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Top 7 Walking Pants

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 11, 2009

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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

Sporthill Nomad Pants© Pricegrabber
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

Brooks Vapor Dry PantsPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
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.
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3. adidas Astro Pant

Adidas Astro PantPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
A lightweight, moisture wicking, micropoly pant with ClimaLite and thermal insulation, quickcord waist, side-seam zip pockets, leg zips and tapered fit.
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4. Sporthill Voyage Pant

Sporthill Voyage PantPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
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.
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5. 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.

6. Patagonia Go II Zip-Off Pants

Patagonia Go II Zip-Off PantsPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
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.
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7. Sporthill Nirvana Pant

Sporthill Nirvana PantPhoto Courtesy of Pricegrabber
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.
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