This is really a judgment call. Pants are great for providing more complete protection from UV rays. And because they cover the tops of your hiking boots, you're less likely to get rocks and dirt inside your shoes when hiking on loose terrain.But if you're starting out on a particularly dew-filled morning, your hiking pants can get saturated with moisture rather quickly. This dichotomy is why many hikers opt for convertible hiking pants that can be pants when you need extra protection and shorts when you want your legs to breathe a little more.