Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2026

Finding a good pair of women's hiking pants is sort of like winning the lottery. Fit, storage, durability, and range of motion can be tough to dial in, not to mention comfort during long days on the trail. However, the market has improved significantly over the past few years, and there are plenty of options—from sleek leggings to technical shell pants—that will work for a range of body types and endeavors. Tested on trails and peaks around the country in all four seasons, the Stio Pinedale landed at the top of our list this year thanks to its combination of fit and features, along with durable materials that don't sacrifice breathability. You can see our comparison table and buying advice, along with details about our testing process. Our separate best hiking pants guide includes both men’s and women’s styles, and we also have a round-up of the best women's hiking leggings.

Editor’s note: We updated this guide on December 28, 2025, to add the Stio Pinedale to the lineup. We streamlined the rest of our picks and removed discontinued and underperforming models. We also added a new tested-and-dismissed section, added photos and testing notes from this past season, and swept the guide to ensure everything was up to date at the time of publication.
 

Our Team's Hiking Pant Picks for Women

• Best Overall Women’s Hiking Pant: Stio Pinedale Pant
• Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pant: REI Co-op Trailmade Pull-on Pant
• Best Light and Breathable Pants for Warm Weather: Mountain Hardwear Dynama
• Best Weather-Resistant Hiking Pant: Arc’teryx Gamma Pant
• Best Convertible Women's Hiking Pant: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible
• Other Women's Hiking Pants We Recommend

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Pants

1. Stio Pinedale Pant ($169)

Category: Performance
Materials: 63% nylon, 26% polyester, 11% spandex
Waist: Elastic, integrated belt, mid-rise
Available sizes: 0 - 16, Short/Regular/long
What we like: Super soft and stretchy; flattering and comfortable fit.
What we don’t: Integrated belt twists in the wash.

Stio has been in the hiking apparel realm for a while now, and their expertise shows in the Pinedale hiking pants. After testing the Pinedale on a multi-day backpacking trip in Alberta’s Kananaskis Wilderness, it quickly became one of our favorites for its combination of comfort, performance, and fit. The fabric is soft and supple, offering plenty of stretch for technical trail maneuvering. And the interior has a next-to-skin softness we don't often find in technical hiking pants. We like the mid-rise waist and the integrated belt, which makes it easy to dial in fit. Though they land on the pricer end, ours have held up well to bushwhacking and scrambling, and the details are well-sorted: Stio includes two zippered pockets (one on the thigh and one on the backside), cuff cinches, and a DWR coating that does a great job at repelling light moisture. All together, the Pinedale is a very reliable do-it-all hiking pant.

We found they run true to size and appreciate the multiple inseam lengths, but note that the Long is only available in select colorways. As far as downsides go, one of the biggest is price. The material quality and features feel high-end, but hikers sticking to established trails can save money with a more basic design, like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama or the Patagonia Happy Hike. It’s also worth noting that we’ve had issues with the integrated belt twisting in the wash, which isn’t a deal-breaker, but can be annoying. Other than that, we don’t have too many gripes with this design. The Pinedale is worth checking out if it's within your budget, especially if you like to explore off-trail and need a rugged pant you can rely on. 
See the Stio Pinedale Pant
 

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants

2. REI Co-op Trailmade Pull-on Pant ($70)

Category: Performance
Materials: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
Waist: Elastic, drawcord, high-rise
Available sizes: XS - 3X, Petite/Regular/Tall
What we like: An affordable pant for warm-weather hiking; available in a wide range of sizes.
What we don’t: Not the most flattering fit, somewhat bulky around the waist.

Many options on this list exceed $100, but affordability isn’t the only reason we’re excited about REI’s Trailmade Pull-on Pant. Made from lightweight nylon, the Trailmade is breathable and quick-drying, making it a great choice for summer outings and travel. Comfort is a strong suit as well, with integrated stretch that lends mobility for both trail and camp activities. We swapped out the original button-fly Trailmade for the pull-on style this year, appreciating the simpler design and less bulk under pack hip belts thanks to the smooth elastic waistband, and the six pockets make these an exceptionally utilitarian option. 

