If you're interested in upland hunting, you know how important it is to have the right gear, and that includes wearing clothing that protects you and fits your needs while hunting.
Our list of upland hunting pants will keep the briars at bay while offering performance that is unmatched by generic hunting apparel.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Upland Hunting Pants
- OUR TOP PICK: Browning Upland Pheasants Pants
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Gamehide Briar Proof Pants
- BEST WOMEN'S UPLAND HUNTING PANTS: Prois Pradlann Lightweight Hunting Pants
Comparison of Best Upland Hunting Pants
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What Makes Pants Great For Upland Hunting?
There are a few key characteristics that make specific types of pants better suited for upland hunting. Well constructed pants will not only ensure your comfort as you hunt, but they offer other features that help them outperform denim and different styles of hunting pants.
The fabric used for upland hunting pants should be waterproof and wind-resistant. Look for extra side vents to increase breathability. An additional layer of fabric over the knees, thighs, and across the back of the calves helps protect the legs from briars, thorns, and other unkind plant life as you pursue your target.
The cut and overall design of the pants also matters as this determines where the pants will stretch or offer more room for movement. Upland hunters frequently travel over tricky, brush-filled terrain, so the pants mustn’t restrict movement and fit seamlessly over hunting boots.
Many pants styles will also offer added extras like a D-ring or reinforced belt loops for attaching leashes or other accessories. Zippered pockets and pockets with flaps are also common, and many come with a larger opening so you won't need to remove your gloves to access items.
Review of the Best Upland Hunting Pants
Our list of upland hunting pants includes a variety of designs, features, and women-specific options, so you're prepared and protected on your next hunting trip.
Best Overall:
Browning Upland Pheasants Forever Chaps Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that these pants tend to run a bit small, but they have a number of other features that make them invaluable for upland hunting. These pants are lightweight, resist sharp foliage, and allow for hunters to bend a move around easily.
Many hunters layer these pants over an insulating layer when it's cold out, which extends the useful life of these pants to a wider variety of climates.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants feature lightweight materials that are also highly durable and resistant to thorns and briers commonly encountered in upland hunting. We like that these pants are machine washable, offer a roomy fit for better freedom of movement, and ample pockets for quick access to any items you need while you hunt.
These pants can also layer over other clothing like an insulating layer, so you can hunt in a wider variety of conditions without sacrificing comfort. They are also water-resistant, and the nylon layer adds strategic protection where you're most likely to encounter brush and thorns but doesn't add unnecessary weight or bulk.
Bottom Line
A lightweight design that easily layers over other clothing is a must for upland hunting where the conditions vary, and these pants resist punctures from briers, hedges, and thorns that are often unavoidable. You'll also find that these pants are easy to care for, comfortable to wear, and provide extra pockets for what you need to have on hand.
Product Specs
Material:
Cotton canvas and nylon
Fastening Method:
Zipper
Pockets:
4
Weatherproof Qualities:
Water resistant
Machine Washable?
Yes
Best for the Money:
Gamehide Briar Proof Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the little features these pants offer like waterproof facing, sewn-in suspender buttons, a wider leg, and ample pockets. These pants are also true to size but fit over an insulating layer for colder temperatures. They also like the quality of these pants and the overall construction for the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants stand out thanks to the many small features that make them comfortable and practical for all upland hunters. A reinforced D-ring can secure leashes or other accessories, and sewn in suspender buttons add versatility.
The cut is also roomy enough for movement, and the array of generously-sized pockets means you'll have plenty of room for items you need easy access to without having to remove your gloves.
These pants feature a button closure, a reinforced seat, and nylon chaps that extend around the back of the calves for added protection. These well-fitted boots accommodate a wide range of pants and easily resist briars without excess bulk.
Bottom Line
The Gamehide Briar Proof pants are a rugged yet comfortable option packed with features that make them a versatile and practical choice for hunters in a variety of conditions. These pants have plentiful pockets, attachment points for accessories, and chaps that can resist even the most brutal thorns.
Product Specs
Material:
75% Cotton / 25% Nylon
Fastening Method:
Button
Pockets:
3
Additional Features:
Reinforced seat and crotch / Sewn-in suspender buttons
Weatherproof Qualities:
Waterproof
Machine Washable?
Yes
Best Women's Upland Hunting Pants:
Prois Pradlann Upland Pant - Women's Lightweight Hunting Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The fit of these pants and their overall durability make them a winner for the majority of buyers of any size as the pants are generously cut for hunting while wearing boots. Buyers also love how stretchy these pants are and how the adjustable waist allows them to achieve a reliably custom-feeling fit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants feature a specific cut to fit a woman's body properly, but they offer up a slew of other features that make them ideal upland hunting pants.
Strategic stretching allows you optimal freedom of movement, and zippered vents help you stay cool at any temperature. The facing fabric is also exceptionally rugged as its abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and breathable.
The belt loops on these pants are wider than traditional loops, making them ideal for clipping accessories, and the contoured legs and adjustable waistband ensure the pants stay in place at all times. These pants are also machine washable and have additional zippered pockets on the back for secure storage.
Bottom Line
The Prois Pradlann pants offer a superior fit specific to a woman's body and rugged durability that is abrasion-resistant and water-resistant. Strategic stretch points make these pants extremely comfortable to wear and allow for unrestricted movement while side vents ensure breathability in any climate.
Product Specs
Material:
88% Polyester / 12% Spandex
Fastening Method:
Zipper
Pockets:
6
Additional Features:
Hidden elastic adjustable waistband
Weatherproof Qualities:
Water resistant
Machine Washable?
