If you’re anything like me, hunting pants are one piece of gear you don’t skimp on. I’ll go to great lengths to find the perfect pair, and I know I’m not alone. To save you some of the trial and error, I’ve put together a curated list of the best new options out there right now.
When it comes to pants, I zero in on three things: fit, material, and durability. The kind of hunting you do matters too. I spend a lot of time on horseback and hiking deep into the backcountry, so my pants need to be tough, comfortable and able to keep up with long days in rough terrain.
As I’ve said in plenty of other Gear Labs: buy once, cry once. Good gear is worth the investment. The picks below are a mix of trusted staples and some newer releases that have caught my eye. As always, I’m speaking from experience: what’s worked for me in the field while also keeping you up-to-date on what’s new from top brands.
If you’re gearing up for elk season this September through October, these are the pants I’d seriously consider.
