Yes, there are plenty of cargo pants on the market today, but sometimes you need a pair of durable, canvas cargo pants to take on a harsh work environment. I like the Patagonia Iron Forge Canvas Cargo Pants because they are made using a canvas fabric blend that is more durable than most canvas materials, but is also comfortable and not stiff.
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These are my choices for best cargo pants made with canvas:
- Patagonia Men’s Canvas Iron Forge Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Wrangler ATG Men’s Canvas Straight Fit Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Guide Gear Men’s Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pants (click here to view)
- L.L. Bean Men’s BeanFlex® Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Lee Men’s Performance Series Canvas Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- Duluth Trading Co. Men’s Fire Hose Cargo Work Pants (click here to view)
- *Insulated* Guide Gear Men’s Fleece-Lined Flex Canvas Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Wrangler ATG Women’s Cargo Canvas Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* L.L. Bean Stretch Canvas Women’s Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Dovetail Workwear Canvas Stretch Women’s Cargo Pants (click here to view)
- *Women’s Insulated* L.L. Bean Canvas Flannel Lined Cargo Pants (click here to view)
One thing you will need to consider is whether or not you want your canvas cargo pants to be made with a stretch fabric blend. Some companies will incorporate a tiny bit of spandex into the canvas to help increase the flexibility of the pants, which helps improve freedom of movement. But sometimes these stretch fabric blends are not quite as durable as 100% cotton canvas. A gusset will also help with comfort.
On the list above we have also included an insulated version for both men and women. Although canvas is reasonably good at trapping heat, for brutal winter conditions you’ll definitely want an insulated pant.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the best canvas cargo pants so you can find an option that meets your specific needs. Let’s also discuss several things to consider when buying these types of pants.
Best Canvas Cargo Pants
Patagonia Men’s Canvas Iron Forge Cargo Pants
These Patagonia cargo pants are made with a very durable canvas. But what I like about these pants is that even though the canvas is very durable, the fabric blend is very comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel stiff like most canvas materials do.
Here’s what my Patagonia Iron Forge Cargo Pants look like:
This is the current price of these Patagonia cargo pants available at Patagonia.com (affiliate link takes you to Patagonia.com). Here’s what you need to know about these pants:
- Material – These pants are made from abrasion-resistant 12.9-oz canvas that uses a hemp/polyester/cotton fabric blend which is more durable than standard canvas and also is more comfortable to wear. This material is not stiff and has a broken-in feeling even on the first wear. My size 32 weighs 2.08 pounds. Here’s a look at the material on mine:
- Pockets – Yes, these pants have large cargo pockets for storage. Another thing I like about these pants is they have large slash hand pockets that make it very easy to get your hand in and out of the pockets. The hand pockets also have a corner gusset so you can attach a tape measure or small utility tool.
- Comfort – Again, this is where I think these pants separate themselves from other brands. Even though they are very durable, the material is very comfortable to wear and is not stiff. It has a broken-in feeling on the first wear. Patagonia also includes a gusseted crotch with these pants for comfort when bending, crouching, or sitting to operate machinery.
Click here to buy these Patagonia Iron Forge men’s canvas cargo pants available at Patagonia.com (affiliate link takes you to Patagonia.com). I found these pants to fit true to size with a regular fit. They fit easily over the top of my work boots. These pants are machine washable.
Wrangler ATG Men’s Canvas Straight Fit Cargo Pants
You’re probably familiar with Wrangler, but you might not know that Wrangler has a specific line of apparel called “ATG by Wrangler” which stands for All Terrain Gear. A lot of the Wrangler ATG collection can make for ideal work clothing in outdoor, rugged environments.
Here’s what these Wrangler ATG cargo pants look like:
This is the current price of these Wrangler ATG canvas cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these pants:
- Material – These Wrangler cargo pants are made using a stretch canvas fabric blend. The fabric has a small bit of spandex mixed in which provides flexibility to the pants. If you are constantly moving while on the job, a stretch fabric might be the best option. Here’s a close up look at the fabric:
- Sweat Wicking – These pants are moisture-wicking, which means they are designed to pull sweat away from your body and disperse it in a way that helps it dry quickly to keep you comfortable in hot weather. The fabric also offers UPF 30 to help block the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Pockets – Although these are cargo pants, it’s important to note that these pants only have one cargo pocket, located on the right leg. These pants also have a zip-close back pocket to give you a place to store essentials if needed.
- Design – These pants have a straight fit design isn’t too tight or too loose. They have a gusseted crotch for additional comfort and feature heel kick plates for additional reinforcement when you kick off your shoes or boots. Here is a look at the kick plate on my pants:
Click here to buy these Wrangler ATG canvas cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Patagonia.com). These pants are machine washable.
Wrangler ATG Women’s Canvas Cargo Pants
Wrangler ATG also offers a women’s cargo pant made with canvas fabric. Just like the men’s option we discussed above, this women’s pant is made with a stretch canvas fabric blend.
