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The 20 Best Cargo Pants For Men Who Need Some Extra Pockets

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Patagonia / Arc'teryx / LL Bean

Cargo pants, cargo pants, cargo pants. Everybody needs them and you can’t live without them. Not to mention, they just make you look…cool. The coolness meter definitely rises a few bars whenever you have them on, and they make for a sharp yet casual look that could even substitute for party attire depending on the occasion. Why exactly do we love our precious cargos so much? Is it because they pair incredibly well with some of the best white tees and make for a great staple in your capsule wardrobe? Is it because cargo pants go well with some of the best winter boots? We don’t know, but since us cargo lovers tend to make annual fall updates to our collection, it’s about that time of the year again. From Arc'teryx's Rampart Pants ($160) to Patagonia Iron Hemp Pants ($89), below are 20 of the best cargo pants for men to add to their closets for the season ahead.

RELATED: The 25 Best Vests for Men to Sport This Autumn and Winter

The Best Cargo Pants for Men, at a Glance:

1. Arc’teryx Eislen Cargo Pants

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Arc'teryx

Best Cargo Pants for Men Overall

  • Material: Performance Softshell Fabric
  • Color(s): Canvas, Black, Labyrinth, Forage
  • Sizes: 30 - R, 38 - R
  • Care: Regular wash
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Work

Arc'teryx is a brand with both incredible quality, and an awesome logo to match. Their men’s cargo pants promote a comfortable relaxed fit, while still being uber stylish. Additional features include the pants being water repellant, adjustable cuffs, two zipper cargo pockets for light storage, and articulated patterning. A great investment that can last you years if taken care of, and a sleek look that pairs a range of tops if you can get crafty with it.

SHOP NOW AT ARC'TERYX, $160

2. Arc’teryx Gamma Guide Pants

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Arc'teryx

Best for Streetwear

  • Material: Hybrid Softshell Fabric
  • Color(s): Black, Void
  • Sizes: 28 - R, 36 - T
  • Care: Regular wash
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Work

We've also got another option from Arc'teryx as well, which is pretty cool with as these are built with Burly™ double weave for abrasion resistance and weather protection in the thigh and seat portion of the pants, along with the same material towards the lower part that sheds weight and improve breathability. The lower leg is built to unzip over boots, and there's also harness-accessible thigh pockets that has the ability to hold your smaller belongings. A very tech-savy pair of pants we have to say.

SHOP NOW AT ARC'TERY X, $250

3. Patagonia Men’s Hemp Cargo Pants

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Patagonia

Best Hemp Cargo Pants

  • Material: 12.9-oz 55% Industrial hemp, 27% recycled polyester, 18% organic cotton
  • Color(s): Corlander Brown, Ink Black
  • Sizes: 28 - 44
  • Care: Machine wash warm/tumble dry
  • Fit: Relaxed
  • Number of pockets: 6
  • Use/functionality: Work/style

Patagonia has a few cargo pants options to choose from as well. Our favorite is the Men’s Hemp Cargo Pants which are eco-friendly, comfy, and great for the outdoors, with their industrial hemp, 27% recycled polyester, and 18% organic cotton, and six pockets which include two front drop-in pockets, two drop-in back patch pockets, and two bellowed cargo pockets.

SHOP NOW AT PATAGONIA, $89

4. adidas Adicolor Classic Cargo Pants

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adidas

Best Athletic Cargo Pants

  • Material: 100% Recycled nylon ripstop
  • Color(s): Black, Wonder Beige
  • Sizes: XS - 2XL
  • Care: Machine wash warm/tumble dry
  • Fit: Loose
  • Number of pockets: 4
  • Use/functionality: Style

You can always count on adidas to have some good athletic/athleisure selections. Plenty of styles are available, but we went with the classic cargo pants due to their sizing availability. These pants are super versatile and sustainable as they are made with 100% recycled nylon, and are complete with bungee adjustable hems, side zip pockets, and cargo pockets with snap-button flaps. A good choice for the upcoming fall season.

