Best Hiking Pants for Women (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022

2022-05-22 00:07:50 By : Ms. Aimee Chow

Want pants that can transition from hiking trail to coffee house? The slim, street-styled silhouette of these well-priced pants belies their functionality in the backwoods, making them a worthy choice.

If you are a three-season outdoor enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with this affordable option. Stretchy, moisture-wicking, durable fabric combines with a fashionable fit for a versatile, hard-working hiking pant.

Built to keep you warm and dry in the toughest conditions, the durability, quality, and fit of these trekking trousers make them a worthy investment for your outdoor adventures.

When Southern Maryland was hit by a freak January storm that dumped over a foot of cement-like wet snow, it was worth it to have a pair of the best hiking pants for women on hand to clean up all of the tree limbs that fell on our property. Despite the bitter cold, all I had to do was wear a base layer under my hiking pants (the same ones I wore to climb Mount Rainier) and pull on some gloves, a soft shell jacket, and the North Face Shellista IV tall snow boots I previously reviewed and I was good to go for several hours of intensive restoration work in the wet snow.

The fact is that, despite their moniker, a good pair of wind- and water-resistant hiking pants can be used for many more purposes than walking in the woods, making them a worthy and versatile addition to your outdoor clothing wardrobe. Worried about the work required to find a good pair? Never fear: We’ve done the research on the best hiking pants for women that don’t sacrifice form for function, so you can stay warm, dry, and look good on all of your adventures.

Long known for the quality and functionality of their clothing and their sustainable business practices, Patagonia has done it again with their Point Peak Trail pants for women, made from recycled nylon and spandex fabric. Built to last with a reinforced seat and knees, these exceptionally water-resistant hiking pants are specially designed for demanding multi-day trips in the backwoods, but ther slim design means they can just as easily transition into casual wear.

For added mobility and less chafing in tough trail conditions, the pants have moderately articulated knees, a gusseted crotch, and smooth seams. While the pants do have belt loops, they also come with a flat Velcro belt specially designed to fit underneath a pack hip belt for microfit adjustments and comfort on long hikes. Even better? Patagonia actually listened when women said they wanted pants with generously sized, functional pockets and included four of them in these pants. And don’t let the slim silhouette fool you. The legs aren’t so narrow that a base layer legging can’t be worn underneath on chillier days, making these lightweight but durable trousers a solid choice for three-season trips in the backwoods.

Lightweight with room for a warming layer underneath

Flat Velcro belt fits under hip belt for backpacking comfort

Drawstring ankle cord for additional ventilation

Straight cut is not flattering for everyone

Light weight fabric reduces warmth and wind resistance compared to other soft shell pants

Only three color options, including a wretched brown

Sit low on the waist making them drafty

Very few outdoor clothing companies design women’s hiking pants to actually fit our bodies and perform as advertised, but there is a reason so many women rave about Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi Pants. These soft shell hiking pants are designed to get you through rainy conditions without dampening your fun thanks to their fast-drying, breathable material, and the high stretch fabric will help you power up the steepest hills on your next hike. They are also versatile, and the thoughtfully designed harness compatible waist, trim design, and rip stop fabric make them an excellent option for rock climbing, too.

Fully articulated knees and the high spandex content of the lightweight fabric mean the pants move with you. For added comfort, the interior waistband is lined with soft, brushed fabric, reducing chafing when you are wearing a backpack under a heavy load. A convenient zip pocket on the thigh is designed to stay out of the way when wearing a rock climbing harness, but is angled for easy access when needed. Although the pants have belt loops, there is also an interior drawcord for making micro adjustments to the waist. And the SPF 50 cloth is specially treated to protect you from the sun’s rays, too!

Can’t beat the stretch and comfort

Available in tall, regular, and short inseam lengths

Supreme breathability make them a winner for summer activities

Can’t beat the price for the quality

Thin fabric means they lack wind resistance and are best for warm weather activities

Roomy waist but snug through the thigh makes for problematic sizing

A few more pockets would be nice

If I could marry a pair of women’s hiking pants, I’d pick Fjallraven’s Nikka Trousers to spend the rest of my life with. In addition to their very cool look, the Swedish company thoughtfully designed these trousers to work by making them out of stretchy fabric and reinforcing the rear and knees for maximum durability. Unlike many outdoor clothing manufacturers who design pants with pockets too small to carry a dinner mint, Fjallraven included a lot of generously sized pockets in their design — and I mean pockets big enough to hold your hands, a full-sized map, your smartphone, and even snacks. The thoughtful placement of the pockets also means that you can access what you need and warm up your hands even when wearing a backpack hip belt, something most other manufacturers overlook when they do include (meager) pockets. Plus, the inseam of the Nikka is intentionally long so you can hem them to meet your needs.

