I walk in a temperate climate where long pants are needed three seasons of the year. What I look for in a walking pant: * ease of movement * quick-drying * easy on and off for those restroom stops along the way * either zippered side pockets or no side pockets, to prevent catching my thumbs when I use arm motion * reflective stripes for safety * ankle zippers for changing.
1. SportHill Nomad II Pant
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These are my all-time favorite walking pants. For a moderate weather range of 40-65F, these pants made from Dryline Light will move with you and help manage moisture. Zippered pockets keep your stuff secure and you won't hook your thumbs by accident. For both men and women.
2. Brooks Vapor-Dry 2 Pant
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Vapor-dry fabric wicks away moisture. These feature a roomier cut with a zippered pocket in back big enough for keys and an elasticized waist with drawcord. There are reflective side zippers at the ankles to help you put them on over shoes. I prefer side zippers rather than back zippers as the back zippers always end up rubbing on my ankles and calves.
3. adidas Astro Pant
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A lightweight, moisture wicking, micropoly pant with ClimaLite and thermal insulation, quickcord waist, side-seam zip pockets, leg zips and tapered fit.
4. Sporthill Voyage Pant
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Like the Sporthill Nomad Pant, I love these Sporthill pants. The difference is that this version has open pockets rather than zippered pockets, and leg zippers rather than a plain hem. I prefer zippered pockets so I don't hook my thumbs in them while using arm motion for fitness walking.
5. Patagonia Go II Zip-Off Pants
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Convertible pants are a great answer to indecisive weather. Patagonia offers these nylon cargo pants that with a zip convert to shorts with a 9.5" inseam. These are lightweight and quick drying, great for travel, hiking, or walking.
6. Brooks Energy Capri
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I'm a convert to capri pants for walking in spring and autumn. These capris wick away moisture and move with you. I like the designs such as these with a relaxed fit and slightly flared and notched leg, giving much better comfort than a tight.
7. Sporthill Nirvana Pant
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The Nirvana pant is made from soft wicking fabric that is meant to take you from exercise throughout the rest of the day. This pant has an on-seam zip pocket on the side of the leg. You won't hook your thumbs in an open pocket. The wide waistband hits an inch below the belly button.
8. Bornfit Evans Capri
Wendy Bumgardner © 2008
After wearing these capris on one walk, I immediately ordered two more pair to rotate in my walking wardrobe. The cut allows plenty of room for thighs, knees, and calves. They have a generous slit at the bottom of the leg, which helps with knee movement. The fabric is a silky, lightweight polyester/spandex I love. The 20-inch inseam allows for coverage. Let's talk about the waistband - it is wide and substantial, great for attaching your iPod, pedometer and other gizmos. You can tighten it with a drawstring, but the elastic itself will do the job. Comes in XS-XL.
