Best Hiking Pants For Women
In a world full of leggings, I’m sharing the very best hiking pants for women. I have tested a dozen of pants to share with you my favourites and the pros, cons, and things to know about some of my favourite pants so you can make a good decision if you’re in the market.
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What I Look for in Hiking Pants
What works for me, may not work for you because we all come in different shapes and sizes—but here is what I usually look for in a hiking pant.
I look for brands that offer a ‘short’ version since I’m 5’4. I like a belt or a way to synch at the waist. They also need to look nice, fit well, and still allow for a full range of motion.
My problem is finding pants that fit me through the bum and hips but then aren’t too loose around my waist. I am usually in-between sizes and depending on the brand I can be a size 2-6.
For reference, here are my approx. measurements:
- Height: 5’4
- Weight: 135lbs
- Waist: 28.5 inches
- Hips: 37.5 inches
- Thigh: 21 inches
- Inseam: 27 inches
Leggings vs Hiking Pants
I have been a leggings girl my entire life and I still like to wear them—but over the last few years, I have felt the desire to not wear tight clothing and wear something a little bit more durable.
It took me a while to find a pair I liked because I felt like most hiking pants were never made with a female body in mind.
The hiking pants in this post make me feel good so I’m hopeful they will make you feel good, too.
If you want to join me and invest in your first pair of hiking pants, let’s break down what I love and what I don’t love about leggings and hiking pants.
The pros of leggings:
✓ They are comfortable, soft, stretchy, and can fit well.
✓ They pack down small and are lightweight.
✓ They are versatile.
✓ They can be moisture-wicking.
The cons of leggings:
✗ They aren’t very durable and don’t protect you from bugs, rocks, etc.
✗ They don’t usually have pockets.
✗ They aren’t great when it’s wet outside.
The pros of hiking pants:
✓ They are durable and can protect you from wind, water, bugs, rocks, etc.
✓ They have pockets.
✓ They are adjustable (with things like belts, ventilation pockets, etc.)
✓ They are warm and are a better option when it’s wet outside.
The cons of hiking pants:
✗ They may not be as comfortable.
✗ They are bulkier and don’t pack down as well.
✗ They may not be as breathable.
✗ They could be more expensive.
Best Hiking Pants For Women
1. Arc’teryx Gamma LT (Lightweight) Pants
Pros:
- Tapered and slim fit.
- Quick drying, lightweight feel, and breathable (almost feels like I’m wearing leggings).
- Water repellent with their FC0-DWR finish.
- Comes in short, standard, and tall length options and sizes 00-16.
- 3 pockets.
- UPF Rating of 40+.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to other options (but still worth it to me because they will last).
- The lightweight fabric isn’t super warm or durable.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I love love love these hiking pants. They fit me so well. I feel comfortable and have a full range of motion just as I do in leggings.
The short version and the ankle synch make these the perfect length for me (or for anyone who is under 5’4 as well). I love that they are mid-rise, personally.
I will say that they loosen up by the end of a long day in the mountains but once I wash (and hang dry) them they are as good as new.
They also are pretty expensive and Arc’teryx doesn’t have too many sales, but if you’re looking for a pair of hiking pants that you can have for many years to come, this is a great option.
These are high on my list of the best hiking pants for women.
Arc’teryx will replace or repair your gear (at the discretion of Arc’teryx) in case you have any problems with it—which is great. You can learn about that here.
I’ve used this warranty before and have had the items replaced with a gift card or a new version of the item.
I have two pairs of these pants in size 2 and the short inseam in both black and boxcar.
SHOP THIS HIKING PANT:
2. Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved
Pros:
- Durable and will protect against wind, bugs, rocks, etc.
- ‘Curved’ option gives a little extra room over your bum and thighs while the waist is a little more accentuated.
- Big pockets and ventilation zippers.
- Windproof and water resistant with their G-1000® fabric which is treated with Greenland Wax.
- Reinforced in the bum and knees.
- Comes in short, regular, and tall options and sizes 2-16.
Cons:
- A thicker fabric and heavier weight can feel restricting for some.
- More expensive compared to other options.
- Not ideal for hot weather hikes.
- No waistband or belt.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I have had a version of these pants for six years now and I can attest to their durability. I wear these hiking pants in the spring, fall, and winter seasons when I want a bit more warmth and water resistance.
That means I don’t wear these in the summer so if you’re looking for a summer hiking pant these may not be the best option for you.
There is no waistband or belt on these pants so I’ve seen some people wear a belt with them if the waist is too loose.
This is an expensive hiking pant but Fjällräven has an incredible program where they offer repair for the lifetime of each Fjällräven product. They want you to have and wear one pair of pants for your entire life—so we all consume less—which is pretty awesome. Check out how it works here.
I bought size 34 with the short inseam.
SHOP THIS HIKING PANT:
3. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Pros:
- Quick drying, lightweight, and breathable.
- They feel slightly more durable (vs the Arc’teryx Gamma pants).
- They are wind and water-resistant.
- 3 pockets.
- There are waist and ankle cinches to help with versatility.
- Comes in short, regular, and tall options and sizes 0-24.
- A bit more affordable than other options.
