When it comes down to choosing the best women’s hiking pants it’s no easy task. Sometimes you may love the style but the fit could be off. Or you’ll zero in on the best womens hiking pants only to find they’re too bulky. There’s so much that goes into choosing women’s hiking pants that at times you may just grit your teeth in frustration! From women’s Columbia hiking pants to Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights our list of the best women’s hiking pants has been carefully tested and selected to ensure you choose the best.
How To Choose The Best Women’s Hiking Pants
As mentioned above, a lot goes into choosing the best women’s hiking pants. Similar to the best men’s hiking pants or the best waterproof hiking pants, there are a few features that you need to keep in mind when selecting the right pant for yourself.
Value for Money
One thing that you need to keep in mind when choosing the best women’s hiking pants is the price point. While you’ll find a number of extra features on higher-priced gear, there are plenty of other options that are good value for money. Women’s Columbia hiking pants for one offer some great options that are lightweight and flexible at an affordable rate. However, one thing to note is that they are less durable. With that in mind, you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to spend.
Material
The material that you choose will determine how much mobility you will have on the trail. The best hiking pants womens are generally made of a blend of nylon or elastane. Elastane or spandex provides a good stretch which is essential for the hiking trail. Apart from the stretch of the fabric, you’ll also need a material that is durable and waterproof if you’re going to be hiking in unpredictable weather conditions.
Comfort and Mobility
While the material you choose will influence the comfort of the best women’s hiking pants, there are other factors that enhance the comfort too. Articulated knees allow for better mobility as compared to regular straight-legged pants. Additionally, a gusseted crotch also helps in better movement.
As with any outdoor attire, be it the best hiking hats, the best women’s waterproof hiking shoes, or even the best water shoes for toddler girls, you want to be sure that it stands up to the rigors of extended usage.
How Thick Should Women’s Hiking Pants Be?
The thickness of your hiking pant will depend on the conditions that you plan to hike in. Understandably thinner pants with breathable fabric are better for the hot summer as compared to thicker winter pants. That being said, thicker pants will generally be more durable than thin summer pants.
Should hiking pants be loose?
It’s quite obvious that women’s hiking pants should not be too tight so as to restrict movement. However, something that’s too loose or baggy is not a good idea either as you may spend half your time trying to fold or hook them up.
prAna Women’s Kanab Pant
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While the prAna Women’s Kanab Pant may be a little different from most of the women’s hiking pants on our list, it’s one of the best casual hiking options. Made from an organic cotton canvas blend, the material may be a little low on performance but the pant does well in comfort and fit.
The pull-on jogger design, soft knit waistband, and double-layered articulated knees provide excellent mobility on the trail. However, these hiking pants will not stand up well in rain or rigorous adventures.
What stands out about these pants is the storage. You’ll find two deep hand pockets, two rear pockets, and a zippered pocket on the right thigh that you can slip your smartphone into.
Pros:
- Comfortable and stylish
- Multiple pockets
- Double layered articulated knees
- Soft knit waistband
Cons:
- Not ideal for rigorous activities but does well for casual hiking
MOCOLY Women’s Cargo Hiking Pants
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With enough stretch for those hiking trails, the MOCOLY Women’s Cargo Hiking Pants is an impressive pair of women’s hiking pants. The combination of polyester and elastane plus the adjustable drawstring waistband enhances the comfort of wearing these.
The fabric of these pants has UPF 50+ protection against the harmful rays of the sun. It has a soft 4-way stretch fabric that provides a slim fit. You’ll also find an adjustable cord lock around the cuffs of the pant to keep bugs out or keep the hem free while hiking. Ample storage space is provided with the YKK zipper closure pockets that are deep enough for your phone or other small items.
Pros:
- Comfy and light fabric
- 4-way stretch
- Adjustable drawstring waistband
- YKK zipper closure pockets
Cons:
- If you’re looking to use this pant to work or for everyday use it will probably be a bad choice as they’re only suitable for hiking
Fjallraven – Women’s Abisko Trekking Tights
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Some of the best hiking pants womens can come with a heavy price tag like the Fjallraven – Women’s Abisko Trekking Tights but they’re totally worth it! These tights with their rugged enforcements stand up well to the rigors of the trail, unlike most other tights.
They are thick and breathable which makes them great for the rugged terrain. The dense high-performance stretch fabric wicks away moisture to keep you dry in summer. You’ll also find reinforcements on the knees and rear for added protection which they do surprisingly well.
