Being out in the wild with nothing but the bare necessities and your own wit and skills is quite an exciting prospect, which is why bushcraft has recently seen such an increase in popularity.
To make sure your bushcraft trip to the wilderness is as comfortable as possible, you must have all the proper gear and clothing. And one of the most important things you should consider is the perfect pair of pants for bushcraft.
Proper bushcraft pants will protect you against harsh weather conditions and all that nature has to offer. They must be durable and comfortable to ensure a hassle-free trip.
We have compiled this list of the best bushcraft pants that will suit all your needs!
Things to Look For When Choosing the Best Bushcraft Pants
When shopping for the best bushcraft pants, there are certain elements you must consider closely before making your decision. Here are essential things to look for in your next, hopefully, long-lasting and high-quality pair:
Fabric
The type of fabric used is unsurprisingly the most crucial factor to consider when planning to buy the best bushcraft pants you can find.
While cotton may be lightweight and suitable for hot and humid climates, it has downsides. Cotton isn’t the best in terms of durability and temperature control.
The best and most versatile fabric for bushcraft pants would be a cotton and polyester blend, which combines functionality with comfort. Other fabrics to consider are nylon and rayon.
You should also look for pants made with ripstop fabric for maximum durability and long-term use.
Durability
The durability of these types of pants is directly proportional to their fabric. One of the critical features to look for is water resistance or waterproofing in the pant fabric.
You should also check whether the pants are double reinforced and sealed to ensure nothing seeps in as you go on your adventures. Vulnerable areas include the knee region and the rear.
Pockets
A common misconception about pockets is that the more there are, the better. However, this is only true if you plan on using all of them each time you go out. Think about what you need to carry on your person and what you can put in a bag to prevent overloading.
Most of the best bushcraft pants have regular pockets and integrated belt loops to help you carry the essentials.
If you’re looking for extra storage that’s also easily accessible, then pants with a variety of extra roomy pockets will likely be the best bushcraft pants for you.
Comfort
Having the most functional or durable pants in the world would be useless if they aren’t comfortable.
Comfort level is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a pair of the best bushcraft pants. Remember, you will be spending many consecutive hours (or even days) in these pants. If you don’t choose a comfortable pair, you’ll feel miserable the entire trip!
Elements that will affect comfort are the range of sizes, fit, fabric, adjustable waist, and ventilation.
1. Helikon-Tex Men HOP Hybrid Outback Pants
Helikon-Tex is a brand well-known for delivering cutting-edge garments and gear suitable for outdoor activities.
Helikon-Tex Men HOP Hybrid Outback Pants
The HOP Hybrid Outback Pants from Helikon-Tex are outdoor pants made of two very durable fabrics unique to this brand: DuraCanvas® and VersaStretch®. In terms of utility, these pants are top-notch. They feature two classic hip pockets with reinforced edges, two front mesh-lined pockets that can be closed with hook & loops, and two cargo pockets with zippers.
These pants are cut similar to Urban Tactical Pants®, which boosts mobility. They fit comfortably and will move with your body as you need. These best bushcraft pants also have internal knee paddings for extra protection.
These pants are partly waterproof and wax-impregnable. They also have lanyard loops in front to help you secure anything you need to carry.
Pros
- Highly durable waterproof pants
- Provides utmost comfort for long periods
- Ample pockets for storage purposes
- Lightweight
- Unique cut for maximum range of movement
Cons
- A bit expensive
2. Wrangler RIGGS Ranger Pants
The Wrangler RIGGS Ranger Pants pack high durability and comfort factor at a fairly reasonable price compared to other bushcraft pants. It has many features that make them an ideal pair for outdoor activities.
Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men's Ranger Pant
These pants are made from 100% breathable, tear-resistant ripstop cotton fabric that ensures they can brave the elements with no worries. The durability is further enhanced with the back pockets lined in 1000 Denier Cordura. These best bushcraft pants are also reinforced in the knees, seams, and tape measure clip.
The cotton material makes them ideal for humid or hot weather. The pants feature Wrangler’s special Room2Move® fit technology for excellent mobility.
They have a relaxed fit waist to maximize your comfort outdoors. The reinforced knee sockets are ventilated to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and other debris.
These pants have side cargo pockets with spacious flaps and concealed snaps. The side slant and rear pockets can keep your essentials safe and secure, making these some of the best bushcraft pants available.
Pros
- Made with super-durable material
- Deep storage pockets
- 100% cotton, perfect for summer
- One of the most affordable options on this list
Cons
- May not be the best option for cold weather conditions
3. Tru-Spec 24-7 Tactical Pants
Tru-Spec supplies personal equipment and uniforms to law enforcement and the military, so you can rest assured that their commercial products are a class apart.
Tru-Spec Men's 24-7 Series Original Tactical Pant
Their 24-7 Original Tactical Pants have many features perfect for every outdoors person. This pair of bushcraft pants is made from breathable material and lightweight fabric that consists of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. This rip-stop DWR-treated fabric repels water and stains and is perfect for hot and humid weather.
The tactical pants have an engineered dimensional fit and a traditional cut that provides a tailored fit. They feature a comfortable fit slider waistband and deep cargo pockets that can easily accommodate anything you want to carry.
They also have two extra-deep front pockets, two accessory knife pockets, and expandable hip pockets with hook & loop closures for storage.
The knees on these lightweight pants are doubly reinforced with built-in knee pad sleeves to provide maximum comfort while you are active, making them another of the best bushcraft pants you can find. Protective pads are bought separately.
