The best hunting pants are not just about the camo. A great pair of hunting pants matches the environment in which you choose to pursue wild game. Rain pants dont make sense in the desert, but are vital in the Pacific Northwest. Insulated pants might work for a late-season elk hunt, but would likely be too hot for the rut.

　　Below are top choices that cover a wide variety of needs. These are the pants that my fellow GearJunkie editors, I, and our hunting partners wore in the field last season. Theyre the hunting pants well wear again this year.

　　Its worth noting that one pair of pants might get through 95% of your season. Another might be utilized for a very specific need on a hunt. Whatever way you slice it, there are pants for every hunter and every budget on this list.

　　Editors Note: This guide was updated on July 14, 2025, by removing discontinued products, awarding the KUIU Attack Pants the Best Overall Hunting Pants award, adding the First Lite Trace as the top hot-weather hunting pants, and adding a buyers guide and price and value section.

　　The Best Hunting Pants for Men in 2025 Best Overall Hunting Pants KUIU Attack Pants 9.4/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at KUIU Best Budget Hunting Pants Kryptek Valhalla 7.8/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at BlackOvis Best Hot Weather Hunting Pant First Lite Trace Pants 8.8/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at First Lite Best Early Season Hunting Pant First Lite Obsidian Merino Pants 8.6/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at First LiteCheck Price at Amazon Best Wet Weather Hunting Pants KUIU Chugach TR Rain Pants 8.9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at KUIU Best Upland Hunting Pants Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Upland Pants 8.2/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at FilsonCheck Price at Backcountry See more picks KUIU Attack Pants Check Price at KUIU

　　

　　9.4 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: Primeflex polyester DWR: Yes, K-DWR Odor control: Yes, Makspec Pros Versatile Durable enough to resist briars, brush Just enough stretch Cons Hip pockets are a little small for a cell phone Sean McCoy KUIUs Attack Pants are relatively affordable and a favorite of many hunters. At $149, they offer eight variations of solids and camo. And Primeflex Toray fabric is notoriously tough and comfortable. KUIU treats these with its K-DWR for water resistance, and the design is simple, athletic, and streamlined.

　　Ive worn the Kuiu Attack pants for a dozen or so days of hunting so far and love the athletic fit coupled with flexible fabric. They really give great freedom of motion. Most recently, I wore them spring turkey hunting in Colorado, with temperatures in the 50s and no precipitation. To close the deal on my hunt, I had to crawl on my hands and knees through oak brush for about 75 yards while a gobbler hollered through the morning mist.

　　I rose up on the articulated knees to take a shot and drop the bird when it poked its head above a log. The pants are relatively quiet, and hold up well to the brush. I love the thigh vents — clutch when carrying a heavy bird 2 miles back to camp as the day warms up. And the zippered pockets are excellent.

　　I only wish the hip pockets were a touch larger. I like the quick access to my phone, and its a little snug for my liking. Otherwise, these pants are darned near perfect and super versatile, ready to tackle pretty much any conditions with proper layering.

　　One note on fit: These tend to run on the small side. I sized up one size, going with a 32-inch waist. I generally wear a 30 or 31, but the 32 fits well. Plan to size up a bit.

　　If your budget is stretched, a pair of Attacks can fit into most workplaces (in non-camo) as well as doing double duty in the mountains. These arent necessarily your inclement cold-weather pants, but for the average hunter, theyll serve a ton of purposes in the field while maintaining decorum in public.

　　Best Budget Hunting Pants Kryptek Valhalla Check Price at BlackOvis

　　

　　7.8 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% elastane DWR: No Odor control: No Pros Moisture wicking Large pockets Very comfortable Cons No DWR treatment Soft fabric not protective against heavy brush Sean McCoy Kryptek is best known for its camo patterns. But did you know the brand also makes pants? And they pack a great value. The Valhalla pant ($90) is a great choice for cool to hot hunting conditions. Kryptek manufactures them from 92% polyester, 8% elastane, with an articulated, athletic fit. What that means is that you get a stretchy, soft, and extremely quiet pant that excels for stalking.