Before you slide down a rugged rock scramble, bear in mind the Trailmade Pull-On isn’t a technical pant. It performed well on maintained trails, but the fabric's durability likely won't withstand abrasion. We tested these in Wyoming's Wind River Range, where they weren’t the warmest or windproofest layer, but the relaxed fit makes them easy to wear under base-layer pants. It’s also worth noting that none of the pockets have zippers, so we recommend being careful with valuables. Overall, we’d opt for a more technical, abrasion-resistant pair for off-trail endeavors, but if you’re sticking to mellow terrain and aren’t concerned about inclement or cold weather, the Trailmades are a great choice. And we also love REI’s commitment to inclusive sizing. At the time of publishing, the REI Pull-Ons are available in sizes from XS to 3X and come in three inseam lengths: regular, petite, and tall.
See the REI Co-op Trailmade Pull-on Pant
 

Best Light and Breathable Pants for Warm Weather

3. Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle ($85)

Category: Casual/performance
Materials: 94% nylon, 6% elastane
Waist: Stretch waistband, drawcord, mid-rise
Available sizes: XXS - 3XL
What we like: Style and performance in a light and breathable package.
What we don’t: Odd fit and no functional phone storage.

Many hikers opt for shorts in the summer months, but if you prefer to keep your legs covered, the Dynama Ankle pant from Mountain Hardwear is one of our go-to choices. The lightweight nylon/spandex blend keeps air flowing while offering good all-around durability, and the material wicks moisture quickly and dries quickly after getting wet. Another highlight is the wide, closure-free elastic waistband, which fits comfortably under a pack’s hipbelt and minimizes chafing and discomfort. Tack on a relaxed fit, an ankle-length crop, and deep, drop-in-style hand pockets, and you get a stylish pair of pants that offers great breathability and mobility for hot-weather hikes, after-work boulder sessions, or just lounging.

While the Dynama Ankle is fully serviceable for casual days on the trail, it sacrifices some storage space and lacks the technical chops for serious mountain pursuits. The hand pockets are deeper than most, and the zippered thigh pocket is a nice touch, but the pant lacks a functional spot to store a phone. Further, the tapered, ankle-length hem can be challenging to roll up over thicker calves and leaves a coverage gap around the ankles, making them vulnerable to branches and bugs. Finally, the fabric tends to pill, and we found the fit odd, with noticeable bagginess around our hips. If they fit you well, the Dynama is a fun alternative to more traditional styles and a nice option for summer trail days, though we recommend sizing down if you're between sizes.
See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle
 

Best Weather-Resistant Hiking Pants

4. Arc’teryx Gamma Pant ($200)

Category: Performance
Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
Waist: One-button fly, built-in belt, mid-rise
Available sizes: 00 - 16, Short/Regular/Tall
What we like: A high-end pant with great durability, weather protection, and features.
What we don’t: Expensive and overkill for casual, moderate-weather hikers.

There are many lightweight options for hiking in summer heat, but we appreciated the more rugged Gamma Pant on a high-altitude trek through Peru’s Cordillera Huayhuash. These softshell pants have impressive warmth and weather resistance in a lightweight build, along with the durability we expect from Arc'teryx. We wore the Gamma every day for nine days straight while hiking, doing camp chores, and lounging, and the pants came home looking like new. Moreover, their high-quality fabric was stretchy enough to layer comfortably over thermal pants in the cold evenings and retained its shape throughout the whole trip. Arc'teryx also updated the Gamma last year, and the most recent version features a lower-profile belt and a more streamlined fit.

The Gamma Pant is the most expensive option on our list, but with Arc’teryx’s quality, performance, and attention to detail, you get what you pay for. However, while this pant is ideal for increased weather protection, it’s overkill for low-elevation hiking and mid-summer days. For these environments, we prefer Arc’teryx’s Gamma SL, a trimmed-down version with a thinner softshell fabric. Arc’teryx also offers the cold-weather-ready Gamma MX, which comes in both tapered and straight-leg versions. 
See the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant
 

Best Convertible Women's Hiking Pants

5. REI Co-op Sahara Convertible ($90)

Category: Performance
Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex
Waist: One-button fly, elastic back, drawcord, mid-rise
Available sizes: 0 Petite - 26W, Petite/Regular/Tall
What we like: Practical features at a low price.
What we don’t: Baggier fit, shallow pockets, and fabric tends to pill.

