Imagine this: You are deep in the brush, sun on your back, the scent of damp earth in the air, and then—a sudden flush of grouse! You take off running, but your legs feel heavy and snagged. Does your current hunting gear slow you down when you need speed the most?
Choosing the right upland bird hunting pants is more than just picking a color. You need protection from thorns, briars, and sudden downpours, but you also need to move freely and stay cool. Too many hunters end up with pants that are too stiff, too hot, or that just don’t last past one tough season. It’s frustrating when your gear fights against your hunt instead of helping it.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great pair of upland pants—from durable materials to smart features that keep you comfortable all day long. By the end of this post, you will know precisely what features to look for to ensure your next pair is the last pair you’ll need for years.
Top Upland Bird Hunting Pants 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.
- UPLAND FIELD PANT – Durable upland game pant for walking through brush, cattails, corn, and everything in between. When to use: upland game hunting where temps range from 20-60F (Available Color: Khaki)
- HEAVY DUTY COTTON CANVAS BODY – 100% cotton canvas body for breathability, durability, and comfort.
- STRATEGIC FEATURES – Reinforced durable 100% polyester briar resistant chap paneling for pushing through dense vegetation.
- KING’S CAMO – Our gear is built around a layering strategy and designed for the true athletic hunter. King’s uses the best performance fabrics, printed with industry leading camo patterns, and delivers it at a price that is unmatched in the industry.
- Seasons: Fall/Holiday
- 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.
- Durable cotton canvas fabric made for the toughest hunting conditions. Bulldoze through anything with the reinforced front facing protection.
- Heavy-duty hook and "D" ring for leashes, electronic collar controls or key rings
- Two front slash pockets and a rear pocket protect your license and keys
- All facings are water-repellent coated 1000 denier nylon fabric ands the cuffs are TripleLayer for durability.
- The legs come standard with a 32" inseam and the pant waist fits true to size
- 100% cotton canvas
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Briar-resistant overlay
- Features Zipper fly
- Durable and long lasting
- Please consider sizing up on first purchase. Fit Tip: For accuracy, measure yourself in your undergarments. Give all measurements in inches. If your measurements are between sizes, order the larger size
- A jean built to comfortably withstand the toughest working conditions, this sanded and garment washed 100 percent cotton duck jean provides broken-in comfort from day one with a stylishly distressed look and non-binding relaxed straight leg fit
- These comfortable jeans sit slightly below the waist and feature a roomy seat and thigh with a straight leg that fits over boots; Keep the tools of your trade close at hand with the hammer loop on left leg and dual tool pockets on right
- Button closure and garment-washed for softness & shrinkage control
- MOISTURE WICKING. Perfect for outdoor activities, these moisture wicking utility pants are built to keep you dry through any physical activity.
- STRETCH COMFORT. Designed to move, these straight leg pants are made with stretch canvas. The gusseted crotch adds extra mobility. A regular seat and thigh provide a comfortable fit. Perfect for physical activity, these shorts won't restrict movement when bending over or squatting down.
- ADDED PROTECTION. The perfect pants for a camping trip with family or hiking with friends, you can rest assured you'll stay well protected from the sun with UPF 30 protection.
- STRONG AND DURABLE. Articulated and reinforced knees and a reinforced kickplate offer increased durability so you can hike, climb and camp with confidence.
- ON-THE-GO STORAGE. A zip utility pocket and hidden inside pocket help provide secure storage for your smaller goods and electronics.
- QUICK DRYING. Whether you are crossing wet areas hiking or encounter unexpected rain, these quick-drying utility pants are coated with a water repellent finish to keep you dry through any conditions you may come across.
- STRETCH COMFORT. Move with confidence throughout your day in these versatile straight leg pants. The gusseted crotch adds extra mobility. A regular seat and thigh provide a comfortable fit.
- ADDED PROTECTION. The perfect pants for outdoor activities, you can rest assured you'll stay well protected from the sun with UPF 30 protection.
- STRONG AND DURABLE. A reinforced kickplate offers increased durability so you can hike, climb and camp with confidence.
- SECURE STORAGE. A zip utility pocket helps provide secure storage for your smaller goods and electronics so you can focus on the activity at hand.
Choosing Your Perfect Upland Bird Hunting Pants: A Buyer’s Guide
Upland bird hunting takes you through thick brush, thorny fields, and wet meadows. You need pants that protect your legs and keep you comfortable all day. This guide helps you find the best pair.
