You'll find that most of the best hiking pants out there these days are synthetic. Typically, you'll find some combination of polyester, nylon, spandex, and elastane. These materials are better at wicking moisture than cotton and they’re also lighter in weight.The inclusion of elastane also makes them somewhat stretchy to promote easier movement. Plus, polyester and nylon dry more quickly than cotton if they get wet. In terms of the ration, you'll find most of the best hiking pants made of 85 to 97 percent nylon or polyester with the remaining 3 to 15 percent made of elastane.