But if they fit you well, the Happy Hike Studio Pants offer great overall comfort and mobility and look the part both outdoors and around town, which is a clear advantage to the jogger style. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. I didn't love how the sewn-in tag felt against my skin when I had the waist cinched all the way down, but that was fixed quickly by tucking in my shirt. The Quandary is a great option for hot-weather hiking, and some will prefer the traditional styling over the jogger-like fit of the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 above. Best Women's Hiking Pants for Versatility, By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Could be less durable than previous version, 62% organically grown cotton, 36% nylon, 2% spandex. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. Set as my REI. Second, we prefer the REIs more modern cuff bungees for securing the legs, although this will ultimately come down to a matter of personal preference. But for only $70 and often found on sale, the Saturday Trail Stretch is an adventure-ready option at a great price.See the Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch. If you are looking for even more breathability, you might want to choose pants that are made with extra ventilation features like on the Fjallraven Keb Curved Trousers. We love the tapered leg and the slightly tight fit. Throughout testing, weve had no qualms scrambling or navigating through thick brush in these pants, and theyre no worse for wear after multiple excursions into Colorados alpine. This revamp is great news, as the waist was our primary gripe with the previous model (the metal fastener caused pressure points under our packs hipbelt). Lightweight, comfortable, and durable these pants do it all. The fit is also fantastic, although some may want to size up if you like a roomy waist. If sweatpants and hiking pants had a baby, the Coalatree Trailhead pants ($99) would be it. In terms of design, you get straight legs and a mid-rise waist in a light and stretchy build thats great for keeping you cool and comfortable on hot summer hikes. As a result, roll-up pants are becoming more and more popular, especially for women. Other favorites include the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda and REIs Sahara Bermuda Shorts (for a more detailed breakdown, see our article on the best women's hiking shorts). Made with lightweight nylon, the Trailmade is both breathable and quick to dry, making it a great choice for summer outings and travel. These questions are important to keep in mind when choosing hiking pants, which come in all types of materials these days. Women's High-Waisted Joggers. The cone looms above them, blanketed in a layer of fresh snow As I pause below a bolt to collect myself and map out the next sequence of moves, everything below me fades away. AREA: Utah Valley | Provo or American Fork Canyon. Further, they're the obvious pick for technical hikes or summit bids to reduce the number of scratches or cuts when brushing against rocks or branches (and the good news is that many now convert into capris with integrated tabs). Switchback Ultralight Hiking Joggers. These are not the hardiest of pants, however, and would not be our top pick for any off-trail hiking where you might encounter some bushwhacking or any more extreme terrain. The addition of 14% spandex means the pants move with you more than most (for comparison, the prAna Halle above only has 5% spandex), but the good news is that the Ferrosi still manages to hold its shape, even after multiple days of use. Many of the core models above are designed for three-season use, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and prAna Halle II. The Best Anorak Jackets by Nike to Shop Now. These pants have withstood thru-hikes across various terrain and unpredictable weather, even on those sweltering 100-degree days, thanks to their sturdy polyester blend, UPF 50+ protection, water resistance, and moisture-wicking qualities. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 87% polyester, 13% spandexWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Excellent comfort, functional storage, and durable materials.What we dont: Doesnt dry quickly and breathability falls short in hot weather. That said, if you're on the petite side, I would seriously consider sizing down. Other changes include the addition of a DWR coating for fending off light moisture, a little more nylon (from 94 to 96%), flat seams to reduce chafing, and a simpler elastic waist (the past version had an integrated belt). But lets face it: Hiking pants arent particularly stylish, and finding the right fit can be difficult. The Patagonia Quandary Pants ($89) offer everything hikers need to get out and explore, making them our favorite hiking pants for the second season in a row. Deep front pockets mean your smartphone wont slip out unexpectedly, while a reflective side logo helps provide visibility on low-light city strolls. The Best Hiking Pants for Women for Camping, Traveling and More Climb any mountain in these built-to-last hiking pants. If youre backpacking for a week, the right pants could make or break your adventure. Some of our favorite performance-oriented