A couple years back I bought a pair of nylon hiking pants with the zip-off lower legs. They have a bunch of pockets for maps and other stuff, weigh practically nothing and have worn like iron. Also: extremely comfortable.

When they get wet, they dry out quickly. The little burrs that stuck to every other fabric like glue come off with a little brushing. They wash clean, no matter how mucky and stinky I get them.

Lots of folks hike in jeans, which are 1) heavy; 2) extremely slow to dry out; and 3) overkill for most day hikes. You really don’t need that tough canvas fabric for walking on a trail.

Don’t get crazy when buying these pants. Just get the basic model with the extra pockets. The zip-off legs are nice to have, though the only time I’ve ever unzipped mine was when we stopped by the beach on the way home from hiking. I got a half-off deal on some top-of-the-line Ex-Officio pants that I almost never use because they have a sewn-in belt and mesh crotch liner, both of which are worthless to me.

Better to keep it simple and light.