All told, the Alroy is one of our favorite hiking pants, and we have nothing but good to say about the fabric, which has just the right amount of stretch and has held up well to heavy use. Eddie Bauer Womens Guide Pro Pants at Amazon, Lululemon Keep Moving Pant 7/8 High-Rise at Lululemon, Black Diamond Alpine Womens Pants at Amazon, Columbia Womens Pants at Dick's Sporting Goods, Girlfriend Collective Compressive Legging at Girlfriend Collective. Sizes: XXS-6XL | Pockets: No | Care: Machine washable. Colors range from Equinox Blue to Green Jasper. Articulated knees mimic a persons walking motion by creating a natural bend at the knee. But in our opinion, there are real benefits to these features, and they do add a major boost in comfort on the trail. Well be honest, we might be over wearing sweatpants but we are still highly interested in trousers with pull-on appeal. Pants made of cotton and linen are more breathable; however, theyll also show wrinkles from a long day of sitting or touring. Taking inspiration from Emma Watson and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, this season designers are offering us a abundance of chic, colourful trousers that make a bold style statement while still being smart enough to wear on the 9-to-5. Finally, storage is excellent, with five pockets, including two generous hand pockets and a zip pocket at the thigh (big enough for our iPhone 11 with case). Built-in belts, like that on the Arcteryx Gamma LT, are made of webbing, feature a low-profile adjuster, and can be found on the inside or the outside of the waistbelt. Not everyone likes to wear traditional nylon hiking pants on the trail, and uber-comfortable and stretchy leggings (also referred to as tights) are a popular alternative. 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. 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. Additionally, none of the pockets can accommodate bulkier items like a phone, although the zippered pockets at the right leg and rear are great for stashing keys, a wallet, and other smaller valuables (bonus: The zippers are practically invisible and add to the streamlined look). But with an extensive array of sizing options at a really great price, the Savanna Trails gets our vote as the most well-rounded budget pick this year.See the REI-Co-op Savanna Trails. Best Overall: prAna Womens Halle Pants, Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants, Best Curvy Fit: Eddie Bauer Womens Guide Pro Pants, Best for Hot Weather: Everlane The Easy Pant, Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Sleek Fleece-Lined Pants, Best for Comfort: Lululemon Stretch High-Rise Crop 23'' Pant, Best Active: Athleta Trekkie North Jogger, Best Convertible: Columbia Womens Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants, Best Skinny Fit: prAna Womens Briann Pants, The 11 Best Womens Travel Pants of 2022, Best Leggings: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Legging, Best Capris: CRZ YOGA Women's Stretch Cropped Pants. But if youre looking for a stylish pant that will last (or plan to mix climbing into the mix), these drawbacks are relatively minor. My body starts to Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant, See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights, Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pants ($109), See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant, Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Pant Picks, Back to Our Women's Hiking Pant Comparison Table. 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. versions available. The adjustable hem works for a range of heights or even activities. 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. Four pockets and a hidden zip stash on the upper leg for your phone and cards are a bonus to these pants. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights above are a high-quality design at a reasonable price point, but Fjallraven takes performance to the next level with the Abisko. The fabric isnt quite as stretchy or mobile as the Dynama/2, and the Athleta also lacks a DWR finish for fending off light moisture (although you do get UPF sun protection). See the Arc'teryx Gamma LT. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 95% nylon, 5% spandexWaist: DrawcordWhat we like: High-quality fabric and great Patagonia fit and finish.What we dont: Drawcord adjustment isn't as good as a belt. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 86% nylon, 14% spandexWaist: DrawcordWhat we like: Tough, wind-resistant, and breathable.What we dont: Not as versatile or well-made as the Halle above. Women know the struggles in choosing hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. This is perfect for those who are petite or tall, so theres no more worrying about the material bunching or being too short. We havent yet tested the Halle II and will update this when we do, but we do have a few other known complaints with the design: The zippered thigh pocket is not large enough for a smartphone, the internal drawstring can create pressure points underneath a hipbelt or harness, and the thick fabric runs warm for mid-summer hiking. For your inseam measurement, measure from your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle. These comfortable capris can go from the yoga studio to the street. The biggest downside with running shorts is the lack of pockets, and you do give up some durability with their thin polyester constructions.Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Pant Picks Back to Our Women's Hiking Pant Comparison Table. Category: CasualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5% elastaneWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Great styling, breathable, and cinchable ankles.What we dont: Limited storage and fabric isnt very durable. The hand pockets are deeper than most, and the zippered thigh pocket is a nice touch, but the pant forgoes rear pockets and lacks a functional spot to store a phone. But overall quality and performance are top-notch, and the Abisko is also available in two trimmed-down versions, the Pro and the warm-weather Trail Tights, both of which retail for $150.See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights. The higher a fabrics water resistance, the lower its breathability, so no one wants their hiking pant to be truly waterproof. For those who value function over form, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a true utility belt of a hiking pant. And we appreciate that Fjallraven offers a curved fit variation with more room at the hips and thighs. But if the length works for you, the Lightweight Tech Pants are an impressively versatile design that can be worn just about anywhere.See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant. The pant is also available in straight-leg and jogger versions, which both also retail for $95.See the prAna Halle II. As with an articulated knee design, the extra fabric improves range of motion and general fit and comfort. Comfort is a strong suit as well, with integrated stretch and articulated knees that lend mobility for both trail and camp activities. Zippered bottoms allow the pants to fit easily over your snow boots or hiking shoes, while an external waist adjustment system lets you alter the width by up to two inches. Finally, we found the elastic at the ankles to be a little snug and prone to riding up when taking big steps over boulder and other large trail obstacles. We love Patagonias Quandary shorts, which come in two different inseam options (5 and 7) and have deep front pockets that even fit a large phone. 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. The jogger design is flattering and looks good both around town and on the trailthey dont have the clown pant-like feel of some other designsand the elasticized waist stays in place, doesnt rub under a hipbelt, and is easy to tighten with an internal drawcord. Despite being well-built for the price, the Savanna Trails does come with some notable compromises. 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). On our list above, we feature one style of convertible pant, the REI Co-op Sahara, and a few models that are offered in convertible variations (the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Quandary,and Columbia Saturday Trail, for example). ", Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Pants at Amazon, "The ideal solution for women who are traveling somewhere cold. Weve also included a small handful of outliers on this list. However, convertible pants are not for everyone: the extra zippers can be a pain to use, they add weight and bulk, and, due to the additional pinch points the zippers create, the fit is often baggier. Rinse them thoroughly under the tap. They are fit for casual travel outings and hiking. The thin and lightweight materials arent particularly durable and have a tendency to snag and pill over time, and you dont get any wet-weather assurance in the form of DWR or wicking fabrics. I straighten my arms, inhale deeply, and steady my breathing. We also found the elastic at the waist to be pretty meager and ended up having to use a small piece of cord to prevent them from falling down (a built-in belt or cinch would be very helpful here). Regardless of body shape, it seems that theres always an area thats too tight or too loose. The simple, high-rise pants come in two versatile colorsblack and navyand should flow with and shape your body. However, while we love the comfort and style of leggings, there are some undeniable shortcomings when it comes to performance. If you're looking for pants for a single trip, you can plan to spend less. Their Ripstop Pant here carries the torch, offering a comfortable construction and flattering shape thats a far cry from the bland and ill-fitting designs of yore. The Best Travel Money Belts for Stashing Your Stuff, The 10 Best Women's Travel