Outfitting kids with hiking pants isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring their comfort and safety during outdoor adventures. We advocate for dedicated hiking pants for kids to shield them from moisture and potential hazards while they roam the trails. Our philosophy revolves around equipping youngsters with a few high-quality pairs designed for frequent wear.
Even for the littlest adventurers, like crawlers and early walkers, there’s a necessity for toddler-sized hiking and adventure pants. These pint-sized garments offer the same level of protection and mobility as their larger counterparts.
Hiking pants aren’t JUST for hiking – they’re helpful for any adventure.
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Hiking in Any Weather
While it may be tempting to wait for perfect weather before hitting the trails, some of our most cherished family memories are from venturing out even in adverse conditions. What makes these outings possible is the right gear that keeps us comfortable and safe.
Below, you’ll find these pants conveniently sorted into a toddler section and a kids section so that you find the perfect pant no matter the age of your little adventurer. Whether it’s rain, snow, or sun, we’ve got you covered with the appropriate gear for every adventure.
What to Look For in Kids Hiking Pants
Breathable
We want our kids to enjoy their time on the trail, and that means ensuring they don’t end up sitting in their own sweat. That’s why it’s crucial for pants to offer breathability. Not only does it help regulate temperature, but it also enhances overall comfort by ensuring they feel good wearing them.
Quick Drying
On the trail conditions are changing often. Plan on water, mud, dirt, and sometimes even snow. Again, you want pants that will dry quickly so you don’t have a kid hiking in soaking pants (which can become a dangerous situation very quickly!)
Good Coverage
Longer pants are essential depending on the terrain of your hike as they protect against various hazards such as brush, potentially poisonous plants, and rock abrasions.
Grow With the Child
We all want to get more than one season out of hiking pants for our kids. I look for pants with an adjustable waist, zip-off capabilities, or can be easily rolled up and down (on the waist and at the ankles).
Easy to Clean
Hiking pants are meant to get dirty…but we also want to know they will come clean too. Look for pants that can put up with some serious mud-sliding AND wash out.
Durable
Hiking pants should be able to withstand some serious abuse of play and adventure…and then passing that down to the next kid too!
Hiking Pants Specifically for Toddlers
Finding hiking pants for toddlers may be more challenging nowadays, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. These pants play a crucial role in keeping the little adventurers dry, warm, and shielded from the various plants and vegetation they often find themselves sitting or crawling on.
We’ve dedicated a special section just for toddler-sized pants. You’ll notice that many of these pants are also available in larger sizes, ensuring a perfect fit as your little ones grow.
Before you head out, make sure to check our Toddler Hiking: Checklist and Tips!
Carhartt Overalls
Start at size 6 months
When it comes to hiking with toddlers who are still crawling, I swear by the Baby Carhartt overalls. Their sturdy construction is perfect for outdoor adventures, offering great protection and durability. Plus, they keep little explorers cleaner than regular pants, making them ideal for trail outings where crawling is inevitable.
L.L. Bean Toddlers’ Cresta Hiking Joggers
Start at size 2T
These pants are perfect for toddler hiking trips. They’re lightweight, durable, and offer a great fit, making it easy for your little one to move around comfortably on the trail. Plus, they’re surprisingly stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting messy during outdoor adventures.
Patagonia Baby Baggies Pant
Start at size 2T.
We absolutely adore the Baby Baggies pants for toddlers. They’ve endured three rounds of crawling, hillside butt-sliding, and countless pint-sized adventures with our little ones. Personally, they’re my top pick from this selection. Thanks to their reinforced knees and seat, there are no worries about torn knees or bottoms. Plus, the fabric is exceptional at repelling stains; even after muddy trips, these pants come out spotless after a good wash.
Reima Kuori Soft Shell Pants
Start at size 2T
These are great for toddlers because you can throw them over whatever they’re wearing for an extra layer of protection. These are our favorite pants for less-than-ideal weather. We throw them over any layers the kids are already wearing and they stay dry. All Reima pants come with an adjustable waist which helps with longevity.
Reima softshell pants have been a staple in our house. We used the Kuori when the girls were younger, they are great for the shoulder seasons and have saved a lot of leggings from being ruined! We now love the fleece lined Reima Mighty Pants for fall camping and spring play. AND they last! The child in the purple hat below is the third kid to wear that pair of Kuori!
TMM Team Member Jami
Hiking Pants for Kids
When it comes to exploring the great outdoors with kids, it’s all about making sure they’re equipped just like the adults for those big adventures. After all, if they want to keep up and stay comfortable on the trail, they need gear that can keep pace. In this section, we share our favorite hiking pants designed especially for kids, because every young adventurer deserves gear that can handle the journey while keeping them comfy and confident.
Patagonia Foxglenn Jogger Pants
Sizes XS – XL
We recently had to pass down our beloved Patagonia baby baggies pants as my oldest outgrew them. In the search for new hiking gear suitable for bigger kids, we decided to try out the Foxglenn jogger pants. Although it’s only been a short while since we got them, I’m already impressed with their feel and fit. My daughter not only finds them comfortable but also surprisingly “fashionable.” We’re eagerly looking forward to putting them through extensive hiking and backpacking adventures this year, and I’ll be sure to return with updates on their durability soon.
The North Face On The Trail Pants
Sizes XS – XXL
When it comes to older kids the look of the pants can be just as important as the utility. Team Member Mary says, her boys love these pants and “they’ve lasted all school year through hikes, bikes, recess and whatever else nonsense those kids come up with. And they look cute”. Boys and girls pants.
Reima Hiking Pants with Zip-Off Legs – Muunto
Sizes 4T – 14Y
For a pant and shorts in one, consider Reima’s zip-off hiking pants. Designed with excellent sun protection, they’re perfect for summer hikes, offering both versatility and comfort.
REI Co-op Mountain Maker Pants
Sizes XXS – XL
Many of our team members and community members swear by REI’s kids’ hiking pants. Not only are they comfortable for little ones, but they also boast exceptional durability, making them perfect for outdoor adventures.
“Super comfy fabric. Picky texture kid approved from a kid who only wears sweatpants. My kid never wants to take them off.”
Community Member Lisa
L.L. Bean Hiking Trail Tight
Sizes 4T – 16Y
These not your average hiking pants; they offer a snug fit that’s closer to the body, perfect for kids who prefer the feel of tights or leggings while hiking. They’re incredibly comfortable and durable, ensuring your adventurers can move freely and explore with ease on the trails.
REI Sahara Convertible Pant
Sizes XXS – XL
These are the classic REI style that has kept kids protected for a very long time. Lightweight and great for long hiking days or backpacking when conditions may change. We love the zippers around the ankles to easily go over hiking boots.
The Importance of Quality Hiking Pants for Kids
Outfitting kids with great hiking pants isn’t just about convenience; it’s about ensuring their comfort and safety during outdoor adventures. We advocate for dedicated hiking pants for kids to shield them from moisture and potential hazards while they roam the trails. Hiking pants aren’t JUST for hiking – they’re helpful for any outside adventure.
Related Articles:
- Toddler Hiking: Checklist and Tips
- Best Toddler Hiking Boots, Shoes, and Sandals
- Best Hiking Shoes for Kids 2023
- Hiking Clothes for Kids
- Softshells for the Whole Family
Hiking Pants for Kids
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The code for the Reima pants does not work, unfortunately
Kelsie – feel free to email me – they just checked and it says it’s working fine. But if you email me I can troubleshoot for you 🙂 amelia(at)talesofamountainmama.com