Pants for outdoor activities


hillst1

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I usually wear jeans for outdoor activities but would like to try something a little more rugged like 5.11 style ripstop pants. What do you guys recommend that will not break the bank?
 
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The man asked specifically for something rugged. Those Wranglers from walmart are very much NOT rugged. They are very comfortable though.

This is why I joined the board. Looking to get some winter clothing and maybe some camping/hiking gear and wanted to look around here for budget options or some DIY hints.
 
Riggs ripstop is pretty durable.
You can get cargo or utility style pants in a variety of colors, including camo for under $40.
Just a warning, try every pair on before washing. Their QC is not always consistent.
The fabric is also stiff, like Carhartt used to be before they got popular and trendy.
 
Dickies makes a heavy duty canvas carpenter pant I like. They hold up very well to crawling in, out and over newly formed concrete utility / hi-way structures. They are great around the farm and in the woods. They are not waterproof at all being cotton canvas. They do not have cargo pockets but have a tool pocket on the right side leg, the pocket does not have a fastener. There is a hammer loop on the left side, I immediately cut that off. If they stop making these $30 pants I may cry.
 
I like my 5.11's They've held up well outdoor and in. My dickies cargo aren't ripstop, a fair bit heavier, but have held up well. My 90s and early 2000s BDUs are my favorite for outdoors. They can still be found new for $10-$25. Cool for the warm weather and layer well for the colder.
 
I usually wear jeans for outdoor activities but would like to try something a little more rugged like 5.11 style ripstop pants. What do you guys recommend that will not break the bank?
I agree completely!! The best pants I own for outdoor activities is the 5.11 in kaki. They have the bellow pockets on the thighs, a small 'knife pocket' on the left thigh, and inside the double layered knee is an internal pickets for knee pad inserts...I prefer the kaki color because it makes finding ticks very easy. The only problem I have had with it, is there is no internal butt pad pouch, which would be nicer than carrying around a sit pad;)
 
I really like Kuhl brand pants but they are not inexpensive. I also bought some Columbia brand pants although I haven’t worn them enough to comment on durability. They are much lighter weight and less expensive than the Kuhl’s. The two different brands are used for different purposes so I really couldn’t fairly compare them anyhow.
 
+1 for Dickies. Many different styles and toughness levels to choose from.
I think it's cool how I can wear them with a shirt and tie at work, then throw on a flannel and change my shoes for the woods.
 
the first tactical pant isn't bad either...been wearing a pair for work since august...a tad bit warmer (especially in dfw area) than the 5.11 pant but made much better and comfortable to wear...pockets are better than 5.11 also...it's the V2 tac pant....
 
Duluth firehose flex pants seem to be pretty durable to me. I have two pair that have held up well. Military surplus are well made generally.

I've seen a few recommendations for Tru Spec pants. I have had nothing but bad luck with that brand. Both pair of my expedition pants lasted maybe a year and a half tops. My other tru spec pants have been through a few crotch blow outs as well.
 
5.11 ripstop, BUT I have settled on Eddie Bauer First Ascent Pant. They are expensive unless you watch for sales - often 40-50% off. I find them very durable and super comfortable. No they won't handle abrasion like firehose pants, but they don't fit/weigh like a canvas tarp either.

Kuhl's are what my son wears rock climbing and they have held up great.
 
Carhartt double front dungerees have been my go to work and outdoor pants for many years.
I usually find the irregulars at outlets.
They might have some weird stitching or odd cut, but that doesn't matter to me.
My pants are "born to die" and are not for making fashion statements.
 

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