When trying to figure out what to wear on a hike, some people wonder if jeans would be a suitable option for pants.
Jeans are rugged, durable, and likely already in your closet. They might make for a good pair of hiking pants, but they also might be the reason you turn around or have a miserable experience.
It’s important to consider all the aspects of denim before wandering out into the wilderness with your favorite pair of Levi’s.
I Asked The Experts!
I created a random poll in a hiking group on Facebook. Anyone who was a part of the group was able to vote or comment (granted most of these people would likely consider themselves “avid hikers”).
Here’s the result of that poll:
Most people in the group don’t hike in jeans, however, a fair amount regularly choose to. Some people had commented that they have since upgraded to other hiking pants, but that they didn’t mind hiking in jeans.
My favorite comment was this one:
If you only have access to jeans, or prefer hiking in jeans, there is nothing wrong with doing so. The point is for you to enjoy the day and the hike; if jeans allow you to do so – go for it!
6 Pros to Hiking in Jeans
Thinking about heading out into the backcountry in your favorite pair of denim? Are you wanting to sport your Canadian tuxedo in the woods? Here are 6 reasons why it might be a good idea:
1. Already Owned
One of the best parts about hiking is that you don’t really need any fancy gear to get going. You can throw on any clothes, any footwear, and go for a walk and call it a hike.
When thinking about what to wear for pants on a hike, you might open up your closet and find that you already have several pairs of jeans calling your name! Most people have at least one pair of jeans tucked somewhere in their closet.
If you’re a casual hiker or maybe you’re going on your first hike and you’re wracking your closet for what to wear, you might find that jeans are an option you’re debating in your mind.
If you have a few pairs kicking around and you can’t decide which one, continue reading down this list to see what fits the bill!
2. Comfortable
Depending on your personal preferences, you might find denim to be very comfortable. Some jeans have more of a relaxed fit, and can be quite easy to settle into.
If your favorite pair of jeans is comfortable to you and you find yourself hanging out in them on casual days and not itching to take them off the second you get home, you might have a fine time hiking in jeans.
Look for a pair in your closet that isn’t too snug around the waist or legs. Watch out for buttons and zippers that pinch or legs that cut off circulation when you raise your leg as if to take a large step.
Comfortable jeans are a good option for hiking.
3. Fashionable
If you’re going on an easier hike or are looking for some Instagram photos (no judgement here!) hiking in jeans might be a good option. Good-looking photos can be an amazing motivator for many people.
Jeans look good with most outfits, including hiking boots, tank tops, and sweaters.
Who doesn’t want a cozy photo standing next to a lake in your hiking boots and plaid with mountains in the background? That could likely make a magazine cover.
If you’re in it for the photos, jeans might be the perfect hiking pants for you.
4. Durable
If you’re worried about your expensive leggings getting torn by some sharp rocks, I’m with you on that one. I have put holes in more pairs of pants with mountain rocks than I care to admit. Jeans don’t tend to have those problems.
If you want pants that are going to stand up to rocks, tree branches, sticks, and possibly sharp objects like pocket knifes or microspikes, jeans might be an excellent option as they can likely withstand a lot of tearing force before becoming totally ruined.
Also, last I checked, ripped jeans were in style. Win-win.
5. Variation in Styles
Whether you’re in it for the photos or you just can’t find another pair of pants to wear in your closet, jeans also have many styles to give you the comfort, style, and capabilities that you need.
Do you have a thick hiking boot? Try a wide leg or straight leg jean. Trendy boots that you want to show off? Roll up that boot cut! Do you want to show off your legs a bit more or feel slimmed down? Skinny jeans to the recue!
Keep in mind that different jean styles often have different capabilities in terms of stretch. Some skinny jeans, while tight, tend to be made with more stretch than other styles. Some relaxed-fit jeans might be more comfortable hiking in, particularly if you’re going long distances.
If the weather is hot, consider a lighter pair of jeans. If the ground is muddy, consider a tighter pair of jeans or rolling up a cuff.
Jeans are so versatile, they make for an excellent option when hiking.
6. UV Protection
If you burn easily, jeans might be a good option as they don’t allow the sun to penetrate the denim material. Although most pants offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays, one commentator on my poll pointed it out as a selling-feature, so it might be something to consider.
The exception to this, of course, is ripped jeans with exposed skin or jean shorts. Skin showing is at risk of burning, regardless of the material surrounding it.
5 Cons to Hiking in Jeans
If you’re ready to wear your Guess jeans into the backcountry, here are a few things to consider before packing your bag and heading off on a big journey:
1. Don’t Absorb Sweat
Jeans don’t absorb sweat, and hiking will likely make you sweaty. Between the sun, the distance, and any elevation gain, you’re likely going to get your heartrate up. Even if there’s a breeze, your legs won’t feel much of it through thick denim.
If you have a tendency to sweat a lot on exertion, wearing jeans hiking might not be for you.
The sweat you produce will sit next to your skin, which can potentially cause bacteria growth and odor in delicate areas.
If you’re wanting to wear jeans hiking in the winter, I suggest wearing a base layer below the jeans, which will help wick sweat away from your skin and keep you more comfortable while sporting your favorite pair of jeans.
