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. This newest version has ankle zippers, located on the side of the leg where they won't irritate your heel.
2. 5.11 Women's Tactical Pants
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When I first started walking and hiking, these pants were the go-to cargo pants. They are made of durable canvas that gets softer with each washing. There are more pockets than you can shake a stick at. Originally produced by Royal Robbins, they now have their own 5.11 company. If your walking turns into hiking, these are great pants for the toughest trails. They now have a mid-rise waist to combat their mom jeans reputation. They come in a variety of colors in sizes 2 to 20.
3. RRS All Sport Everyday Pant
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These low rise pants are pure simplicity. Soft, sweat wicking fabric. No pockets. They come in five colors and three lengths (short, medium, tall) and sizes XS-XL. They also have a capri version.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Sporthill InFuzion Versa II Pant
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The semi-low-rise pants are for colder weather - 0 to 40F, perfect for walking in the winter cold or wearing on snowy outings. They have a relaxed fit -- not too tight, not too loose. The fabric wicks away moisture. They have a small zip pocket on the side for small items.
8. 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.
9. RRS Velocity Pants
These stretchy, relaxed fit pants are great for cooler weather walks. The fabric wicks away moisture. They have inner pockets and a back pocket for carrying small essentials -- without worrying about hooking your thumbs on side pockets.