SHOP NOW AT ADIDAS, $80

5. L.L. Bean Water-Resistant Cresta Hiking Zip-Off Pants

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L.L. Bean

Best Water-Resistant Cargos

  • Material: 95% Nylon and 5% spandex
  • Color(s): Alloy Gray, Carbon Navy, Dark Cinder, Dark Driftwood
  • Sizes: 30 - 44
  • Care: Regular Wash
  • Fit: Standard
  • Number of pockets: 4
  • Use/functionality: Work/Style

And of course since L.L. Bean has plenty of menswear options when it comes to cargo pants as always. We had to include the Water-Resistant Cresta Hiking Zip-Off Pants as L.L. Bean describes them as being their "toughest, most versatile hiking pants take to the trail with a technical advantage." Made with durable nylon and small amount of spandex for added stretch, these pants are also made with UPF 50+ fabric that's designed to block at least 97.5% of the sun's UV rays, and are very comfy.

SHOP NOW AT L.L. BEAN, $89

6. Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

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Nike

Most Comfortable Cargo Pants

  • Material: 75% Recycled polyester and recycled nylon fibers
  • Color(s): Light Orewood Brown, Black, Cargo Khaki
  • Sizes: S - XXL
  • Care: Regular Wash
  • Fit: Loose Fit
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

Lightweight and durable, the Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants are another loose comfortable option that can actually be converted into shorts during the summertime. Additionally, the shorts pockets for your gear, an included carabiner that lets you latch your keys, and is sustainable with its recycled polyester and recycled nylon fiber composition.

SHOP NOW AT NIKE, $195

7. Dickies Regular Straight Stretch Twill Cargo Pant

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Amazon

Best Quality Cargo Pants

  • Material: 100% Cotton
  • Color(s): Black, Dark Navy, Gravel Gray, Desert Sand, Hunter Green Camo, Moss, Mushroom
  • Sizes: 30W x 30L - 40W - 40L
  • Care: Machine wash
  • Fit: Slim Fit
  • Number of pockets: 5
  • Use/functionality: Work

Dickes has been a dominant force in the workwear scene with its commitment to providing technical clothing with a bit of street luxury. The Dickies Regular Straight Stretch Twill Cargo Pant is an innovative approach that blends together utility with streetwear appeal as it has tunnel belt loops, a hook-&-eye waist closure, side seam front pockets and back welt pockets, along with a high quality makeup that is also incredibly durable.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $27.99 - $37.99

8. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

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Eddie Bauer

Best Casual Cargo Pants

  • Material: Nylon and spandex
  • Color(s): Black, Bronze, Dark Smoke, Light Khaki, Storm, Camo
  • Sizes: 30/30 - 40/34
  • Care: Machine wash
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

And if you are looking for something that is a little bit more on the couture side, you could try out the Articulated Cargo Trousers, which have some unique features including: two-way stretch fabric, StormRepel® DWR finish so that way moisture doesn't soak in, FreeShade® 50+ sun protection, and Polygiene® odor control in the waistband to help the pants to stay fresher for longer. Throw in the four cool colors, and you should be all set and ready to go.

SHOP NOW AT EDDIE BAUER, $90

9. The North Face Men's Field Cargo Pants

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The North Face
  • Material: 51% Cotton, 41% nylon, 8% elastane
  • Color(s): TNF Black, Utility Brown
  • Sizes: M - XL
  • Care: Machine wash warm
  • Fit: Standard
  • Number of pockets: 9
  • Use/functionality: Style

These Men's Field Cargo Pants from The North Face are superior when it comes to technicality as they have intricately designed and placed pockets for your convenience, pull-on construction with a functional zip-fly, gusset and articulated knees for mobility, double-needle topstitch detailing along both outseams, and plenty more. Aside from the features these pants are versatile look that works with plenty in your closet, which is also something to be appreciated.

