What’s the toughest part of a long day chasing birds through thick cover? Often, it’s not the walking or the shooting—it’s the constant battle against briars, thorns, and sweat soaking your legs. Upland hunting demands gear that keeps up, but finding the perfect pair of pants can feel like tracking a ghost bird.
The wrong pants lead to miserable hunts. You might find something waterproof that feels like plastic, or something breathable that tears the moment you step through a patch of nasty scrub oak. Dealing with chafing, overheating, and constant snags ruins the experience, turning what should be a great day afield into a gritty chore. You need protection without sacrificing movement or comfort.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a pair of upland hunting pants truly exceptional. You will learn about the best materials for durability, breathability, and weather resistance, ensuring your lower half stays comfortable from the first flush to the final retrieve.
Ready to upgrade your leg-wear and focus purely on the hunt? Let’s dive into the essential features you need to look for in your next pair of upland hunting pants.
Top Pants For Upland Hunting Recommendations
- BREATHABLE: Our cargo pants are made from a high-quality 100% cotton body, offering maximum breathability while hunting, hiking and fishing.
- DOUBLE LAYER: Featuring 100% polyester double overlays on the front and calves of the outdoor pants. Reinforced to protect you from brush, debris and scratches whilst trekking through the outdoors.
- DARTS: Guide Gear tactical pants for men include in-built knee darts, straight legs and a relaxed fit that gives you a better range of movement and won’t slow you down.
- POCKETS: Our heavy duty pants have 2 front slash pockets and 2 back pockets to store your belongings and hunting accessories.
- MADE FOR HUNTING: Guide Gear Brush Pants have been designed to offer durability and flexibility. They’re perfect to wear for bird hunting, deer hunting, coyote hunting and outdoor activities.
- WATER REPELLENT. A durable, water repellent finish helps keep you dry in dewy morning grass or crossing streams. Fearlessly take on the trails and face inclement weather.
- STRETCH FABRIC. Flexible fabric and a comfort soft waistband allow you to move with ease so you can bend, squat and hike in comfort.
- DURABLE WEAR. Reinforced leg panels and watch pocket reinforcement help ensure that your pants stand up to the test of time with repeated wear and wash.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE. Plenty of pockets offer a place for you to store your phone and wallet.
- REINFORCED FUNCTION. These men's pants are constructed with denim and reinforced with twill for a two-tone look that doubles as added protection. Front panels extend from mid thigh to hem and back panels extend from knee to hem.
- 100% cotton canvas
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Features Zipper fly
- Durable and long lasting
- 【Ultimate Protection in the Field】These upland hunting pants for men feature reinforced briar-resistant overlays at key impact zones, shielding you from thorns, brush, and rough terrain. A must-have piece of upland hunting gear when bird hunting, trekking fields, or carrying dove hunting accessories
- 【Comfort That Moves With You 】Designed with an elastic waistband, relaxed fit, our upland pants allow maximum mobility and all-day comfort. Whether walking miles for pheasant or gearing up for dove hunting, these pants won’t slow you down
- 【Durable Build for Harsh Outdoors】Built with 900D Oxford fabric and a 100% cotton main body, these upland pants deliver season-after-season reliability. Perfect hunting clothes for men who demand toughness in brush country and upland terrain
- 【Functional Outdoor Features】Equipped with secure zipper, multiple utility pockets, and a heavy-duty D-ring, these upland hunting pants keep your dove hunting gear and essentials organized and within reach. Ideal for hunters who need practical, ready-access storage in the field
- 【Versatile Hunting & Outdoor Style 】More than just upland hunting pants, they’re built for all rugged adventures. From pheasant and quail hunts to hiking, fishing, and dove hunting, these pants blend classic outdoor styling with the functionality serious hunters expect
- 100% cotton canvas
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Features Zipper fly
- Durable and long lasting
- ORVIS’S MOST VERSATILE, wear-anywhere briar pant.
- TOUGH, NEW-TECH FABRIC with built-in stretch for comfort and mobility, excellent for hiking or heading out to the hunting blind.
- WATER-RESISTANT FACING, washable dry-wax impregnated poplin that holds up to toughest briars while out hunting or checking trail cams.
- CROTCH GUSSET for maximum comfort and antiqued brass finish shotshell button with a solid brass zipper make these pants an essential addition to your upland clothing collection.
- ORVIS IS DEDICATED to high quality hunting gear and clothing that help you embrace the outdoors, and the Missouri Breaks Field Pants (25PB) are a top rated upland pant by customers for strength and durability, but also for their exceptional comfort.
- Retain Active breathable heat retention technology with fleece interior
- Bonded fabric – soft durable shell with fleece interior
- Water resistant, windproof, breathable and lightweight
- Front and back load game bag, zippered gussets at the sleeve opening and adjustable drawcord bottom hem
- Two-way pockets: top loading with snap closure storm flap; bellowed side entry handwarmer pockets
- Unrestricted Movement: Engineered with 4-way StretchFlex performance fabric that flexes with your every move so you can climb, crouch, and trek without resistance.
- Brush-Ready Durability: Reinforced front panels offer superior protection against heavy brush, thorns, and burrs—ideal for navigating dense CRP, cattails, and rough trails.
- Athletic Fit: Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch provide ergonomic freedom and comfort for all-day wear in demanding upland terrain.
- Securely Built Features: Features a reliable post-and-fly closure, reinforced belt loops, and suspender loops—keeping your pants secure no matter how hard you hunt.
