Not only is hiking great exercise, but it can also be a great way to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you're planning a trip to the mountains on a summer day or you're going to go trekking up a snowy mountain in the winter, a pair of hiking pants will allow you to move around as comfortably as possible while shielding you from whatever weather conditions you'll be facing.
Due to the sheer variety of hiking pants made for women, it can be difficult to single out which is the best match for you and your trip. So, we did the research and came up with a few top picks. Our 10 best list is championed by Outdoor Research's Ferrosi hiking pants made of a hybrid ripstop nylon and spandex fabric that allows for maximum movement. Check out the rest of our selections and give our buyer's guide a read while you're at it. It has important information about how to choose the perfect pair of pants for your next hike.
Quick List - Top Women's Hiking Pants
The North Face
Best Stretchy and Tight Hiking Pants With Zippered Pockets
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Before buying just any pair of hiking pants, there are a few things you should look over beforehand. Look for a pair that's comfortable, allows you to move around, and offers protection from harsh weather conditions.
There are four main types of hiking pants: traditional long pants, leggings, convertibles, and roll-ups. Each one has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider depending on the weather, the season, and your personal fashion preferences.
Polyester is versatile, since it’s light enough for hot weather and can serve as a base layer in extra cold climates. It also has better insulating capabilities than nylon. Because of this, you may want to choose polyester if you will be hiking in a range of weather conditions.
However, if you will just be hiking in hot weather, then nylon may be the better option. Polyester is less durable than nylon. It can also give off an unpleasant smell when sweat gets on it.
If you want waterproof pants, you should look to buy rainpants. You can pull these on over your regular hiking clothes when needed. There are also water-resistant hiking pants, whose fabric is coated in water repellent.
Another feature to look out for is moisture wicking. When hiking in cold conditions, having pants that hold onto sweat can be dangerous when the retained moisture chills. That is why moisture retaining materials like cotton are rarely used in quality hiking pants.
If you find yourself climbing over stones, crawling up over tree roots, or otherwise scraping your legs on your hikes, having your pants made of ripstop fabric will help. Ripstop fabric is specially woven so that it is more durable and, as the name suggests, resistant to tearing.
Hiking pants come with different features depending on the environment and climate they’re designed for. Considering the conditions you will be hiking in and looking for a pair with suitable features will help ensure a smooth trip.
On the other hand, a pair designed for cold weather will be made of material that’s heavier with more insulating power. Polyester is moisture-wicking and lightweight enough to be used as a base layer. However, it also has insulating properties.
Hiking pants designed for wet, rainy climates have a certain degree of water resistance to keep your skin dry. Some pairs are even designed for much longer hiking trips where you may be exposed to multiple aspects of weather, such as intense heat during the day and a chilly breeze at night.
Pant length is also important when it comes to hiking. When hiking in warmer weather, you might want to grab a pair of shorts or capri length pants so that the wind will directly wick away any sweat. This is especially useful when hiking on clear trail paths with few to no obstructions in the way.
On the other hand, if you are hiking on a colder day, full length pants will keep you warm. Long pants will also protect you from any pests out in nature, such as ticks and mosquitos, and any wayward sticks, grasses, and plants.
For instance, added ventilation zips allow more air inside your pants, letting sweat evaporate fast. Some pants come with an inner drawstring to help adjust the size of the waistband and give more security.
Others come with extra pouches and pockets for maximum storage capacity. Some pants even come with articulated knees, so that the pants don't feel tight or rip as you climb over boulders and brush.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Outdoor Research | ![]() | Best All-Around Hiking Pants | |
2 | The North Face Women's Paramount Hybrid High-Rise Tight | ![]() | Best Stretchy and Tight Hiking Pants With Zippered Pockets | |
3 | Baleaf Women's Lightweight Hiking Pants with Zipped Pockets | ![]() | Best Casual Hiking Pants | |
4 | Hiauspor Convertible Hiking Pants | ![]() | Best Versatile Hiking Pants That Can Be Worn Three Different Ways | |
5 | Mountain Equipment Company Terrena Stretch Pants | ![]() | Best Roll Up Hiking Pants With Articulated Knees | |
6 | Rdruko Waterproof and Windproof Fleece-Lined Hiking Pants | ![]() | Best Fleece-Lined Pants for Cold, Snowy Hikes | |
7 | Columbia Women's Saturday Trail™ II Knee Pants | ![]() | Best Straight-Legged Capris for Hot Weather Hiking | |
8 | Patagonia | ![]() | Best Hiking Leggings That'll Keep You Warm | |
9 | Mier Women's Quick-Dry Lightweight Tactical Hiking Pants with 6 Pockets | ![]() | Best Straight Leg Hiking Pants | |
10 | Eddie Bauer Women's Guide Pro Capris | ![]() | Best Capri Pants With A Water-Repellent Finish |
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With its mid-rise waist, inner drawstrings at the waist and ankles, and stretchy fabric, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are versatile for many hiking situations. The ripstop nylon material is wind- and water-resistant, lightweight, and stretchy enough to handle any kind of outdoor movement.