What’s a total standout with these is the durability. You can scrape them against a rock and they’ll come out quite unblemished. With the gusset on the crotch and low-profile flatlock seams chafing is minimized.
Pros:
- Thick and breathable
- High-performance stretch fabric
- Durable
- Gusseted crotch and low profile flatlock seams minimize chafing
Cons:
- Quite pricey
Toomett Women’s Hiking Pants
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Stylish, comfortable, and functional are just a few of the adjectives we would use to describe the Toomett Women’s Hiking Pants. If you’re looking for a pair of functional pants for the trail, these definitely fit the bill.
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex the quick-dry stretch fabric provides just the right mobility. The fabric has a unique DWR coating that helps keep you dry. Apart from this it also has UPF 50 protection.
If you’re someone who likes to have pants with multiple pockets you’ll be quite pleased with this pair. There are zipped side pockets, a zip back pocket, and mesh pockets on the thighs. Similar to some other hiking pants on our list, these can also be converted into shorts by unzipping the legs.
Pros:
- Stylish and comfortable
- Good functionality
- Can be converted to shorts
- Multiple pockets
- DWR coating and UPF 50 protection
Cons:
- Sizing could be a problem
Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Pant
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For women looking out for waterproof hiking pants, the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Pant may just be what you’re looking for. With these pants, you can be sure you’ll stay quite dry in inclement weather as they are waterproof, wet-weather pants.
The mobility on these pants is top-notch with a fantastic four-way all-over stretch and articulated knees. Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or engaged in any other outdoor activity, you’ll definitely be more than pleased to have these with you.
Full-length side zips make these easy to get on or off without having to remove your shoes. Plus you’ll find loops at the leg cuffs. When it comes to durability you can be sure the durable 40D face fabric will go the distance with you.
Pros:
- Four-way stretch provides outstanding mobility
- Fully side zippered legs
- Loops at leg cuffs
- Lightweight
- Durable 40D face fabric
Cons:
- These pants left us with nothing much to complain about
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant Women’s | Gore-Tex Hiking Shell Pant
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Another pair of women’s hiking pants that stands out for their versatility and functionality is the Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant. Lightweight and comfortable, these pants provide excellent protection in wet weather. That’s why they also stand out as one of the best waterproof hiking pants.
While these pants have an impressive performance on the trail, they don’t come with too many extras. There aren’t any pockets on these and they’re not abrasion resistant either. That aside, the fabric is what impresses. The material is super light and breathable, offering full protection. A gusseted crotch enhances comfort and durability while the articulated patterning offers unrestricted mobility.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Lightweight yet durable
- Good breathability
- Gore-Tex waterproof Paclite Plus fabric keeps you dry
Cons:
- Not big on extra features
Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Casual Pant
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Featuring Omni-Shield technology for advanced water and stain repellency, the Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Casual Pant is another impressive hiking pant. These women’s Columbia hiking pants have a casual fit that ups the ante on comfort.
The blend of nylon and elastane provides the mobility that you need on the trail. In addition to this, the fabric has Omni-Shade protection to block harmful rays from the sun.
What makes these Columbia hiking pants for women one of the best hiking pants womens is the durability and style. The attention to detail stands out with expert stitching and craftsmanship. These pants are built to last. They also come with two side pockets and a single back pocket for your small items.
Pros:
- Big on comfort with a casual style
- Durable
- Two side pockets and a single back pocket
- Good stretch and mobility
- Omni-Shield and OmniShade protection
Cons:
- Couldn’t find much to fault about these pants
Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Convertible Pants
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It goes without saying that the Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Convertible Pants are one of the best women’s hiking pants out there. Big on comfort, breathability, and weather protection, these pants hit all the right notes. Added to this, the fit of these is quite impressive.
You’ll find many practical elements on these hiking pants such as a mid-rise waist with a brushed tricot-lined band and integrated drawstring plus articulated knees and multiple pockets. They’re also water-resistant and dry off fast too if they get wet. These pants also come with UPF 50+ protection and that’s not all.
If you need to switch to shorts in summer, just unzip the legs and voila, you’re ready to cool off. One downside to convertible shorts is that the zip on the legs could cause chafing. There’s a way to get around that too as these pants are available in the non-convertible variety.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Water-resistant
- Quick-drying with UPF 50+ protection
- Drawcord cuff closures
- Stylish enough for casual wear
- Durable
Cons:
- The zip off area is a bit snug around the thighs.
