Hiking pants
Breathe, fit and protect. Hiking pants with plenty of freedom of movement, high comfort and functional properties are essential for trips in nature as the right clothing will make your next outdoor adventure twice as fun.
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What makes good hiking pants ?
Good hiking pants have to meet certain criteria to be able to offer the comfort required in the outdoors. The focus is on functionality, which is applied to specific features:
- Fit
- Cut
- Functional fabric
- Freedom of movement
- Insulation
- Finish
Leg length and width are key for a good fit. For maximum freedom of movement, the perfect hiking pants have to be cut in such a way that they permit even larger steps or jumps. Moreover, preformed knees aid movement while walking, especially when bending the knees.
You will always find the right size for a comfortable fit at Maier Sports. You can choose from the classic sizes of S to XXL. But as everybody is different, the product range also includes short and long sizes. This way, longer and shorter legs also benefit and you will always find your perfect pants. Your pants should never be so long that they drag along the ground and never so short that they expose your ankles.
In addition to the actual size and the long and short versions, you can also choose between Regular Fit and Slim Fit.
Blended fabrics, such as polyamide/spandex or polyester/spandex, are normally used to achieve a high level of functionality. These materials also play a part in the next feature: weather resistance. A water-repellent finish is important to make it really perfect. It allows rain and mud to simply drip off the outside and the legs to stay nice and dry. All Maier Sports products have a PFC-free finish, and are therefore environmentally friendly.
Good hiking pants are made using a breathable functional fabric.
Waist solutions: classic, sporty, innovative
As a pants and fitting specialist with more than 80 years of experience, Maier Sports has spent a lot of time and energy in developing new solutions. Its expertise has led to three different waist solutions, which ensure that every single pair of pants fits perfectly. You can choose from three different versions, according to purpose, style and body shape:
- Classic waist
- Sporty waist
- Vario waist
The classic waist has side elastic bands that adapt flexibly and fit perfectly, whatever the situation. The sporty waist has a slim all-round elastic that hugs the waistline. A belt is usually not needed thanks to the sporty cut. The comfortable waistband prevents pressure marks from developing, even when wearing a backpack.
The Vario model features a wide, elastic and very high waist. It hugs the waistline like a corsage, but is more comfortable, and adapts to your body in any situation. Therefore providing maximum comfort with every move you make.
What is the best fabric?
The variety of fabrics for hiking pants ranges from artificial fibres through to simple stretch or insulating softshell and hardshell. Functional blended fabrics consisting of polyester or polyamide are ideal for good insulation. The highly robust artificial fibres soak up hardly any liquid, dry quickly and make the garment nice and comfortable to wear on long hikes. You should avoid pure cotton as it absorbs too much moisture.
Hiking pants can also be made with stretch fabric. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you need to know that there are different kinds of stretch. Two-way stretch is made in a special type of weave – also called a mechanical stretch. Bi-elastic pants can usually be stretched widthways.
Four-way stretch contains spandex for excellent flexibility, therefore it can stretch lengthways while providing maximum freedom of movement.
The variety of fabrics for hiking pants ranges from artificial fibres through to simple stretch or insulating softshell and hardshell. Functional blended fabrics consisting of polyester or polyamide are ideal for good insulation. The highly robust artificial fibres soak up hardly any liquid, dry quickly and make the garment nice and comfortable to wear on long hikes. You should avoid pure cotton as it absorbs too much moisture.
Hiking pants can also be made with stretch fabric. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you need to know that there are different kinds of stretch. Two-way stretch is made in a special type of weave – also called a mechanical stretch. Bi-elastic pants can usually be stretched widthways.
For every purpose he hiking pants
The many hiking pants are as different as your destinations. You should choose your clothing according to where or when you’re going to be outdoors. In dry and hot climates, light colours are popular as they absorb sunlight better and won’t heat up so quickly.
Short hiking pants made from light functional fabric are also a good choice for glorious summer weather.When it comes to unpredictable weather, hiking pants with practical zip-off elements can be adapted to fluctuating temperatures with lightning speed. Zips allow the pants to be worn short or long, if necessary.On rainy days or in cool regions, waterproof softshell pants are ideal as they will protect you from rain showers and keep your legs dry. However, lightweight, highly breathable and quick-drying hiking pants are perfect for humid weather – for instance, ones made from polyamide. Lined, windproof hiking pants are the best option in winter. And they might only need to have light padding if you are constantly on the move.
How to take proper care of hiking pants
The fabric and model of your hiking pants will affect how you take care of them. Cotton pants and synthetic fabrics can simply be washed in the washing machine. However, it is better to wash hiking pants containing wool by hand.Some washing machines also have a gentle cycle that is suitable for delicate garments. You should remove any coarse dirt before washing the pants. For instance, you can easily brush or tap off dried mud.
Comfort meets functionality
Fitted cuts, functional fabrics and a loose fit – hiking pants offer everything you need for your outdoor adventures. The right model will let you enjoy your natural surroundings on warm summer days and you can go on your travels prepared for unpredictable weather.