18 Best Hiking Pants for Women
Whether you’re exploring a national forest or backpacking in the Andes, you’ll need hiking clothes you can rely on to keep you safe and comfortable out on the trails. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best hiking pants for women that’ll help protect you from rain, sun, and snow — and that are cute enough to wear off the trails, too.
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18 best hiking pants for women
1. Best overall hiking pants: prAna
We’ve ranked prAna’s Halle Pant as best overall, because it’s a functional pant with a classic look that can really go anywhere and do anything. This design is made from a recycled nylon blend that offers four-way stretch performance and comes with a durable water-repellent finish and UPF 50+ sun protection. What’s more, this pick is also abrasion-resistant (for added durability), and is equipped with secure snaps so you have the option to roll-up the hem.
Price range: starting at $95
2. Best breathable hiking pants: Coalatree
Coalatree’s Trailhead Pants is made with their eco-friendly DWR finish that not only repels water, but makes stains and spills bead right off, while maintaining all-season breathability. They also have a 4-way stretch, anti-microbial features, and are tear resistant. Our favorite part? You can pack these pants down into the front pocket for travel or to use as a small pillow.
Price range: starting at $89
3. Best affordable hiking pants: Libin
Hiking gear has a tendency to get expensive, but luckily, these hiking pants from Libin have a price point almost anyone can afford. On top of being budget-friendly, these pants are super lightweight, slightly elastic, and all kinds of comfortable. Their polyester and spandex blend gives them a good amount of stretch, while their UPF 50+ protection repels light moisture and resists UV rays to keep you safe on the trails. Not bad for coming in at under $30 a pop!
Price range: starting at $23.67
4. Best sustainable hiking pants: Patagonia
Sustainable clothing production not only avoids the use of carcinogens and other harmful chemicals, but it requires considerably less water (and creates much less waste) than the fast fashion industry. These sustainable hiking pants from Patagonia are made using 87% recycled materials and are also Fair Trade Certified™. Other noteworthy features include the elasticized waistband, four-way stretch, and water-repellent finish to prevent stains and splashes.
Price range: starting at $79
5. Best winter hiking pants: Outdoor Research
There’s something really beautiful about hiking through a frozen landscape — but you’ll need to dress appropriately for these kinds of conditions. The Cirque II Pants from Outdoor Research are designed with winter adventures in mind; their weather-resistant double weave fabric has been ‘purpose-built for the 4-season athlete.’ Plus, the waistband has thermo-regulating technology that adjusts to your body temperature during high-exertion activities.
Price range: starting at $150.00
6. Best drawstring hiking pants: MOCOLY
These hiking pants from MOCOLY have more than 10,000 ratings and have earned 4.4 out of 5 stars — pretty impressive, don’t you think? Highlights of this design include the stretch-woven fabric, built-in UV protection, moisture-wicking abilities, and adjustable drawstring waistband. And speaking of adjustable features, these pants also have an adjustable cord lock around the ankles to prevent bugs from getting in (and so you can enjoy your hike to the fullest).
Price range: starting at $24.99
7. Best cargo hiking pants: Rdruko
Cargo pants are a smart option for hiking excursions because they offer excellent storage for things like your phone, sunglasses, and even some trail snacks. We like this pair from Rdruko for its professional water-repellent fabric that ‘provides excellent protection in humid conditions, keeping your body dry and odorless.’ In addition, these pants have a button-fly closure and an elastic, adjustable waist to give you the most customized (and comfortable) fit.
Price range: starting at $29.99
8. Best cropped hiking pants: SANTINY
SANTINY’s outdoor capris are a great choice for camping, hiking, jogging, and any other active outings you have planned. They’re made from polyester and spandex — so you know they have serious stretch — but they’re also super lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying to help maximize your comfort. And when it comes to pockets, these pants have plenty; there’s two zippered pockets at the hips, plus two zippered cargo pockets to stash all your small essentials.
Price range: starting at $25.99
9. Best straight leg hiking pants: Columbia
Columbia’s Just Right™ Straight Leg Pant has two-way comfort stretch that’s ready to move right along with you. Made from nylon and elastane, this style features a contoured waistband, advanced stain-repellent technology, and Omni-Shade UPF 50+ sun protection. While these pants are definitely durable, they’re also super lightweight (making them easy to travel with). Whether you want to hike local trails or tackle rougher terrain, this design is ready to do it all.
