Are you looking for a pair of comfortable pants to wear while kayaking?
Choosing the right pair of pants is important. A good pair of kayaking pants will offer comfort, water resistance, sun protection, and protection against chafing and irritation.
If you can find pants that have pockets where you can store small items, that’s even better. Quick-dry technology is also a must, in case your pants get wet.
In this article, I will be going over some of the best pants for kayaking: 10 for men and 10 for women. So, if you have been looking for the perfect pair of kayaking or canoeing pants, read on!
Quick Summary
Some of the best kayaking pants for men include:
- Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Stance Paddling Pants
- Level Six Current 2.5 Ply Semi Dry Pants
- Hiwise Men’s Ripstop Tactical Pants
- Sharkskin Titanium 2 Chillproof Long Pants (Male)
Here are some options for women:
- BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants
- Goldfin Wetsuit Pants for Women
- Lemorecn Wetsuit Pants for Women
- Skyone Wetsuit Pants for Women
For the full list, continue reading!
Best Men’s Kayaking Pants
1. Kokatat Men’s Hydrus Stance Paddling Pants
These cargo-style pants from Kokatat are a great choice for any paddler or angler. They come with a side pocket that zips up to keep your stuff secure.
They also have waterproof material to protect you from splashes. The adjustable neoprene waistband will keep the pants tight and secure while you paddle.
Although it looks a bit heavy, this pair of pants is made from lightweight and breathable material, so it’s very comfortable to wear.
2. Level Six Current 2.5 Ply Semi Dry Pant
The Level Six Current 2.5 semi-dry pant is designed for whitewater. However, it can also be used on recreational kayaks and touring kayaks.
It’s waterproof, so it will protect you from getting wet. In addition, it’s lightweight and breathable, allowing your legs to breathe while doing all that hard kayaking exercise.
The material is 100 percent nylon.
The pants feature an ankle closure system that prevents water from getting in. The hip pocket can not only hold your items, but it also has drainage to prevent water from piling up inside your pocket.
3. Hiwise Men’s Ripstop Tactical Pants
The Hiwise Men’s Ripstop tactical pants are perfect for hardcore anglers. They are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, water-resistant, and dust-resistant.
Most of all, the ripstop material means you don’t have to worry about tearing your pants while out in the water! Whether they get stuck in a branch or in your fishing hook, these pants are durable and shouldn’t rip.
The crotch is also reinforced, allowing you to maneuever yourself in any which way without worrying about tearing.
In the knee area, there is internal soft padding to protect your knees from abrasion. That makes it perfect if you need to kneel in a kayak or canoe to haul in a big catch.
Best of all, you can carry all sorts of items in these pants. There are so many pockets!
There are two slanted pockets in the front. In the back, there are another two pockets, with an additional internal pocket.
There are also two large flap pockets for larger items. Finally, there are two zip pockets for items you never want to lose, like your phone (make sure to keep it in a waterproof case).
If you’re an outdoor kind of person in general, these pants are a great choice. They’re great for hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and everything else.
This product also comes in several colors, such as khaki and navy blue.
4. Sharkskin Titanium 2 Chillproof Long Pants (Male)
The Sharkskin Titanium 2 pants have infrared nanotechnology that keeps you warm and insulated while out on the water.
The hollow fiber fleece material helps absorb water. It is also comfortable and reduces chafing and skin irritation.
The material is also windproof and chillproof, preventing wind chill when kayaking in windy conditions. Furthermore, it is odor-resistant, so it won’t start smelling when you fall off your kayak and don’t have a chance to dry it fully.
Also, the material provides sun protection. That makes this pair of pants very versatile for all times of year and weather conditions.
5. Hard Land Men’s Hiking Pants
The Hard Land men’s hiking pants are made of 88 percent nylon and 12 percent spandex. They are stretchy and comfortable, allowing for a comfortable fit and freedom of movement while fishing.
Not only that, but the pants feature an anatomical cut in the knees, reducing tightness.
They offer a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+, making them perfect for summer kayaking.
This pair of pants has a whopping total of 10 pockets! Those include two mesh pockets in the front.
There are also two thigh zipper pockets, with two additional inner pockets in each of them. Finally, there are two very deep back pockets for things that just won’t fit in the other pockets.