For those who value function over form, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a true utility belt of a hiking pant. The convertible style has long been popular for its convenience and versatility (you get a pair of shorts and pants in one), and the Sahara takes it even further with color-coded zippers on each leg and generous hem openings so you can switch without taking off your shoes. Tack on quick-drying fabrics with built-in stretch, a drawcord-equipped elasticized waist with belt loops, and a nice array of storage options, including cargo pockets at each side, and the REI Sahara is a great match for everything from hiking to traveling.

Like REI's Trailmade, the Sahara is available in a healthy range of sizes and inseam lengths, which means most women should be able to dial in a good all-around fit. However, from a quality standpoint, the Sahara lacks the fit and finish of higher-end models. We’ve found the zippers difficult to operate, and the lightweight fabric is prone to forming holes and pilling. But value is hard to ignore, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of equally capable convertibles for less. If you like the versatility but not the style of convertible pants, roll-up designs like the Kuhl Freeflex can be a nice middle ground. REI also offers a non-convertible Sahara Lined Pant for winter hiking.
Read more: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants review
See the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible
 

Other Women's Hiking Pants We Recommend

A Good Trail-to-Town Pair

6. Prana Halle Pant ($95)

Category: Performance/casual
Materials: 97% nylon, 3% elastane
Waist: Two-button fly, drawcord, low-rise
Available sizes: 00 - 16, Short/Regular/Tall
What we like: Material is highly resistant to stains and abrasions.
What we don’t: Low-rise fit is a hard sell; too heavy for hot weather.

The Halle Pant is a classically styled hiking option with a stretchy, abrasion-resistant material that offers good mobility if you can nail the fit. The material holds up well after several days of use, maintaining shape with excellent stain resistance. The low-rise fit can be polarizing, but Prana offers multiple waist sizes and inseam options, as well as plus-size options. Tack on the choice between flared and straight legs, and the Halle is a versatile design that works well both on and off the trail, though Prana's fit doesn't work for everyone.

The Halle dropped in our rankings this year due to fit issues. The straight-waist, low-rise fit is limiting to certain body types, and women with curvier builds will have a hard time making these work. This doesn't just impact a flattering look; it also reduces mobility and comfort. The storage is frustrating as well—shallow front pockets, a flat thigh pocket that’s too tight for a modern smartphone, and rear pockets that sit too low to be flattering—come together to make us question the design choices. The Halle also runs warm for mid-summer hiking, with substantial, water-resistant fabric that feels almost like a lightweight softshell. 
Read more: Prana Halle Pant review
See the Prana Halle Pant

A Versatile Roll-Up Hiking Pant

7. Kühl Freeflex Roll-Up ($109)

Category: Performance/casual
Materials: 50% polyester, 50% stretch polyester
Waist: One-button fly, drawcord, mid-rise
Available sizes: 0 - 22, short/regular/tall
What we like: Light, breathable, and stretchy—an ideal combination for many hikers.
What we don’t: We prefer zippered storage for keeping electronics secure.

Utah-based Kühl is known for its more utilitarian styling, but the Freeflex Roll-Up here strikes a nice balance between performance and around-town looks. As the name suggests, the pant includes a handy roll-up feature that lets you quickly convert it into a capri style via a fabric loop and snap. The ability to secure the cuffs also makes it appealing for rock climbing and scrambling when you don’t want added material getting in the way. The lightweight Freeflex fabric wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and provides a nice amount of give for activities like hiking and backpacking, plus it comes in three inseam lengths: 30, 32, and 34 inches. 

As far as downsides go, the Kühl Freeflex has relatively few: It’s well built, reasonably priced, and looks good on a range of body types. That said, while storage is more than adequate with six total pockets—four of which have snap closures—the lack of zippers means that valuables can fall out more easily, which is a concern if you’ll be doing anything remotely technical. However, many hikers can secure small items elsewhere, and the combination of breathability, mobility, and overall fit makes the Freeflex a well-rounded option. 
See the Kühl Freeflex Roll-Up
 

Best for Travel and Hiking

 8. Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pant ($99)

Category: Casual
Materials: 89% polyester, 11% spandex
Waist: Elasticized waistband, mid-rise
Available sizes: XS - XXL
What we like: Quality build and a comfortable, low-profile design.
What we don’t: Not the most flattering fit. 