　　The polyester fabric also dries quickly, an important attribute for hunting gear. weve used these primarily for spring turkey hunting where they thrive in weather ranging from the 30s in the morning to the 70s in the day. Layer under them for colder conditions, and strip away the base-layer when it gets hot for a soft, breathable camo pattern on the legs.

　　Some of the best features are the comfortable fit and huge pockets in the Valhalla pant. A hip pocket on each side, plus a large dump pocket (perfect for a folding knife) and zippered pockets on each leg, as well as back pockets, provide ample storage. Thankfully, these pockets are large and stretchy enough to hold big items like range finders not that its an ideal spot for them. But the ability to haul a lot in the pants adds to their versatility.

　　Beyond that, they fit like pajama bottoms in many ways. They are very soft and cozy, enough so that Ive slept in them in my sleeping bag a few times. This presents one downside, that the fabric isnt very protective. If youre pushing through brush or thorns, these wont cut it. But for early-season big game or warm-weather waterfowl hunting, the Valhalla pant should be a solid choice that wont break the bank.

　　While these arent as scent-fighting or techie as some of the other pants on the list, for the price, the Valhalla is hard to beat.

　　Best Hot Weather Hunting Pant First Lite Trace Pants Check Price at First Lite

　　

　　8.8 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: KineticGrid Fit: True to size DWR: No Scent control: Yes, HeiQ Pure Odor Control Technology Pros Super-breathable for hot climates Fast-drying Excellent, ample pockets Knife pocket Cons Built-in belts buckle prone to damage Not intended for cold weather Sean McCoy Read Review: This Hunting Brand Makes the Best Hot-Weather Pants Ive Tested Early-season hunts call for lightweight, breathable pants, and the First Lite Trace Pants ($150) are among the best Ive worn. They have a unique fabric thats cool, breathable, and durable. Its called KinneticGrid, which essentially allows air to flow through the pants while maintaining rugged construction.

　　After wearing these on a turkey hunt, a camping trip in the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and a boar hunt in Texas, I can attest that the breathability works. From 95-100 degree weather, these pants felt similar to wearing shorts. And if they get a little wet, the synthetic material dries wildly fast.

　　To further improve on breathability, First Lite built zippered vents on each leg, perfect for grueling hikes in the archery elk woods. You can open them up and get maximum breathability when temperatures soar. The zippered vents also serve as excellent pockets for items you need to keep secure. Those in conjunction with deep hip pockets and button-down thigh pockets on each leg ensure you can store anything you need for a day in the field.

　　Ive been wearing the solid-colored version, and they look good enough to wear to the office and around town throughout the summer. Theyve proven to be durable even with consistent use. The only thing thats given me a problem is the included belt buckle. It lost a tiny piece of plastic, so it doesnt lock as well as it did when the pants were brand new. Its still functional, but may end up failing over time.

　　If you plan on hunting in August or September, grab yourself a set of the Trace Pants. Theyll keep you cool in midday heat, and may end up being some of your favorite everyday pants.

　　Best Early Season Hunting Pant First Lite Obsidian Merino Pants Check Price at First LiteCheck Price at Amazon

　　

　　8.6 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: 88% merino wool, 2% ballistic ripstop nylon, 1.5% polyester, 8.5% spandex DWR: No Odor control: Merino is naturally odor resistant Pros Silent Light Plentiful pockets Cons Less durable than others on the list Sean McCoy First Lites Obsidian Merino Pants ($190) are the Gear Junkie teams favorite pants for the early season, but theyre pretty dang flexible. A high point of merino is the minimal drying time, minimal scent, and longevity of wear time between washes.

　　The downside is that Ive found merino to be less durable on brushy, rugged hunts. Thankfully, First Lite builds these with embedded nylon strands for durability. After three full seasons of hard Rocky Mountain elk hunting, theyre still holding up like new.