Leggings of 2022, The Best Mens Ski Pants That Can Stand Up to Any Climate, The Best Rash Guards to Protect You and the Whole Family, The 11 Best Swimsuits for Older Women of 2022, The Best One-Piece Swimsuits to Fit Any Style. Stay comfortable without sacrificing style with these joggers from Lululemon. In other words, the Ripstop will get the job done on quick jaunts in dry conditions (and look great in the process), but avid hikers will likely want to upgrade to a more performance-oriented model. All told, the Aphrodite is one of our favorite pants to wear for casual warm-weather adventures when we still want full leg coverage. A water-repellent DWR coating means they also dry quickly and four-way stretch and articulated knees give you the flexibility you need for adventurous activities like hiking and climbing. And as weve come to expect from Patagonia, theres a strong sustainability element with recycled nylon and bluesign-approved fabrics, which indicate theyre safe for the environment, workers, and consumers. Added up, the Savanna Trails is a suitable hot-weather alternative to the Halle above for around $35 less. Their fitted design looks just as great with heels and a smart top as it does with hiking boots and a waterproof jacket, giving you the freedom to go from backcountry to bar with a simple change of accessories. prAna redesigned their heralded Zion fabric (now called ReZionRe for recycled) and changed up the Halle IIs fit (in addition to a few smaller updates), and initial reports are not positive. The good news for those that want to pick up a pair of shorts or capris is that many of our favorite pants are offered in these styles. The primary reason is cost: At $119, its $30 to $40 more than most hiking pants here. But for the right usesincluding casual hikes, travel, or performing camp choresits hard to beat the combination of comfort and price.See The North Face Aphrodite 2.0. Further, the tapered, ankle-length hem can be challenging to roll up over thicker calves and leaves a small area of your legs vulnerable to branches and bugs. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best As far as downsides go, the KUHL Freeflex has relatively few: Its well-built, reasonably priced, and looks good to boot. Tack on a relaxed fit, ankle-length crop, and deep drop-in-style hand pockets, and you get a stylish pant that offers great breathability and mobility for hot-weather hikes, after-work boulder sessions, or just lounging. Made from a light, breathable Stretch Zion fabric (97 percent nylon, 3 percent Spandex), the prAna Halle Pants make for an exceptionally comfortable travel companionespecially on long plane journeys. In terms of downsides, you do pay a bit of a premium for the styling, and some taller users might find the pants run noticeably short. Make sure the pants move with you and feel relaxed no matter how you move. 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. Todays offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. You can rest assured knowing you'll stay cool and comfortable thanks to its lightweight cotton twill construction (98 percent cotton, 2 percent Elastane). Other favorites include the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short and REIs Sahara Shorts (for a more detailed breakdown, see our article on the best women's hiking shorts). We covered prAnas Halle above, which utilizes their well-loved Stretch Zion fabric that offers a great mix of comfort, stretch, and durability. Its the summer update on the navy pinstripe that we all deserve: the blue jacquard trouser. Like many of the other options here, the pants feature a built-in tab and snap to keep rolled-up cuffs in place and are also available in short variations for true summer temperatures. Outdoor clothing brands like prAna, The North Face, and Patagonia all have the fit concept down quite well, and REI and Columbia have recently redesigned a number of their offerings to bring them in line with the competition. We call out storage when relevant in the write-ups above, but two of our favorite designs for stowing the essentials are the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights and REI Co-op Sahara. A wide elastic waistband with a drawstring closure makes the capri-length pants even more comfortable; they wont dig into your waist even during long flights abroad. ", Best Convertible: Columbia Womens Pants at Dick's Sporting Goods, "Zip them off at the knee to create shorts when you get too hot. We cant overstate how important it is to find a hiking pant that fits you well. