Nylon vs polyester for hiking pants Willing to look at looser nylon fabrics but with a “runs hot” physiology. 4% of its weight in water compared to nylon’s 3-4%. Nov 16, 2016 · I'm wanting some nylon type pants (they dry really fast, very light weight) for hiking, hunting, and some general outdoor activities. In colder season weather it can be easily layered with baselayer leggings to provide additional warmth and wick some sweat. Aside from one pair of jeans and a "left over" Dockers cotton pants, ALL my pants are supplex nylon. Both fabrics are used in a wide range of outdoor gear and while they offer similar Oct 19, 2008 · Supplex is Dupont brand nylon. Best Hiking Pant Fabrics. When shopping for hiking pants, you will frequently encounter models made of either 100% nylon, or ~90-95% nylon with ~5-10% Spandex, Lycra, or elastane. Although nylon is softer, it has fewer applications. Now that we’ve talked about the individual qualities of nylon and polyester, let’s see them side by side: 2. I like its lightness, its quick-drying property, and its feel next to skin. In this article, you will learn about different fabrics used for making pants and what makes them the best and the worst materials for hiking. Hiking pants that provide the greatest value: Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi; REI Co-Op Sahara; Marmot Men's Arch Rock; Affordable Nylon dries fast, is resistant to ripping and tearing, and fairly breathable. Doesn’t Stink Nov 26, 2023 · When choosing between nylon and polyester hiking pants, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what the hiker needs out of their clothing. Polycotton Nylon wicking water out instead of trapping it within the polyester shirt makes it cooler. Before diving into the comparison between nylon and polyester, it is important to understand the background of these two synthetic fabrics. What Are Hiking Pants Made Of? One answer: Nylon. However, the choice between polyester and nylon ultimately depends on individual preferences, intended use, and specific performance requirements. Jun 18, 2024 · It’s also a breathable enough fabric that you could wear a pair of nylon leggings underneath waterproof over-trousers or winter trousers, keeping your comfortable but eliminating the risk of cold from the elements. Polyester shirts for the most part are little saunas. While polyester steals the show for many different kinds of pants, nylon is a popular fabric for hiking pants. We’ve carefully analyzed the comfort, mobility, breathability, durability, weather resistance, and features of the best pants from brands like Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, Columbia, KUHL, and more. Of course, you’ll also find nylon in many hiking trouser fabric blends, alongside elastane and polyester. Choose polyester for affordability, wrinkle resistance, and low maintenance (e. Polyester is an ultra-efficient fabric suitable not only for manufacturing hiking apparel but also for Dec 11, 2024 · Materials: Body 95% Polyamide, 5% Elastane; Panels 55% recycled polyester, 45% polyester; Lining 100% polyester Features: Zipped thigh vents, reinforced knee and crampon patches, stretch material Pockets: Two zipped hand pockets, one zipped rear pocket, one zipped thigh pocket May 12, 2025 · We tested the best hiking pants for men from Outdoor Research, REI Co-op, Black Diamond, and more to help you find the best option. The fabric your hiking pants are made of will have the biggest influence on durability, weight, water-resistance, quick-drying capabilities, and overall comfort. Nylon vs Polyester Pants. Nov 5, 2024 · These pants aren't waterproof, and they don't claim to be. For example, some of the tight-fitting garments (think Under Armour) contain up to 12% spandex. It is important to note however that depending on Apr 10, 2025 · Whether you're sauntering on a day hike or putting in the miles on a backpacking trip, hiking pants can make your trail journey more enjoyable. Mar 18, 2025 · Care and Maintenance of Hiking Pants. A moisture-wicking top: Depending on the weather, consider a short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt made of moisture-wicking material (e. Overall, while both polyester and nylon can be suitable for base layers, polyester is often preferred for its superior moisture-wicking properties, faster drying time, and softer feel against the skin. . Recycled nylon comes primarily from discarded materials like old fishing nets and carpets, reducing waste while conserving production resources. My favourites are hemp or bamboo, mixed with polyester, but I believe the cut is more important than the fabric. The most common fabrics used in hiking pants are polyester and nylon. FAQs Is Polyester or Cotton Better for Hiking? Polyester is better for hiking as it is durable, strong, and resilient. Aug 13, 2024 · Women typically prefer pants that are a more flattering fit closer to their legs so quick dry women’s hiking pants, (for example, Hörizn™ Skinny) may contain more spandex than men’s hiking pants. Nylon vs Polyester: Which One Should You Choose? Feb 13, 2025 · Polyester outperforms nylon in moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties due to its highly hydrophobic nature, absorbing only