Here’s what these women’s Wrangler ATG cargo pants look like:
This is the current price of these Wrangler ATG women’s canvas cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these pants:
- Material – This is a stretch fabric blend that gives you flexibility so you have the proper range of motion needed for your job.
- Sweat Wicking – Just like the men’s pants we discussed earlier, these women’s cargo pants are moisture-wicking, which means they will pull sweat away from your body to keep you dry and comfortable. The fabric also offers UPF 50 to help block the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Design – Yes, these pants have side cargo pockets. They also have standard front and back pockets, and have a small zip pocket on the right hip. There is a crotch gusset for extra comfort when bending and crouching. These pants have a high-back waistband to ensure proper coverage when bending.
Click here to buy these Wrangler ATG canvas cargo pants available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Patagonia.com). These pants are machine washable.
Other Canvas Cargo Pants to Consider
- Duluth Men’s DuluthFlex Fire Hose Relaxed Cargo Pants – Although Duluth has several cargo pants, and several different styles of their “Fire Hose” cargo pants, these are one of their most popular options. One thing that stands out about these pants compared to many other options is these pants have knee pad pockets. Yes, these pants are made with a stretch canvas blend that is durable but also flexible. Click here to view these Duluth canvas cargo pants (affiliate link takes you to duluthtrading.com).
- L.L. Bean Men’s BeanFlex® Cargo Pants – These L.L. Bean cargo pants are made using a midweight 7.5-ounce stretch canvas blend that provides plenty of flexibility. These pants have button cargo pockets and also feature low-profile back pockets. There is a gusseted crotch for extra comfort and the fabric has been brushed so although it is abrasion-resistant, it feels soft to the touch. Click here to view these Duluth canvas cargo pants (affiliate link takes you to duluthtrading.com).
- L.L. Bean Stretch Canvas Women’s Cargo Pants – These L.L. Bean women’s canvas cargo pants are similar to the men’s from above in that they use a stretch fabric blend. These pants have reinforced knees for extra durability. Not only do they have side cargo pockets, but they also have deep hand pockets that can easily store your phone. Click here to view these L.L. Bean women’s cargo pants (affiliate link takes you to llbean.com). L.L. Bean also offers a women’s insulated canvas cargo pant.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Canvas Cargo Pants
Pockets
How many pockets do you really need? Having too many pockets can be overkill and just add bulk and weight to your work pants. That doesn’t help anyone.
But not having enough pockets can be a problem too. You’ll need to decide if just standard cargo pockets will be enough, or if you’ll need pants with additional pockets.
Some workers prefer cargo pants that have at least one zip-close pocket to give them a safe place to store essentials.
Knee Pads
Do you need knee pad pockets in your cargo pants? If so, Duluth Trading Company offers their popular Fire Hose Cargo Pants in knee-pad friendly options.
Most knee pad pockets have a small opening on the bottom of the knee which allows you to slide in a knee pad. I try to buy my knee pads from the same company that makes the pants just so I can be sure the knee pads will actually fit.
Water Resistant Pants
One problem with canvas material is it doesn’t always provide a proper barrier against rain and moisture. If you are working in wet conditions, finding a water-resistant work pant is critical.
Some people prefer waterproof pants, but in my experience, true waterproof pants aren’t very breathable, and can be uncomfortable to wear. I try to avoid true waterproof pants unless I’m working in heavy rain.
If you are experiencing light rain showers, and want a pants that provides some protection, but is still breathable, a water-resistant pant is a great option. To read more, visit our article about the best water resistant cargo pants.
Summer Cargo Pants
If you are battling summer temperatures, finding a pair of lightweight cargo pants built for hot weather is a good idea (some options even have a vented knee). Many of these fabrics are moisture wicking to help pull sweat away from your body, and have a breathable design to increase air circulation.
I like to wear the Colombia Silver Ridge Cargo Pants for summer due to the lightweight material:
To read more about these pants and other options, visit my article about the best summer cargo pants.
Winter Cargo Pants
Do you need cargo pants for cold weather? Some stretch canvas pants are built more for summer conditions, and make for popular hiking pants.
Obviously the heavier-weight fabrics will hold up better at a winter job site. But for brutal temperatures, a pair of lined cargo pants might be your best option. I like to wear the insulated Wrangler Ranger cargo pants:
Also, some people prefer wool cargo pants for their insulating qualities.
Canvas Cargo Pants Fit
You can find cargo work pants in all types of fit, including a slim fit. Some options may even have an elastic waist. Most work pants have a loose, relaxed fit, and that is the case with the pants on this list.
Several of the canvas cargo pants on this list also have a gusseted crotch for comfort. If you prefer a loose fit and want to see more options, visit our article about the best loose fit cargo pants.