BALEAF Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants
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Lightweight, stylish and breathable is what makes the Baleaf Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants so great. You can be sure you’ll stay cool in the summer with these breathable, moisture-wicking pants. They’re also water-resistant with UPF 50+ protection.
Pushing yourself on the trail is easy with the 4-way stretch-woven fabric. The adjustable cord lock around the cuffs allows you to keep annoying pests out or leave them loose for enhanced comfort.
The fit of these pants is also excellent with the elastic waist with drawstring and articulated knees. In addition to the impressive fit, you’ll find four zip closure security pockets.
Pros:
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Elastic waistband with drawstring cord
- Machine washable
- Four zip closure security pockets
Cons:
- The zippers on the pockets don’t unzip easily
The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pant
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When it comes to picking out outdoor gear from The North Face you can be sure that you’re making the right choice. Whether it’s the best North Face Women’s Fleece Jackets or women’s hiking pants, it’s definitely a brand that can be relied on. The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 reiterates just why the brand is so popular. It’s one of the best women’s hiking pants that protect from water.
Navigating overflowing streams or overgrown fields becomes a breeze with these pants. With the ultra-durable, quick-drying FlashDry XD fabric, you can rest assured that you’ll be drier and more comfortable on the trail.
The fit on these pants is a standard leg-skimming fit with front hand pockets and zip pockets. The length of the pants can be adjusted too with the stretch drawcord at the leg openings. Besides this, you’ll also find a 2×2 wide rib-knit waistband for flexible comfort.
Pros:
- Quick-drying FlashDry XD fabric
- Comfortable fit
- Stretch drawcord at the leg
- 2×2 wide rib-knit waistband
Cons:
- The material feels a little thin
BenBoy Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Hiking Pants
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If you’re looking for the best women’s hiking pants that stand up well to the elements, the BenBoy Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Hiking Pants are your best bet. You’ll find these stylish pants in a wide range of colors to suit your individual style. These pants are also available for men so they’re a good option for someone looking for couple-pants.
They come with an adjustable waistband with a belt. Other notable features of these pants include multi-zipper pockets, patchwork knees, and steric knee darts. Additionally, the fleece lining and waterproof finish make these a great pair of winter hiking pants too. You’ll be warm and comfortable with the softshell polyester fabric.
Another great feature of these pants is they’re anti-friction and wrinkle-free. This makes it easy to pack these into a small corner without worrying about creases. Similar to women’s Columbia hiking pants, these also come with an affordable price tag.
Pros:
- Wide range of colors
- Stylish and versatile
- Good value for money
- Fleece-lined
- Anti-crease
- Softshell polyester fabric
Cons:
- As with most hiking pants finding the right size could be an issue
prAna Women’s Halle Pant
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The reason why prAna’s Halle Pant ranks so high on our list of best women’s hiking pants is that it ticks all the right boxes on so many fronts. These pants are designed especially for climbers, with their relaxed fit, gusseted crotch, stretch fabric, and articulated knees.
You won’t have to worry about keeping the pants in place without a belt as an internal drawstring does that for you. Another great thing about the pants is the roll-up hems that help you cool off in the summer.
The material is ideal for the outdoors as the durable water-repellant (DWR) treatment keeps off dirt and water. It’s also breathable and heavy which provides extra protection in cooler weather. In addition to this, the stylish design allows you to wear these pants for different occasions.
Pros:
- Excellent mobility
- Comfortable
- DWR treated fabric
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Front pockets are too shallow
- A little heavy for mid-summer hiking
Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant
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One reason why the Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Pant impresses as one of the best hiking pants womens is the affordability and stretch. These pants are breathable and also offer UPF 50 sun protection. You’ll find these Columbia hiking pants for women in a good range of sizes to suit you.
Made from lightweight nylon these pants have a good stretch and dry easily too. Articulated knees, a two-way stretch, and a gusseted crotch enhance mobility. However, one downside to this light material is that it won’t keep the chill away.
Leaving that aside, the other feature that is great on these women’s Columbia hiking pants is the partial elastic waist. They also have roll-up legs that can be converted to capris in hot weather. The Omni-Shield technology helps you stay clean and dry. It resists the absorption of liquids and repels moisture. These pants also feature the signature water and stain repellent fabric.
Pros:
- Lightweight with a good stretch
- Breathable
- Omni-Shield technology keeps you clean and dry
- Signature water and stain repellent fabric
Cons:
- Small pockets
- Sizing can be an issue
