The Best Hiking Pants For Women
Ok ladies, let's be honest: finding a good pair of pants isn't as easy as it seems, especially when sizes are all over the place these days. And if you're looking for trousers that you can take trekking, there are even more concerns. From rough terrain to unpredictable weather, your hiking pants need to be able to endure the elements while still looking good. That's why we've gone ahead and done the research to come up with this list of our favorite strenuous strolling slacks available today. Check them out below and get your trail maps ready.
Libin Women’s Hiking Pants
Work out where you want
The best thing about hiking pants is that they can be used for so much more than just trailblazing. From jogging outside to at-home workouts and even casual wear around town, there are plenty of activities you can do in a comfortable, lightweight pair of pants. And when it comes to versatile wear, you can’t beat these workout slacks by Libin. With a drawstring waist and breathable, quick-drying fabric, these joggers are roomy without being too baggy, so you can do more with less sweat on your skin, whether you’re doing it inside or outside. And because they’re offered in 15 neutral colors, you can choose the color that best suits the rest of your wardrobe.
Pros:
- Run in sizes from extra-small to 3X-large
- Elastic cuffs for more movement
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Pants run a little tight in the hip area
Baleaf Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants
Take a walk on the wet side
Working out outside seems like a breeze until the weather suddenly turns. So if you’re on a several-day trek through the mountains, it’s best to be prepared in advance. We love these cargo pants by Baleaf because they give you the protection you need to keep going, no matter how rainy it gets. The lightweight fabric isn’t just water-resistant to keep your base leggings dry — it’s also quick-drying so that you can easily recoup when the rain lets up again. And because the tapered legs are adjustable with the attached drawstrings, you can keep water out of the bottom as well.
Pros:
- 12 colors to choose from
- Built-in UV protection
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Sizes run large so ordering a size smaller is recommended
Dafengea Women’s Hiking Pants
Explore with less effort
When it comes to hiking pants, there are several factors that every pair needs to have, and one of the most important ones is a lightweight design. More than just contributing extra travel weight, a heavy pair of pants won’t let your skin breathe while you move. That’s why we were so excited when we found these super lightweight capris by Dafengea. Perfect for warm strolls, these pants give you the coverage you need to protect your legs from scratches and bugs while still keeping you cool in the process. They even have an added layer of UV protection to make sure your skin feels good even on the sunniest of days.
Pros:
- Quick-dry design
- Zippered pockets keep your belongings safe
- No pilling
Cons:
- Pants are more water-resistant rather than waterproof
Wespornow Women’s Convertible Hiking Pants
Three pants in one
Backpacking and hiking gear is all about modular function. The more each item of clothing can do, the fewer total items you’ll need to bring on your trip, which can really make a difference when you’re lugging everything on your back. Fortunately, there’s a pair of hiking pants out there designed with your carrying capacity in mind. Wespornow’s convertible hiking pants have zip-off pant legs that come right off when the weather gets hot. And if you just need a quick cool-down, you can simply roll up the legs to turn them into cuffed capris for more style versatility. The pants also have five large-capacity pockets to help you organize your supplies as you see fit.
Pros:
- Comfortable elastic waistband
- High-quality zippers
- Skin-friendly design
Cons:
- Material isn’t very breathable when in long-pants mode
Ucraft Xlite Women’s Rock Climbing Pants
Ready for the rocks
As popular as most outdoor sports are these days, few are trending more than rock climbing. And it’s not hard to see why: you get to be outside with friends in beautiful locations, and the activity doesn’t require a ton of gear. For any climbers out there, make sure you’re ready to boulder on any hike with a pair of combination hiking/climbing pants like this premium option by Ucraft. These Xlite climbing pants are designed by climbers to be breathable and stretchable for more movement on the rock. At the same time, the pants are super durable to prevent scratches and slips. They even come with special additions like a chalk bag and brush loop so that you have everything you need to tackle that highball.
Pros:
- Front pocket and side pocket design
- Articulated knees for more maneuverability
- Made of recycled polyester fabric
Cons:
- Higher cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just hike in my regular jeans or pants?
As durable as denim jeans or cotton trousers may be for other activities, they’re not suitable for outdoor fitness. That’s primarily because both fabrics are extremely moisture-absorbant, meaning they’ll soak up sweat and hold it there throughout your hike. Instead, aim for any moisture-wicking material like spandex or polyester that dries fast and lets your skin breathe.
How loose should my hiking pants be?
You generally want to look for a pair of pants that gives you enough room to move about freely without hanging willy-nilly on your body. A good tip is to do a few squats to test the fit on your back and knees.
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