Updated on June 28, 2021

You love spending all your free time racking up the miles on those trails, no matter the weather or season, right? If so, you’ll need a pair of hiking pants that are up to the same challenges you are. However, you know that taking pant recommendations from your guy friends doesn’t always help you find what you’re looking for. That’s why our team of lady hiking experts here at The Adventure Junkies have taken the guesswork out of the equation to help you find the best hiking pants for women to become your new best friend on (and off!) the trail.

If you’re a lady hiker, then you’ll want a pant designed specifically for women to keep you comfortable and happy while you’re moving through the forest or over the mountain. Fortunately, you can pick out a pair of pants from our list below to prepare yourself for all the elements you may encounter out on the trails. And because of that, whether you are hiking in the wind, rain, snow, or sun, nothing is going to keep you indoors and out of the woods!

For more of our top hiking gear recommendations, check out the Best Hiking Pants for Men.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Hiking Pants for Women

  1. Outdoor Research Ferrosi
  2. REI Co-op Sahara Convertible
  3. Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2
  4. Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights
  5. Patagonia Quandary
  6. Prana Halle
  7. Columbia Saturday Trail
  8. Arc’teryx Gamma Lt
  9. Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Hike
  10. The North Face Wandur Hike

 

Comparison Table - Best Hiking Pants for Women

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameClosureFabricUPFWaterproof TypePriceRatingReview
Outdoor Research FerrosiDouble Snap and Built-in DrawstringNylon/Spandex50+Water Resistant$$4.7Read Review
REI Co-op Sahara ConvertibleButton & Built-In BeltNylon, Spandex50Water repellent$4.8Read Review
Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2Elastic WaistbandNylon/ElastaneNoneWater Repellent$4.1Read Review
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking TightsDrawcordPolyamide, elastane, polyesterN/AWater Resistant$$$4.7Read Review
Patagonia QuandarySnap ButtonNylon, Spandex40Water Repellent$4.5Read Review
Prana HalleDouble Button, Zipper, and Built-in DrawstringNylon/Spandex50+Water Repellent$$4.5Read Review
Columbia Saturday TrailDouble Snap ButtonNylon/Elastane50+Water Repellent$4.3Read Review
Arc’teryx Gamma LtSnap Button and Built-in BeltNylon/ElastaneNoneWater Resistant$$$4.5Read Review
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone HikeSnap Button and BeltNylon/Elastane50+None$$4.9Read Review
The North Face Wandur HikeZip Fly with SnapNylon/ElastaneNoneQuick Drying$4.6Read Review
NameClosureFabricUPFWaterproof TypePriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Women's Hiking Pants

Outdoor Research Ferrosi

Specs
  • Closure: Double Snap and Built-in Drawstring
  • Fabric: Nylon/Spandex
  • UPF: 50+
  • Waterproof Type: Water Resistant
Features
  • Rip-stop Nylon Fabric Makes These Pants Super Durable
  • Adjustable Pant Drawstring Cuff To Keep Your Pant Bottoms From Snagging Or Getting Dirty
  • Articulated Knees For Ease of Movement
Outdoor Research Ferrosi women

BEST FOR: ALL AROUND USE

This is a great pair of hiking pants designed specifically for a woman’s curves from Outdoor Research. The Ferrosi will take you through all your hiking adventures, even if you encounter the unexpected. Both wind and water resistant, these pants will keep you warm on those windy summits and dry on wet days, especially with the added drawstring cuff on the leg to roll the pant legs up – no more soaking your pant bottoms while hiking through wet terrain! Even in heavy penetrating rains, the nylon/spandex fabric blend makes this pant super quick-drying.

