Blog

Oct 14, 2024

The 12 Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Patagonia, Athleta, and Cotopaxi offer some of the best hiking pants on the market.

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Patagonia, Athleta, and Cotopaxi offer some of the best hiking pants on the market.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Being prepared is one of the most important aspects of adventuring in the great outdoors, which includes wearing the right gear. Trust us when we say a durable and protective pair of hiking pants are worth the investment, especially when Mother Nature can throw anything your way on a hike.

We have a lot of outdoor experts on our team, so we researched and tested two dozen pairs of hiking pants to find the very best options. We handpicked pants that range in style, material, and sizes and tested them on a variety of trails. From humid walks in a rainforest to mountainous tundra climbs, these 12 pairs proved to be the most durable and functional hiking pants for women.

The thoughtfully designed pants are made with high-quality, lightweight recycled materials.

The pants only come in one leg length, but can be cuffed easily.

Patagonia’s Chambeau Rock Pants are perfect for any type of outdoor adventure from hiking to rock climbing. The pants are harness-friendly with higher pockets on the thigh and a discrete elastic waistband to avoid interfering with all of the crossing straps. Both hikers and climbers will appreciate the stretchy and lightweight recycled fabrics that make the pants super thin and flexible without compromising quality and durability.

Throughout six months of testing, we wore the pants on various hikes and loved that the slim, tapered pants allowed us to see our hiking boots and the ankles can easily be rolled up. Plus, they still look as good as new. With size options from 00 to 22, the inclusive sizing is the cherry on top of these versatile hiking pants. We can also confirm that the pants run true to size and come with a nylon utility belt to get that just-right fit.

The Details: 00 to 22 | Recycled polyester, spandex | Harness-compatible pockets

The microfleece lining makes the pants extra cozy and warm in the winter.

The pants could use more pockets and they run slightly large.

For year-round hikers, a pair of insulated pants is essential for staying warm in the colder seasons. We used these pants regularly for six months and, since they are lined with microfleece, they did an excellent job at keeping us warm during mid-winter hikes and chilly mornings. The pants are slightly oversized so the brand recommends sizing down for a tighter fit, but we found that the pants seem to run true to size and they feature an adjustable drawcord waist to get an optimal fit. Although the pants are on the thicker side with multiple layers of warm fabric, they still offer full mobility thanks to the four-way stretch technology. There is one pocket with a zipper that can easily fit a phone but we wish there were a few more pockets for extra storage while hiking or walking.

The Details: 0 to 16 | Nylon, elastane | Water-resistant

The pants are made with a soft and stretchy fabric blend.

None of the pockets are big enough to fit a phone.

Comfort is key while hiking, so we recommend these Trekkie North Joggers from Athleta for those in search of stretchy and soft bottoms. Made with an abrasion-resistant blend of recycled nylon and spandex, we found these pants equally comfortable for long hikes or lounging around the house. The two-way stretch fabric is super breathable and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, so we think these pants are excellent for spring or summer hiking with the airy and protective design. After six months of use, we found that they did shrink slightly after washing — this wasn't an issue for us, but you may want to size up just in case.

While there are a whopping five pockets (two in the front, two in the back, and one discrete thigh pocket), none of the pouches are big enough to fit a phone, which is the only drawback of the otherwise comfy and soft joggers. After six months of testing, we noticed that these pants are not breathable enough to be worn during summer activities. They are better for cooler weather or less intense workout activities including yoga or walking simple park trails instead of hardcore hiking.

The Details: 0 to 26 | Recycled nylon, spandex | Abrasion resistant | UPF 50+

The tights are compressive while still offering a four-way stretch.

These aren't particularly warm or breathable, so they're best used during the spring or fall.

Depending on your style preference, a pair of leggings might be your best choice for hiking pants. These Fjällräven tights are specifically designed for use in the great outdoors and offer more than a typical legging with moisture-wicking fabric, envelope-closing pockets for security, and reinforced knees and back to prolong the life of the pants.

