A walk in the woods with a pup—what’s better? Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

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When getting out on the trails, hiking pants are essential attire. They protect your legs from the elements, be it overgrown trails, harsh sun, or whipping wind, and they can keep you warm in cooler weather.

In order to bring you in-depth reviews of the best women’s hiking pants on the market, our team spent months logging hundreds of miles to determine which pants are worth their snuff. We did the majority of our testing in Hawaii where the weather is hot and humid but also ventured to higher altitudes and logged lots of miles on chilly winter days in California, Arizona, and beyond.

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The Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2024

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Pants: Patagonia Quandary Joggers
Best Women’s Fly Design: Gnara Go There Pants
Runner-Up Best Women’s Hiking Pants: Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants
Best Value Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants
Best Hiking Tights/Leggings: Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights
Best Full-Featured Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers

Jump To Best of the Rest

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Pants

Patagonia Quandary Joggers ($119)

Fabric: 96% NetPlus post-consumer recycled nylon/4% spandex plain weave/DWR finish made without PFCs/PFAS
Fit: Regular
Leg Style: Jogger
Weight: 8.8 oz

Pros: Sustainably made, elastic waistband
Cons: No ventilation zippers, fit tight around the butt

Like most items from Patagonia, the Quandary Joggers marry function with quality. These pants are lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, making them easy to walk in, climb in, or do any other maneuver your hike requires of you. The elastic waistband is soft against the skin and is stretchy, so it works for a range of sizes — the pants also have a drawstring so you can easily customize the fit. We did find that these pants fit a little snugly in the butt, so if you’re curvy, you may want to order a size up or consider another pair of pants like the Cotopaxi Subo Pants which are a bit roomier.

The Quandary Joggers come complete with five pockets (three zippered and two hand pockets), a hemostat/carabiner loop on the front right pocket, elastic cuffs, and built-in odor control to help keep the stank at bay. The slightly tapered cut gives these pants a feminine flair and also prevents excess material from snagging near your lower legs. Thanks to their sustainable construction, stylish fit, and breathable material, the Quandary Joggers are our top pick for women’s hiking pants. If you prefer to hike in leggings, the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights, below, are formfitting and durable.

Read our full review of the Patagonia Quandary Joggers.

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Best Women’s Fly Design

Gnara Go There Pants ($168)

Fabric: 93% nylon/7% spandex
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Straight
Weight: Not Specified

Pros: Zippered fly makes it easier to use bathroom on trail, well-made and good pockets
Cons: Pricey, not practical with underwear

Using the bathroom on trail or at camp is always a bit of a hassle, but it happens, and the Gnara Go There Pants make the process a whole lot easier. With a zippered “GoFly”, these pants are thoughtfully designed for women. Plus, they don’t cut short on features: five excellent pockets and a stretchy nylon construction make these serious hiking pants and not just a gimmick.

We loved the fit and styling of these hiking pants, and they look right at home on the trail. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing down—we did and they fit perfectly. A couple of small things to note: First, with the fly design, these aren’t seemingly made to be worn with underwear. Also, after a long, hot hike, we noticed that the fly caused just a bit of chafing (even though it has a pretty well-made zipper cover).

All in all, if you are looking for a really well-made pair of pants that solves the issue of using the bathroom on the trail, the Gnara Go There Pants are easy to recommend.

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Runner-Up Best Women’s Hiking Pants

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants ($99)

Fabric: 50% polyester/50% new polyester
Fit: Relaxed
Leg Style: Straight
Weight: Not Specified

Pros: Roll-up design, water-resistant finish
Cons: No ventilation zippers

The Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants pants are rugged and functional, but as the name suggests, they have a cool outdoorsy look to them. The polyester fabric is stretchy while simultaneously being durable. The Roll-Up Pants have a wide waistband with a button closure and drawcord that allows you to customize your fit.

The Roll-Up pants have a water-resistant finish and offer UPF 50+ sun protection, making them well-suited for sunny and stormy days alike. A cool feature of the pants is that they roll up from the ankles and secure with a button snap for stream crossings or when you’re overheating. The Roll-Up pants have front pockets, cargo pockets, and back pockets, so you have lots of places to stash small items like Chapstick or a cell phone. These hiking pants come in all the traditional sizes, but with short and tall options for each, so it’s easy to find a pair that fits you to a tee.