That makes it easy to access things like fishing tackle, instead of needing to open and close your tackle box every time. You can store tackle that you know you will need in your front mesh pockets.
Meanwhile, the zipper pockets can be used for important items you don’t want to lose, like a compass.
These pants dry quickly, so you don’t have to be all wet and soggy if some water splashes on you or your kayak flips over.
6. CQR Men’s Cool Dry Tactical Pants
These tactical, water-resistant pants from CQR are great for kayaking. They come in around 25 colors, so you can customize your look and buy a few of them while still being able to switch things up (colors subject to availability).
The pants are made of 64 percent cotton, 32 percent nylon, and four percent elastane. They are stretchy and comfortable.
There is a mesh ventilation system that makes these pants incredibly breathable and cozy. At the same, the design is made to fit your body comfortably.
There are also multiple pockets, allowing you to store various items for easy access. They also offer water resistance and can dry out quickly.
7. Northyard Men’s Athletic Running Joggers
The Northyard men’s athletic running joggers are comfortable and provide a great fit. They’re perfect for kayaking and other outdoor activities.
The four-way stretch allows for added comfort. Meanwhile, the moisture-wicking fabric helps you stay cool on hot summer days.
The elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring makes it easy to adjust the tightness to your preferences.
There are three zippered pockets on these pants to allow for extra storage. There are two zippered pockets on the sides and one in the back.
The pants are water-resistant, so they will protect you from getting wet. Furthermore, they offer sun protection against harmful UV rays.
8. G Gradual Men’s Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets
These G Gradual sweatpants are perfect for kayaking if you want a loose, comfortable fit. The fabric is stretchy and allows for freedom of movement.
There are two zippered pockets on the sides and one in the back, for a total of three zippered pockets. Thus, these pants offer a lot of storage.
At the same time, the sweatpants offer a tapered, athletic look, allowing you to look stylish and cool.
9. G Gradual Men’s Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets
What if you want to wear shorts? These Lemorecn canoeing shorts are great for kayaking as well.
The 3 mm neoprene is super stretchy and incredibly comfortable. Despite being shorts, they’ll keep you warm.
The flat lock seams also reduce chafing.
10. G Gradual Men’s Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets
Another excellent choice if you prefer shorts are the Seaskin 2.5 mm diving shorts for men. Made of 2.5 mm thickness neoprene, these shorts offer protection against the water.
In fact, these shorts have several layers. The middle layer is neoprene, which offers insulation.
The outer layer is nylon, offering elasticity and durability. And, an inner layer provides a snug fit and warmth.
They’re comfortable and stretchy.
There are two large pockets. Each pocket has two D-rings and a stainless-steel drainage air hole.
Best Women’s Kayaking Pants
1. G Gradual Men’s Sweatpants with Zipper Pockets
The BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants are a #1 best seller on Amazon, and for good reason. This extremely comfortable pair of pants is water-resistant, making it great for kayakers who don’t want to get all wet and cold.
It is quick to dry, making it perfect for those going on camping trips who need to be able to wash clothes by hand and have them ready to wear by the next day.
Not only are the pants water resistant, but they are also UV resistant, offering much-needed protection against sun damage on those hot days. With a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+, they will protect you on even the sunniest of summer days.
This pair of pants features four zipper pockets, allowing you to safely store items such as a compass. You will never have to worry about items falling out of your pockets and into the water.
For fit and convenience, the pants offer a drawstring so you can keep them tight around your waist. The leg cuffs have adjustable fits as well, ensuring no bugs can crawl up and bite you when you’re hiking.
They come in over 20 colors (subject to availability). They also come in several sizes, so regardless of what your size is, you can find an option that fits you snugly.
2. Goldfin Wetsuit Pants for Women
The Goldfin Wetsuit pants for women are an excellent choice if you prefer wetsuits over drysuits.
Made of 90 percent neoprene and 10 percent nylon, these pants offer an excellent compromise between breathability and insulation. The pants are also incredibly stretchy, ensuring a snug fit without irritation or too much friction.
The super tight fit also means that you’ll look great when you get out of your kayak and onto the dock or beach!
3. Lemorecn Wetsuit Pants for Women
The Lemorecn wetsuit pair of pants for women is ranked as an Amazon’s Choice product. There’s no surprise there, given that it’s a high-quality, durable wetsuit that will last you many trips.