Reviewers have put these pants through the works, saying that they work well for hiking, climbing, snow travel, and even yoga. The biggest complaints were that the fabric tends to pill easily. However, due to the wide size range, many were able to pick and choose the best pair of pants for them.
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These North Face high-rise tights for hiking have a compressed fit for better mobility and comfort. They have two side pockets and two back pockets, each with a secure zipper closure. The fabric blend is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchy.
Many reviewers said that the material is lightweight, making it great to take on long travels. They also loved its stretch, saying this comfortable pair is great because it merges function with style. Reviewers mentioned that these pants were a great way to stay cool but protected from shrubbery during hot weather.
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Baleaf's hiking jogger pants have a high elastic waistband for better comfort and shape. Their baggy fit allows for ventilation while also letting you move around freely. They have five pockets, including two deep side pockets, two zippered ones, and a big one at the back.
Though some reviewers had issues with short length or small sizing, many said the material is comfortable. Women loved the moisture-wicking and large pockets, saying that these features make these pants great for dealing with sweat and carrying small items when hiking.
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These hiking pants by Hiauspor are equipped with zip-off legs that allow them to be worn three different ways. As is, they can be worn as regular pants. The detachable legs can be zipped off at the thighs and worn as hiking shorts. But, if you don't feel like wearing them this way, the pant legs can just be folded up a bit into a cropped fit.
Though a few were bothered by these pants making a swooshing noise because of the material, many reviewers loved that they're super lightweight. Some loved the fit and easy-to-convert features, too. The deep pockets, especially the four zippered ones, were a plus for many as well.
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Mountain Equipment Company's pants have straight leg openings but feature button and tab loops for rolling them up into capris. A drawcord with loops makes the waist adjustable as well, and there is more flexibility in the knee and crotch areas.
Some reviewers warned that the waistband feels tight. However, many reviewers said that these pants dry very quickly, making them great for hiking. They also noted that they are comfortable and durable.
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These hiking pants have an insulating fleece lining, making them perfect for hikes in cold weather. The outer material, made of a blend of polyester and Spandex, is water- and wind-proof. This pair is also equipped with four pockets, including two with zippers, and an adjustable waist.
Some reviewers had issues with sizing, however, many users said that the fleece lining keeps them warm and comfortable even in the snow. Others confirmed that these pants offer protection from water and wind, and say you may actually be too hot in them if you wear a base layer underneath.
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Columbia's knee pants have a straight leg design that hits just below the knees, ending in leg hem cinches that can be adjusted. Not only is this pair equipped with UPF 50 protection, but it also utilizes a special fabric that's resistant to rain and stains. It has a zipper security pocket and mesh pocket bags.
Though some reviewers had trouble getting the right size, many said they loved the fit and stretch of these pants. They also said that they are light enough for summer days and confirmed that the fabric doesn't stain.
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Some people want to hike as comfortably as they can lounge at home, and with these Patagonia Pack Out Tights, both are now possible. These tights are made of a thickly woven polyester and Spandex material, making them easy to move in. They will keep you warm, wherever you're enjoying them.
Reviewers noted that these pants do take a longer time to dry than other hiking pants they own, which is a downside for those looking to travel lightly. Others lamented the lack of alternative inseam sizing. However, many enjoyed how these leggings have three pockets, allowing them to take their phone and an extra snack on the hiking trails.
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Mier's tactical hiking pants have a straight leg design, making them easy to pair with large hiking boots or with base layers for extra warmth. Not only is the nylon and Spandex blend quick-drying and water-resistant, but it's also abrasion-resistant! These pants are equipped with six cargo pockets, too.
A few users found these pants too high-waisted. Overall, however, reviewers said that these pants are really comfortable for hiking, as they give wearers a lot of mobility. Many loved the spacious pockets and the lightweight material, and said that the stretch of the pants makes them very functional.
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These capri pants by Eddie Bauer are made of a nylon and Spandex blend that has a two-way stretch and a water-repellent finish. They also have two cargo pockets that are equipped with secure zippers and adjustable bungees at the hems of the leg for easy fit customization.
Some reviewers complained about the inconsistent sizing. However, many women said that these pants are really comfortable and loved that they fall below the knees but above the ankles. They also said that the lightweight material is easy to move in, making these pants great for many activities.
Looking to get the most of your outdoor excursions? Before you go on your next hike, you might want to check these clothes and accessories out!
No. 1: Outdoor Research |
No. 2: The North Face|Women's Paramount Hybrid High-Rise Tight
No. 3: Baleaf|Women's Lightweight Hiking Pants with Zipped Pockets
No. 4: Hiauspor|Convertible Hiking Pants
No. 5: Mountain Equipment Company|Terrena Stretch Pants
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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