Pros
- Highly durable yet lightweight
- Optimal for hot and humid weather
- Plenty of pockets for storage
- Come with knee-pad pockets
Cons
- The tailored fit may be uncomfortable for some
4. Fjallraven Men’s Vidda Pro
The Vidda Pro Pants from Fjallraven are one of the the best bushcraft pants in the market—and for good reason.
Fjallraven - Men's Vidda Pro Trousers Regular
These high-end pants are made from a highly durable, in-house fabric called G1000® fabric, a 65% polyester and 35% cotton blend.
The durability of the pair of bushcraft pants is further enhanced by Greenland wax, which makes them water-resistant and an excellent choice for wet weather.
Although they are wind resistant, these best bushcraft pants have breathable material. These light pants are further reinforced with double layers on the rear and the knees.
These trousers are perfect for colder seasons and warmer weather, but they tend to get a bit stuffy in the summer months.
They don’t compromise in the comfort department, either. They feature a mid waist and regular fit design with pre-shaped knees, which don’t feel too loose or tight. The right fit provides excellent range of motion, given the breathable and comfortable design.
They also come in a variety of size options (short, regular, long) depending on your height, so make sure you refer to the size guide before you buy a pair.
To maximize the storage functionality, these best bushcraft pants come with six practical pockets: hand pockets, a map pocket, a multitool pocket, and an internal phone pocket.
Pros
- Made from highly durable, lightweight materials
- Comfortable in hot and cool weather conditions
- Multiple, functionality-focused pockets
- Feature pockets for knee protection
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- Does not have back pockets
5. prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Pants
These outdoor pants are named after the famous Zion National Park, known for its scenic desert-like views and rust-colored cliffs. The prAna Men’s Stretch Zion pants combine a functional and performance-focused design with some aesthetic touches to ensure your outdoor adventure is as stylish as possible.
This pair of best bushcraft pants feature an original quick-drying Stretch Zion Fabric with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for weather resistance. The material is a blend of 97% nylon fabric and 3% spandex. To put it simply, these pants dry quickly, resist water and abrasion, and don’t wrinkle easily.
Although they are not as lightweight as some other options on this list, the inner material is soft, and the overall material is quite stretchy to allow maximum mobility when you’re on the move. They also come with UPF 50+, which provides much-needed UV protection wherever you go. The pants are a bit thick for hot weather though, especially during the heat of summer.
Other excellent functional features include a unique dual-zippered cargo pocket to store bushcraft gear, a streamlined adjustable waistband, and roll-up snaps that you can use to secure the pant leg cuffs. These best bushcraft pants come in a range of color options, so you can choose according to your preference.
Pros
- Made of highly durable material
- Comfortable and stretchy fabric that keeps you warm and dry
- Many functional pockets
- Comes with UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons
- Not ideal for hot weather
- The material requires extra care
6. Eddie Bauer Men’s Guide Pro Pants
Eddie Bauer is another brand known for designing and manufacturing some of the best-in-class outdoor gear and garments for enthusiasts.
Their Guide Pro Pants combine high-quality materials with a design that prioritizes performance and comfort at the same time. These best bushcraft pants are made from a 94% nylon and 6% spandex blend material that uses the company’s trademark Flexion Stretch Woven Technology. This process gives the pants a two-way stretch for excellent mobility.
They feature a StormRepel® DWR finish that easily repels moisture so that water doesn’t soak in. They also come with FreeShade® UPF 50+ sun protection for when the sun is shining too brightly. This is especially helpful during the summer season.
The stretchable waistband features a unique Polygiene Odor Control system that keeps your best bushcraft pants fresh for extended periods. The Guide Pro pants are also quite lightweight and easy to pack, so they are a solid choice if you don’t want to worry about them weighing you down.
These pants do not compromise on the comfort aspect either. They have an athletic fit that fits a bit closer to the body than regular pants but does not affect your mobility at all. It delivers a more stylish look without affecting function!
Pros
- Made of high quality, durable and breathable fabric
- Quite lightweight, easy to pack and carry on trips
- Competitive pricing
- DWR finish along with UPF 50+ protection
Cons
- Lack of pockets
- Might feel a bit snug for some
7. Sitka Timberline Pants
Last but not least on this list are the Sitka Timberline Pants.
These pants are technically hunting pants, but they come with features that make them a suitable candidate for the best bushcraft pants. These outdoor pants are made from a breathable 4-way stretch woven polyester material with a Durable Water Repellent finish that prevents the face of the fabric from getting wet.
They also feature a double-reinforced, waterproof nylon ripstop material at the rear and the knee area to get you through wet or cold terrains with little to no discomfort. The fit of these best bushcraft pants doesn’t disappoint, either. It comes with an athletic cut that is not too loose but not very tight.
Another feature is the removable knee pads, which are quite durable and comfortable. They come in handy when you have to crawl through rough terrain. The only downside is the relatively hefty price tag. But if you’re looking to invest in high-quality pants that will serve you well on all of your adventures and will last for a long time, they are worth every penny!
Pros
- High-end design, high durability
- Top-quality materials
- Comfortable to wear
- Resistant to water
- Feature removable knee pads
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not the quietest pair of pants
Wrapping Up the Best Bushcraft Pants
The best bushcraft pants are a blend of high durability, comfort, functionality, and ease of mobility.
Bushcrafting is an excellent way to spend time in nature and learn survival skills; just make sure you feel comfortable while engaged in a range of activities. Here’s the Complete Guide to the Best Bushcraft Pack to go with your new bushcraft pants.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.