The hiking pants lived up to the promise of four-way stretching material and offered full mobility while trekking. We also appreciate the secure high-waisted fit and true-to-size nature of the bottoms. We did notice that the 7/8 leg lengths were a bit long for those of us with shorter legs so the fabric bunched at the ankles, which could be irritating with tall hiking boots. After six months of testing in cold and warm weather, we also found that these aren't quite warm enough for winter hikes, but also feel too hot for temperatures over 80 degrees. Because of this, we feel that these leggings work best for shoulder season.

The Details: XS to 2XL | Polyester, elastane

The ripstop fabric feels thick and protective against the elements.

The sizes aren’t the most inclusive.

Spending time outdoors can take a toll on your clothing, so we love that Cotopaxi’s Salto Ripstop Pants are ultra-durable. Made with ripstop cotton, nylon, and elastane, the fabric blend has extra reinforcement to protect the threads from getting torn. After hiking in the pants several times over a six month period, we appreciated the thicker material and we also think the pants could be useful for gardening or camping since they are more protective than the average pair of pants. They also feature an adjustable drawstring waist and cuffed ankles to get a customized fit but we ran into some slight issues with sizing. Since the pants only come in one leg length, they were a bit too short for our tall tester, so we wish there were short, regular, and tall sizes to choose from for more inclusivity.

The Details: XS to XL | Cotton, nylon, elastane

The fabric is thin and breathable without sacrificing special features like UPF protection and abrasion resistance.

We wish the pockets were zippered for extra security.

While you can wear a pair of shorts hiking, these lightweight L.L. Bean pants are perfectly breathable and offer much more leg protection for use in warm weather. The bottoms run true to size with a mid-rise, adjustable waistband and a straight-legged pant that can be cinched at the ankle thanks to the drawstring cord. Compared to leggings, we found these pants offer more mobility and room to move around freely while trekking.

We wore these pants in the winter and could feel the brisk air seeping through so we think the materials are thin and airy enough for hot summer hikes. Plus, the pants offer UPF 50+ sun protection to keep harmful rays off your legs. These cargo-style pants have a plethora of pockets to use, but after six months of testing, we wish at least one had a zipper to protect a phone or keys from falling out.

The Details: XS to XL (regular, petite, plus, medium tall) | Nylon, spandex | Abrasion-resistant | UPF 50+

The pants have technical features designed for intense treks.

These are water-resistant, not waterproof, so they may not stand up well to rain storms.

Avid hikers and mountain climbers will appreciate the technical features built into Helly Hansen’s Brona Softshell Pants. Since more rigorous trekking might involve hiking off the beaten path, over rocks, or around other obstacles, these pants are equipped with boot hooks on the front ankles and the four-way stretch fabric is reinforced in the knees for a superior range of motion. Plus, the inseam is gusseted for even more mobility during a rigorous hike.

During one of our hikes, the winter weather took a turn so we were extra appreciative of the DWR finish and boot clips that kept our legs and feet perfectly dry. Additionally, we determined that pants run true to size with a drawstring adjustable waist and there are various helpful pockets for storage. While these pants are more technical, we wore them for more casual outings like coffee dates and out to the movies, too. After six months or regular use, these look like new and perform just as well as they did out of the box.

The Details: XS to XL | Polyamide, elastane | Water-resistant

The durable, yet lightweight materials keep you comfortable and protected on the trail.

These aren’t the warmest pants for cold-weather hikes.

The outdoors is for everybody, but unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of pants out there that are designed for every body. The wide range of sizes from the Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Trail Pants was intriguing during our initial research and, after wearing the pants on a hiking trip to Costa Rica during our six-month testing period, it was clear that the pants walk the walk (or hike the hike, we should say).

Made with a stretchy nylon and spandex material, the bottoms have superior mobility and breathability in hot, humid weather. The material is also abrasion-resistant, water-repellant, and offers UPF 50+ protection. We also appreciated the zippered pockets that can hold large phones and the ankles boast small zippers to adjust the fit of the hem and add ventilation.

