Hiking pants are one of those things you barely think about… until you find a pair you actually love. Then suddenly you’re wearing them on every trail, every weekend trip, and honestly probably to the grocery store too.
The tricky part is that most hiking pants and shorts are made with synthetic blends. They’re stretchy, durable, quick-drying, and great for real outdoor use, but they’re usually made from nylon or polyester – ick. Sometimes that’s hard to avoid with performance gear, but there are a few brands out there doing it better, using recycled materials, better chemical standards, and designs that don’t fall apart after one season.
If you’re looking for hiking pants or shorts that will actually hold up, here are some sustainable options worth checking out.
What to look for in better hiking pants:
🌲 Recycled nylon or recycled polyester
🌲 Durable stitching (especially around knees and seams)
🌲 A fit you’ll actually want to wear all day
🌲 Less “disposable” quality, more long-term use
🌲 Certifications like bluesign when possible
1. prAna
prAna is a classic for a reason. Their hiking pants are comfortable, easy to move in, and they don’t have that stiff, crunchy feel some outdoor gear does. The Halle and Stretch Zion styles are popular because they’re super practical without being overly technical, and a lot of their fabrics use recycled nylon and bluesign-approved materials, which is always a good sign in the outdoor clothing world.
Materials: recycled nylon blends, recycled polyester, some organic cotton (varies by style)
🌍 US-based with international availability
2. Vaude
Vaude is one of those brands taking actual action, not just trying to appear “green” in their marketing. Their hiking pants and shorts are lightweight, functional, and great if you want something that works for both travel and trails without being too fancy. They use recycled materials in a lot of items, and they’re one of the stronger European brands when it comes to sustainability standards and transparency.
Materials: recycled nylon, recycled polyester, elastane blends for stretch (varies by item)
🌍 Europe-based with wide EU availability
3. Patagonia
Patagonia hiking pants are made for people who actually wear their gear hard. They’re not cheap, but they’re the kind of pants you can keep for years, and their repair program is a big part of why people stay loyal to the brand. If you’re trying to buy less and make your gear last, this is one of the best places to do it.
Materials: recycled nylon, recycled polyester, some organic cotton blends (varies by product)
🌍 Ships worldwide
4. Tentree
Tentree is a great option if you want hiking pants or shorts that don’t scream “technical gear,” but still work for everyday adventures. Their style is a little more casual and outdoorsy in a relaxed way, and they use a nice mix of recycled and plant-based fibers. These are especially good for easier trails, road trips, and days where you’re doing a bit of everything.
Materials: recycled polyester, organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell (varies by item)
🌍 Based in Canada with global shipping
If you want hiking pants that feel more natural and simple, KnowledgeCotton is worth a look. They lean more into everyday clothing that happens to work for the outdoors, rather than hardcore performance gear. Great for casual hikes, forest walks, and anyone who prefers a more classic look instead of an “off to spend a week in the wilderness” kind of vibe.
Materials: organic cotton, recycled polyester, some wool blends depending on style (varies by item)
🌍 Europe-based with international availability through select retailers
Sherpa blends eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and ethical merino wool with durable designs that are both comfortable and mountain-ready. The brand also has a mission to support education and local communities in Nepal, so your purchase does a lot more good than you’d think. Every item purchased provides a day of school for a Nepalese child – how cool is that?
Materials: organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled merino blends (varies by item)
🌍 Based in Nepal with wide international availability
7. Ternua
Ternua is a Spanish outdoor brand focused on sustainability from materials to production. Many of their pants and shorts are made from recycled fishing nets, recycled PET bottles, and recycled wool, and they have certifications like bluesign, OEKO-TEX, and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) to back up their claims.
Materials: recycled PET, recycled nylon, recycled wool (varies by item)
🌍 Based in Spain with international shipping
8. Icebreaker
Icebreaker is a Kiwi brand deeply rooted in outdoor performance and nature-first design. Their hiking pants often feature merino wool blends mixed with durable fabrics for movement and comfort. They also work to minimize waste and energy use in production and maintain ethical relationships with wool producers.
Materials: merino wool blends, recycled polyester/nylon (varies by product)
🌍 Based in New Zealand with global availability
9. Finisterre
Finisterre is a UK brand known for thoughtful, sustainable outdoor clothing built to last. While they’re often associated with coastal and cold-weather gear, many of their pants use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and responsibly sourced materials, and their focus on longevity and repairable design fits well with a low-impact hiking wardrobe.
Materials: organic cotton, recycled polyester/nylon (varies by style)
🌍 UK-based with EU and international shipping
A quick reminder before you buy anything new:
If you already own hiking pants that work, keep wearing them. Seriously. The most sustainable pair is the one you don’t replace.
But if you’re building your hiking wardrobe from scratch or upgrading a worn-out pair full of holes, hiking pants are one of those items that really pay off when you buy better once. A solid pair you actually love means fewer replacements, fewer random purchases, and way more comfort and good vibes on the trail.