With the articulated knees, there will be no uncomfortable bunching in these pants, but rather they will fit nicely around any knee for ultimate comfort. These pants have a low profile waist thanks to a double snap and built-in drawstring closure. They will fit closely to your waist, so even if you want to rock climb on your adventure, this pant will give you ultimate comfort.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible

Specs
  • Closure: Button & Built-In Belt
  • Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
  • UPF: 50
  • Waterproof Type: Water repellent
Features
  • Color-coded thigh zippers help you easily tell the right leg from the left leg when converting back to pants
  • Durable water repellent finish
  • UPF 50+ rating
  • Multiple pockets, many with zip closures
  • Reinforced cuff backs stand up to abrasion from boots
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible

BEST FOR: BUDGET CONSCIOUS HIKERS

You won’t find a higher quality performance pair of hiking pants for under $75. The Saharas are designed to be practical, comfortable, and breathable. They’re constructed from a nylon spandex blend that won’t restrict your range of motion. REI updated the latest iteration to feature a slimmer profile and more flattering shape. These pants feature a built-in belt and zippered pockets and can quickly be converted to shorts, which you can do without even taking your boots off. 

What I like most about these is how well they shed water, making them an ideal choice on hikes in potentially inclement weather.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2

Specs
  • Closure: Elastic Waistband
  • Fabric: Nylon/Elastane
  • UPF: None
  • Waterproof Type: Water Repellent
Features
  • Cinch At Ankle For Rolling Up
  • Can Be Purchased With Elastic Ankles For A Trimmer Look and Slimmer Fit
  • Lightweight And Super Comfortable
Mountain Hardwear Dynama

BEST FOR: TRAVEL

This pant is an excellent choice to take with you on your travels. It is lightweight and packs up small, so it’ll fit in your suitcase nicely, but is also well equipped to go on hikes. With the low profile and stretch waistband, you will get a flattering fit without the stretch. And because they are so light and trim, you can wear them while traveling to your destination. 

This pant can also be purchased in two styles. The first has a cinch built into the ankle, enabling you to roll them up in hot or wet conditions. The other style has a fitted, elastic ankle for a trimmer and fitter look. And unlike many stretch pants, it even has two pockets!

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

Specs
  • Closure: Drawcord
  • Fabric: Polyamide, elastane, polyester
  • UPF: N/A
  • Waterproof Type: Water Resistant
Features
  • Movement-mirroring stretch, fabric has the toughness of trekking trousers
  • Water-resistant face fabric inhibits moisture from penetrating if you sit or kneel on damp ground
  • Large map pocket; small zippered compass pocket; zippered hand pockets
  • Wide waist adjusts with a drawcord and is comfortable next to skin
  • Waist loop for attaching gear or keeping a layer close at hand
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

BEST LEGGING-STYLE HIKING PANTS

If you prefer to hike in form-fitting tights but still desire the technical performance of hiking pants, give the Abiskos a try.

Fjallraven designed these tights to be sturdy but breathable. While most leggings aren’t tough enough to withstand the rigors of the backcountry, the Abiskos buck the trend thanks in part to reinforced panels on the knees and butt. These tights are quick to dry and feature useful pockets, as well as a comfy high waist.

What I like most about these hiking tights is how well they hold up to excessive use and abuse.

Patagonia Quandary

Specs
  • Closure: Snap Button
  • Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
  • UPF: 40
  • Waterproof Type: Water Repellent
Features
  • Gusseted, with articulated knees for mobility
  • Built for versatility, you can roll them up and secure them with tabs and snaps at the knees
  • Zippered fly with metal snap closure; hidden drawcord; belt loops
  • Drop-in pockets on front and back, side cargo pocket
  • Fabric is bluesign® approved
Patagonia Quandary

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

If you’re looking for the optimal blend of performance and style, look no further. Patagonia designed the Quandarys from high-quality nylon and spandex. These pants are tough but lightweight and featured articulated knees and a gusseted crotch. Their classy, clean look makes them the best option for wearing as often in town as you would want to out on the trail. Features include drop-in front pockets and one zippered side pocket.

What I like most about the Patagonia Quandary hiking pants is the tilt-in tab and snap feature that allows you to quickly roll up and keep the cuffs in place.