Key Features to Look For
Good upland pants offer more than just coverage. They provide protection and mobility.
- **Durability and Abrasion Resistance:** Look for tough material, especially around the lower legs and knees. Brush snags and rips cheap fabric easily.
- **Water Resistance/Proofing:** Since you walk through dew-covered grass, the pants should shed water. DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finishes help water bead up and roll off.
- **Ventilation:** Hunting involves a lot of walking, which makes you sweat. Vents (often zippered) on the thighs help release heat quickly.
- **Pockets and Storage:** You need secure pockets for calls, licenses, or snacks. Cargo pockets are useful, but make sure they don’t flap around while running.
- **Fit and Mobility:** The pants must allow you to climb fences and stride easily. Avoid overly baggy or restrictive cuts.
Important Materials
The material determines how well the pants perform in the field.
Canvas and Cotton Blends: These are traditionally durable and quiet. However, they absorb water easily and take a long time to dry.
Nylon and Polyester: Modern synthetic fabrics are lightweight and dry very fast. They are often treated with DWR for water resistance.
Reinforced Panels: High-quality pants feature tougher materials like Cordura or heavy canvas stitched over the shins and seat. This reinforcement is crucial for longevity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality shines through in the details. Better construction means your pants last longer.
What Makes Them High Quality?
- Heavy Stitching: Double or triple stitching in high-stress areas (like the crotch and pocket openings) prevents blowouts.
- Quality Zippers and Snaps: YKK zippers are a sign of good quality. They resist jamming when dirty.
- **Gaiter Hooks:** Small hooks near the ankle attach to your laces, stopping debris and ticks from crawling up your leg.
What Reduces Quality?
Thin, single-layer construction offers poor protection against thorns. Pants that use cheap elastic in the waistband often stretch out quickly. If the water-repellent coating wears off after one wash, the pants offer limited use in wet conditions.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and when you hunt.
For Early Season (Hot Weather): Prioritize lightweight, highly breathable nylon pants. Ventilation zippers are a must. You sacrifice some heavy-duty protection for comfort.
For Late Season (Cold/Wet Weather): You need thicker materials, potentially lined with fleece or softshell fabric. Water resistance becomes the most important factor here.
Use Case Example: If you hunt primarily in dense grouse cover, focus on extreme abrasion resistance on the lower legs. If you walk miles across open fields for pheasant, prioritize light weight and ventilation.
Upland Bird Hunting Pants FAQs
Q: Do I need waterproof pants or just water-resistant ones?
A: For most upland hunting, water-resistant (DWR treated) is enough because you are moving and generating heat. Truly waterproof pants can feel too hot unless it is raining heavily.
Q: How important is the stretch in the fabric?
A: Stretch is very important. It lets you lift your legs high when stepping over logs or climbing hills without feeling tight or restricted.
Q: Should I wear a base layer underneath?
A: Always plan to wear a moisture-wicking base layer (like merino wool or synthetic leggings) underneath, especially in cooler weather. This layer keeps sweat off your skin.
Q: Are bright colors bad for hunting?
A: Many upland pants use blaze orange panels on the lower leg or rear for safety. Birds don’t see color the same way humans do, so safe visibility for other hunters is key.
Q: How do I keep ticks out of my pants?
A: Tightly woven fabrics help deter ticks, but the best defense is tucking your pant legs into your boots or using built-in or added gaiters that seal the opening.
Q: Can I just wear old hiking pants?
A: Hiking pants usually lack the necessary reinforcement on the shins. They tear easily when dragged through briars and thorns common in bird cover.
Q: What is the benefit of zippered pockets over standard pockets?
A: Zippers keep small items secure even when you are moving fast or bending over. Nothing is worse than losing your car keys in the field.
Q: How do I clean DWR coatings?
A: You wash them gently with specialized technical wash soap. Avoid standard fabric softeners, as they clog the pores of the fabric and destroy the water resistance.
Q: Should the fit be loose or snug?
A: The fit should be comfortable—snug enough to avoid excess fabric flapping, but loose enough to allow full range of motion for walking and shooting.
Q: Are these pants different from waterfowl (duck) hunting pants?
A: Yes. Waterfowl pants are usually heavily insulated and fully waterproof because you sit still in cold, wet blinds. Upland pants focus more on breathability and durability for active walking.