　　These pants shine in one particular area — they are so, so quiet. They allow you to move with no swishing as your legs brush each other or twigs. When you want versatility from chilly to warm weather, these are a great choice.

　　Thanks to their versatility, they are well-suited to longer hunts where minimal packing is required. These pants have loads of pockets, and I love that I can stash my rangefinder, phone, and game calls in them and can forego carrying a chest pack.

　　Its important to note that merino does require some extra care for longevity. I recommend cleaning both merino and synthetics with scentless Active Wear Laundry Detergent. Learn how to better care for your activewear, and it will last for years.

　　Check out our full review of the Obsidian Pant.

　　Best Wet Weather Hunting Pants KUIU Chugach TR Rain Pants Check Price at KUIU

　　

　　8.9 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: Dermizax HDM Membrane, 4-way stretch Primeflex Nylon DWR: Yes Ordor Control: No Pros Soft, quiet fabric that doesnt feel like plastic wrap Surprisingly durable for such a lightweight design Available in mens and womens sizing Less clammy than most raingear Cons Pricey compared to bargain-bin options Sean McCoy Rain gear has a bad habit of feeling like you’ve wrapped yourself in a sweaty, crinkly garbage bag. Most of the time, that’s exactly what you’re doing, just with a bigger price tag. But KUIU’s Chugach Rain Pants are a rare exception to that sad reality.

　　Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, these pants manage to feel soft against your skin instead of stiff and plasticky. Slide them over your baselayers and you’ll notice the difference right away. The fabric doesn’t scream every time you take a step. 

　　And while I’m not going to pretend any rain shell is truly breathable (let’s be honest, that’s marketing wizardry at its finest), these somehow feel less suffocating when you’re slogging uphill in a downpour.

　　Durability is also worth calling out. I’ve crawled over deadfall, sat in mud, and generally treated them like the do-it-all layer they claim to be. They’ve shrugged it all off almost without a complaint. That being said, we’ve had a few unexpected openings that had to be patched, which isn’t surprising considering it’s rain gear. I can’t imagine any of my other raingear even being salvageable if I’d put it through what the Chugach has been through.

　　Overall, it’s just hard to find rain gear that beats these for comfort, durability, and packability.

　　Best Upland Hunting Pants Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Upland Pants Check Price at FilsonCheck Price at Backcountry

　　

　　8.2 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: 100% cotton waxed canvas DWR: Wax coated for water-resistance Scent control: No Pros The toughest pants one can buy Never wash Cons Stiff Hard on the skin after long miles Sean McCoy Colorado upland bird hunting means big miles on the plains and a lot of bushwhacking. After five years of wearing the Filson Oil Finish Single Tin upland pants ($195), I am absolutely amazed at their durability. Through briars and brush and all manner of nasty thickets, these pants have protected my legs over a lot of 15-mile days.

　　While tough as nails, these are specialized hunting pants. For one thing, theyre pretty heavy and bulky. You wouldnt want to pack them in a backpack for a high-altitude hunt.

　　They are also so burly that theyll beat up your skin if you dont wear long underwear. And given that you should not wash these (or risk removing the oil finish that keeps them water-resistant), they will be forever dirty. So, plan to wear long underwear! Put two and two together, and youll surmise that theyre not great in hot conditions. No, they are not. These are cool-to-cold weather pants, so plan accordingly.

　　But if you can get past those cons, these are some spectacularly tough pants that will serve the average hunter for a decade or more. For huge days of stomping through upland brush and scrub in cool to cold weather, theyre hard to beat.

　　Other Notable Hunting Pants Stone Glacier De Havilland Pants Check Price at Stone Glacier

　　

　　7.8 How we rate products Specifications Fabric: 50% polyester, 43% nylon, 7% spandex DWR: Yes, wind- and water-resistant fabric Scent control: No Pros Wonderful for carrying a backpack Durable Nice pockets, venting Cons Fabric is a little loud Sean McCoy Stone Glacier is one clever company. With the De Havilland pants ($189), it solved one of the more annoying gear issues faced by both hunters and hikers, and that is the interface between your pants and your backpack’s hipbelt.