options include the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant and Patagonia Quandary, and the Fjallraven Trekking Tights also fall into this category due to their technical fabrics and design. While I found the bluesign-certified nylon-poly-spandex fabric to be soft and comfortable, I had a hard time with the fit I ordered these based off my measurements according to the size chart, but I was swimming in these hiking pants. How thick the material is will play a big role in a hiking pants best uses. Their Miles Jogger is case in point, combining a flattering, ankle-length cut and airy fabrics that give the pants a barely-there feel. Additionally, the polyamide material is a bit denser than standard polyester and not as breathable in the heat. While pockets arent for everyonewe dont like to overload our hiking pants with excess bulkorganization can be a big help on the trail, especially when it comes to items like a phone or Chapstick. Since we like to stay on the move, we prefer pants with deep pockets that fit our phones or snacks and, ideally ones that zip. Further, the Halle seems to provide a flattering fit for almost every body shape, and weve been super impressed by the pants nylon/spandex construction, which is incredibly hardwearing, resists stains, and maintains a high-end look even after dozens of washings. Zion Williamson. Use LoopiaWHOIS to view the domain holder's public information. It doesnt make pants completely waterproof but adds enough protection to keep you dry on dewy mornings or in light showers. If youre just going for a quick outing, having the right pants is less important. When it comes to water resistance, many performance options have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, which makes the droplets bead up and roll off. Best Technical Womens Climbing Pants: Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants. At $180, the Gamma Pant is one of the most expensive options on our list, but with Arcteryxs quality, performance, and attention to detail, you certainly get what you pay for. Also earning high marks for breathability, these will surely become a favorite pair of hiking pants for summer. GearJunkie Managing Editor Mary Murphy owns four pairs of these pants. The little extras can really make or break a good pair of pants. Theyre a great option for variable weather and multiday hikes where you want more options and less gear to pack. Best Hiking Joggers The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of the stretchiest hiking pants available (86% nylon and 14% spandex), while the legging options here (like the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights) allow great mobility as well. There are a ton of synthetic performance fabrics in the outdoors apparel category, but I generally prefer the feel of materials like cotton and linen, if I can find them. Ah fit, our fickle friend: because all bodies are different, one fit could look completely different from one person to the next. Sneaker Release Calendar. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and feature sets. I had some zip-offs in my youth and while they were all the rage in the early 2000s when I wore them as a third grader, mind you I was a little skeptical as an adult trying them out. $29 at Amazon. best hiking We were also grateful for the 32-inch inseam that rolls up to a breezy 21-inch capri. So, they wont be a great choice for the office. Best Womens Hiking Finally, it's currently available in 12 sizes and two inseam lengths, so there should be a Quandary for everyone. They're flattering on pretty much any body type and rugged enough to handle a variety of terrain, she says. Can You Wear Joggers Hiking? (Explained For Beginners) Read more about us. Hiking pants typically come in three main options: full-length, convertible, and roll-up. Like much of the competition, the Columbia sports built-in tabs to secure rolled-up legs and mesh-lined pockets for added venting. Its also sold in a more durable (but still convertible) Guide model for $10 more.See the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible. Itai Grunfeld, a writer and avid hiker, is a big fan of the earth-friendly ReZion fabric found in this trouser, too, which is made in Fair Trade Certified factories. The waist doesn't offer the ability to cinch, which I think is a major con in any hiking pant that needs to fit a variety of women's bodies, and the center gusset had an excess of fabric; even if I wore a belt to fix my waistband issue, the rest of the pants were simply too big to be comfortable. Our staff has collectively rock climbed, thru-hiked, climbed 14ers, commuted to the office, traveled internationally, and more in these durable, well-equipped, versatile pants. If youve been on the lookout for a comfortable, durable trekking legging with thoughtful pockets for stashing your phone, keys, and snacks, your search ends here. This fits comfortably under backpack straps and keeps the pants from riding low so you can concentrate on logging miles, instead of pulling up your pants and readjusting any drawstrings. Because these pants are made primarily from cotton, however, they arent as water resistant as other hiking pants on our list. Best Hiking Complete