What is the difference between hiking pants vs. tactical pants? These pants seem to be ideal for hikers, but they have their own set of pros and cons. Keep reading to see more!
Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants: Comparison Table
If you don’t know which one is best for you, you usually have to do a lot of research. We will assist you by comparing Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants.
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Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants: What Are the Differences?
Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants have actually come with unique pros and cons that serve a specific purpose. Let me walk you through the core differences between these two categories.
Hiking Pants
Hiking pants are quick-drying and lightweight pants made from many types of nylon. They are ideal for hiking or other outdoor pursuits. These pants are light, have plenty of pockets, dry fast, and have no bulk.
Even better, many models are “convertible hiking ones,” which means their legs can zip off, turning them into comfortable hiking shorts.
Tactical Pants
Tactical pants are designed for high durability and can stand up to the most severe conditions. They are usually made from durable materials such as polyester, DuPont Teflon, polycotton ripstop, and bulletproof.
Most tactical pants feature multiple pockets to hold necessary gear such as extra ammo, gun magazines, tools, and more.
Tactical pants are for the casual hobbyist who prefers extreme activities and sports, as well as military service members, law enforcement officers, rescue and fire workers, and more.
1. Pros
Hiking Pants
- Quick Drying
These pants can dry very quickly because of their nylon construction. If they get wet, you can expect them to dry up in a few minutes, even if you’re wearing them.
So these pants are ideal for any hiking trip where you need to do stream crossings or where there is the potential of wet, stormy weather.
- Convertible Shorts
Hiking pants are some of the most comfortable pants you can get. They are so light and comfortable that you might forget they are there.
They’re also very roomy, and you don’t have to worry about them rubbing against your skin while hiking. Besides, hiking pants feature elastic waistbands, increasing the overall comfort of the wearer.
- Lightweight
Hiking pants are made from solid nylon, making them lightweight and ideal for long-distance hikers.
- Quiet
These pants are made of specialized nylon that is “quiet” and “soft.” As a result, these hiking pants don’t make “nylon rubbing” sound like poor-quality nylon pants make when worn.
That “quiet” not only removes an annoying irritation to your ears but also enables you to get better wildlife viewing.
- Pockets
These pants typically come with many pockets that are often large.
These pockets come in handy for hikers, allowing them easy to store maps, lip balm, digital cameras, and other gear instead of in a waist pack.
The multiple pockets on hiking pants mean it is easier to go “ultralight.”
- Leg Protection
As hiking pants breathe great, they can keep your legs cool while protecting them from thorns, twigs, and other hazards you may face when hiking, especially on the off-trail.
Tactical Pants
- Many Pockets
These pants also have pockets that allow you to store things like handcuff keys, pocket knives, cell phones, trauma shears, and other tools. They also allow you to keep your weapons hidden.
- Durable Materials
For making tactical pants, manufacturers use fabrics that strike the proper balance of mobility and durability. As a result, tactical pants are tough enough to endure activities like squatting, climbing, running, and jumping.
- Mobility
One of the things that make tactical pants stand out is their mobility. Apparel makers improve the mobility in their models by utilizing two essential methods.
First, they will employ various design features such as a gusseted crotch, which expands the area of the crotch that makes the pants more mobile naturally.
Second, they add an elastic fabric, such as spandex, into the fabric or mechanically stretch it to give it an elastic feel.
- Waterproof
Tactical pants are typically treated with a waterproof layer that can seal out water completely. As a result, you can work in the rain without worrying about your pants getting wet.
- Can Be Worn by Anyone
To wear tactical pants, you don’t have to be a military or law enforcement officer. That is why most commercial tactical pants do not feature the typical camouflage design.
Tactical pants can be worn by fishermen, campers, hunters, backpackers, and any outdoorsman.
Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants: Which Best For You
Hiking Pants
The comfort and convenience that hiking pants offer the wearer make them ideal for many outdoor activities.
- Do exercise
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Running
- Walking
Tactical Pants
Tactical pants are a critical element of many people’s wardrobes, including:
- Construction workers
- Law enforcement
- Contractors
- Hunters
- Fire and EMS workers
- Paintball players
- Professional marksmen
- Military service members
- Hikers
FAQs
Don’t skip this section if you still have more queries about these two types of pants.
The answers and information below will help you gain more insights into the traits and qualities of Hiking Pants vs. Tactical Pants.
Are Tactical Pants Good for Hiking?
Tactical pants are excellent for any outdoor activities, such as hiking. They are more durable and versatile than hiking pants.
These pants will make for fantastic hunting apparel. Remember that cotton materials are ideal for dry, hot environments but should be relevant in wet or cold conditions.
Are Hiking Pants the Same as Cargo Pants?
Basically, hiking pants are similar to cargo ones. Cargo pants are suitable for hiking, as they have various pockets where you can store compass, maps, and necessary gear.
What Is the Point of Tactical Pants?
These pants are designed trousers with modifications for:
- Fire service professionals
- Emergency medical technicians
- Plainclothes law enforcement officers (such as FBI agents and special police like SWAT)
- Military/paramilitary personnel (especially private contractors).
- Security guards.
Are Tactical Pants Good for Travel?
You don’t have to be on a tactical mission or be a law enforcement officer to wear tactical pants.
Tactical pants are built to withstand the elements, making them a solid choice for adventurous travelers, whether you are trekking, walking, mountain climbing in the jungle, or heading out on one short hike.
What Kind of Pants Should You Wear Hiking?
Here are the right clothes for hiking:
- Spring/fall: Windbreaker, long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt, shorts or pants, fleece pullover.
- Summer: Base layer, tank top, windbreaker, pants, or shorts.
- Winter: T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt, sweat-wicking base layer, fleece or puffer, waterproof pants, and waterproof shell.
What Is Special About Hiking Pants?
As hiking pants have good breathability, they can keep your legs cool while still protecting them from thorns, twigs and other hazards found when hiking.
Hiking pants are worth it as they are lightweight, comfortable, and dry quickly.
Should Hiking Pants Be Tight or Loose?
You should ensure your chosen hiking pants are loose enough to not restrict movement but not too loose that they just hang from your legs.
You also should practice jogging around the store to ensure you can comfortably run while wearing your chosen hiking pants.
Should Hiking Pants Be Longer?
You will want your hiking pants long enough to cover the top of your boots but not so long that you walk on them.
If your pants are too short, they may become caught in the back of your hiking shoe or boot while you walk. On the other hand, you will be yanking them up during your trip if they are too long.
Can You Wear Gym Leggings for Hiking?
The short answer is Yes. You can wear your yoga pants or gym leggings while hiking. They feel comfortable in many settings, from running to the grocery store to hiking in the mountains.
Is It Better to Hike in Jeans or Leggings?
Hiking in leggings is better than hiking in jeans that can get wet and stay wet and do not offer any flexibility for climbing.
Is it OK to hike in jeans?
Jeans are not ideal for hiking. They are bad at moisture-wicking, comfort, breathability, and abrasion, making them a bad hiking option.