　　The De Havilland pants, like many other outdoor pants, have an adjustable waist that allows you to move it up to three inches to allow for layering. But the clever design — essentially a built-in belt and no front button — results in no bunching and very easy adjustment, no velcro needed.

　　Beyond that clever point, these pants are overall very good. They begin with water-resistant polyester/nylon/spandex blend fabric cut to athletic but mobile proportions with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. Full zip side vents let you air it out when the going gets warm. And deep cargo pockets give you plenty of storage beyond the normal hip pocket.

　　On the negative side, they tend to be a little loud and swish while walking. Thus, these are not our top choice for close-quarters stalking, such as archery still-hunting.

　　But beyond that one downside, these are darned good pants and even look good enough for civilization (so long as they are not stained with blood and dirt).

　　Best Hunting Pants Comparison Chart

Hunting Pants	Price	DWR	Scent Control
KUIU Attack Pants	$149	Yes	Yes (Makspec)
Kryptek Valhalla Pants	$119	No	No
First Lite Trace Pants	$150	No	Yes (HeiQ Pure Odor Control Technology)
First Lite Obsidian Merino Pants	$190	No	Odor resistant Merino
KUIU Chugach TR Pants	$269	Yes	No
Filson Oil Finish Single Tin Upland Pants	$195	Wax Coated	No
Stone Glacier De Havilland Pants	$220	Yes	No

Why You Should Trust Us The GearJunkie team hunts a lot. The primary author of this article, Sean McCoy, hunts from early September through February each year. He pursues elk, mule and whitetail deer, pheasants, grouse, ducks, and geese. He also hunts spring turkeys each year. Hes been hunting since the mid-1980s and values high-quality gear that will last through many seasons of use. He still has and occasionally uses a pair of wool hunting pants made in the 1930s and passed down to him by his great-grandfather.

　　Beyond many days in the fields and mountains each fall, McCoy tapped into our team of experts for their takes on hunting pants. He distilled all that down to help provide the best advice possible, which is exactly the same as he would, and does, share with his best friends.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose Hunting Pants

　　

　　The best hunting pants will last years, so you should view them as a long-term investment. Apparel in the hunting world has advanced drastically in the last decade, and most hunters can find the perfect pants for whatever game they pursue in any environment.

　　Below are some of the top considerations the Gear Junkie team considers when selecting a pair of hunting pants.

　　Warmth/Weight

　　

　　(photo/Rachelle Schrute) Some states allow you to get out to the woods as early as mid-August to chase velvet deer and elk. Hunters in those places need a different level of warmth than someone restricted to a rifle season in November. The first thing you should consider when purchasing hunting pants is the temperatures you typically hunt in.

　　Dont forget, you can extend the temperature range of any pants by pairing them with a base layer.

　　Lightweight, Early Season (80-plus degrees) For those who primarily hunt in August and September, opt for something lightweight, such as the First Lite Trace Pants. Lightweight hunting pants allow your legs to breathe when hiking up mountains in the late summer and early fall, or hanging a treestand in the humid South. If youre hunting in weather hotter than 80 degrees, youll enjoy a specialized early-season pant. In those situations, youre trying to shed heat, not retain it.

　　Mid Weight, All Season Pants (30-70 degrees) If you hunt multiple seasons and plan on owning one set of pants, a midweight pant like the KUIU Attack is the way to go. With proper layering, a lightly insulated set of hunting pants can keep you warm down to about 35 degrees, depending on activity level. Your lower half will be happiest from 45-60 degrees in midweight pants.

　　When temps are over 75 degrees, midweight pants can get miserably hot. But if your tolerance for discomfort is high, they can provide passable service. Pants like the Attack feature zippered vents you can open up when you find yourself in an Indian summer.