SHOP NOW AT THE NORTH FACE, $95

10. Salomon Untracked Cargo Pant

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Salomon
  • Material: Recycled polyester
  • Color(s): Black
  • Sizes: M - 2XL
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 4
  • Use/functionality: Work/style

What makes the Untracked Pants from Salomon so technical? Is it the AdvancedSkin Dry 10K that protects you from harsh weather conditions like rain and snow? Is it the fact that they are water-repellent and have glued seams? Is it the Skicut hem protection that has material on the inside lower leg of the pant to shield you from cuts that come from your skis? Is it all the above plus more? We'll go with all of the above plus more for $100 Alex.

SHOP NOW AT SALOMON, $100

11. Columbia Men's Pacific Ridge Cargo Pants

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Columbia
  • Material: 97% Cotton, 3% elastane
  • Color(s): Delta, Stone Green, Black, Metal
  • Sizes: 28 - 44
  • Care: Machine wash regular
  • Fit: Slim
  • Number of pockets: 7
  • Use/functionality: Work

According to Columbia, you will "never run out of space" with their Pacific Ridge Cargo Pants as they have cargo pockets, hand pockets, back pockets, and a zip-closed security pocket. There's also the addition of Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency, along with 2-way stretch, and a multi-functional utility belt loop to finish it all off.

SHOP NOW AT COLUMBIA, $34 - $74.25

12. Oliver's Traverse Pants

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Olivers
  • Material: 98% Nylon, 2% spandex
  • Color(s): Military Olive, Petrol, Nutmeg, Khaki
  • Sizes: S - XL
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Standard
  • Number of pockets: 4
  • Use/functionality: Style

Olivers is a great brand that strikes a perfect balance between technical and stylish, with durable garments and minimal designs. The Traverse Cargo Pants are incredibly detailed with features such a  UPF 50+ sun protection and a water-repellent finish, breathable with canvas material, nylon, and spandex, and fashionable. Multiple sizes are available, along with cargo pockets and a secure carry. 

SHOP NOW AT OLIVERS, $148

13. Bonobos Stretch Convertible Cargo Pants

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Bonobos
  • Material: 91% Polyester, 9% spandex
  • Color(s): Khaki, Navy Blue, Charcoal
  • Sizes: XS - XL
  • Care: Machine wash cold/tumble dry
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 5
  • Use/functionality: Style

Talk about a sale! We all know Bonobos is a brand with a commitment to sustainability, quality, and simplicity, and that's why they are so highly sought after. The Bonobos Stretch Convertible Cargo Pants are a reflection of that with its water-repellent stretch ripstop fabric and elastic waistband. Additional features include a front zipper fly with snap closure, front slash pockets, cargo patch pockets, and a back flap pocket with a hook and loop closure.

SHOP NOW AT BONOBOS, $22

14. Nanamica Cargo Pants

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Nanamica
  • Material: 70% Cotton, 30% nylon
  • Color(s): Beige, Khaki, Navy, Black
  • Sizes: 30 - 36
  • Care: Machine wash cold/tumble dry
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 6
  • Use/functionality: Style

Nanamica just might have the most cargo pants options out of all the brands on this list. It’s kind of their thing. Blending together techwear and style, are the brand's standard Cargo Pants which feature a wide straight cut, ripstop outer material, a front fastener opening, and a gusset inseam that provides a larger range of movement. Four colorway options are available (Beige, Khaki, Navy, and Black), along with a variety of sizes.

SHOP NOW AT NANAMICA, $385

15. Goldwin Cordura Stretch Cargo Pants

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Goldwin
  • Material: 94% Cotton, 6% Polyurethane
  • Color(s): Black, Foliage, Ink Navy, and Mill Grey
  • Sizes: 2 - 5
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

Simplistic. Minimalist. Eye-Catching. Those are the qualities that define the Goldwin Cordura, who are one of the best brands out there for techwear. The Stretch Cargo Pants are made with CORDURA nylon, and feature a mobility-focused design deal for hiking. There's also a buckled waist and cargo pockets on both upper thighs to complete the look. You'll have to invest a little more on these, but the splurge is worth it.