Prana Halle

Specs
  • Closure: Double Button, Zipper, and Built-in Drawstring
  • Fabric: Nylon/Spandex
  • UPF: 50+
  • Waterproof Type: Water Repellent
Features
  • Articulated Knees and Slight Boot Cut For A Comfortable And Durable Fit
  • A Relaxed Fit and Mid-Rise Waistline
  • Integrated Tabs and Snaps On Legs For Easy Roll-up

BEST FOR: GENERAL USE ON- AND OFF-TRAIL

Weather you are on the trail, climbing, or sitting at your desk, this pant has something to offer you. With both a relaxed fit in the legs and a mid-rise waistline, you won’t ever feel restricted moving or sitting in this pant. And with the articulated cut knees, moving and sitting alike will be comfortable in the Halle.

Equipped with integrated tabs and buttons on the legs, you can easily roll the pant up in warm or wet weather and not have to worry about the mess. And in addition to being water repellent, the blend of this fabric also makes it abrasion-resistant to keep up with whatever mischief you come across. With a slight boot cut leg, you can wear these pants with even your heavy duty hiking boots and still look cute!

Columbia Saturday Trail

Specs
  • Closure: Double Snap Button
  • Fabric: Nylon/Elastane
  • UPF: 50+
  • Waterproof Type: Water Repellent
Features
  • Articulated Knees For Maximum Comfort And Durability
  • Mid-Rise Waistline Is Comfortable And Stylish
  • Body-skimming Fit Designed For A Woman’s Figure

BEST FOR: THE WEEKEND WARRIOR

Columbia offers the Saturday Trail pant to you for Sun and Splash protection. With fabric made to repel water and UPF 50+ sun protection, there is nothing you can’t do in this pant. And with a body-skimming fit that comes up to mid-waist, this pant will flatter your curves, but also keep you comfortable all day long.

In addition to being water repellent, this pant offers a roll-up feature to turn the long pant legs into capris to keep you cool and stylish in warm weather, while the bottoms stay dry in soggy conditions. And with the added benefit of articulated knees, you can run, jump, sit, or climb on any adventure!

Arc’teryx Gamma Lt

Specs
  • Closure: Snap Button and Built-in Belt
  • Fabric: Nylon/Elastane
  • UPF: None
  • Waterproof Type: Water Resistant
Features
  • Built-in Belt For A Secure Fit
  • Reflective Logo for Low Light Visibility
  • Adjustable Pant Drawstring Cuff To Keep Pant Bottoms Dry
Arc'teryx Gamma Lt

BEST FOR: COOL WEATHER HIKES

This pant is well worth the investment. With fabric made to repel water to keep you dry in the rain and highly breathable material to keep you dry from sweat, this pant is ideal even in colder weather. An adjustable pant drawstring cuff also allows for this pant to roll-up in warm and wet weather to keep your bottoms cool and dry.

A built-in belt will give the lady a flattering fit with no gaping behind. And if you find yourself in early morning fog or dusky conditions, the Arc’teryx logo of this pant is reflective to let your fellow trailmates always know where you are.

Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Hike

Specs
  • Closure: Snap Button and Belt
  • Fabric: Nylon/Elastane
  • UPF: 50+
  • Waterproof Type: None
Features
  • Removable Belt For A Secure Fit When Needed
  • Ankle Hem Cinch Cord To Prevent Snagging By Keeping The Pants Close To Your Ankles
  • Thigh Slash Pockets For Secure Storage
Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Hike

BEST FOR: THE HIKER-CLIMB GIRL

The Chockstone pant is made with a four-way stretch material, allowing for the best fit and comfort. The extra stretch will even provide the comfort and freedom of movement should you decide to rock climb along your hike. With all the stretchiness, those thigh slash pockets can even hold a cellphone.

The added feature of a removable belt prevents any sagging around the waist and gives you the option to take it off when you don’t need it (so it doesn’t get damaged in the wash, for example). And for warm and wet days, the ankle hem cinch cord allows you to roll these babies up to prevent them from getting wet and dirty.