While they cost a pretty penny, Nikka trousers are not only impeccably designed, but they are also made to last with reinforced material in the knees, rear, and ends of the legs. They ship from Fjallraven with a fat bar of Greenland Wax made of beeswax and paraffin to give you extra protection from the elements. And damn, they are fine-looking to boot.

Best looking hiking pant on the market

Bursting with generously sized, well-placed pockets

Highest quality fabric, design, and workmanship

Exceptional tailoring with pre-shaped knees and rear and crotch gusset

Available in curved and regular styles

Some won’t want to hem the legs

Can be difficult to find the right size

Learning curve for wax application

When I set out to research the best women’s hiking pants, I was definitely interested in testing the limits of wind and water resistance for trousers in the low budget range. Because let’s face it, if you don’t do much outdoor stuff in inclement weather conditions, you probably won’t want to invest more than $40 on a pair of pants that will gather dust in the back of your closet most of the year. The biggest concern I had as I was looking at various options was that many manufacturers in the budget price range advertise their pants as water and windproof, and that just isn’t possible, even for more expensive brands, so I was skeptical.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that while Camel Crown does claim their soft shell pants are both water and windproof, the trousers are actually quite suitable for shorter term activities in rain and snow, making them a good budget buy for new adventurers or those who only get out in adverse weather conditions once in a while.

Excellent price at less than $40

Share some styling elements of top brand pants

High marks for comfort and stretch

Offer solid water and wind resistance for short term activities

Pockets are smallish and hard to access under the hipbelt of a backpack

Run small, so sizing can be a challenge Doesn’t feel or sound like a quality soft shell fabric

Doesn’t feel or sound like a quality soft shell fabric

Not as stretchy or warm as many higher-priced options

Interior fleece may actually hinder sweat wicking away from the skin, so you feel colder

I am a huge fan of wearing my running leggings on hikes, mainly because I don’t like to waste money on extra clothes and I love how freely I can move in them. I am also clumsy and have taken my share of spills while hiking more than 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail, often returning from trips with skinned knees and holy leggings as a result. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Arc’teryx makes a special legging constructed of strong, scuff- and tear-resistant nylon for rock climbers and hikers who prefer the maximum stretch and mobility of tights for outdoor adventures.

The seaming details aren’t very attractive, but in addition to their resistance to holes, Oriel pants have two well-placed, deep pockets designed to allow you to access important items or warm up your hands while wearing a rock climbing harness or backpack hipbelt. They also have a high, flat waistband intentionally designed to provide extra wicking power while wearing a pack to keep you warm and dry. While they lack the water and wind resistance of most hiking pants, they can easily be layered under inexpensive rain pants like Patagonia’s Torrentshell for added warmth and protection from the elements.

Offer maximum freedom of movement

A great base layer thanks to their breathability

Design makes them comfortable under a harness or backpack

Two deep, thoughtfully placed thigh pockets

The most durable leggings out there

Numbered sizing for a better fit

Not as rain- or wind-resistant as actual hiking pants

Not as durable as most hiking pants

Exposed crotch gusset and leg seaming compromise their style

It can be hard to find high-quality, durable, and warm winter hiking pants under $150, but Kuhl delivers with their Frost Soft Shell soft shell trousers. With a trendy, mid-rise jean-like fit, the pants are made from a combination of tightly woven polyester, spandex, and nylon fabrics for the ultimate in style and protection from the elements. The high polyester count means these pants are made to move, stretching with your body uphill and down and making them a worthwhile addition to your outdoor wardrobe. Thanks to their warmth and resistance to rain and wind, the Frost soft shell is size-inclusive and comes in three inseam lengths.

There are a few things we’d love for Kulh to change for the next iteration of these pants, including adding belt loops, fixing the front snap closure issue, and increasing the height of the waist in the back, but there is more to love than not with the Frost soft shell trousers. High-quality technical fabric, extreme stretch, superior water and wind resistance, and trendy styling make them a pricey but worthwhile investment for extreme winter enthusiasts.