SHOP NOW AT GOLDWIN, $190

16. Banana Republic Tapered Surplus Cargo

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Banana Republic
  • Material: 97% Cotton, 3% spandex
  • Color(s): Roasted Cocoa, Black, Sheltered Earth
  • Sizes: 28W - 38W
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

For many years, Banana Republic has been one of the go-to brands to purchase things like cargo pants. Their Tapered Surplus Cargo Pants, specifically, are a straight-leg design with an internal pocket at the waistband, and snap covered front and back pockets. A solid luxury option that can be worn both casually and for formal occasions depending on what you're looking for.

SHOP NOW AT BANANA REPUBLIC, $52.50

17. Uniqlo Cargo Pants

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Uniqlo
  • Material: 98% Cotton, 2% spandex
  • Color(s): Black, Navy
  • Sizes: 28W - 38W
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

Uniqlo offers quality at a super affordable price, and their basic Cargo Pants are a prime example of that with their baggy fit, tapered silhouette, and pockets. A true utilitarian style that blends functional and fashion together.

SHOP NOW AT UNIQLO, $49.90

18. Dickie’s Cargo Pants

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Dickies
  • Material: 100% Cotton
  • Color(s): Rinsed Black, Rinsed Charcoal Gray, Rinsed Dark Navy, Rinsed Khaki
  • Sizes: 32W - 44W
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Work

Dickie’s is another brand that offers a plethora of cargo pants for both men. From loose fit pants, to ones that are more tapered, you can find it all, and an example of that is their Loose Fit Cargo. This garment is super soft, as it sits as the waist to give you ample space through seat and thigh area, and runs loose in the knee area. These pants are specifically designed to fit over boots, which is something to keep in mind if you are looking for footwear to pair them with.

SHOP NOW AT DICKIES, $23.99

19. Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cargo Pants

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Ralph Lauren
  • Material: 100% Cotton
  • Color(s): Outdoors Olive, Polo Black
  • Sizes: 28 - 42
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 2
  • Use/functionality: Style

Ralph Lauren is another tried and trusted brand that has been providing quality cargos for a minute. The Slim-Fit Cargo Pants are our personal recommendation due to their comfort, versatility, two front snapped pockets, two back snapped pockets, and their penchant for sitting at the waist. You won't go wrong with these—it's Ralph Lauren!

SHOP NOW AT RALPH LAUREN, $148

20. Lee Twill Cargo Pants

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Lee
  • Material: 100% Cotton
  • Color(s): Tumbleweed, Frontier Olive, Charcoal, Oscar Khaki, Buddy Black
  • Sizes: 30 - 42
  • Care: Machine wash cold
  • Fit: Regular
  • Number of pockets: 4
  • Use/functionality: Work/style

These Twill Cargo Pants from Lee are another great selection, as according to Lee, they "strike a balance between traditional relaxed fit cargo pants and modern men's jean styles." There's two back flap pockets, an expandable pocket on each leg to store items such as your cellphone, and there's ample stretch for workday wear with the added bonus of hiding stains. Not seeing how this isn't a win.

SHOP NOW AT LEE, $38.90

What shoes go best with cargo pants?

Boots are highly recommended to go with cargo pants as many are specifically cut to compliment them. However, depending on the style and inseam length, you can possibly wear them some sneakers and dress shoes.

How should cargo pants fit?

Some cargo pants are designed for a slim/more snug fit, while others are meant to be looser/baggy. This boils down to a personal preference, and your likes/dislikes.

What brand makes the best cargo pants?

In our opinion, that would be Arc'teryx. However, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren, and many of the others we included on this list have known to be good brands for cargo pants as well.

What shirts look best with cargo pants?

Cargo pants work very well with t-shirts, blazers, long sleeve shirts, and even vests over long sleeves. There's lot to work with then it comes to them.

Some cargo pants style inspo:

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