The 2 mm neoprene material feels comfortable and is pretty stretchy, allowing you to keep wearing the pants even if you gain or lose weight.
The elastic waistband ensures that the pants won’t fall off if you lose weight and get skinnier. Meanwhile, anti-abrasion knee pads are built in.
These knee pads allow you to kneel down in your kayak, canoe, or surfboard without hurting your knees.
The pants feature two deep side pockets, where you can store a phone, maps, a compass, and other essential gear you might need for a kayaking trip.
I recommend using a waterproof phone case for your phone while kayaking, as it’s the safest way to keep your phone dry and ensure it doesn’t sustain water damage.
4. Skyone Wetsuit Pants for Women
The Skyone wetsuit pants for women will allow you to show your curves fashionably. The high-waist design helps avoid drag when you get wet.
Similarly, this pair of pants offers protection against UV rays. At the knees, you will notice that the fabric is thickened for added protection, making it easy to kneel down for some added strength when paddling or hauling in fish.
It also offers a 150 percent stretch, making it comfortable regardless of your size.
5. ATTRACO Womens Pants
The ATTRACO women’s swim pants are suitable for snorkeling, kayaking, and other watersport activities. The high-waist seam helps cover your belly and prevents drag when your pants get wet.
With quick-dry technology, it’s easy to wash this pair of pants. It also comes with pockets so you can carry miscellaneous items.
6. Bare Drysuit Undergarment
This Bare drysuit pair of pants is meant to be worn under your regular pants, but you can wear it alone as well. It’s made of moisture-wicking fleece that will keep you nice and warm while out on the water.
It has a contoured waistband for comfort. In addition, it’s stretchy, so it will stretch to fit you perfectly.
The size is extra large, so it’s best for plus-sized individuals. If you want something that will keep you cozy and warm while kayaking in the winter, it’s an excellent choice.
7. CtriLady Women’s Wetsuit Long Pants
This CtriLady women’s wetsuit has an outer layer made entirely of polyester and an inner layer made entirely of neoprene. This helps provide water resistance and protection from the cold.
One of the cool features that is unique to this pair of pants is that it has reflective stripes that reflect in the dark. This helps improve visibility when kayaking at night.
The soft waistband helps provide comfort. Meanwhile, the fabric can wick away moisture to help you sweat better.
8. Geek Lighting Swim Pants for Women – Kayaking Pants
These Geek Lighting kayaking and swim pants are made with a contoured cut, designed to provide ultimate comfort. They also stretch to accommodate people of different sizes.
The fabric feels soft on your skin, reducing irritation and rashes. The fabric is also very breathable, making it a pure pleasure to go kayaking with this pair of pants.
In addition, it dries very quickly, so you can hang it in the sun, and it will be dry before you know it.
The Geek Lighting kayaking pants also offer excellent protection against the sun.
9. Kokatat Women’s Hydrus Stance Paddling Pants
These Kokatat women’s pants are made specifically for paddling. The pair has a zip pocket on the side so you can store items safely and securely.
It also protects you against splashes when you are paddling. Not only is it waterproof, but it is lightweight and breathable, making it extremely comfortable to wear.
At the same time, it provides insulation to keep you warm on the inside. Overall, while a bit pricey, it’s a great choice for serious kayakers.
10. Sharkskin Women’s Robust High-Waisted Chillproof Wetsuit Long Pants
The Sharkskin Women’s Chillproof pants are designed to keep you warm in the cold weather and cool in the hot weather. They help protect against the wind and water, keeping you nice and insulated inside.
The pair of pants has several layers, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. For example, the inner membrane helps prevent windchill and also helps water evaporate, helping you stay dry, even if you fall off the kayak and into the water.
Meanwhile, the layer closest to your skin is made of hollow fiber fleece that can retain water, improving water resistance.
These pants can be worn by themselves or under a drysuit or wetsuit.
Final Thoughts
When you purchase a pair of pants or shorts online, it’s important to pay attention to sizing.
Many brands and sellers will offer sizing charts, so measure yourself and compare yourself to the chart to get a snug fit.
Try to opt for stretchy fabric and pants with adjustable drawstrings, as they offer comfortable fits for a broader range of sizes.
