: slightly windproof, water-repellent, and, above all, highly breathable. They are the ideal choice for outings in cool, wet, or windy conditions, without having to wear overpants.
Conversely, "classic" hiking pants are often lighter and thinner, making them more suited to warm climates or intense exercise. They dry quickly and move well thanks to stretch panels, but offer less protection in changeable weather.
👉 In summary :
Softshell = protection + warmth + 3-season versatility
At Lagoped, the PTARMITOUR pants are durable softshell ski touring pants that can also be worn while hiking when weather conditions are less than ideal.Classic = lightness + maximum breathability
At Lagoped, the RIOUPOU is a perfect pair of mid-season or summer hiking pants at altitude, while the PTARMIGAN2 ticks the boxes for hikes on more challenging terrain, all year round.
Adapt your pants to the weather
In hot weather
In summer or in warm climates, choose pants made of lightweight, breathable , and quick-drying materials. Stretchy styles are also comfortable to wear because they follow your movements without sticking to them.
👉 RIOUPOU is again an excellent choice for its comfort and breathability properties, and its slightly looser fit.
In cool, changeable or humid weather
Windproof, water-repellent , or lightly brushed pants are recommended. They help you stay dry while preventing you from getting cold in the slightest gust of wind or humidity.
👉 PTARMIGAN2 features a technical construction suitable for mixed conditions with a stretchy, robust and water-repellent PFC-free ripstop fabric.
👉 ThePTARMITOUR softshell pants are also pants that can be worn when hiking in cold weather.
💡 Also remember to bring waterproof overpants if showers are forecast.
Aim for sustainability and eco-design
A recycled and responsible material
At Lagoped, our pants are made from recycled nylon , including fishing nets and fabric scraps. We use Econyl® , an innovative fiber produced in Slovenia.
The fabrics are woven and dyed in France and Italy, and the pants are assembled in Lithuania. No toxic treatments: our water-repellent products are PFC-free , and UV protection is achieved by construction, without chemicals.
Why avoid pants with PFC-based water-repellent treatment?
PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are chemicals that have been used for years to make outdoor clothing water-repellent. The problem? They don't degrade naturally. Once released into the environment, they contaminate soil, rivers, wildlife... and even our own bodies, as they are now found in human blood. Some are already classified as endocrine disruptors.
At Lagoped, we refuse to sacrifice the planet for a few hours of pearling. All our water-repellent treatments are guaranteed PFC-free and comply with the strictest European standards. It's a little less spectacular when the water slides less off the surface of the fabric... but much healthier for nature and for all of us .
European manufacturing
Our production chain is entirely European: a guarantee of quality, transparency and respect for social and environmental conditions.
The details that make the difference
Functional pockets : at least two zippered pockets (hand rests), often supplemented by a thigh pocket or a back pocket.
Reinforcements : buttocks, knees, lower legs inside for longer life.
Belt loops : for a personalized fit.
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Harness compatibility : essential for mountaineering or via ferrata.
👉 PTARMIGAN2 ticks all these boxes with its 3 pockets, strategic reinforcements and technical construction.
Can you wear tights under hiking pants?
Absolutely! Layering is an effective strategy against the cold when temperatures drop. Wearing tights or a thermal base layer under your pants helps retain body heat, while allowing the outer layer to protect from wind or moisture.
But be careful: not all pants are designed for this. You need a suitable cut, neither too tight nor too loose , to avoid chafing and maintain freedom of movement.
In short: the right reflexes to adopt
To choose the right hiking pants:
Think about your main use (duration, terrain, intensity)
Adapt your choice to the weather conditions
Focus on comfort and stretch
Choose durable, long-lasting and responsible models
Your hiking pants should be durable, technical, and responsible. At Lagoped, we've designed every detail to last a lifetime, respecting the mountains and those who travel them.
Need more advice? Contact our team or come try our pants in one of our Refuges, our stores in Paris or Chamonix , or at our retailers.