Designed for climbing, but I love them for hiking and everyday wear.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and Arc'teryx
I've found a new favorite pair of pants, and funny enough, they're not even designed specifically for hiking.
The Arc'teryx Clarkia Cotton Wide-Leg Pants are technically climbing pants. I don't climb, but who cares? I love these pants. I wear them mainly for hiking, but I also find myself reaching for them when I'm just going about my day.
They're comfortable, I love the wide-leg fit, and they don't look like your typical hiking pants. Sometimes you find a piece of gear that you end up wearing a lot more than you expected. These are definitely that for me.
Why I Love the Clarkia Wide-Leg Pants
First, the fit. I'm a fan of wide-leg pants, especially for hiking. I don't want anything tight or restrictive when I'm moving around, and the Clarkia has plenty of room through the legs.
The fabric is another thing that won me over. It's a heavier cotton blend than many traditional hiking pants, with enough stretch to move comfortably. It also has a little more structure, which I prefer over that lightweight, technical hiking-pant look.
Arc'teryx designed these with climbing in mind, so the articulated knees, gusseted crotch and harness-friendly waistband are there to make movement easier. Turns out, those details are pretty useful for hiking, too.
And I can wear them off the trail without feeling like I'm still dressed for a hike.
How I Wear Them for Hiking and Everyday
Most of the time, I'm wearing my Clarkia pants on hikes. They're roomy, comfortable and easy to move around in, which is what I want when I'm out exploring.
But they've also become part of my everyday wardrobe. I wear them around town, on travel days or just hanging out. That's something I appreciate about outdoor clothing. I don't always want separate clothes for every activity, especially when I'm traveling in my van.
The Clarkia pants fit right into that mix.
What You Should Know Before Buying
There are a few things worth knowing about these pants.
Fit: Relaxed, with a wide-leg silhouette.
Fabric: 61% organic cotton, 29% nylon and 10% elastane.
Movement: Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch.
Waistband: Designed for comfort under a climbing harness.
Pockets: Four accessible pockets.
Weather protection: Light water-repellent finish, made without intentionally added PFAS.
Manufacturing: Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
These aren't lightweight summer hiking pants or waterproof rain pants. The water-repellent finish offers some protection from light moisture, but I wouldn't choose cotton-blend pants for hiking in cold, wet weather. Cotton takes longer to dry than most technical hiking fabrics.
And then there's the price. At $200, these are definitely an investment. Arc'teryx isn't exactly known for inexpensive clothing. But I also think about how often I'll wear something, and these aren't pants that spend much time sitting in my closet.
Would I Buy the Arc'teryx Clarkia Pants Again?
Absolutely.
I love finding outdoor clothing that doesn't have to be worn only for the activity printed on the tag. These might have been designed for climbing, but for me, they're hiking pants that happen to be great for everyday wear, too.
The fit, comfort and versatility have made them one of my favorite pairs of pants. And considering how often I reach for them, I'd say they've earned their place in my wardrobe.
I write Overland Girl, where I share firsthand travel experiences across the American West — from desert landscapes and national parks to small towns layered with history. My work blends movement, place, and the stories that shape them.
Some posts may include affiliate links to products or services I use on the road. If you choose to purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps support continued travel and storytelling. I only link to items I personally use or would use myself.