Off trail desert pants

Have you considered wearing cotton canvas or military cargo pants?

5.11 makes a slightly heavier nylon pant (at least they did once). Columbia has zip off pants that are the heaviest hiking pants I’m aware of. Not quite Jean thickness but tightly woven nylon might help. I suspect the loose fit would help too.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Have you considered sewing thicker patches of material on? Sort of like the wear patches on the knees and seat of some nylon pants. That might be your best bet. You’d have to hire someone or do it yourself. I think the upper thigh is usually considered a low wear area for hiking pants.</p>

There are lots of hunting pants with extra layers on the front, but all will be hot and heavy, like Carhartt level.

RailRiders Bushwacker pants come to mind: https://www.railriders.com/men-bushwacker-weatherpants-p-1028.html?cPath=104_110

Perhaps something from this company might fit your needs:
https://www.duluthtrading.com/men/pants/?feature=mn6

Thanks for the tips.  I think will try the Railriders, they look like a compromise on weight, coolness and toughness.  I’ll see what they look like when they arrive.