about 0. Wrinkle-Resistant: Polyester fabrics often resist wrinkles, helping you maintain a tidy appearance. Also most nylon shirts are blends and many polyester shirts are pure polyester. Polyester is made from a combination of petroleum, air, and water and is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking. Apr 25, 2022 · The Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants are some of the most unique hiking pants you can find They are made with a G-1000 fabric- a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. From hiking pants and jackets to backpacks and tents. Nylon vs Polyester Both nylon and polyester have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Many hiking gear manufacturers use this fabric for several reasons. You could get technical and say that it isn’t true breathability. Polyester hiking pants will dry faster, keeping you warm. Jan 7, 2025 · 100% nylon vs 5-10% Spandex. Nov 24, 2006 · Similar reasoning in the other direction applies to polyester–since nylon can be thinner than polyester for comparable garment strength, the nylon garment will only absorbs perhaps 3 times as much water as the polyester garment, rather than 5 times as much, as the pure absorbtion % by weight figure would indicate. Stockings, tights and other hosiery; Swimwear and workout wear; Jackets and windbreakers; Source. Material 3: Nylon Fleece. , merino, nylon, polyester) to help keep you cool and dry. Oct 11, 2023 · In KETL’s lineup, the casual-focused products including the Virtue Shorts and Escapade Jacket use a majority nylon fabric for the stretch and comfort whereas the polyester dominant fabrics including the NoFry Sun Hoodie, Wayward Jerseys, Departed T’s, and Vent Pants/Shorts are more durable. They're machine-washable and made of a moisture-wicking nylon fabric Feb 5, 2024 · In terms of properties of nylon vs polyester, polyester clearly excels in moisture management, making it better than nylon for certain applications. I’d even recommend bringing just one pair of pants and two pairs of polyester hiking shorts so long as the trip you are taking will not be in a very cold climate. Nylon vs Polyester Clothing. Kühl stitched in strips of 88 percent nylon and 12 percent spandex (nylon has natural stretch, too) along the outside of each pant leg, under the kneecaps, and around the rear pockets, resulting in unprecedented range of motion. , activewear, outdoor gear). Jan 27, 2025 · The hiking pants we tested have a surprisingly narrow range of prices from about $65 to $100. They are ideal for rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. Nylon: Nylon fibers absorb moisture more readily than polyester, which can make nylon fabrics feel damp or clammy in humid conditions. Why Choose Nylon for Hiking? Durability and Strength. Something that feels like I’m wearing no pants, but definitely not cotton. Less expensive options lack durability. However, they can cost a small fortune. Bonus: IS POLYESTER GOOD FOR HIKING? POLYESTER VS COTTON. However, in normal clothes wear, probably not much of a noticeable difference unless you spend a lot of time in places like the desert or at high altitude near lower latitudes w/out shade. When caring for nylon and polyester clothing, it's essential to understand the differences between nylon and polyester. Most activewear features one of these two synthetic materials. ) then mesh for the underarm areas. The obvious upside is that the more Spandex, the stretchier the pants. One of the biggest reasons to choose nylon for your hiking gear is its unmatched strength and durability. The biggest choice is nylon vs polyester, imo - otherwise all hiking pants are basically the same, polyester or nylon, with a different label - I think polyester is the better choice. Is polyester good for hiking? Yes, polyester clothes (pants, shirts, shorts, and jackets) are good for hiking in most environments and weather conditions. Dec 19, 2023 · Polyester fibers are often used in clothing, home furnishings, industrial fabrics, and electrical insulation. May 2, 2022 · Polyester is among the naturally water-repellent fibers with low moisture regain value. Jul 20, 2022 · For example, polyester-viscose (with a range of applications from joggers to dress pants), polyester-wool (also known as poly/wool), polyester-elastane (some of the best hiking shorts, as well as lots of glove liner designs, are made from this blend), and polyester-cotton blends are widespread. