They’re gusseted, with articulated knees for mobility and freedom of movement, and you can roll and secure them with tabs at the calves or knees.

A zippered fly, button closure, and waistbelt with belt loops make these look and feel like traditional hiking pants. And a midrise fit ensures they don’t ride down underneath your backpack’s waist straps.

Patagonia Quandary Pants ($99) aren’t the lightest or most breathable pants we tested in our lineup of best hiking pants, nor are they the best-looking. While function definitely trumps style when it comes to being in the outdoors, our testers can’t help but gravitate more toward modern styles that might feature stretchy waistbands or tapered legs, rather than the button closure, belt, and straight fit we’ve seen time and time again.

The inseams on these pants can also cause noticeable rubbing if you have a tight fit. And though we appreciate the thicker material for its durability, it does sacrifice some breathability.

The updated version of the Patagonia Quandary is made with exceptionally more sustainable materials, and they live up to Patagonia’s reputation of eco-conciousness. Constructed of 96% postconsumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets, and PFC-free durable water repellent, it’s nice to purchase a pair of pants you can feel good about.

In short: The Patagonia Quandary are a classic hiking pant updated to modern eco-conscious standards, fit a variety of body shapes, and are on the affordable side to boot.

Patagonia Quandary Pant Review

Materials

The materials of these pants really stand out above the rest. Made of 96% NetPlus postconsumer recycled nylon made from recycled fishing nets, helps reduce ocean plastic pollution. Nylon is a thermoplastic typically made from petroleum, which means that most synthetic clothing is not the best choice for the environment. Patagonia obviously knows this and has made a significant effort to reduce the carbon footprint of its products, which is an effort we can get behind.

The DWR (durable water repellent) finish is made without perflourinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAs) and does a decent job at shedding light moisture if you get caught out in the elements. With 40+ UPF sun protection, though not the highest protection we’ve seen in our lineup, is still good enough to keep your legs from getting burnt out in the hot summer sun.

The material is less soft than found on our top pick, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants, which is most likely due to the recycled materials and the thicker design. While they might not be as soft to the skin, they definitely hold up better to abrasion and seem as though they will be more durable over time.

Pant Length & Versatility

These pants have a regular, straight fit with a choice of a 28-inch or 30-inch inseam, so regular and short. They do not come in a long size, which is a little disappointing, but a 30-inch inseam will be sufficient for most. These pants fall past the ankle, and a roll-up cord and button fastener on each leg allow you to roll the cuffs for more breathability and mobility.

During our testing, we found the button fastener to be quite thin and flimsy for its purpose of holding up a cuffed pant leg. A thin cord hooks over a small button and seems like it could easily be dislodged, which we didn’t love.

Mobility

The curved waistband of these pants is very comfortable and accommodating to a variety of shapes, from athletic to curvy. The mid-rise allows the pants to stay above the hips to keep the pants in place during movement and for better mobility.

The Patagonia Quandary has an inseam gusset and articulation behind the knees to allow for full freedom of movement. Being a regular, straight fit, when sized right these pants won’t feel restrictive, and the added benefit of these design details make them feel even breezier.

Features

The Patagonia Quandary seems pretty simple in design, but a few unique details make it a quality pant. An inner drawcord in the waistband that allows you to dial in the fit around your waist and ensure your pants don’t slide down while hiking. There are two large front pockets, and the most interesting feature about these pants is that the left front pocket has a built-in repair patch for any fixes that might need to be made on the go.

These pants have two back pockets, and one right-thigh zippered pocket that is great for a phone or a snack. Additionally, a reinforced carabiner loop is a feature of the front right pocket, so you can clip your keys or other small items securely to your person. The waistband also has belt loops to accommodate an optional belt, and of course, these pants have the aforementioned roll closure for the cuffs.

Conclusion

The Patagonia Quandary is a classic hiking pant that Patagonia has taken and improved with a more sustainable upgrade. Made of recycled fishing nets, these pants are a purchase you can feel good about, and will be durable enough to last for seasons of hiking.

Thick enough for three-season hiking, these are also a great winter hiking pant if you throw a pair of long johns on underneath. The DWR-finish and UPF protection keep you guarded from the elements, and some unique features make it worth its price tag. While not the most stylish pants, nor the softest, these pants are still a high-quality choice for your next adventure.