Last Updated on June 6, 2023

When embarking on an unforgettable adventure through the vast and awe-inspiring deserts, it is of utmost importance to select the appropriate desert clothing items that will accompany you every step of the way – including long, lightweight pants.

These pants will not only provide comfort but also serve as a shield against the scorching sun, while ensuring your freedom of movement remains unhindered.

As you explore the endless stretches of sand and navigate through the challenging terrains, the right pants will be your trusted companion, protecting you from the harsh elements that characterize the desert environment.

Among the various factors to consider, the color of your pants is something not to be overlooked. Opting for light-colored pants, such as shades of beige, khaki, or olive green, is highly recommended.

These light hues possess the remarkable ability to reflect the sun’s rays, minimizing heat absorption and, in turn, keeping you cooler during your desert hikes.

By selecting earth-tone pants that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, you not only enhance your comfort but also minimize the risk of standing out against the vastness of the desert.

Desert Pants
Long, lightweight paint with white or beige color hues are ideal for the desert.

Choosing the Best Pants for Hiking in the Desert

Lightweight and Breathable Fabric

When it comes to selecting desert hiking pants, lightweight fabrics should be at the forefront of your considerations. The significance of lightweight materials cannot be overstated, as they allow you to traverse the challenging terrains with ease, ensuring each step is effortless and unburdened.

The absence of excess weight enhances your mobility and agility, enabling you to conquer the shifting sand dunes and rocky surfaces with confidence.

Furthermore, the breathability of the fabric is paramount in ensuring your comfort throughout your desert hiking journey.

Opt for pants crafted from breathable materials that facilitate efficient airflow, preventing the accumulation of sweat and reducing the risk of overheating.

These pants act as a shield against the desert’s relentless heat by promoting air circulation, which keeps you fresh and cool even in the face of soaring temperatures.

Moisture-Wicking and Quick-Drying

Given the arid conditions that prevail in the desert, it is essential to choose pants that possess moisture-wicking properties.

These remarkable pants are designed to draw moisture away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly and efficiently. By effectively managing perspiration, moisture-wicking pants keep you dry and comfortable, ensuring that excessive sweating does not impede your hiking experience.

Equally important is the quick-drying feature of these pants. Whether you encounter unexpected rain or find yourself splashing through a desert oasis, quick-drying pants ensure that you are not weighed down by wet fabric.

Instead, the moisture evaporates rapidly, preventing discomfort and chafing, and allowing you to continue your desert adventure with ease.

Sun Protection

Shielding your skin from the scorching desert sun is paramount to your well-being during desert hikes. The intense rays of the sun can have detrimental effects on your skin, making adequate sun protection a necessity. It is recommended to opt for pants that offer a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) to safeguard your legs from harmful UV rays.

Long pants are particularly advantageous in providing extensive coverage, especially during the day when the sun’s intensity is at its peak. However, for added versatility, consider the practicality of zip-off pants.

These versatile pants allow you to convert them into shorts during the cooler mornings and evenings when the sun’s rays are not as strong. By adapting to the changing weather conditions, zip-off pants enable you to strike the perfect balance between sun protection and ventilation, ensuring your comfort remains uncompromised.


Best Types of Pants for Desert Hiking



Little Donkey Andy Men’s Stretch Convertible Pants, Zip-Off Quick-Dry Hiking Pants, UV Protection, Lightweight


Butrends Women’s Hiking Capris Pants Outdoor Zipper Pockets Workout Travel Cargo Pant


CQR Kids Youth Hiking Cargo Pants, UPF 50+ Quick Dry Convertible Zip Off Pants, Outdoor Camping Pants
Browse more pants and trousers for desert hiking

Convertible Pants

When versatility is key, convertible pants emerge as an excellent option for desert hiking. These innovative pants offer adaptability to changing temperatures and varying levels of sun exposure.

The zip-off feature allows you to effortlessly transform the pants into shorts, so that you can adjust your clothing to the change in temperatures throughout the day.

As the temperature cools in the mornings and evenings, the pants can be easily converted back into full-length pants, ensuring adequate coverage and protection.

Lightweight Cargo Pants

Another highly recommended option for desert hiking is quick-dry lightweight cargo pants. Renowned for their functionality and storage capabilities, cargo pants provide a practical solution for carrying essential items during your desert hikes.

With multiple pockets strategically placed, these pants offer convenience and easy access to your belongings, allowing you to keep essential items within reach at all times.

Opt for lightweight cargo pants crafted from breathable fabrics, as they combine functionality with comfort, ensuring your desert hiking experience is hassle-free and enjoyable.

Hiking Leggings or Tights

For those who prefer a streamlined and close-fitting option, hiking leggings or tights can be a suitable choice for desert hikes.

These garments offer a snug and comfortable fit, ensuring unrestricted movement and flexibility as you navigate through the challenging terrains. Look for leggings or tights made from moisture-wicking and breathable materials to keep your legs dry and cool.

With their sleek design and performance-enhancing qualities, hiking leggings or tights provide an excellent option for desert hiking enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and agility.


Recommended Fabrics for Desert Hiking Pants

Cotton, Linen, and Rayon

Among the array of fabrics suitable for desert hiking pants, cotton, linen, and rayon deserve special mention. These fabrics offer a multitude of advantages that make them ideal for traversing the desert environment.

Lightweight and breathable, these materials facilitate optimal airflow, allowing fresh air to circulate and cool your body as you tackle the challenging terrains.

Additionally, these fabrics possess excellent moisture-wicking properties, ensuring that sweat is efficiently drawn away from your skin, leaving you dry and comfortable.

By combining breathability with moisture-wicking capabilities, cotton, linen, and rayon pants ensure that you remain cool and refreshed throughout your desert hiking expeditions.

Merino Wool

While wool may not be the first fabric that comes to mind when considering desert hiking pants, Merino wool is an exception worth noting.

Renowned for its exceptional qualities, Merino wool offers a remarkable combination of lightweight comfort, moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and sun protection.

Despite its insulating properties, Merino wool is surprisingly lightweight, making it an ideal choice for desert hiking. Its inherent moisture-wicking capability draws sweat away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate rapidly, leaving you dry and cool.

The breathability of Merino wool ensures efficient air circulation, preventing the buildup of heat and maintaining a pleasant temperature against your skin.

Additionally, Merino wool naturally provides protection against the sun’s harmful rays, making it a reliable choice for desert adventures.


Woolly Clothing Women’s Merino Wool Wide Leg Sweatpants

Woolly Clothing Men’s Merino Wool Longhaul Joggers

Helly-Hansen Kids Hh LIFA Merino Wool 2-Layer Thermal Baselayer Set
Browse more Merino wool desert pants

Read also: Desert Hiking Checklist

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