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 86% nylon, 14% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Great mobility by way of light and stretchy fabric and premium patterning.What we dont: Expensive and waistband doesnt cinch. Whether your outdoor activities involve hiking, biking, camping, or anything with tons of action, Athleta's Trekkie jogger pants are a winner. They can actually be quite flattering and great for tons of activities. And despite the trim fit, you get a good amount of mobility by way of the gusseted crotch, articulated patterning, and stretchy fabric. More than anything, weve been super impressed by the Halles nylon/spandex construction, which is incredibly hardwearing, resists stains, and maintains a high-end look even after dozens of washings or weeklong stints on the trail. So with all that praise, why is the Alroy ranked so low on our list? There generally are extra costs associated with the greater complexity in construction, so day hikers sticking to well-maintained trails with flatter grades or those on a budget can probably go without them. For those who cant wait to get back into suits, this style can be worn with a coordinating blazer. ", Best for Comfort: Lululemon Keep Moving Pant 7/8 High-Rise at Lululemon, "Made of the brand's signature Luxtreme fabric. Both pants are fairly average in terms of fit, although youll likely want to size up with the Columbia. Beyond temperature considerations, thickness often correlates with durability and tear resistance. Many of the core models above are designed for 3-season use, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi and prAna Halle II. The addition of 14 percent spandex means the pants move with you more than most (for comparison, the prAna Halle above only has 3 percent spandex), but the good news is that the Ferrosi still manages to hold its shape, even after multiple days of use. Like many of their designs, the Keb Trousers boast the brands signature G-1000 fabric (used in the reinforcements at the pockets, rear, and knees), which is super tough and abrasion-resistant. 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. Whats more, the legs on our pants were so bulky that we routinely caught them on our opposite foot while rock climbing. This vibrant fuchsia style feels like pure fun especially when styled with a racerback top but thanks to a tapered leg is smart enough to wear on the 9-to-5 too. ShopAlkesandre Akhalkatsishviliwide-leg trousers at FarFetch, 228, ShopTopshopstriped wide leg trousers, 45, ShopESCVDOhigh-rise cotton wide-leg trousers at Matches Fashion, 198. Sizes: 00-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. And due to the close fit, youll give up a fair amount of breathabilitythe Pack Out Hike Tights in particular are too thick to wear on hot days, and their heavyweight fabric is slow to dry. She is atwo-time winner of The Telegraph'sJust Backtravel writing competition and has written extensively for a variety of magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. By comparison, the OR Melody below is similarly thick but much smoother and suppler. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. But if you want to keep things a little more casual, consider pairing with, A dramatic wide-leg silhouette feels like the perfect antidote to our shapeless sweatpants. Ladies who like the slim silhouette of skinny jeans will love prAnas Briann Pants. Were also big fans of the patch of elastic at the rear of the waist, which helps to close the pesky gap that many women deal with, along with the nicely tapered legs that stay out of the way of your boots. Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 50% polyester, 50% stretch polyesterWaist: DrawcordWhat we like: Light, breathable, and stretchyan ideal combination for many hikers.What we dont: We prefer zippered storage for keeping electronics secure. Try on the pants in person, before or after you purchase them (and before removing the tags). See the Fjallraven Keb Trousers. On the bright side, we would have no hesitations wearing the Alana while rock climbing, but its not all that supple or breathable and led to overheating even in moderate temperatures (up into the 60s Fahrenheit) in Patagonia. Additionally, the thin fabric is prone to pillingespecially between the thighsand wont hold up to wear and tear as well as more premium designs (we experienced abrasion at the pocket after just a few days of use). Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Style and performance in a light and breathable package.What we dont: Odd fit and no functional phone storage. If you're heading out on an overnight backpacking trip or the weather is iffy, pants are the obvious choice. How do you know if theyll be comfortable? The Lightweight Tech Pants high waist helps a lot here, utilizing both elastic and a drawstring to offer security without added bulk. That chic style comes in handy when you want to go straight from the airport to casual drinks., The AJISAI joggers have a cuffed hem that hits right at the ankle, flattering for various sizes and heights. With a healthy number of options on the market, the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights strike us as one of the most well-rounded, with a great assortment of storage, soft yet durable materials that hold their shape over