Price range: starting at $29.98
10. Best jogger hiking pants: prAna
Few things are cozier than joggers, so imagine how excited we were to find these jogger hiking pants from prAna. The Layna Jogger is made from prAna’s bestselling fabric that is stretchy, supportive, and dries incredibly fast so you can maintain your momentum. There are also extra added elements of comfort throughout, like at the waistband and triangle gusset.
Price range: starting at $95
11. Best hybrid hiking pants: The North Face
These high-rise, hybrid pants from The North Face are sort of a mix between a legging and a traditional trouser. But however you choose to describe them, it’s clear these pants are an incredibly versatile option. Besides being quick-drying and moisture-wicking, this design is also tight-knit for extra comfort and unrestricted range-of-motion. We love this style for its sleek, athletic look that’s likely to earn you some compliments while you’re out on the trail.
Price range: starting at $79
12. Best roll-up hiking pants: Columbia
Roll-up hiking pants allow you to adapt to temperature changes in a snap. These pants from Columbia are one of the best roll-up styles we’ve found, thanks to their classic fit and advanced features. This design comes with Omni-Shield technology that repels moisture and dries quickly — so you can avoid stains and stay looking sharp. There are also multiple pockets for convenient storage, and UPF protection to keep you safe from harmful rays.
Price range: starting at $17.11
13. Best convertible hiking pants: REI CO-OP
We *love* these convertible pants from REI CO-OP, which is why they make an appearance on our safari packing guide, as well. Not only do they unzip at the knee and convert into shorts, but these pants also prevent chafing and shield against harmful UV rays. But the coolest feature of this design? There are color-coded zippers at the thigh that differentiate the right leg from the left leg so you can quickly turn your shorts back into pants. Talk about convenience!
Price range: starting at $79.95
14. Best form-fitting hiking pants: Fjallraven
This style from Fjallraven is technically marketed as trekking tights, which we’re taking as a savvier way of saying hiking pants. These tights are made from a dense, high-performance fabric that’s both durable and moisture-wicking. They also have cool technical components, like reinforcements at the knees and rear for extra protection in rough terrain (or for times you find yourself sitting on the ground). Functional and form-fitting — we’re definitely here for it.
Price range: starting at $122.46
15. Best moisture-wicking hiking pants: The North Face
Moisture-wicking garments help to regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling dry — which is great for when you’re working up a sweat out on a hike. These moisture-wicking pants from The North Face are guaranteed to provide all-day comfort; on top of their FlashDry technology, they also come with a durable, water-repellent finish to shed splashes, as well as ultraviolet protection and four-way stretch to make it easy to do what you love.
Price range: starting at $69
16. Best durable hiking pants: REI CO-OP
These pants from REI CO-OP have all the stretch and strength you need to take on challenging terrain with total confidence. Don’t let their relaxed look fool you — these hiking pants are designed to handle tough conditions and fluctuating climates with ease. Their Bluesign® approved fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and water-repellent, and it’s doubled up at the knees to withstand the ‘scuffs of bouldering’ during long days out on the trail.
Price range: starting at $54.95
17. Best waterproof hiking pants: Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear’s Dynama design is suitable for all kinds of weather, since it comes with UPF-filter fabric construction *and* a rain-resistant, waterproof coating. The nylon and elastane blend is also anti-odor, which is a pretty important feature when you’re out hiking on a warm day. Another thing that’s unique about these pants is that they come with a warranty covering any ‘defects in materials or workmanship’ for the practical lifetime of this product.
Price range: starting at $37.44
18. Best windproof hiking pants: BenBoy
This pick from BenBoy has so many amazing attributes, we hardly know where to start in describing them. These pants are not just waterproof, abrasion-proof, and pill-resistant, but they’re also windproof to help keep you warm on your coldest hikes. And if that wasn’t enough, the knees are stitched using wear-resistant fabric that’s designed with special pleating. In other words, you’ll have greater mobility around the knees for times when you have to bend or squat.
Price range: starting at $25.49
Hiking pant FAQs
Are compression pants good for hiking?
Compression pants or shorts can be good for hiking since they help to reduce muscle fatigue and can lower the chances of muscle strain or injury. They can also improve performance out on the trail, though they’re typically most beneficial for hiking long distances.
What are the best brands for hiking clothes?
Investing in quality, durable hiking gear is as important to your safety as it is to the enjoyment of your travels. Some of the best brands for hiking clothes include prAna, Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardwear, and The North Face.
Are polyester leggings good for hiking?
When you’re shopping for hiking leggings, look for a pair that’s comfortable, breathable, but also hard-wearing. The best materials to ensure longevity (and all-day comfort) include polyester and nylon — especially if they have reinforced patches at the knees and rear.