Patagonia’s Happy Hike Studio is one of our favorite jogger-style hiking pants, combining lightweight, breathable stretch-woven fabric with the high-end fit and finish we’ve come to expect from the brand. In testing, we’ve found the pants to be plenty durable for outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking, and the stretch offers great freedom of movement. We also like the low-profile elastic waistband, which stays in place and sits neatly under a harness or hipbelt with minimal bunching. Combined with Patagonia’s class-leading sustainability focus, the Happy Hike Studio stands out as a versatile option for comfort-focused hikers who don’t want to compromise on performance. 

As with most joggers, the Patagonia Happy Hike won’t be mistaken for a technical hiking pant like the Arc'teryx Gamma or Stio Pinedale. While the elastic waistband is comfortable, there’s no drawcord to dial in the fit, and neither of the two zippered pockets can accommodate a smartphone. The pant also runs large, so we recommend sizing down or trying them on before buying. The deep hand pockets also tend to flare out at the sides, looking ungainly when empty. But if they fit you well, the Happy Hike Studio Pant offers great comfort and mobility, and looks good both outdoors and around town, which is a clear advantage over the jogger style. 
See the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio Pants
 

An Alternative Budget Option

9. Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch ($60)

Category: Performance
Materials: 96% nylon, 4% elastane
Waist: Two-button fly, mid-rise
Available sizes: 2 - 24W, Short/Regular/Tall
What we like: A great hot-weather option at a low price.
What we don’t: Unflattering fit and fabric tend to pill.

Rounding out our lineup is another quality budget option: the Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch. Priced at just $70 and often available at a healthy discount, these pants go head-to-head with the original button-fly REI Co-op Trailmade. You get straight legs and a mid-rise waist in a light, stretchy build that keeps you cool and comfortable on hot summer hikes, and the design features built-in tabs to secure rolled-up legs and mesh-lined pockets. Columbia also offers several options in the Saturday Trail collection, including knee-length shorts.

The Saturday Trail Stretch was a strong contender for our top budget pick, but lost out for a few reasons. First, while the Columbia features two hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a zip pocket on the right thigh, none are large enough to securely stash a smartphone. Second, we prefer the REI’s modern cuff bungees for securing the legs, although this will ultimately come down to personal preference. Both pants are fairly average in fit, though you’ll likely want to size up with the Columbia. But for $70 or less, the Saturday Trail Stretch is an adventure-ready option at a great price.
See the Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch
 

A Unique Softshell-Legging Combo

10. Rab Elevation Pant ($100)

Category: Performance
Materials: 89% nylon, 11% elastane
Waist: Elasticized waistband, drawcord, mid-rise
Available sizes: XS - XL
What we like: Legging-like mobility with softshell durability and comfort.
What we don’t: Some might find it tricky to dial in fit.

Rab is a U.K.-based climbing company that makes some of our favorite technical clothing, and the Elevation Pant is a unique addition to the women’s hiking pant category, combining the legging-like mobility of leggings with the durability and weather resistance of softshell pants. Key to the versatility is Rab’s Matrix fabric, which combines nylon with 11% elastane for an excellent range of motion while scrambling or high-stepping over rocks. It’s also water- and wind-resistant, UPF-rated for sun protection, and quick-drying, making the Elevation great for everything from mid-summer hikes to shoulder-season alpine adventures.

We listed these lower mostly because of the drawbacks to the close-fitting design. The storage layout consists of just one pocket at the right thigh, and while we appreciate the water-resistant zipper and size that easily holds a smartphone, we’d prefer another pocket or two. Fit may also pose an issue: The pants run on the smaller side, and some users report that the waistband is fairly tight and restrictive, though our tester didn't notice any restriction. You do get a drawcord closure for dialing in fit if you decide to size up. In the end, the Elevation Pants won’t work for everyone and are a fairly niche option, but we commend Rab for thinking outside the box and for executing the hybrid concept well overall.
See the Rab Elevation Pants
 

Tested and Dismissed

We test a lot of pairs that ultimately don't make the list for reasons like price, fit, function, or redundancy. We also recognize that it would be interesting and helpful to see why we left some pairs off, and might help inform your own shopping. 

