You’re standing at the trailhead, looking at your gear, and there it is—the Under Armour logo. For years, people basically associated that "UA" symbol with gym rats, football two-a-days, or guys hitting the bench press. It wasn't exactly the first choice for a 15-mile trek through the backcountry. Most hikers reached for brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, or Columbia. But things have changed. Under Armour hiking pants have quietly become some of the most durable, high-performing pieces of mountain gear you can find, even if the hardcore "granola" crowd hasn't fully caught on yet.
Hiking is brutal on clothes. You've got granite scratching at your knees. There’s the constant friction of your inner thighs rubbing together on a steep ascent. Then there’s the sweat. Oh, the sweat. If your pants don't breathe, you’re basically walking in a mobile sauna.
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Under Armour isn't just making "track pants" anymore. They’ve leaned hard into fabric science. Honestly, their storm technology is a bit of a game-changer for those days when the weather can't decide if it wants to be sunny or pour down rain. It’s not waterproof—don't let anyone tell you it is—but it sheds water like a duck's back.
What Most People Get Wrong About Under Armour Hiking Pants
The biggest misconception? That they’re just rebranded leggings or gym sweats. Nope. If you grab a pair of the UA Enduro or the Fish Hunter series (which, ironically, are fantastic for hiking), you’ll notice the ripstop fabric immediately. Ripstop is that cross-hatch stitching that prevents a small snag from becoming a gaping hole. It’s essential.
Under Armour hiking pants use a blend of polyester and elastane, but they’ve mastered the "stretch-weave" better than most. Traditional hiking pants can feel stiff, like you're wearing cardboard tubes. UA gear moves. It bends when you scramble over a fallen log.
The HeatGear vs. ColdGear Confusion
I've seen people make this mistake a thousand times. They buy HeatGear for a winter hike because it sounds "hot." Big mistake. Huge.
- HeatGear is designed to keep you cool. It wicks moisture away from your skin so fast it’ll make your head spin. It’s what you want for a July hike in Zion.
- ColdGear is the one with the brushed interior. It traps heat. If you wear this in the summer, you will overheat in twenty minutes.
- AllSeasonGear is exactly what it sounds like—the middle ground.
Most Under Armour hiking pants fall into the "Storm" category. This is a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. It’s a chemical coating applied to the fabric. Over time, this wears off. You’ll know it’s gone when water stops beading up and starts soaking in. You can actually fix this with a spray-on treatment like Nikwax, so don't throw them away just because they stopped being "waterproof."
Why the UA Enduro is the Sleeper Hit of the Trail
If you’re looking for the gold standard in the lineup, it’s the Enduro. These were technically designed for tactical use—think range days or first responders—but hikers have hijacked them.
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The fabric is 100% polyester, but it doesn't feel like a 70s leisure suit. It’s tough. I'm talking "sliding down a scree field on your butt" tough. The offset belt loops are a small but genius detail; they allow for proper holster or tool placement, but for a hiker, it just means your pack’s hip belt doesn't dig into your waist as much.
Wait, what about the pockets? Most hiking pants have those giant cargo pockets that slap against your leg with every step. It’s annoying. The Enduro has low-profile pockets. You can fit a topographical map or a protein bar in there without feeling like you're carrying a sidecar.
There's a specific nuance to the fit, though. Under Armour tends to run a bit "athletic." If you have massive quads from years of squats, you might find the "fitted" styles a bit restrictive. Always look for the "loose" or "straight leg" cuts if you want to avoid that skin-tight superhero look on the trail.
The Cotton Trap and Why UA Fabric Wins
"Cotton kills." It’s the oldest cliché in the outdoor world, but it’s true. Cotton absorbs 27 times its weight in water. If you get wet in cotton pants in 40-degree weather, you’re looking at a legitimate hypothermia risk.
Under Armour hiking pants are almost entirely synthetic. This is where the brand’s history in sports pays off. They spent decades figuring out how to make fabric that dries in the sun in about ten minutes.
Breathability vs. Wind Resistance
This is a trade-off. A very thin pair of UA pants will breathe like a dream, but once you get to the ridgeline and the wind starts whipping at 30 mph, you’re going to feel it. This is why layering is key. Some of the heavier UA pants, like those in the Roughneck or Specialist lines, have a tighter weave that blocks wind better but might feel a bit stuffy during a steep climb.
I personally prefer the thinner pants paired with a lightweight base layer. It gives you more versatility.
Real-World Durability: The Knee Test
The first place hiking pants die is the knee. Constant bending and the occasional "oops, I slipped" means the fabric gets thinned out. Under Armour has started adding articulated knees to most of their outdoor-specific models.
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What is an articulated knee? It’s basically a darted stitch that mimics the natural bend of your leg. Instead of the fabric stretching and thinning every time you take a big step up, the pant is already shaped for that movement. It sounds like marketing fluff. It isn't. It keeps the pants from "creeping" down your waist every time you lunge.
A Quick Note on the "Swish-Swish" Sound
Let's be honest. Some synthetic pants are loud. You sound like a pair of corduroys having a fight. Under Armour’s higher-end hiking pants use a softer matte finish that's surprisingly quiet. If you're out there trying to spot wildlife or just want to enjoy the silence of the woods, avoid the shiny, cheap-feeling polyester. Go for the ones labeled with "Stretch-Woven" or "Storm." Your ears will thank you.
How to Care for Your Gear So It Actually Lasts
Most people ruin their Under Armour hiking pants in the laundry. It's tragic.
- Never use fabric softener. Softeners work by coating fibers in a waxy substance. This kills the moisture-wicking properties and ruins the "breathability." It basically clogs the pores of the fabric.
- Wash on cold. High heat can damage the elastic fibers (elastane/spandex). Once those fibers "snap," your pants lose their shape and start to sag.
- Air dry if possible. If you have to use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
If your pants start to smell—and they will, because synthetics love to trap bacteria—add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It breaks down the oils that cause that "perma-funk" without damaging the technical features of the fabric.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to switch from your old heavy jeans or overpriced boutique outdoor brands, here is how to actually pick the right pair:
- Check the "Storm" Level: UA Storm 1 is water-resistant. Storm 2 is highly water-resistant and windproof. Storm 3 is waterproof (but rarely found in pants because it doesn't breathe well). For 90% of hikers, Storm 1 is the sweet spot.
- Prioritize the Waistband: Look for the models with the "engineered elastic waistband." It has a bit of internal grip that keeps your pants from sliding down when your pack is heavy.
- The Inseam Matters: UA often offers "Tall" and "Short" sizes online. Since you can't really hem technical hiking pants without ruining the taper or the ankle zips, buying the right length is crucial.
- Don't Ignore the Tactical Line: Some of the best Under Armour hiking pants aren't even in the "hiking" section. Search for "Tactical" or "Duty" pants on their site. They are often more durable and have better pocket placement than the "lifestyle" hiking gear.
Go check the clearance racks at the end of the season. Under Armour refreshes their colors constantly, and you can often find a $90 pair of pants for $45 just because they're last year's shade of "Barren Camo" or "OD Green."
Invest in a solid belt, stay away from the dryer, and those pants will likely outlast your boots. The gear works. You just have to pick the right version for your specific trail.