Size-inclusive and available in three inseam lengths

High-quality fabric is soft but durable and very wind- and water-resistant

High-quality fleece lining for exceptional warmth

Wide, flat, wicking knit waistband for comfort under a backpack hipbelt

Styling makes them an attractive casual and high performance winter trouser

Zip openings on bottom hem accommodate most winter boots

Made for winter, so not as versatile as other options

Snap closure doesn’t stay closed

Seaming details on rear end of pants can chafe under a backpack

Low waist lacks interior drawstring for sizing micro adjustments

I am an outdoor fanatic, and the fun doesn’t stop for me when Old Man Winter shows his ugly face. Whether summiting 14,000-foot mountains or hiking through the snowy woods, I crave being in nature all year long. Professionally, I’ve also gutted countless military training exercises, including cold-weather training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California. 

Throughout all my experiences, I’ve learned that the quality of your gear can make or break an adventure. Well-constructed gear is mentally and physically worth every penny, but it doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Whether you are trying to find the best snow boots for women to keep your toesies warm or a way to stay toasty while sleeping during your fall and winter camping trips, I’ve learned the hard way that investing in the right clothing and gear is essential to comfort and fun in the wilderness.

There are three basic types of hiking pants for women, but all of them are designed to protect your legs from the elements. Which type you prefer will most likely be influenced by your budget, the season in which you plan to hike, and the terrain. Hiking pants can shield your legs from bugs, brambles, the sun, rain, and the cold to varying degrees depending on the type, so choose your pants wisely. No matter what type of pants you prefer, look for options that fit close to the body with a good deal of stretch in the fabric, articulated knees, and a gusseted crotch for maximum freedom of movement through the backcountry.  

Don’t be fooled by the name “regular hiking pants.” They aren’t to be confused with regular pants like jeans made from materials that may not wick sweat and moisture from the skin. Hiking pants, a relatively recent innovation in the outdoor world, are specifically designed to be lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant. What we mean when we refer to regular hiking pants are those offering basic protection from the elements while also being stretchy, but won’t necessarily keep you warm during cold-weather activities. Regular hiking pants may have zip-off lower legs or roll up, and come in loose or tighter fits, as well as tall and petite lengths. 

Softshell hiking pants provide the same benefits as a good pair of regular hiking pants in terms of protecting you from the elements, but they expand your range of comfort during chilly outdoor activities thanks to their marginally heavier weight and available brushed cloth lining for added warmth. Softshell hiking pants also tend to be slightly less form-fitting than regular hiking pants, making them ideal for wearing a base layer underneath. Like regular hiking pants, soft shell hiking pants are not waterproof but can be worn under hard shell rain pants for added protection from rain and snow. 

OK people, I have a confession to make. I am cheap when it comes to buying clothing for outdoor activities, which is pretty counterintuitive considering how much time I spend doing stuff outside. When I hike in the summer, I generally do so in the same shorts I wear for running, and during the winter, my go-to base layer staple are my running leggings, which I frequently wear under my softshell hiking pants for added warmth and wind protection. Because of their stretch, moisture-wicking power, and insulating ability, I am a huge believer in wearing leggings for hiking. Some companies have started making tights specifically for hiking that offer reinforced panels on the knees and rear end or made from abrasion-resistant fabric for greater durability and protection from rocks and thorns. Arc’teryx Oriel Leggings are a great example of a versatile legging that can take you from trail to rock wall with ease and minimum scrapes. In my book, the only thing regular hiking pants have on leggings is the depth and quantity of their pockets, which sadly, leggings tend to lack.

Perhaps the most important characteristic to consider when shopping for hiking pants, stretchy fabric can increase your range of motion and tends to be gentler on the skin. No matter what activity you plan to pursue in your hiking pants, the higher the elastic content, the greater your freedom of movement, so when shopping, look for pant material with at least 5 percent spandex. If you plan on purchasing hiking pants with reinforced, heavyweight material in the knees and seat, ensure you look for pants like the Fjallraven Nikka Trousers with stretchy panels on the sides and rear of the legs for maximum mobility and protection from everything the trail might throw at you.