For years, we included the Outdoor Research Ferrosi as a softshell-style option, but it didn't stack up in a few ways. The fit can be tricky to dial in, and the semi-tapered legs reduce some range of motion and aren't flattering. The Freeflex has a better fit and is easier to move in, and the Halle has a similar material blend as the Ferrosi, but is more durable and town-ready.

We also removed The North Face Aphrodite. While the soft, high-rise waistband is easy to wear under a hipbelt, the Aphrodite has a casual look and build. This is comfortable for an all-day, everyday pair of pants, but not technical or articulated enough for a hiking-specific guide. Again, the Kuhl Freeflex is a similar option with more technical chops, and we've found it a better fit for active days on the trail.

Fjallraven's Keb Trousers got the axe as well. We're fans of many of Fjallraven's apparel and outer layers, but their hiking pants are highly technical and expensive. While we appreciate durability in our hiking clothing, most people aren't pursuing objectives that require the bells and whistles of Fjallraven's pants, and as a result, both pairs feel overbuilt and stifling.

Lastly, we removed the Prana Kanab. The Kanab is similar to the Patagonia Happy Hike, but it has an odd fit and a medium rise that don't look or feel particularly good on curvier bodies. The 2% elastane also makes it harder to dial in fit, and the pants aren't stretchy enough for a satisfying range of motion. 
 

Women's Hiking Pant Comparison Table

About Our Testing Process

Everyone at Switchback Travel has spent considerable time on the trail—whether hiking, backpacking, or approaching a climbing crag. As avid outdoor-goers, we understand the need for quality, well-fitting apparel. To supplement our unisex hiking pants round-up, former senior editor Jenny Abegg teamed up with managing editor Sarah Nelson to compile our initial list of 18 women’s-specific picks in early 2021. Contributing editor Maggie Slepian took over the guide in 2024, using her background in backpacking and hiking to ensure the list is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. Maggie tests hiking pants across all four seasons around her home in Montana and works with female testers and editors to gather additional testing notes and feedback from trips in the Pacific Northwest and remote backcountry in the Canadian Rockies.

Our current lineup of 10 women’s hiking pants reflects our experiences from ongoing testing and feedback from contributors and the hiking community. We've streamlined our list considerably from the initial 18-style roundup, focusing on the best model in each category, including tights, hybrid softshells, weather-resistant options, and more technical button-fly styles. When we test women’s hiking pants, we take them on the trail and evaluate characteristics like mobility (e.g., how well they move with our bodies and whether they restrict movement), breathability, and overall fit. We also look for practical storage in the form of secure, smartphone-friendly pockets, along with durable fabrics that hold up well over time and waistbands that sit comfortably under a pack hipbelt or climbing harness.
 

Women's Hiking Pant Buying Advice

• Hiking Pants: Performance vs. Casual
• Hiking Pant Materials
• Waist Closures: Built-in Belts, Drawcords, and Elastic
• Pockets
• Hiking Pant Weight
• Articulated Knees and Gussets
• Water Resistance
• Thickness and Durability
• Sizing and Fit
• Sustainability
• Convertible and Roll-Up Pants
• Hiking Shorts and Capris

Hiking Pants: Performance vs. Casual

We’ve broken women’s hiking pants into two categories: performance and casual. Pants in our performance category are your standard hiking fare and include technical fabrics, functional, generous storage, and convertible or roll-up legs to keep you cool on warm days. These are our first choice for serious hiking: They’re breathable, generally water-resistant, durable enough to withstand sharp rocks and thorns, and offer great coverage and freedom of movement. Some of our favorite performance-oriented options include the Prana Halle and Arc'teryx Gamma Pant.
 

