Marmot Men’s Trailway UPF 50 Hiking Pants

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

The Marmot Men’s Trailway UPF 50 Hiking Pants are designed for lightweight hiking adventures, with a focus on sun protection, breathability, light weather resistance, and all day comfort. Their clean look and functional design make them just as well suited for the trail as they are for casual or social settings.

Detailed Review

The Marmot Men’s Trailway UPF 50 Hiking Pants are constructed from a lightweight, abrasion resistant recycled nylon blend that offers moderate stretch, good breathability, and quick drying performance for comfort on the trail. The fabric features a PFC free durable water repellent (DWR) finish that helps shed light moisture, along with a UPF 50+ rating for solid sun protection during longer days outdoors.
Storage is straightforward and practical. The pants include two front hand pockets, a zippered pocket on the front right side for securing smaller essentials, and two rear pockets for additional storage when needed. The front pockets fit my wallet and keys very well with easy access. The zippered thigh and rear pockets also worked well for more secure storage when needed.

I found the sizing to be spot on. The built in stretch makes the pants comfortable and allows for easy movement during hiking, climbing, or general use. The built in loops work well when using a belt. Mobility feels natural, with the articulated knees helping enhance movement and eliminate any restriction while walking or bending. Breathability is solid, and the material feels like a step up from standard nylon pants, with a softer and more refined feel overall. The 32 inch inseam fit me perfectly and matched the stated length. The adjustable leg hem is a nice feature that allows for a more secure fit when you want to keep debris out of the pant legs.

The overall construction feels durable without adding unnecessary weight, making these a good option for warmer conditions or long days where comfort matters. I tested the pants in conditions from 40 to 80 degrees F and never felt overheated. For colder conditions, there are other options better suited. The C0 durable water repellent treatment made light rain and mist bead up and roll off nicely, though I was not able to test them in a full downpour.

They also transition easily off the trail, working well for casual wear without looking overly technical. In an office or casual settings, these pants are very comfortable and blend in well. I did not observe any seams fraying, snags or material pilling after multiple weeks of use. My tested colorway of ‘Desert Khaki’ has not faded after multiple wears and washes. Garment care is simple with a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the Marmot Men’s Trailway UPF 50 Hiking Pants are built with a quality abrasion resistant nylon blend that provides reliable sun protection and light weather resistance. They stay comfortable throughout the day, resist heat buildup, and allow for unrestricted movement on the trail. Utility is strong, with plenty of usable pockets and storage options that work well both on and off the trail.

The fit, mobility, and breathable construction make these a solid choice for warmer conditions and longer days outside, especially if you are moving between different activities. They strike a nice balance between technical performance and everyday wearability without feeling overly specialized.

Marmot has done a great job creating a versatile pair of pants that can handle everything from hiking to daily wear without missing a beat. They are a dependable, comfortable option that transitions easily beyond the trail, and the durable construction should provide years of reliable use.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.