The Details: 0 to 26 (petite, regular, tall) | Nylon, spandex | Abrasion and water resistant | UPF 50+

We deemed the bottoms worth the higher price due to high-quality materials and special features.

The drawstring cords at the ankles hang a bit low and could get caught.

The priciest pair of hiking pants we tested, this pair from Arc’teryx surpassed our expectations for quality and functionality. Designed for all season use, the pants boast fabric that is ultra-protective thanks to the water- and wind-resistant finish that still allows air to pass through in warmer weather. Throughout six months of testing, we wore the pants while shoveling snow and in an unexpected rainstorm and no water seeped through the material, nor did our legs feel cold. We did notice that these pants are best suited to colder temperatures, and are too warm to be worn in the summer.

The slim-fitting pants run true to size and feature adjustable hems at the ankle with drawstring cords, but the tighter the ankle, the more string might hang below the cuff and could get caught on brush or twigs. The pants also feature a variety of pockets with and without zippers to store various items, although we do wish there were a few extra back pockets for smaller essentials. The price point is high, but we think these one-and-done pants are built to last, which helps justify the cost.

The Details: 00 to 16 (short, regular, tall) | Fortius DW 2.0 | Water-resistant

The pants have rip-off sections so you can wear them three different ways.

Some of the button closures on the pockets were hard to snap shut.

Whether zip-off pants are cool or not is a longstanding debate, but we think this pair from Outdoor Voices are stylish and functional enough to please the critics. The pants unzip in not one, not two, but three different places to transform into shorts, capris, or ankle-length hiking pants. We found that they run true to size and come with an adjustable utility belt to get the best fit in the waist.

During six months of testing, the bottoms offered excellent flexibility for climbing over boulders and other obstacles. The material is protective and thick but our legs never got too hot or too cold while hiking in various weather conditions. Several hikes and washes later, the pants still look brand-new. The zippers are smooth and easy to glide, and the only slight issue we ran into was with the nap button closures that were a little tough to undo and snap in.

The Details: XS to 2XL | Nylon, elastane | Zip-off legs | Packable cargo pocket

The straight-legged shape and sleek fabric makes the pants perfect for activities beyond just hiking.

The pants run a bit large.

Versatility is key when it comes to travel clothing so we love that the Prana Halle Straight Pants can be worn for everything from outdoor to leisurely activities. The pants have an all-purpose straight-legged shape so we were able to wear them for various activities like hiking, biking, golfing, lounging around the house, and walking the dog. The sleek nylon material allows a full range of motion so the pants stretch in all the right places for rigorous activities.

After washing the pants multiple times in the span of six months, we found that they retain the original shape and softness so we expect these bottoms to last a long time. The pants have plenty of stretch so if you normally size up, we recommend staying true to size for an optimal fit.

The Details: 00 to 16 (short, regular, tall) | Nylon, elastane | UPF 50+ | Water-resistant

They're durable, comfortable, and feature everything we want out of a hiking pant.

They wrinkled quite a bit after being packed in a suitcase.

REI understands the assignment for creating long-lasting and functional outdoor gear for women, so we recommend their Trailmade Pants for those looking to stretch their dollar further. Constructed with nylon and spandex material, these pants are designed to resist water, tearing, and abrasion on the trails — all important traits to look for in a durable pair of hiking pants. After hiking around a rocky waterfall in Costa Rica, we appreciated that the fabric is super stretchy and breathable, which prevents overheating in humid conditions. We can confirm that the bottoms run true to size and we particularly like the different leg lengths to fit different body types. When we pulled the pants out of a suitcase, the fabric was wrinkly but it smoothed out quickly after being unpacked. After six months of regular use, they don't show any signs of damage.

