The best active men's cargo pants you can buy for work or outdoors

Beneath the classic look of a pair of green moleskin pants, the Sherpa Adventure Gear Gurkhali packs some serious cutting-edge fabrics and design.

It's fitting that these pants are almost army green given that they are named for the Gurkhas, a Nepali regiment of the British Army known for their incredible bravery and endurance. In fact, an ex-Gurkha is attempting to summit the world's highest peaks in record time as of this writing. If these pants are half as tough as the Gurkhas, then I'll be wearing them into retirement.

The Gurkhali pants might look, at a distance, like classic moleskin pants. Their straight leg cut, dark green color, and tacked seams evoke the outdoor pants of a different era. But these are far from retro: The Gurkhali pants are made with Dyneema, a material that is 30% lighter than traditional nylons but 15 times stronger per weight than steel. Despite this durability, the pants feel light and the two-way stretch of the fabric means they move with your body whether you're climbing a chimney or just grabbing a coffee.

The five-pocket design doesn't strictly qualify these as cargo pants, but they are certainly rugged enough for outdoor wear. Nice touches, like the pattern on the front belt loop, means they're also stylish enough for the office or semi-formal use. Not only do these pants look good, but they will also make you feel good as a portion of proceeds is donated to children in Nepal.

As REI buyers noted, the cut and comfort of these pants are as valued in the office or on a night out, as it is on the trail.

Pros: Durability, fit, and performance are second to none, looks great for everyday wear

Cons: No thigh pocket

Merino wool is the traveler's best friend, so the Icebreaker Merino Connection Pants use it to ensure a soft and stink-free fit even when you're in them for the long haul.

In a world of high-tech polymers and lab-designed fabrics, merino wool is still my go-to for long travel or trail days. Not only does it feel soft against the skin, but it also keeps odor at bay. This might not seem important, but let me tell you, sprinting to catch a flight and then sitting in your sweaty pants for a dozen hours is no fun. That's why I always fly in moisture-wicking and odor-resistant merino shirts. Until now, I didn't have merino pants, but these incredibly comfy and well-cut adventure pants from Icebreaker are quickly becoming a fixture in my in-flight wardrobe.

These pants feature spandex weave, so they stretch with you as you move, as well as a robust nylon exterior that has proven more than capable of sustaining rock climbing and hiking. The addition of a side stash pocket, just big enough for a wallet or passport, makes these pants even more practical in airports.

The pants are stylish and comfortable enough to be worn in the office, dressed down at night, or taken on expeditions. Buyers praised the lightweight and breathability that comes from the merino wool. The Connection comes in sand and slate — two natural tones that should go with any wardrobe — and while the cut and color are great for trail use, these pants don't scream "I'm outdoorsy" like some outdoor pants tend to.

Icebreaker offers a handy fit-finder on its website. I often find myself between 30 and 32 waist sizes and it took about 30 seconds for the algorithm to put me in a size 30, which fits perfectly. But some buyers noted that the stretch in the fabric means you should err on the side of a smaller size, but I found that the fit-finder did a great job in finding me the right pair.

Pros: Comfortable and breathable, durable exterior and soft interior

Cons: Cost

It can be hard to break out of the rut of turning to denim for just about everything, but the Backcountry Workwear Pants offer more performance and the same comfort and fit.

Denim remains a durable fabric, but since the days of cowboys, it has evolved to become breathable, water-resistant, and much lighter. If you're a denim dude, give these relaxed-fit workwear pants a try and see if you don't notice the benefits of 150 years of clothing innovation

Backcountry's Workwear Pants fit like your favorite jeans and looks just as good with a flannel shirt as it does with a base-layer top and a Gore-Tex jacket. Unlike your favorite jeans, the DWR coating repels water and scuffs. Brass rivets might look like Levi's, but the spandex woven between them makes these pants stretch with your body.

There's a handy zippered thigh pocket on the left hip, and a doubled-up section of fabric on the right waist pocket for a small penknife — a perfect illustration that these pants are as much for the office as they are the outdoors. The relaxed fit leaves plenty of room in the thighs and guys who prefer a tighter fit, or have smaller legs, can get away with sizing down.

The Workwear Pants are priced similarly to quality jeans and come in dark blue and army green. Whether you're looking to dress smart for the office or trails, give these a look.

Pros: Denim-like fit and feel, trail performance, light weight

Cons: Not many extra pockets

With three inseam options for every waist size, long and short-legged guys will appreciate the tailored fit of the AP Pants from Mountain Hardwear.

As a man with abnormally long legs, I spend a lot of my life selecting socks because nearly all of my un-tailored pants don't quite cover my ankles. I understand that not many humans come with a 30-inch waist and 34-inch legs, but those of us who do, sure appreciate it when we can find clothes that fit. Even if you're not built like a flamingo, you'll appreciate the one-inch waist size increments, secure pockets, and generous sizing of the AP Pants.

Mountain Hardwear is a popular brand with outdoorsy people for a reason. Its products are designed well and quality-made. Features like the reflective fabric on the inside of the ankles might seem small, but roll up your pants to ride a bike and you'll appreciate having them. There's also a handy snap fastener to keep them where you want them, which is great for climbing when you need to spot where your feet are placed.

The pants offer excellent stretch and fit thanks to elastane in the fabric and articulated knees. There's a special pocket for your phone and a rolled waistband that won't cut into you as you fold yourself up on an overhanging climb or get into the backseat of a crowded Lyft.

REI buyers praised the stretchy fabric, tailored fit, and secure zippered pockets. These are lightweight pants, so probably not suitable for cold weather hiking, but their light weight and breathable fabrics make them great for travel. Unlike jeans, they won't add much weight to your luggage.

Pros: Great fit and many pockets, well thought out design

Cons: If brown isn't your color, these aren't for you