Our Favorite Do-It-All Men’s Pants
True trail-to-town apparel is hard to come by, but these are worthy of the title
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Trail to town. Beach to boardwalk. Boat to bar (yes, we’ve actually heard this one before). Many companies will brag about their gear’s ability to perform equally well in the field and at dinner. While we often roll our eyes at such marketing-speak descriptions, there are a few items that actually rise to the occasion. Here are our favorite pants that you won’t think twice about wearing, no matter the activity.
686 Everywhere Multi Pant ($90)
This nylon-spandex trouser proved the most comfortable of the test. Kudos to the drawstring adjustment on top of the traditional button-and-fly closure, which kept the Everywhere snug without the weight of a belt, making airport security a breeze. The DWR coating shrugged off coffee spills and drizzles on wet commutes. Factor in the ten pockets for all of your EDC gadgets, and you’re set.
Hill City Everyday Pant ($128)
Hill City launched last fall, and we love its simple, no-frills designs. The Everyday pant is cut from a cotton-spandex blend that felt burly but didn’t restrict movement, as opposed to the majority of cotton chinos, which feel like straightjackets for your legs. It was stellar on a misty hike in Iceland (credit an exterior coating that repels water). Should you want a different cut, it’s available in both slim and athletic fits.
Patagonia Performance Straight Fit Jeans ($119)
We love these jeans for their combination of durability, stretch, and comfort. There’s nothing flashy about them—at first glance, they look like ordinary trousers. But when put to the test, the Performance Straight Fits deliver. They’ve survived weeks of international travel, wedgie-inducing whippers, and battles with jagged, unforgiving rock. In fact, they’re the only pair of jeans I’ve owned in the past three years.
Prana Stretch Zion Straight Pant ($89)
Walk around the Outside office, and you’ll most likely see at least one male staffer rocking a pair of Prana’s classic Stretch Zions. Now with a slimmer leg (good news: no more baggy, muddy cuffs!), the Stretch Zion Straight still has everything we love about the regular Stretch Zion: elastic nylon, UPF 50-plus fabric, PFC-free DWR coating, snaps for securing the legs when they’re rolled up, and breathability that’s crucial on hot excursions.