Wet fabric that doesn’t dry quickly can not only weigh you down, but will also chill you since wet cloth steals heat away from your body and can cause hypothermia even in relatively warm temperatures. Fabrics that wick actually draw sweat and moisture away from the skin through small holes, allowing the material to dry quickly and helping you to stay cool and better regulate your body temperature. Outdoor activity naturally involves movement and perspiration, which means buying hiking pants made from quick-drying, breathable fabric will be essential to your comfort and heat regulation, no matter the season. Look for pants with a high nylon, wool, or polyester content for maximum breathability and wicking. Zippered leg vents can also help move moisture away from your body quickly and reduce the drying time for your hiking pants. 

Since being outdoors implies movement and hiking pants can be worn for a variety of activities, the worst thing you can do when shopping for hiking pants is overlook the importance of articulated knees and crotch gusseting. Pants with articulated knees have strategic darts in the knee fabric that mimic a slightly bent leg, even when laid out flat. The point of this clever sewing hack is to maximize freedom of movement, particularly when big steps up are required. 

Crotch gusseting involves sewing a diamond-shaped piece of fabric into the seat of hiking pants. While typically overlooked in women’s athletic attire, crotch gusseting has long been favored by male hikers because it prevents chafing from seams and gives you just enough extra fabric in your seat to ensure full freedom of movement. And let’s face it, if it’s good enough for Chuck Norris, it’s good enough for you.

Many manufacturers coat their hiking pants with a waxy coating to increase water and water resistance. Essentially, the coating fills in the gaps in the fibers of the cloth to prevent air and water penetration. Even if you have no plans to hike through nasty weather, look for pants that have been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR), because you never know when a freak thunderstorm will occur, and the last thing you need in the wilderness is to go hypothermic because you are wet to the bone. While a DWR coating stiffens hiking pants fabric and must be reapplied over time to maintain water resistance, the application process is relatively simple, involving spraying it on the fabric or rubbing a bar of wax on the fabric and then ironing over it. The best part? Many consumer-applied DWR options are all-natural and are made of beeswax and paraffin, which means you can really get close to nature when wearing your hiking pants.

Let’s face it, outdoor activity involves a certain degree of risk of personal injury. To maximize your fun, it’s smart to take precautions when you can, and investing in a good pair of hiking pants is a great way to prolong your enjoyment in the backcountry. Hiking pants can protect your skin from elements and some, like ExOfficio’s BugsAway Vianna Pants, even come with added UV and insect protection. If you’ve ever had to deviate from a trail in the woods due to a downed tree or impassable stream, you know how important pants are for protecting the skin on your legs from bugs, brambles, and sharp sticks. Reducing cuts and abrasions to the legs is especially important for long trips in the woods when it’s harder to keep wounds clean.

When I am out in the backcountry, I will occasionally see novice hikers wearing expressions of pain on their faces as they move past me wearing jeans. I can only imagine what the stiff fabric and heavy seams of their pants are doing to their skin. The simple fact is that if you are going to enjoy your outdoor activity, you need to be able to reach, bend, and stretch, and hiking pants are designed to allow you maximum freedom of movement while protecting you from the elements and chafing at the same time. In addition to being made of stretchy, breathable fabric, a good pair of hiking pants may also have special darts at the knees to help you bend and go uphill with ease and crotch gussets to aid mobility and prevent chafing.

Because a good pair of hiking pants will be somewhat form-fitting but stretchy, you won’t believe the number of activities they can be worn comfortably for. I invested in an inexpensive pair made by REI a few years ago, and have worn them on rock climbing, mountaineering, and hiking trips. You can also extend the versatility of your hiking pants by wearing a base layer underneath them for added protection from the cold and wind. Although I tend not to wear athletic attire when out and about, many manufacturers make women’s hiking pants that are both functional and fashionable, making them an option for both a walk in the woods or a trip to your favorite coffee shop.

Although I do believe it’s possible to find well-priced outdoor clothing that performs well, you will be hard-pressed to find a good pair of off-brand hiking pants that will shed water and keep you warm for less than $40, although as Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi pants demonstrate, once in a while we can find that elusive purple unicorn. The fact is that many budget-priced hiking pant options will lack crotch gussets and knee darts, making these pants less functional and restricting your movement. They will also probably lack quality stitching and materials and won’t stand up as well as higher-priced options. But if you only hike once in a while, spending more may not make sense to you. Just having a cheap pair of water-repellant and wind-resistant trousers in your backpack should have you covered.