But hiking pants aren’t particularly stylish, and finding the right fit can be difficult. For these reasons, many women will opt for pants in our casual category, which look and feel great both on and off the trail. Casual pants are designed for non-technical outdoor use, often featuring thinner or less durable fabrics, fewer pockets, and often less coverage—ankle-length joggers like the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio are increasingly popular. Many trail-ready leggings also fall into this category. For casual day hiking, lifestyle pants get the job done, and it’s hard to ignore their style. 
 

Hiking Pant Materials

Hiking pants are typically made of a nylon blend, and all of our options have at least a small amount of built-in stretch via elastane. A higher percentage of elastane will result in a stretchier feel, which can be nice for women who size their pants on the tight side. The Arc’teryx Gamma Pant is one of the stretchiest performance models on our list (88% nylon and 12% elastane). Softshell designs like the Arc’teryx Gamma are thicker and more weather-resistant, making them ideal for alpine conditions, wet weather, and bushwhacking. These feel like overkill in the summer, so proceed with caution in warmer weather. 
 

Waist Closures: Built-in Belts, Drawcords, and Elastic

Trying to find a pair of hiking pants that fits well is a daunting and often futile task. Regardless of body shape, it seems that there’s always an area that’s too tight or too loose. Our best advice is to start with the waist design, whether it's an integrated belt, a drawstring, or an elastic waistband. Many pants come with belt loops as well, but we prefer a built-in style over a bulky added belt.

Built-in belts—like those on the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant or Stio Pinedale—are made of webbing, feature a low-profile adjuster, and are found on the inside or outside of the waistband. A drawstring functions similarly but ties shut, adding extra bulk on the front. Finally, an elastic waistband, like the one on the Mountain Hardwear Dynama, is the most low-profile solution and won’t get in the way of your backpack’s hipbelt.
 

Pockets

All hiking pants on this list have at least one pocket, and most have at least four or five. Front and back pockets are common, as are streamlined side or thigh pockets, and sometimes you'll see a zipper for extra security. While we don't recommend overloading your hiking pant pockets, organization can be a big help on the trail, especially for items like a phone or Chapstick. In fact, one of our biggest gripes with women’s outdoor clothing is the lack of functional storage. While men’s pants might have deep front or cargo pockets, women’s generally feature shallow openings that can’t even fit a modern smartphone. One of our favorite designs for stowing the essentials is the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible.
 

Hiking Pant Weight

Unlike other types of outdoor gear, for most hikers, the exact weight of their pants isn’t a top consideration (after all, you're not usually carrying them on your back). Most pants on our list weigh between 9 to 11 ounces and have never felt overly bulky or cumbersome on the trail. If you plan to carry a pair of pants on a backpacking trip or want a particularly lightweight feel that keeps you moving quickly, some of our favorites include the REI Co-op Trailmade (7.4 oz.) and the Mountain Hardwear Dynama (7.6 oz.). More weather protection means a weight increase in materials and reinforcements, which is a small price to pay for the added coverage. 
 

Articulated Knees and Gussets

Two helpful design features to look for in your hiking pant search are articulated knees and crotch gussets. Articulated knees mimic a person’s walking motion by creating a natural bend at the knee. In contrast to a traditional, straight-legged pant, the improved range of motion is immediately noticeable. A gusset is a patch of diamond-shaped fabric that runs along the inner thigh of the pants, replacing a standard seam. As with an articulated knee design, the extra fabric improves range of motion and general fit and comfort. There are extra costs associated with the greater complexity of construction, so day hikers sticking to well-maintained trails or those on a budget can probably go without them. But there are real benefits to these features, and they do a major boost in comfort on the trail. 
 

Water Resistance

The higher a fabric’s water resistance, the lower its breathability, so no one wants their hiking pant to be truly waterproof. But depending on the model, hiking pants can actually perform well in the wet. When it comes to water resistance, many performance options have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes droplets to bead up and roll off. And, as long as you avoid a more casual cotton construction, the nylon blends aren’t prone to soaking up moisture. If and when they eventually soak through, drying time isn’t too shabby either, which is reason enough for us to recommend sticking to hiking pants on all but the most extreme rainy days.
 

