Mens hiking pants, softshell trousers, and technical outdoor pants at Dwights — Rab leads the range with softshell hiking trousers through to technical mountain pants for NZ conditions.
Top Picks
Rab Torque Pants (RRP from $199.95) — The core mens hiking pant recommendation at Dwights. Durable, articulated construction suited to tramping and everyday trail use across NZ terrain.
Rab Ascendor AS Pants (RRP $229.95) — Rab's windproof softshell hiking trouser. Water-resistant, articulated construction for technical movement on NZ trails and alpine use.
Rab Ascendor Light Pants (RRP $229.95) — Lighter Ascendor construction for fast-and-light use.
Rab Incline AS Softshell Pants (RRP $239.95) — Stretch softshell trouser with technical construction. More stretch than the Ascendor for active use.
Rab Torque Mountain Pants (RRP from $239.95) — Rab's technical mountain pant. More robust construction for demanding alpine terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking pants for NZ tramping?
The Rab Torque Pants are the starting point for most NZ trampers — durable, practical construction suited to everyday trail use. For more technical softshell performance or alpine use, step up to the Ascendor AS or Torque Mountain. Pair with waterproof overpants for full wet-weather coverage on serious routes.
Should I get softshell pants or waterproof overpants for tramping?
Both if you tramp in serious NZ conditions. Softshell pants are your base layer for movement and breathability — they handle wind and light rain. Waterproof overpants go on top when conditions get properly wet. Carrying both adds minimal weight and gives you the option for any conditions.
Do hiking pants need to be waterproof?
Not necessarily. Most technical hiking pants are water-resistant (treated with DWR) but not fully waterproof — they shed light rain and keep wind out but aren't designed for sustained downpours. For full waterproof protection, carry overpants. The combination of softshell trousers + overpants is lighter and more breathable than a single waterproof pant.