However, if you do want a higher-end product, note that buying at the end of the season can be a great way to spot high-quality, name-brand options with all of the bells and whistles but within a budget price range. 

There is something to be said for buying clothing from known and respected brands, particularly when that clothing can mean the difference between life and death, even if you only hike once in a while. And make no mistake, quality water- and wind-resistant hiking pants can not only mean the difference between being comfortable or uncomfortable on your outdoor adventures, but can also literally prevent you from going hypothermic when the temperature suddenly drops and a sudden storm appears out of nowhere. 

When it comes to prolonging my life, I am comfortable paying more for clothing from respected companies because I know they pioneer technological advancements for outdoor clothing and understand how their gear relates to my survival. The good news is that if you are willing to spend between $50-$99, your options for highly rated regular hiking pants and leggings from respected manufacturers will expand significantly, so making a good decision doesn’t mean breaking the bank.

My adventure partner and I are four-season hikers, and after experiencing the misery of crappy cold weather gear in the Marine Corps for 20 years, we strongly believe in investing in quality clothing to prolong our enjoyment and comfort on our trips. Bottom line: If you are active in the mountains all year like us and you want to preserve your relationship on hikes that feel more like slogs, sometimes spending more for premium products is just the thing.  

If you are serious about your safety and comfort in all seasons and are willing to spend more than $100 for your hiking pants, you will absolutely be amazed at the difference in durability, comfort, fit, and thoughtful design when compared to budget options. There is a reason that guide services pay more for tried and true gear from companies like Mountain Hardware, Fjallraven, and Patagonia for their guides. The investment is about the very survival of their people, and if that is good enough for them, it’s definitely good enough for me.

Unlike in my review of the best running shorts for women, when reviewing different hiking pants for women for this piece, price took more of a back seat to the quality of the pants and their materials. After all, your running shorts will rarely mean the difference between life or death, but your hiking pants impact not only your comfort and enjoyment, but can also prevent you from sliding into hypothermia and even death when the weather turns unexpectedly bad on you. While there are a lot of cheap, non-name brand options for women’s hiking pants on sites like Amazon, we aren’t fooled when the description says they are waterproof. 

Because of the impact a good pair of hiking pants can have on your safety, how well the pants I reviewed can protect you from the elements was first and foremost in my mind. Other than the one budget winter pair we highlight here that are good enough for occasional, good weather hikers, we did not review products that promised to be waterproof. Instead, my top picks were based on weather resistance, wicking power, design, and durability. Usable pockets got extra stars since women’s pants tend to lack them.

You’ve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers.

A: Freedom of movement is essential, which means you should look for hiking pants with a high nylon and elastic content. The beauty is that these materials are not only stretchy, but they are also breathable, moisture-wicking, and can also help you regulate your body temperature.

A: Pockets, pockets, and more pockets. Seriously, hiking pants need to be functional, but to maximize your comfort, look for pants with zippers for venting, a built-in belt or loops, a gusseted crotch, and articulated knees.

A: Good question with a simple answer: A good pair of hiking pants can serve many purposes, including hiking, climbing, and mountaineering. 

A: It depends on what activities you have planned. If you are doing things in the winter, softshell pants often come with a fleece lining to help insulate you. The beauty of hiking pants is that base layers can be worn underneath for added protection from the cold.

A: There is no such thing as waterproof clothing. Exposure to the elements and washing will diminish the amount of water resistance your outdoor clothing provides. The good news is that you can restore their water resistance between washes by applying beeswax or water resistance sprays.

A: If you want pants that will offer maximum mobility without dragging you down, look for hiking trousers made from stretchy nylon fabric with leg zippers for venting, crotch gusseting, articulated knee darts. Nylon fabric will help move moisture away from your skin to keep you warm and dry while gussets and knee darts will ensure you can move through the most challenging terrain with ease. 

A: Unless I plan to go bushwacking, I tend to wear running shorts but always carry my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants for rain and wind protection and an extra layer of warmth in a pinch. However, quick-drying, lightweight Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are an excellent option for summer hikes, and have an elastic cinch cord at the cuff for additional venting and breathability.

Kate Germano served in the Marine Corps from 1996 to 2016. She’s a closet gear freak who enjoys schlepping packs with her better half on long Appalachian Trail section hikes. She’s also into true crime, Qwirkle tournaments, and animals, but definitely not Dungeons and Dragons. Task & Purpose and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Learn more about our product review process.

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