Yes
Best Waterproof Upland Hunting Pants:
Orvis Men's Toughshell Waterproof Upland Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Orvis Men's Toughshell Upland pants have received very positive reviews for their fully waterproof construction, resistance to briars, and roomy fit. These pants are also very durable, and hunters love the zippered pockets that keep all of their gear secure. The fabric used is also quiet, and the venting is invaluable for comfort.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Orvis's pants provide all of the features that an upland hunter needs and outstanding construction for optimal comfort and performance. The fabric used for these pants is whisper-quiet, and the fully taped seams, zippers, and other materials are truly waterproof even in more extreme conditions.
These pants also feature side vents, which are invaluable when it comes to fluctuating temperatures, and ankle zippers that make them easy to get on and off. There is also a gusseted crotch that is less restrictive, and a double snap secures the waist. The fit of these pants is roomy, so you can layer it over other clothing, and they are entirely windproof.
Bottom Line
Orvis offers up high-quality materials that are fully waterproof and windproof, so these pants can stand up to any conditions you'll face during an upland hunting trip. The fit, side vents, and gusseted crotch ensure optimal comfort and freedom of movement, while the zippered pockets keep your stuff secure.
Product Specs
Material:
ToughShell / Nylon
Fastening Method:
Zipper
Pockets:
6
Additional Features:
Gusseted crotch / Double snap / Articulated knees
Weatherproof Qualities:
Waterproof / Windproof
Machine Washable?
Yes
5. Carhartt Men's Rugged Flex Upland Field Pant
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love the fit of these pants that offer a bit more room in the hips and thighs so they can move about more freely, but they also note that sizing up is a good idea. These pants sit at the waist, which makes it easy to access the pockets located on the front, sides, and back with ease.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These pants offer a stretchy water-repellent technical fabric that makes them ideal for upland hunting as long as you aren't in heavily covered terrain. We like that these pants offer more room in the hips and thighs, a gusset style crotch, and a robust fabric that resists punctures without added excess bulk or weight.
The chap material also extends to half of the back of the leg for added protection, and added details like extra-strong belt loops and a securable cell phone pocket make these pants suitable for modern hunters. We also like the straight leg that fits over many different styles of boots without sacrificing protection or comfort.
Bottom Line
The Carhartt Upland Field pants offer a more modern design that makes movement more natural without having to sacrifice protection from brush and thorns while hunting. The stretchy technical fabric, ample pockets, and full chap make these pants an all-around good choice for those that want comfortable clothing while upland hunting.
Product Specs
Material:
59% Cotton / 39% Polyester / 2% Elastane
Fastening Method:
Button
Pockets:
5
Additional Features:
Triple stitched main seams / Back and front leg Cordura double-back overlay from knee to hem for extra durability
Weatherproof Qualities:
Water-repellent
Machine Washable?
Yes
Benefits of Investing in Quality Upland Hunting Pants
There are many benefits to using specific upland hunting pants, and investing in a good-quality garment will ensure that your pants last for several years. When you buy a good quality pair of pants, you are more likely to get a lasting waterproof and windproof garment that is rugged and durable even with frequent use.
Investing in a better quality pair of upland hunting pants also means that you're likely to get better quality features such as fully taped seams and zippers, reinforced belt loops, and fancier stitching like a gusseted crotch and reinforced seat.
Many buyers also claim that higher-quality pants also feature better sizing and a cut that ensures optimal performance. This cut often means a pant with more room in strategic areas, flex points for more effortless movement, and more accurate sizing for the best fit.
Chaps vs. Upland Hunting Pants- Comparison Overview
Many upland hunters prefer wearing chaps when they hunt as these can be worn over a wider variety of pants and don't need washing between each wear. Traditional hunting pants frequently need more washing than chaps and take longer to dry even if you machine wash them.
Chaps also layer over other clothing more easily and frequently feature multiple adjustment points. Many hunters also like to hunt in denim jeans, and when paired with chaps, this is an easy and low-cost alternative to investing in a high-quality pair of upland hunting pants.
However, upland hunting pants come with more storage and materials that provide a higher level of water and wind resistance. You'll also find that hunting pants allow better access to the pockets without needing to remove your gloves and feature reinforced seams and loops that make them an appropriately rugged option for upland hunting in any environment.
Conclusion
Finding the right upland hunting pants can significantly increase your comfort as you hunt and ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips. Upland hunting pants feature a design intended for wading through underbrush or briars and allows for freedom of movement and rugged fabrics for optimal durability.
People Also Ask
Upland hunting is a favorite type of hunting for many outdoor enthusiasts and presents a unique challenge for participants. For newer hunters or for those looking to buy new gear, our list of frequently asked questions can help you figure out if upland hunting pants are right for you and what you can expect.
What Does Upland Hunting Mean?
The term "upland hunting" refers to a type of bird hunting where the hunter pursues upland birds. Common types of upland birds include Woodcock, Pheasant, Quail, Prairie Chicken, Grey Partridge, Chukar, and Grouse.
In this hunting style, the prey is flushed out either by a hunting dog or the hunter themselves, and the hunter attempts to shoot the birds while they are in flight.
How Much Are Upland Hunting Pants?
Upland hunting pants range in price from $40 to $200, with some variation in the price from the brand name, features, and the materials used. These pants feature unique materials that are both rip-resistant and water-resistant but still allow for free movement and breathability.
Do You Really Need Special Pants For Upland Hunting?
Pants designed for upland hunting provide a few key features that can make your hunting experience far more enjoyable. These pants typically feature fabric designed to resist burrs and water as you navigate rugged terrain, and they are less likely to catch on sharp thorns or other foliage.
Many upland hunters know that wearing denim pants doesn't protect you from thorns, briers, and spiky hedges, which can scratch your legs deeply enough to draw blood. Upland pants feature a design that resists these sharp plants and some layer over insulating clothing for added warmth.