time, water-resistant patches at the seat and knees, and a wide elastic waistband that stays in place and limits bunching and friction under a pack. On our list above, weve broken womens hiking pants into two distinct categories: performance and casual. Why not add a pair of, Reminding us of our school summer dresses, these striped trousers feel like the perfect pair for the season. To help you get the closest fit, many brands allow you to customize sizing both in terms of waist and inseamfor example, our top-rated prAna Halle IIcomes in 10 waist sizes (00 to 16) and three different inseam options (short, regular, and tall), in addition to three plus sizes. ", Best for Hot Weather: Everlane The Easy Chino at Everlane, "You'll stay cool thanks to its lightweight cotton twill construction. ", Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants at Amazon, "The cuffed hem makes these joggers great for day to night. The fit and feel are spot-on too, with high-quality materials and an elastic waistband that secures with a drawstring. The well-rounded design uses tough nylon that performs on par with the other technical hiking pants on our list, but the elastic waist, tapered legs, and trim build lend a decidedly feminine shape. That is, until you get too hot, and zip them off at the knee to create shorts with a 10-inch inseam. The two-way stretch allows easy movement, and the recycled nylon and spandex material dries quickly and wicks away sweat. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. Paperbag trousers are so effortlessly easy to wear that youll find yourself reaching for them instead of your go-to jeans. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% spandexWaist: Elastic (partial)What we like: An affordable and functional pant for warm-weather hiking.What we dont: No built-in belt and thin fabric is prone to abrasion. 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. The Columbia women's pants also benefit from water and stain-repellent technology and built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring you're ready for all kinds of adventures at a moment's notice. Generally, what most people look for. For a legging-like style and fit that doesnt sacrifice performance, the Arcteryx Sabria is an enticing option. 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. When the time comes, well be wearing these in office with, The appeal of a drawstring waist cannot be denied and thankfully this chic beige style is sophisticated enough that no will guess how comfortable it really is. Although these pants are noticeably thicker than the others on this list, four-way stretch affords the flexibility you need to go snowshoeing, skiing, or climbing. To help highlight differences in weight, we've included the numbers in our comparison table above. In terms of the design, you get great freedom of movement with a stretchy mix of materials, as well as reinforced panels on the knees and butt for guarding against sharp rocks and damp ground. The warm-weather sidekick to the Gamma LT above, the Alroy is one of our go-to pants for everything from summer in the mountains to sunny shoulder season days in the desert. A final nitpick is that the Athleta runs a little short with a 27.5-inch inseam, but there are tall (30.5 in.) Below we break down the best womens hiking pants of 2022, from summer convertibles to mountain-ready softshells and form-fitting leggings. Look for pants made of comfortable, technical materials, such as nylon or Lycra. And convertible pants are the obvious middle ground, although they come with a fair number of downsides, which we cover above. Taken together, its hard to argue with Athletas stylish fit and finish, and those who value secure storage will likely find the Trekkie North Jogger worth the investment.See the Athleta Trekkie North Jogger. This means you can venture out into the snow and ice without worrying about the cold seeping through. ", Best Skinny Fit: prAna Womens Briann Pants at Amazon, "Looks just as great with heels as it does with hiking boots. Pants with elastic waistbands generally forgo the standard zippered fly and button closure, but theyve recently gained popularity for their comfort and good all-around fit. The fabric combines 94 percent nylon with 4 percent elastane for unrestricted movement. And prAnas Alana above has the more functional storage layout with two hand pockets, two zippered pockets at the back, and one zippered pocket at the right thigh, although all three of the Trekkies pockets have zippers. All that said, theres a big asterisk next to our recommendation of the revamped Halle II. To be fair, we have no qualms about the Pack Out's reinforcements at the knees and seat, but the softer materials elsewhere do give us pause when bushwhacking. The Keb does have generous hip-to-knee and calf zippers that allow you to open things up to get some airflow, but that can look a little awkward if youre not wearing a baselayer underneath.