- UPF 50+
Cons:
- The lightweight fabric isn’t super warm or durable
- A little bit of a relaxing fit.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I have a few pairs of the Ferrosi Shorts which are in the same family as these hiking pants so it only makes sense why I love the Ferrosi Pant.
These pants have a hidden syncable waistband and a synch at the ankles which helps make a perfect fit. I also feel like I have full range of motion just as I would do if I wore leggings.
Outdoor Research gear is guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product through their Infinite Guarantee which you can learn more about here.
I have size 4 in regular length which works fine with the waist and ankle synchs but I think size 2 short would have been better for me.
SHOP THIS HIKING PANT:
4. Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Hiking Pants
Pros:
- The versatility of being able to change the pants into capris or shorts via the zip feature.
- A lot of pockets.
- Durable and will protect against wind, bugs, rocks, etc.
- Water resistant with their fabric treated with a PFC-Free DWR Finish.
- Lightweight but a bit more durable (than Arc’teryx Gamma or Outdoor Research).
- Has a waistband/belt.
Cons:
- Only one length (regular).
- Zippers may break over time.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
These are some of the best hiking pants for women. I love that I can wear this hiking and also casually.
The fact that these hiking pants can zip off into capris and shorts is amazing. I’ve worn the shorts version but I haven’t tried the capris (not really my style). Something to note — I’ve had them for about six months so I don’t know how the zippers handle over time.
I bought a black pair in size XS.
SHOP THIS PANT:
5. Wondery Isabel 3.0 Pants
Pros:
- Super comfortable and have a good range of motion so they can be worn casually while hiking, climbing, and more.
- Thick material that is durable and will protect against wind, bugs, rocks, etc.
- It has an adjustable waistband.
- It has a lot of pockets.
- High-rise.
- Comes in short, standard, and tall length options and extended sizing (XXS-6XL).
Cons:
- A thicker fabric and heavier weight can feel restricting for some people.
- The high waist feels super high on me.
- The cotton blend isn’t ideal for wet weather.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This pant is made for hiking, climbing, and, to me, really anything outside during the summer. They fit super high-rise on me and are a jogger-style—both of which I don’t love but somehow I still really like these pants overall.
They are thicker than the Arc’teryx and Outdoor Research hiking pants are and are made with a cotton-blend which isn’t ideal for wet weather.
The versatility is top-notch with seemingly a million pockets and an adjustable waistband.
For these pants, I bought a size small and in the colour brew. I could have gone with the XS and short though but at the time they weren’t available.
SHOP THIS PANT:
Still Need Some Help?
All in all, I don’t think you could go wrong with investing in any of the above—to me, they are the best hiking pants for women. Each brand has options for length and size that make them all quite versitiale.
If you want a hiking pant that is super durable, go for the Fjällräven Keb Curved Trouser. If you want a pant that could double as a casual pant as well, I’d go for the Wondery Isabel 3.0 Pants and Outdoor Voices RecTrek Pants.
I usually go for the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pant or, most recently, the Outdoor Research Ferossi Pant if I will be hiking/backpacking.
Honorable Mentions
Just a friendly FYI—I’ve tried most of these on, but haven’t brought them out on an adventure.
Patagonia Terravia Alpine Pants
I bought these hiking pants and ended up returning them. I loved them—but they were a bit too tight on my bum so I had to, sadly, return.
They come in short and regular and have sizes 0-18. They are slim fit, lightweight and you can move freely in them.
REI Trailmade Pants
The price point on these pants can’t be beat! They are offered in petite, regular, and tall, and have an incredible range of sizes, 0-26.
The REI Trailmade Pants are treated with DWR, offer UPF 50+ sun protection, are lightweight, and have loads of pockets.
That said, I have heard some friends say they may stretch out over time.
SHOP: REI
Stio Pinedale Pants
These hiking pants from Stio check all the right boxes—tapered leg, ankle synchs, belt, and look to be lightweight. They have sizes 0-16 and short, regular, short, and long inseams.
Stio describes them as durable, stretchy, and water resistant Everlight™ softshell.
I would purchase these pants. That pink colour…
SHOP: Stio
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
I had a pair of these pants years ago and really loved them. I only tried the regular option, not the petite so that could have made me love them more than I have in the past. Eddie Bauer offers petite, regular, tall, and plus along with sizes 0-14.
They are treated with DWR, offer UPF 50+ sun protection, are lightweight, and have loads of pockets. This is a great budget option as well.
SHOP: Eddie Bauer
Free People Fly By Night Pants
These are pants I’d rock causally as well as hiking. I’ve heard through the grapevine that it’s best if you size down, especially if you’re on the shorter side. Free People only offers one inseam so they could be long on those who usually look for a short or petite size.
They look super lightweight, are water resistant, are mid-rise, and have a straight-leg style. So if you’re looking for more of a relaxed fit this is perfect.
I placed an order for these in an XS so I’ll let you know how they are once I try them.
SHOP: Free People
My Favourite Tops to Style with Hiking Pants
Now that we’ve gone through the best hiking pants for women, let’s go over some ideas on how you can style them. I tend to wear a tight-fitting shirt with hiking pants and these are some of my favorites!