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 3. A good pair enhances your mobility, offers ample breathability, and stands up to the elements so you can move freely. Most of the time, nylon synthetics are what are hiking pants made of. Both nylon and polyester are widely used in the textile industry due to their durability, versatility, and affordability. they’ve so far been a disappointment while backpacking (even Pata). Edit to add: to say it another way, there isn't much of an improvement drying wise from my old BDUs to my current nylon TNF hiking pants. I prefer nylon over polyester but I wouldn't be concerned about the cotton with that blend. Learn about materials like breathable nylon, and polyester blends, Dries Quickly. It is great to realize that this fabric is highly convenient to wear when you are hiking in wet and damp weather, due to the fact that polyester is able to dry much more quickly than nylon, spandex, wool, cotton, or rayon. Polyester Clothing. Polyester Fabric: A Comparison. Mar 26, 2024 · Breathability of Nylon vs. Breathable: Polyester is generally more breathable than nylon, which can be advantageous in warmer climates. Nylon – More popular thanks to greater strength and abrasion resistance. Apr 18, 2024 · Polyester and nylon are both synthetic polymers with similar qualities but have different chemical compositions and properties. polyester, nylon tends to be more durable and weather-resistant but also more expensive. How to Care for Nylon vs. And many "travel shirts" and "trekking pants" (think Ex Officio) are made completely of nylon. Nylon is Dec 19, 2017 · Nylon dries fast, is resistant to ripping and tearing, and fairly breathable. The durability of the dress pants is not very good, but they aren't too hot to wear while hiking either. Jul 24, 2024 · Is Nylon Or Polyester Better For Pants? Nylon and polyester are both good options for pants. But each material has its pros and cons. Polyester is more breathable, which explains why it is widely used for sportswear. However, this is normal for nylon hiking pants, and we always carry rain pants when the weather is threatening in the backcountry. Polyester hiking pants, for example, are oleophilic, while nylon hiking pants are less hydrophobic. There are many benefits of polyester, and the same goes for nylon. Polyester is more adaptable and water-resistant than these textiles, which is the fundamental distinction between them. Nylon and Polyester. Often blended with spandex for improved stretch and motion. Jan 22, 2021 · Confused between Nylon hiking pants or Polyester hiking pants? Well, read on to find out the actual differences between them. Convertible pants with roll-up legs or zip-off legs are great for year-round hiking. The unique properties and performance characteristics of nylon and polyester make them suitable for different applications: Common uses of nylon include: Outdoor apparel and gear where durability and weather resistance are needed (hiking pants, jackets, tents, sleeping bags, ropes) May 3, 2025 · Since 2012, our team of wilderness experts has tested over 60 pairs of hiking pants on trails all over the world. Recycling both nylon and polyester contributes to reducing environmental impacts. , casual wear, home textiles). Mar 15, 2023 · Columbia is known for high-quality, reasonably priced outdoor apparel, and these convertible men's hiking pants fit the bill. Added stretch and soft fabric improve comfort. Through an odd accident, I got a pair that were reasonably priced and actually fit well, too. Nylon is lightweight and dries quickly, making it great for outdoor activities. Nylon has similar moisture-wicking properties to polyester, but it is not as breathable. Pros 1. There are multiple different types of weaves (often called different fabrics, actually) made of both types of fibers. May 3, 2025 · In a nutshell, polyester is a great choice for hiking considering durability, strength, water resistance, and weight. I've gotten 1000 miles out of dress pants for trail hiking and sitting around in camp. Polyester – Used in hiking pants but can be noisy and lack stretch. Jan 1, 2020 · Now, with some polyester hiking pants, those are not problems anymore. Nylon gear is designed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Its moral and ethical concerns can be addressed after a comfortable hike. In other words, polyester absorbs more oil while nylon absorbs more water at about 3-4% Sep 12, 2012 · …generally, yes, polyester is more breathable than nylon. What is the difference between Nylon and Polyester Pants? Nylon and polyester are quite similar, and they will work well for hiking and trekking. I like lightweight baggyish pants for comfort. Again, both fabrics make excellent pants. Is nylon more expensive than polyester? Yes, nylon is generally more expensive due to its higher durability and stretchability. Nov 17, 2023 · Hiking Pants and Shorts. But nylon and spandex fibers also are used in base layers, but their performance characteristics are not discussed as often. Pros: Wicks moisture and dries quickly; resists pilling and abrasion. Apr 25, 2024 · While its durability varies depending on the quality, woolens generally don’t last as long as clothes made from synthetic fibers like nylon. Aug 4, 2023 · I’m thinking lightweight synthetic pants and shirts will be great for periods of sweaty hiking/hauling. Patagonia makes a great hiking pant out of 91% recycled polyester. Both materials offer good protection from the elements and are durable enough to withstand wear and tear. The Vidda Pro Pants push the norms with a featured design that hasn’t been seen in the outdoor clothing world in some time. Feb 1, 2022 · Common Uses of Nylon for Clothing. I am searching for a pair of hiking trousers and I am seeing quite a few that are blend of cotton, nylon and spandex. Polyester. Washing Instructions; Drying Instructions; Reapplying DWR Finish; Conclusion; What are the key factors to consider when choosing hiking pant material? How do nylon