The North Face Wandur Hike

Specs
  • Closure: Zip Fly with Snap
  • Fabric: Nylon/Elastane
  • UPF: None
  • Waterproof Type: Quick Drying
Features
  • Button Tab Provides for Roll-up Height Adjustability
  • Velcro Flap Closure on Left Thigh Pocket for Added Security
  • Belt Loops for Size Adjustability

BEST: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PANT 

As the name says, the North Face Wandur Hike pant is designed for hiking. Designed with FlashDry fabric, moisture will be pushed to the surface, allowing for rapid evaporation, so you’ll never end up wet or cold. With ample pockets – two angled hand pockets and one on the back pocket, the thigh pocket on the left thigh has a velcro closure, so it is easy to drop things in from the top. The right thigh pocket has a reverse-coil zip, for added security for those things you just cannot have falling out out. 

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING HIKING PANTS

COST

Investing in a new pair of hiking pants does not have to break the bank, but do not try to cut corners to save a few bucks! In the long run, having the appropriate pair of pants for your hiking adventure will make all the difference in whether or not you have a positive experience, especially if you encounter foul weather.

 

MATERIAL

Remember the cardinal rule for all hiking clothing – cotton is rotten. Just like shirts, it is important to consider the materials and fabric types when selecting hiking pants. Choosing a fabric that is durable, but provides some stretch is just as important as choosing a breathable, but warm fabric.

 

WEATHER RESISTANCE

A pair of pants that is waterproof is impenetrable to water, but most lightweight, hiking softshells will absorb some water in order to provide breathability. In this case, the pants will be categorized as water resistant, meaning they can withstand a certain amount of moisture and not act like a sponge.

Some pants are listed as water repellent, meaning they have coatings that will bead water up, but with heavy rains, the pants will begin to absorb some water. In case of severe wet weather, pants made with a quick-drying material will dry faster than those that are not.

On day trips in more mild conditions, a water resistant pant will be all you need, but on longer days in colder and constantly wet conditions, a water resistant pant may stay damp. In these situations, having a softshell pant that breathes better than a hardshell will work, but you will also want a thin pair of hardshell pants to throw over top to prevent from getting damp and cold. You might want to consider including a pair of the best women’s rain pants if you plan on hiking through the rain or in wet conditions regularly.

 

BREATHABILITY

Breathability is what sets apart hardshell and softshell pants. Because the material of hard shell pants is not penetrable, it will keep moisture in and can cause you to feel clammy and cold when your heart rate lowers, which can be extremely dangerous in the mountains. Softshells allow some air flow while still providing water and wind resistance, so even if you work up a sweat, the moisture can evaporate and you will not catch that chill when you slow your pace.

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

CUFF

The bottom part of the pants that covers the top of the hiking boot. Can be rolled up in some pants to prevent snagging your pant bottoms on roots or soaking them when walking through puddles or wet grass.

SUN PROTECTION

Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is how well the material protects against the sun. The higher the rating, the less UV will be absorbed, protecting you against the sun more.

WAIST PROFILE

The cut of the pants and how they fit around the waist. Low profile waists leave less bulk around the waist for use with harnesses and backpacks.

WATERPROOF

Material that does not allow for any water to penetrate the material.

WATER RESISTANT

Material that is able to repel water, but not completely impenetrable to water.

 

About The Author

Born in Maryland, Lindsay Rohrbaugh is an avid rock-alpine climber and mountaineer. An urban wildlife biologist by trade, she is also a travel writer and student of Integrative Medicine. When not in school or conducting field work on bats and turtles in Washington, DC, she is out climbing rocks and peaks or scaling high points across the globe. She’s hiked the Lares Trek in Peru and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and climbed various routes in Morocco, Peru, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. She has even tried her skills at deep water soloing! Her weekends are often spent with her husband in their newly self-built cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Related Posts