　　Heavy, Late Season Pants Hunting in frigid conditions, or stationary hunting in cold conditions, will require a bit more warmth than a baselayer and midweight pants. For those freezing December hunts, plan on purchasing pants with one sole purpose: to keep you warm.

　　Heavy pants are not ideal for hiking because they tend to overheat easily. However, they can be a real lifesaver when youre posted up on a ridge glassing on a barren winter day. If you plan on doing that, or sitting in a blind or treestand for late season whitetail, pick up a set of heavily insulated pants.

　　In cold conditions, many hunters wear a baselayer and midweight pants, and then bust out the toasty pants when theyre stationary.

　　Water Resistance

　　

　　DWR finishes allow water to bead up and fall off of pants;(photo/Morgan Nowels) Next, consider how much water resistance you need. Most hunting pants come with a DWR coating, which makes water bead up and roll off. That’s usually enough for light rain or pushing through wet brush.

　　But, if you’re planning to hunt in heavy rain or soaked terrain, you’ll want fully waterproof pants. Waterproof pants tend to be warmer and noisier than regular DWR-treated pants. These work best as an outer layer thats used only when needed.

　　Not all waterproof pants are the same. That “waterproof” label doesn’t always mean they’ll keep you dry in a downpour. Waterproof ratings use millimeters to gauge waterproof level. The measurement refers to the amount of water pressure the fabric can withstand before it leaks.

　　For example, pants with a 5,000mm rating can handle 5 meters of water pressing down on them before water seeps through. A 20,000mm rating means they can take 20 meters. Sounds fancy, but here’s the gist: 5,000–10,000mm works for light rain. Over 20,000mm? That’s built for serious weather.

　　Of course, higher ratings usually mean bulkier pants and a higher price tag. But if you’re expecting wet, nasty conditions, it’s worth spending a little more. There’s nothing worse than spending hard-earned money, hauling rain gear into the field, and still ending up soaked. Thats why Gear Junkie Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute relies on the KUIU Chugach TR pants. They’re rated at 30,000mm and do an awesome job of keeping you dry in full-on downpours.

　　Camo Pattern

　　

　　Relaxing in a meadow on the second day of turkey hunting; (photo/Sean McCoy) Camouflage is designed to break up your silhouette. It does a great job of allowing you to be in front of cover with shooting lanes rather than tucked behind it.

　　Some hunters heavily stress camouflage patterns, but remember that for generations, hunters have been successful wearing flannel. The exact camo pattern likely doesnt matter too much. If you have multiple options, pick the pattern that best matches the environment you hunt. If you dont have options, but you really like the pants themselves, dont stress about the camo pattern.

　　The situations where camo matters the most are archery hunting and turkey hunting. With archery, youll be in very close proximity to animals. Wearing good camo often results in an animal looking at you, trying to figure out what exactly you are instead of outright bolting. And turkeys? Those things see everything.

　　Many hunting pants are also offered in solid colors, which isnt a bad option. For rifle hunting, camo pants dont matter nearly as much. Getting your pants in a drab brown or green color means they can also pull double duty around town without screaming hunter everywhere you go.

　　Material

　　

　　(photo/Rachelle Schrute) Some hunting pants are made of wool, and others are made of synthetics. Different fabrics have different pros and cons.

　　Wool is warm, quiet, and does a great job of masking the odor of sweaty hunters. However, wool may not hold up as well to serious bushwacking as synthetic pants.

　　Synthetic pants can also be warm, often have a bit of stretch, and will withstand thick briar patches. However, synthetic pants do retain more scent than wool. After a few days, youll notice a lingering smell.

　　There are great hunting pants made of both, and the team of hunters at Gear Junkie uses both. Consider the pros and cons of each option before making your final purchase.

　　Price and Value Despite what you see on social media, you dont have to spend an arm and a leg to get out in the field. However, there are some benefits to spending more on hunting pants. Below are different price points and what to expect in each one.