- Streamlined Storage: Dual front slash pockets and two rear pockets offer easy-access storage for tools, shells, and essentials—without bulk or bounce.
Choosing the Best Pants for Upland Hunting: Your Complete Buying Guide
Upland hunting means walking through thick brush, tall grass, and sometimes wet fields while chasing birds like quail, pheasant, or grouse. You need pants that protect your legs and keep you comfortable all day long. Finding the right pair makes a huge difference in your success and enjoyment.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for upland hunting pants, keep these important features in mind:
- Durability and Reinforcement: Your legs rub against thorny bushes constantly. Look for extra tough fabric, often called “chaps” or “brush guards,” especially around the lower leg and thigh areas.
- Water Resistance: Morning dew or crossing small streams happens. The pants should shed water easily. You don’t want heavy, soaked fabric slowing you down.
- Breathability: Upland hunting requires a lot of walking, which makes you sweat. The fabric must let heat and moisture escape so you stay cool when you are active.
- Pockets: You need secure pockets for calls, licenses, or snacks. Deep, zippered pockets are better than open ones so things do not fall out while you move.
- Fit and Mobility: The pants should fit well but allow for a full range of motion. You need to be able to step high over logs or crouch easily.
Important Materials That Matter
The material of your hunting pants determines how well they perform. Different materials offer different benefits.
Nylon and Polyester Blends:
These synthetic fabrics are popular. They dry quickly and resist tearing very well. Many high-quality upland pants use these blends because they balance toughness with lighter weight.
Canvas or Duck Cloth:
This is a very tough, thick cotton material. It offers excellent protection against thorns and briars. However, canvas takes longer to dry if it gets completely soaked.
GORE-TEX or Proprietary Waterproofing:
Some premium pants include a waterproof and breathable membrane. This technology stops water from getting in but lets sweat vapor escape. This keeps you dry from both the outside rain and your own perspiration.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the pant is often found in the small details.
What Makes Pants Better:
- Heavy-Duty Zippers: Strong, reliable zippers (like YKK) will last for years. Cheap zippers often break when they get dirty or wet.
- Reinforced Stitching: Double or triple stitching in high-stress areas, like the crotch seam or where pockets attach, prevents blowouts.
- Ventilation Zippers: Some pants include mesh-lined zippers on the inner thigh. You can open these up for instant cooling during a hard hike.
What Lowers the Quality:
- Thin Fabric: If the fabric feels flimsy or too light, it will likely rip the first time you push through heavy cover.
- Poor Water Treatment: If the water resistance wears off quickly after just a few washes, the pants will become heavy and uncomfortable in wet conditions.
- Restrictive Cut: Pants that are too tight in the seat or knees limit your movement, making hunting much harder.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and when you hunt. This dictates the perfect pant for you.
Heavy Cover/Thick Brush Hunting:
If you hunt in very dense areas (like thick cattails or thorny locust thickets), you need the toughest, most abrasion-resistant pants possible. Look for pants that are almost like built-in chaps.
Warm Weather/Open Field Hunting:
In hot climates, breathability becomes the top priority. You want lighter-weight nylon blends that dry fast. You might sacrifice some heavy-duty armor for comfort.
Wet or Cold Conditions:
If you hunt in the late fall or early winter when mornings are damp, waterproof or highly water-resistant pants are essential. Layering underneath these pants allows you to adjust to changing temperatures.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Upland Hunting Pants
Q: Should my upland pants be waterproof or just water-resistant?
A: For most upland hunting, water-resistant is enough because you are moving and generating heat. True waterproofing is better if you expect to stand in deep puddles or hunt in constant rain.
Q: How important is the color of the pants?
A: While camouflage is popular, most upland hunters wear blaze orange for safety. Bright colors like orange or brown stand out against the natural background, making you visible to other hunters.
Q: Can I wear regular hiking pants for upland hunting?
A: You can, but they will likely wear out fast. Hiking pants are not usually tough enough to handle constant rubbing against thorns and sharp briars.
Q: What is the best way to clean these specialized pants?
A: Always follow the care tag! Generally, you should wash them in cool water with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as softeners can clog the pores in waterproof membranes.
Q: Do I need ankle gaiters if I buy good hunting pants?
A: If your pants have integrated ankle cuffs or strong zippers that cinch tight around your boots, gaiters are optional. If the pant leg is wide, gaiters keep ticks and debris out of your boots.
Q: How much stretch should upland pants have?
A: A little bit of stretch, especially in the knee and seat area, improves comfort greatly. Look for fabrics that offer mechanical stretch or have a small percentage of spandex blended in.
Q: Are zippered vents truly useful?
A: Yes, vents are very useful. When you stop walking, you cool down fast. When you start climbing a hill, you heat up fast. Vents let you regulate your temperature without taking off layers.
Q: Should I choose pants that zip off into shorts?
A: Most serious upland hunters avoid zip-off pants. The zipper area creates a weak seam that often rips when stressed by heavy cover, reducing the pant’s overall durability.
Q: What is the typical price range for good upland pants?
A: Basic, durable nylon pants start around $60-$80. High-end, fully waterproof, and heavily reinforced pants can easily cost $150 to over $250.
Q: How should the fit feel when I try them on?
A: They should feel comfortable when standing, but you should also squat down fully without the waist digging into your stomach or the seat pulling tight. You need room for movement.