2. Stay Wet
If you’re hiking through any wet or muddy areas (think creek crossings, hiking up creek beds, or even early spring run off), there might be a chance the bottoms of your jeans get wet.
As well, if there’s any chance of precipitation, there’s a chance your jeans might get wet.
I don’t know about you, but that soggy wet denim feeling brushing up against my legs with every step is a totally gross feeling for me. Does anyone remember the soggy bell bottom phase of fashion? It was not a great time in history. I also don’t recommend re-living it on a hike with no other clothing options available.
Jeans do not dry easily; it takes hours. If there is any chance that your jeans might get wet on your hike, I would maybe consider finding a different pair, packing rain pants, rolling the cuffs up, or carrying an umbrella.
3. Heavy
Another downside of jeans is that they are quite heavy, especially when comparing them to other fabrics.
Maybe you’re used to strutting around in your skinny jeans all day, but when you’re on a trail walking uphill for hours, small differences in weight can definitely make a difference to your day, as your muscles are picking up that extra bit of weight with every step.
Additionally, if your jeans get wet, they will be even heavier since they hold onto that water content and don’t dry easily.
If you want to make the hike as easy as possible for yourself, consider wearing a lighter pair of pants when hiking.
4. Constrictive
Some tighter pairs of jeans don’t allow you to bend your legs to their full capacity. Depending on the hike you plan on going on, that might not be such a big deal, but if your jeans prevent you from lifting your leg high or bending your knee comfortably, you might want to rethink your choice.
It’s hard to know what the entirety of a hiking trail will be like, even when it’s regarded as “easy” or “relatively flat”.
What’s easy or relative to others might be more difficult than you were prepared for, and limiting your ability to take large steps or leap over obstacles might prevent you from having the most enjoyable experience possible.
If you’re finding jeans to restrict your movement in any way, you might consider finding another pair of pants to hike in.
5. Uncomfortable
Depending on what your relationship to your jeans is like, they might not be the most comfortable pants in the world.
Did you lose your metabolism since you last tried them on? Were you a big fan of skinny jeans and now you’re more of a “relaxed fit” person?
Even a well-fitting pair of jeans can get a little snug when you try to sit down or bend your legs. Most of us have felt the uncomfortable press of the waistband digging in as we bend over or our belly rolls go rogue.
If you try your jeans on before a hike and have any hesitations about spending a few hours moving in them, you might want to rethink your choice of leg attire.
When To Hike In Jeans
Some people might say that there’s never a time to not hike in jeans, but frankly, I disagree with those people. If you want to hike in jeans all the time, all the power to you. If you’re on the fence, though, here are my recommendations:
- Hike in jeans when you have nothing else available to you – it’s better to hike in jeans than to not hike at all! Jeans are more than fine to get the job done. If it’s what you’ve got, give it a shot!
- Hike in jeans in clear, cool weather – Look for clear skies but crisp weather. This weather will likely prevent you from sweating in your jeans and hopefully prevent them from getting wet, both from your sweat and from any form of precipitation.
- Hike in jeans with easy to moderate terrain – Mild terrain will likely not cause your heartrate to get too elevated, hopefully preventing you from sweating. If you’re just out for a stroll through the woods, jeans will more than suffice.
- Hike in jeans in rugged conditions – If you’re going to be passing through rocky terrain or heavily treed woods, jeans might stand up to the rugged conditions better than other pairs of pants.
When NOT To Hike In Jeans
- In very extreme weather – In very hot weather, you’re likely to sweat and become uncomfortable in your jeans. In very cold weather, jeans are not adequate to keep you warm. Consider wearing other pants or packing layers to change into.
- In rainy conditions – Jeans will not dry easily if they become wet, and while hiking, it is hard to keep clothing completely dry in the rain. Consider other pants if the forecast calls for rain.
- During very difficult terrain – When the terrain is hard to manage, you’ll likely want all the flexibility you can manage, Jeans have a tendency to be restrictive, so plan ahead and wear different pants if you need to be quite agile.
Alternatives to Hiking in Jeans
If you’ve decided that you don’t want to hike in jeans but you’re not quite sure where else to turn, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Any comfortable pants – If you have joggers, sweatpants, leggings, or any exercise pant, they will likely feel much better during a hike. Even layer them as you need. However, soft fabrics might not stand up to tearing forces as well, so be careful around rocks and trees.
- Hiking pants – Hiking pants, though expensive, are pants that are specifically designed to be lightweight, comfortable, flexible, and durable. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, some specialty hiking pants might be worth the investment.
- Shells – Some pants are designed to go overtop of the pants you’re wearing for various reasons. A “rain pant”, for instance, helps to keep water out of pants that aren’t water-resistant themselves. Look for hard shells pants in cold weather, and soft shells for a nice hiking pant alternative!
- Pack multiples – If you’re just not sure what the weather will entail or what will make you the most comfortable on a hike, pack an option or two! This does mean you’ll be carrying extra weight, but does save you the stress of having to think about what will work in your specific circumstance.
Questions?
Do you hike in jeans? Why or why not? Drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!