Thickness and Durability

Material thickness plays a big role in a hiking pant’s best uses. You’ll see anything from summer-ready pants all the way to medium-thick softshell pants, and it’s important to know what you’re looking at. Pants like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama and REI Co-op Trailmade excel in hot weather thanks to their light, breathable fabrics. Many models are designed for 3-season use, like the Stio Pinedale and Prana Halle, and leggings usually fall into this category as well. Heavier designs like the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant are great for shoulder seasons and light winter use. Keep in mind, throwing baselayers underneath can make many 3-season pants agreeable in the wintertime as well.
 

Beyond temperature considerations, thickness often correlates with durability and tear resistance. Most softshell-style pants are tough enough that we had few concerns brushing up against and squeezing between rocks and brush on the trail, and Kuhl's Freeflex is surprisingly durable given its lighter feel. Finally, truly summer-specific pants like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama are more prone to tears and should be reserved for more casual hiking and backpacking.
 

Sizing and Fit

We’ve put up with baggy, ill-fitting hiking pants over the years, but designs have improved significantly. Outdoor clothing brands like Stio, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx have the fit concept down, and REI and Columbia have recently redesigned a number of offerings to bring them in line with the competition. To help you get the closest fit, many brands let you customize sizing for both waist and inseam—for example, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pull-On Pant comes in regular and extended sizes, with three inseam options (petite, regular, and tall). We still recommend trying before you buy—and we call out sizing and fit discrepancies in the write-ups when possible—but overall, we’re happy to see progress.
 

Plus Sizes and Extended Sizing

Plus-size outdoor clothing is becoming increasingly common, and that’s apparent when shopping for women’s hiking pants. Brands like REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, and Columbia have a healthy selection of plus-size clothing, including the Trailmade and Saturday Trail Stretch. For a wider look, see our article on the best plus-size outdoor apparel.

It's also worth noting that there's an important distinction between plus sizes and extended sizes. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, extended sizes are essentially extensions of straight-size offerings, with a similar hip-to-waist ratio but smaller or larger dimensions (often listed as XS, XL, XXL, etc.). Plus sizes, on the other hand, are built for women with fuller waists, accounting for the fact that other proportions change as size increases. Plus-size pants are often designated by an "X" after the size (e.g., 2X) or with a "W" after the numerical measurement (e.g., 18W). For a deeper dive on the topic, Outdoor Research has a more detailed breakdown here. 
 

Sustainability

We appreciate it when companies go the extra mile to create more sustainably-built products, and the most common practice in the hiking pant world is the use of recycled fabrics. Many of our picks contain at least some recycled content. Other measures to look out for include certification to the Fair Trade standard, bluesign-approved materials, and PFAS-free DWR coatings that avoid harmful perfluorinated chemicals. Other brands at the forefront of the sustainability movement include REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, and Prana, although most companies have begun incorporating at least some of these practices into their production.
 

Convertible and Roll-Up Pants

When you’re hiking in the heat, it can be nice to have the option to convert your pants into shorts or roll them up into capris. We feature one style of convertible pants, the REI Co-op Sahara, and a few models offered in convertible variations. While they’re outdated, there’s no denying the added functionality and versatility they offer. However, the extra zippers can be a pain to use; they add weight and bulk, and the fit is often baggier. Roll-up pants are becoming more popular, and you don’t have to fuss with zippers or risk losing your pant legs—all that’s required is a low-profile button and some tabs to secure the cinched hem.
 

Hiking Shorts and Capris

Hikers hitting the trail in the warm summer months have to choose between the protection of pants, the airiness of shorts, or something in between. Full-length pants offer better sun protection and help keep dirt and rocks out of your shoes. They're the obvious pick for technical hikes or summit bids, reducing scratches when brushing against rocks or branches. That said, we love shorts and capris for day hikes on well-maintained trails. Both styles offer better freedom of movement and ventilation. Convertible pants are the obvious middle ground, although they come with a fair number of downsides we mentioned.
 

Many of our favorite pants are offered in shorts or capris. In general, these versions have a similar fit, fabric blend, and pocket layout as their full-length counterparts. A couple of favorites include the Prana Stretch Zion Halle Shorts and Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda–for a more detailed breakdown, see our article on the best women's hiking shorts. And if you want a super-light, breathable option, a trail-running-specific model can do the trick. The biggest downside with running shorts is the lack of pockets, and you 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