with long side vents and large snap-down cargo pockets, these pants are ready for just about anything. The one pesky thing we noticed on these pants was the ankle ties. Pros. Women's 1. Further, while we love the Aphrodites roomy hand pockets and hidden zippered stash, the lack of other storage can be limiting. Lastly, pants with a higher level of elastane, like the Coalatree Trailhead Pants, or naturally, any leggings like the Athleta Headlands Cargo Tights, will provide more stretch. But if your objectives include long and demanding mountain missions like shoulder-season peak-bagging or alpine scrambles, these pants are the real deal. Other measures to look out for include certification to the Fair Trade standard, bluesign-approved materials, and PFC-free DWR coatings that forgo the use of harmful perfluorocarbons (the aforementioned Pack Out Hike Tights check all three boxes). Shes hiked all over the Pacific Northwest, often combined with climbing objectives. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 89% polyester, 11% spandexWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Typical Patagonia build quality in a comfortable and low-profile design.What we dont: Not the most flattering fit. For serious outdoors use, however, its not our top pick.See the Vuori Miles Jogger. Polyester is durable, can easily be imbued with water-resistant treatments and can be altered for a variety of finishes and textures. Weve experienced pilling fabric, and the internal waist drawcord and cuff cinches strike us as simplistic and prone to failure over time. They come in the most fun colors, are super light, dry really quickly, and last forever, adventure photographer Paulina Dao says. The waist is extra-cinchable, thanks to two straps that you can pull back on either side of the waistband, rather than a single, integrated strap running all the way through the waistband. We asked several of our favorite trail-obsessed hikers and outdoor experts for their top picks and scoured the web for form-fitting leggings, zip-off hiking pants, and cozy trail-tested joggers to round out this list of the best hiking pants. With heavy-duty fabric and reinforced anti-abrasion paneling on the front that keeps you warm and protects you from dense foliage, the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II Tights ($119) have everything a hiker needs. If and when they eventually soak through, drying time isnt too shabby either, which is reason enough for us to recommend sticking to hiking pants on all but the most extreme rainy days. Aside from price, they arent light, weighing over one pound although thats what makes them pretty darn tough! Unlike other types of outdoor gear, for most hikers, the exact weight of their pants isnt a top consideration (after all, you're not usually carrying them on your back). Category: PerformanceMaterials: 96% nylon, 4% spandexWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Practical features at a low price.What we dont: Baggier fit, shallow pockets, and fabric tends to pill. Best All-Around: La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX. The pants also forgo rear pockets and lack a secure spot to store a phone, although the hand pockets are deeper than most. Much like its fan-favorite Halle staple, Pranas Stretch Zion Pant II is at the top of many adventurers lists, due to its earth-friendly abrasion- and water-resistant fabric, mesh-lined pockets, and stylish design. Drawstring up top and breathable, quick-dry fabric down belowthats the beauty of Patagonias Terrebonne Joggers. They had a tendency to come undone if not carefully tied. I would suggest these pants for anyone who is just getting into hiking, or doesn't hike very often, or who appreciates a budget-friendly option that still does a fine job on the trail. Fully functional six-zip pockets also distinguish them as great technical hiking pants. Shes used and destroyed plenty of pants bushwhacking her way to remote crags and shimmying up granite chimneys. WebBest Saving: BALEAF Women's Hiking Pants . Sasta Jero 4. Made with an organically grown, cotton blend canvas material, the Kanab pants ($89) from PrAna are a comfortable and durable choice for hitting the trails. And somewhere between full-length and convertible lie roll-up pants similar to Patagonias Quandary pants. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Beyond a great value, we love its durability and comfort. Theyre also available in a slim-fit design. Front and back pockets are very common, as are streamlined side or thigh pockets, and often a few will be equipped with a zipper for extra security. What we like: Designed for comfort and The ability to secure the cuffs also makes them appealing for rock climbing and scrambling when you dont want any added material getting in the way. Its complementary look, budget-friendly price, and durability make them a strong contender when choosing pants that go beyond just hiking. Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Great breathability and mobility in a light and stylish package.What we dont: Thinner than most options here; some wont love the fit. The reinforced panels are nice, and we like the storageone large pocket on the right leg, a smaller zippered pocket on the left, and a zippered pocket at the hipbut youll need to get out a lot to make the investment worth it. Not only does prAnas epic Zion pant come in enough fun earth tones to match anyones mood, but the brand just launched an elastic waist version of the bestseller, making them far more comfortable and adaptable for weight fluctuations. $55 $38.97. English. In other words, we do it all. However, given the well-thought-out features, we understand the price point. A drawstring functions similarly but ties shut, thereby adding a bit of extra bulk near your belly button. Best Joggers Category: Performance/casualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5% elastaneWaist: DrawcordWhat we like: Great combination of style and performance.What we dont: Fit and fabric quality dropped with the recent update. Moreover, their high-quality softshell fabric was stretchy enough to layer comfortably over thermal pants in the cold evenings and retained its shape through it all. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 82% nylon, 18% elastaneWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: The ultimate performance tight.What we dont: Pricey and a bit thick for hot weather. For those unfamiliar, Rab is a U.K-based climbing company and makes some of our favorite technical clothing. These leggings could be the only ones youll ever need. Bachelor parking lot, and blusterier than the weather forecast had predicted. Big things to look for, though, are comfort, breathability, and the ability to dry quickly. Best women's hiking As a traveler, I love having a go-to pair of pants, and these are it, saysKeith Langston of REIs bluesign-approved Activator trousers. After 2 years of intensive testing, we found the best leggings for women. Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boot, $60 to $90 Kohl's. When youre hiking in the heat, it can be nice to have the option of converting your pants to shorts (via zip-off legs) or securely rolling them up into capris. I first saw Athletas burly, six-pocket cargo tights on a svelte European guide in Svalbard, the far-flung arctic archipelago thats closer to the North Pole than it is to Norway. Sadly, the same tight-fitting design we like that keeps them free from snagging is also their downfall. Credit goes to the light and flexible fabric, made with a blend of nylon and spandex. Kristin McGee, CPT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. And convertible pants are the obvious middle ground, although they come with a fair number of downsides, which we cover above. #4. Jump to Review. And both the Patagonia Quandary and OR Ferrosi have surprising levels of durability despite their lighter feel. Top 5 Overnight Backpacking Trails in Utah | Utah.com Best Protection: Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 Waterproof. The Best Womens Workout and Travel Leggings in 2023. But if you like to carry a lot in your pockets, you may be disappointed. Softshell pants are ideal for alpine conditions, wet weather, and bushwhacking, but they will feel overkill in the summer heat. The integrated belt is very nice, and I used it to great effect. Patagonia R1 fleece hoodie. And because every body is shaped differently, it can be helpful to try on a few pairs before buying to ensure a snug (but comfortable) fit. Additionally, they are sturdy enough to use all winter long (add warmth with a thermal base layer), making them impressively adaptable. Want to soak your feet in a creek, or need to climb or ride a bike without fabric holding you up? Luckily, were seeing an expanding list of hiking pants for women. In fact, one of our biggest gripes when it comes to womens outdoor clothing is the lack of functional storagewhile mens pants might have deep front or cargo pockets, womens pants generally feature shallow openings that cant even fit a modern smartphone. These pants will last. For casual jaunts on the trail and day hiking in particular, lifestyle pants get the job done, and its hard to ignore the style component. The recycled, double weave poly/ spandex blend keeps things breathable, stretchy and frictionless, and all materials used to make these trousers are either bluesign or OEKO-TEX certified. It's not even hyperbole: if I could only wear one pair of hiking pants for the rest of my life, I'm pretty sure it would be these. With an average rating of 4.6 stars, Mark's shoppers call these the "best hiking shoes ever" and promise they are "well worth the money." Travel writer and Emmy-nominated makeup artistKarim Orange is adamant that extra pockets like these are amust when working or out on the trail. Hiking-specific leggings are made to be more durable, although that sometimes comes at the expense of breathability. After hundreds of hours on the trail, here are her top picks for the best women's hiking pants. The Gym People Women's Joggers Pants With Pockets. Athletes (0) Ja Morant. But dont let that fool you, these pants are still great for taking to the trails. The Coalatree Trailhead Pants provide a DWR finish for unexpected rain, but we dont recommend wearing them as an all-weather pant. Feather-light and soft against your skin, these pants are great for when you want coverage but also want that barely-there feel.