hiking pants compare to polyester hiking pants? What are the benefits of using a blend of materials in hiking pants?. Hiking Pants: Nylon hiking pants and hiking leggings are known for their durability, quick-drying capabilities, and resistance to abrasion. Nylon Pants. I’ve noticed most hiking pants are 100% nylon and most hiking shirts are polyester. What I’d like to see is a dedicated backpacking hiking shirt mostly polyester but with nylon in high wear areas (shoulders, etc. Patagonia Venga rock pants(73% organic cotton/24% polyester/3% elastane) and Kuhls resistor pants(65% Cotton, 26% Nylon, 9% Spandex) would be examples. May 1, 2018 · These pants’ smartly placed stretch panels and a soft cotton blend mean crazy comfort. Assuming there's an REI close to you, drive over and 'fondle' a pair of REI Sahara shorts or convertible pants. Nylon fleece is a type of synthetic fabric that is made from nylon fibers. Rain Jackets and Pants: Waterproof and water-resistant rain jackets and pants often incorporate nylon as the outer shell material. Polyester Travel Pants: Pros: Comfort: Polyester pants tend to be comfortable against the skin, with a soft, smooth texture. The work pants are very durable but hot to hike in. However, nylon's ability to absorb moisture can also make it suitable for applications where moisture transport and breathability are desired, such as in socks or base layers. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester are popular choices due to their moisture-wicking properties, quick-drying capabilities, and resistance to abrasion. Jan 6, 2024 · Unfortunately, recycled nylon isn’t produced as frequently because this procedure is more expensive for nylon than for polyester. This makes a nylon pant great for 3-season conditions. The DWR treatment wears off after a handful of cycles through the laundry, and after a month of use, we didn't see much water resistance remaining. Apr 28, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Ferrosi and Patagonia Terravia Trail are two of the stretchiest hiking pants available (86% nylon and 14% spandex), while the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated are all polyester and cotton and have no added give. While both are made of crude oil, nylon and polyester have different qualities and properties. This allows polyester to dry faster, often within one to four hours depending on conditions, while nylon takes longer, typically four to six hours indoors. Jul 12, 2021 · If you are packing clothes to travel, or even for an extended hiking trip, items like polyester hiking pants will not take up much space or weight compared to cotton. Because it is not as breathable, it can get pretty warm in hot weather but tends to work better for warmth in cold weather. g. Nov 20, 2023 · Welcome, Hiking Hikers! Explore our beginner's guide to choosing the perfect hiking pants. The biggest difference to the hiker is that polyester fabric is oleolphilic, or able to absorb oil and not water. The blend you're proposing has even less cotton. May 19, 2025 · Choosing between nylon and polyester hinges on your priorities: Opt for nylon when durability, elasticity, and softness are key (e. Which is more eco-friendly: nylon or polyester? Recycled polyester is the more sustainable option, as it’s widely available and easier to recycle than nylon. More expensive hiking pants tend to be better designed and more comfortable. Polyester is durable and retains its shape well, making it suitable for everyday wear. Dries quick, more durable than merino and a lot cheaper if it does get worn out/damaged. That also will affect things. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants: $99: 87% nylon, 14% spandex Jun 17, 2024 · The choice of material for hiking pants is crucial as it affects comfort, breathability and durability. Feb 27, 2025 · Recyclability and Sustainability of Nylon vs. Nylon vs. In the case of nylon vs. Pants: Look for 100% nylon. It is well-known for being quick-drying, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor and performance wear. We have tested the best hiking pants for a decade and counting, with 55 pairs purchased. Rayon Apr 9, 2015 · Both are cheap (compared to "hiking" pants). Cons: Not as soft as cotton, retains odor, breathability varies based on yarn size and knit or weave. Jul 21, 2015 · If you set up a polyester tent/tarp and nylon tent/tarp in the Sun for awhile, the polyester one will fare much better over time. Jun 26, 2022 · If you don’t like wearing synthetics (for environmental reasons) or animal-based fiber, consider the brand Patagonia, which uses recycled polyester (the Capilene series is a good example). Alternatives to the typical nylon hiking pant/short are running shorts and softshell pants. Synthetic fabrics make a great base layer for outdoor activities because of their wicking properties. Polyester consists of fiber that is able to dry supremely fast. You can learn more about their process here. When I’m in a store I go straight for the yoga and climbing pants. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. In short, the answer is up to personal preference. Sep 21, 2023 · Background on Nylon and Polyester.
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