The Details: 0 to 26 (petite, regular, tall) | Nylon, spandex | UPF 50 | Water-resistant

After testing 24 pairs of pants over a six-month period, some didn’t quite hit the benchmark for our list, so we’re giving them an honorable mention below.

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants: We love that these can be styled as ankle-length or capri pants, but the low-waist fit feels a bit awkward and can dig into the skin at times.

Outdoor Research Zendo Pants: These pants are super lightweight and flexible, but the lack of leg-length options and inability to fold a secure cuff doesn’t offer the best fit.

Rab Elevation Pants: Protective and durable, the hiking pants kept our legs dry and warm during inclement weather, but we found the pants run small, which lead to an uncomfortably tight fit in the waist and hips.

The North Face Women's Aphrodite 2.0 Pant: We’re big fans of the adjustable fit of these pants in the ankle and waist, but we found them to be too thin and lightweight to wear in cooler temperatures.

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

We took to the trails to test 24 pairs of hiking pants from notable brands like REI, Patagonia, Prana, and more for over six months. From joggers and tights to cargo and zip-off pants, we researched and picked various styles to see what products performed best. We also made sure to select pant options that range in waist sizes and lengths. During our treks, we took note of the fit, comfort level, durability, and functionality to rate each pair of bottoms.

To thoroughly vet the pants, we paid close attention to special features like pockets and adjustable cords, washed each pair based on the manufacturer’s instructions, and of course, hiked in the pants multiple times. We also tested the hiking pants in warmer climates like Costa Rican rainforests to the snowy Pacific Northwest mountains.

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Hiking pants are designed with more technical features than an average pair of bottoms so you’ll want to keep an eye out for special features like deep, zippered pockets, boot straps, key rings, or insulation. Mountaineers or rock climbers should also look for pants designed with harness compatibility to ensure a comfortable fit while partaking in more extreme outdoor activities.

Pants specifically designed for hiking should be made with materials that are extra durable to ward off the elements while hiking. We spoke with Randy Schwartz, Senior Merchandising Manager at Marmo, to get some insider tips on what to look for in durable hiking pant materials. “Nylon is often more durable than a polyester. It is also heavier, so that needs to be taken into account,” Schwartz said. “There are also specialized materials with superior durability ratings, for example, Cordura, which gets used more in pants for specialized activities like mountaineering and climbing.” Not all pants are made with wind, water, and abrasion resistance, so be sure to look out for that and any UPF protection as well.

The style of pants you choose is ultimately up to your personal preference but the good news is that there are plenty of options on the market. Hiking pants vary in the rise of the waist with adjustable features like a utility belt or drawstring tie. Some pants won’t have any adjustable features like elastic waistbands or button closures. In addition, not all hiking pants come in various leg lengths so be sure to check the inseam before purchasing.

Generally, hiking pants will have more technical features compared to other athletic pants on the market. Boot straps, harness compatibility, and adjustable waist and ankle hems are all helpful for hikers looking to get their perfect fit. Also, the material will likely be more durable with performance fabric that are wind- and water-resistant, and boast UPF protection as well.

For casual hikers that typically get outdoors in the spring, summer, or fall, a pair of lightweight pants will likely do the trick. For winter hikers, you’ll want to opt for a pair of insulated hiking pants for extra warmth or you can layer underneath all-season pants as long as the pants still offer weather protection. You could also get a pair of zip-off pants that can be transformed into shorts for the summer.

Some hiking pants have UPF sun protection built into the fabric to reduce the effects of harmful rays. Most of the time, you’ll see UPF 50+ as the indicator that there is sun protection and it’s helpful for those who hike in climates where there will be harmful rays but it’s ultimately a personal choice as to whether or not it makes or breaks a pair of hiking pants.

Anna Popp is an associate editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. Anna participates in nearly every product test the brand conducts, including this one. Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Anna grew up hiking in the heart of the Cascade Mountain range so she used her knowledge of hiking and product testing expertise to roundup the best hiking pants, according to our tests.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.