　　Budget Hunting Pants You can find hunting pants for $30-$100. In that price range, youll find a wide variety of quality. Many will fit poorly, not be warm, and fail miserably in wet environments.

　　Some of the best budget hunting pants, like the Kryptek Valhalla, are breathable, comfortable, and provide plenty of functional pockets. They also come in great camo patterns.

　　However, even the Valhallas dont have a water-repellent finish, and like many other budget pants, they arent extremely durable. After a season of bushwacking, you may need to replace them.

　　Mid Tier Hunting Pants Many of the best pants the Gear Junkie crew tested cost between $100-$200. While that may seem steep, remember, youre purchasing technical outdoor wear. A pair of blue jeans is easily 80 bucks nowadays, so spending $200 isnt outrageous for specialized pants.

　　In this price category, youll find some of the best hunting pants on the market, like the KUIU Attack Pants. These pants will be water resistant, warm, and durable. Ill fit wont be a problem, and mid-tier pants will allow a wide range of motion. Often, they feature zippered, breathable vents that allow hunters to stay cool when hiking and carrying heavy loads.

　　You can also find fully waterproof pants in this category. However, you should do some digging into them before making a purchase. A set of rain pants under 200 dollars probably doesnt have a high waterproof rating. Theres nothing worse than spending your money on waterproof pants that cant hack it in the harsh environments hunters find themselves in.

　　Premium Hunting Pants Hunting pants over $200 are priced that way for a reason: theyre made with more material or require more technical construction. That means fully waterproof pants or pants with the maximum amount of the best insulation on the market.

　　Many hunters can get by without spending this much coin on a set of pants. One way around it is by utilizing effective layering systems.

　　But, if you plan on being out in late November-January, or sitting out a torrential down pour, you may find yourself sitting on a ridge, wishing you had spent the money better pants. Premium pants will keep you warm and bone dry no matter how wet it is. For the most serious hunters who refuse to let the weather stop a hunt, paying more for the best gear is a non-negotiable expense.

　　Frequently Asked Questions Are camo pants needed for hunting? Frankly, no. Muted greens, grays, and browns are great. But a camo pattern does come in handy in a few situations.

　　The most camo-necessary situation might be turkey hunting. These birds have literal eagle eyesight. It’s wise to cover everything from your hands to your face in a landscape-appropriate camouflage.

　　Archery season is the other hunting opportunity where good camo can play a strong hand. I personally feel the more blended, the better when at close range. But neutral solids can also work just fine.

　　The other great side to camo for hunting clothes is that it really does hide stains. If you plan on being successful, you can also plan on staining every piece of clothing you’re wearing. If you don’t want to stain your favorite pair of hiking pants, get a pair of camo pants to get you through the hunting season.

　　Are wool pants good for hunting? The answer is yes. I’ve been hunting inmy grandpa’s 80-year-old Woolrich pantsfor a lifetime. They’re low on scent, high on warmth, easy to fix, and durable. I was stoked to see First Lite come out with the Obsidian pants, as wool just has a special place in my heart, and it’s worth the money to pay a bit more to outfit yourself in the stuff.

　　However, if you’re pressed for cash, go to your local Goodwill, thrift store, or pawn shop. Sift through clothes until you find a heavy pair of wool pants. Get them. Wear them. Love them.

　　How do you wash wool and synthetics? If you’re spending any amount of money on hunting gear, it pays to take good care of it. Wool certainly needs a gentler hand. And you’d be surprised how much body scent synthetics can retain even after going through your normal laundry routine.

　　Thankfully, there are simple options that can easily fold into your laundry routine. One option GearJunkie likes isActive Wear Detergent, and you can read founderStephen Regenold’s review on it here.

　　Two other options come from Nikwax.Nikwax Wool Washis a machine-friendly option for your merino and other wools. AndNikwax Tech Washdoes the same for your synthetics.

　　Remember to use scentless products to knock out any chance that big ol’ whitetail deer catches a Cotton Fresh breeze and decides to book it from your deliciously scented location.