Can You Wear Jeans While Hiking?

A hike can be a fun way to explore nature. But you will need to make sure that you are wearing the right clothes. This will offer protection from the elements and stop sticks from scratching your legs. So, are jeans a good choice when hiking?

Jeans are a reasonable option for a brief hike. They should not be worn in rainy weather and should be avoided in excessive heat or cold. Hiking pants are recommended for longer treks to reduce the danger of chafing.

Generally, it’s best to stick to a good pair of hiking pants. But, if you prefer, it is possible to hike in jeans. Keep reading to learn more about whether it’s a good idea.

Benefits Of Wearing Jeans When Hiking

There are several reasons why you might want to consider wearing jeans on your hike. These include:

Durable materials. It’s unlikely that jeans will get damaged or torn as you walk through the undergrowth. This can make them a good approach when you are taking on thicker sections of the undergrowth.
Comfort. On a short hike, jeans should be comfortable, stretching when you need to bend over. This is especially true if you’re going on an easy trip, where the terrain isn’t too challenging and the weather is nice.

Look good. While this is a minor consideration, jeans will look great in photographs on social media.

Downsides of Wearing Jeans When Hiking

While there are a few reasons to consider using jeans, there are also some substantial downsides to take into consideration. These include:

Can sap your body heat. Jeans aren’t good at helping your body stay warm. Instead, it can be actively sapping away your body, particularly if the material gets wet. This can increase the chances that you will develop hypothermia.

Don’t perform well in the wet. If you get wet when wearing jeans, you could find yourself battling a few problems. First, wet clothes can cause your body temperature to drop. This is especially dangerous during the winter months. Due to the thickness of the material, jeans can take a long time to dry once they get wet.
Heavy material. This can drain your energy when going on a long hike.
Typical jeans weigh between 12 and 16 ounces (0.34 and 0.45 Kg)((How Much Does A Pair Of Jeans Weigh?)), compared to 8 and 15 ounces (0.22 and 0.42 Kg) of hiking pants((I analyzed the weight of hiking pants based on public information in an online outdoors shop.)). Lightweight hiking pants will be easier to hike with in the long run.
Can cause problems on longer hikes. If you are wearing jeans for a long time, there is a risk of chaffing or potential blisters. This is especially common if you get them wet.

Won’t be breathable. The thickness of the jeans can limit breathability. This can cause big problems during the summer months when you can end up quite sweaty.

When You Can Wear Jeans When Hiking

The most important consideration is the length of the hike. If you are planning on going on a shorter hike, you probably won’t have any issues with wearing jeans. But if your hike takes place over multiple days, you might want to consider an alternative style of clothing. Over a long period of hiking, the drawbacks of jeans will become increasingly apparent.

If you are considering wearing jeans, double-check the weather conditions before your hike. Because they are made from thick cotton, the fabric might not always be breathable. This can be an especially big problem during the summer months. Likewise, they might not be suitable during cold winter days, when wet jeans raise the risk of hypothermia.

What Type of Jeans Is Best For Hiking?

Loose-fitting jeans are best for hiking since they’re less prone to chafing. Some jeans might have materials like spandex woven into the denim, this can make them more breathable than regular jeans. Make sure that the jeans are the right length.

There are many types of jeans available. Some will be better suited to hiking than others. First, you want to choose loose-fitting jeans over skinny jeans. These will be more breathable and won’t trap in the heat. Plus, if the jeans are too tight, you risk them chaffing, which can be very painful on a longer hike.

Next, all jeans will be made of denim. But nowadays other materials are being woven into this dense cotton. This can include blends that have spandex. If possible, choose one of these options. They will be more flexible and allow for more breathability.

It’s also important to consider the practicality of the pants. It’s a good idea to pick something with pockets. You should also think about how long the jeans are, you don’t want the hem to be dragging through the mud. It’s best to slip the jeans over the end of your shoes. Though the ends might get dirty, they will keep the inside of your shoes dry, which can prevent painful blisters on your feet.

Finally, you might want to consider the color of the jeans, usually darker colors are best for hiking. If you accidentally fall over, the stains will be easier to conceal.

What Pants Can You Wear When Hiking?

Nylon mixes are one of the most popular types of pants. Polyester and fleece are also popular choices, particularly during the winter months. Some people prefer activewear, primarily for its comfort.

While jeans might be a good choice for hiking, they aren’t the best option. Here are some of the other options that you might want to consider:

Activewear pants. These are one of the most popular options to wear. They are designed to be breathable and comfortable. The only downside is that they can tear easily. So, they won’t be suitable on a trail that has a lot of undergrowth and sticks.
Polyester or fleece. These are good options when hiking in colder conditions. Polyester comes with a tough shell, so it will be resistant to getting wet. Fleece will be able to keep you warm and the material will dry relatively quickly.

Nylon mixes. These offer a good balance of breathability and stretchiness. Plus, it will be resistant to rain and will offer protection from scraping undergrowth.

Final Thoughts

There is plenty of debate over whether jeans are proper attire for a hike. Ultimately, it will come down to the length of the hike. On a shorter trip, in fair weather, jeans can be a good choice. But, if you are facing poor weather conditions, thick cotton can create a lot of problems.