I'm collecting gear for my next trip and I've been toying with the idea of including a bottom for hiking/intense activities. I love hiking and I'd be doing a lot of it, in Brazil (hot weather) and Peru (cold weather). I've been hiking since I was little but never had a specific pair of pants for it. I just always wore my regular clothes. But during my last trips I noticed that my bottoms would get filthy from slipping and I couldn't wear them for anything else anymore, hence my idea to bring a pair specifically for hiking. I see most one bag girlies using leggings for hiking, but I'm not sure if I'd like that or if I'd prefer something a little bit more structured and protecting. I'm looking into potentially getting hiking pants that have a zip-off function.

In theory they would be great: You don't need to carry a second bottom on the hikes and if you buy a black/neutral coloured pair they could also function for other activities.

What is your experience with the hiking pants? Worth it? Or should I just go for a pair of leggings and buy a pair of jeans in Peru?