We didn’t feel like the Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants quite outdid the Quandary Joggers in the comfort department, so they took the runner-up spot. However, the Roll-Up pants do have a slightly baggier fit, so if you’re curvy they may be a better option for you.

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Best Value Women’s Hiking Pants

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants ($85)

Fabric: 94% nylon/6% elastane plain-weave stretch woven (139 g/m2)
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Tapered
Weight: 7.1 oz

Pros: Lightweight, built-in odor control
Cons: No drawstring on the waistband, no ventilation zippers

If you’re in the market for a pair of lightweight, comfortable, and breathable hiking pants, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants. These pants are well suited for warm weather thanks to their lightweight design and they also have a UPF 50 rating, so they’ll keep you protected from the sun. The only thing they’re lacking is ventilation zippers.

Made from a blend of nylon and spandex, the fabric is stretchy, making it easy to move around, whether you’re hiking or climbing. The Dynamas have a stretchy waistband but they lack a drawstring for small size adjustments. If a drawstring is important to you, the Cotopaxi Subo Pants are equally as lightweight and breathable, but they have a drawstring as well as adjustable bungees at the cuffs. The waistband on the Dynamas is wide and flat, so it sits well under a harness or a hiking backpack. The pants fit loose without being baggy and almost feel like sweatpants designed for the trail.

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Best Hiking Tights/Leggings

Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights ($129)

Fabric: 87% recycled polyester/13% spandex double-knit jersey with a wicking finish
Fit: Formfitting
Leg Style: Leggings
Weight: 10.7 oz

Pros: Sustainably made
Cons: Durable panels make the tights less comfortable

In our opinion, leggings are the most comfortable option when it comes to women’s hiking pants. And the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights are no exception. Like most leggings, the Hike Tights are formfitting and we found that they fit true to size. Made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, the tights are nice and stretchy but thicker leggings, meaning they’re reliably durable. To ensure they stand the test of time, the Hike Tights have durable panels on the knees and seat. The durable panels help prevent tears in easy-to-snag locations, but they are less stretchy and cause the tights to lose a few points in the comfort department.

The waistband is mid-rise and ribbed, which allows it to sit well under a backpack and minimize chafing. The Hike Tights have two drop-in side pockets that are great for storing your cell phone as well as a zippered security pocket. Due to the thicker material that gives the tights their durability, we found that they’re best suited for cooler climates. If hikes aren’t your style, the Quandary Joggers have a looser fit and are more lightweight and breathable.

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Best Heavy-Duty Hiking Pants

Fjallraven Keb Trousers ($240)

Fabric: Main fabric: G-1000 Eco 65% recycled polyester/35% organic cotton; stretch fabric 63% polyamide/26% polyester/11% elastane
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Boot Cut
Weight: 1 lb 4.6 oz

Pros: Lots of pockets, ventilation zippers throughout
Cons: Mid-rise fit, pants swish together while hiking

Some hikes call for lightweight, breathable pants whereas others call for heavy-duty pants. For hikes that require the latter, the Fjallraven Keb Trousers are a great pick. The Keb Trousers look like cargo pants and are on the warm side for hiking pants, but they have ventilation zippers running from the hips to the knees as well as additional zippers around the calves. The Keb Trousers sport a boot cut with buttons, so they fit well over hiking boots.

A downside of the wider-cut legs is that the pants rub together while hiking, resulting in a swishing noise that is a bit irritating. One of our favorite parts about the Keb Trousers is the generous amount of pockets. The pants have two hand pockets, two leg pockets, and one interior mesh pocket. The Keb Trousers are insanely durable and reliably waterproof, so they perform well in rainy and snowy conditions. If the Keb Trousers are a bit too stiff for you, the Helly Hansen Verglas Tur Pants are slightly less durable but significantly softer and stretchier.

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Best of the Rest

Breezy Summer Hikers

Cotopaxi Subo Pants ($90)

Fabric: 90% recycled nylon/10% spandex
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Tapered
Weight: 8 oz

Pros: UPF 50 rating, adjustable bungees at the cuffs
Cons: No ventilation options

Cotopaxi is a brand known for its bright colors and one-of-a-kind pieces and the Cotopaxi Subo Pants are no exception. The Subo Pants aren’t as bright as most of the gear in Cotopaxi’s collection, but they do come in six different colors. The Subo Pants are lightweight, breathable, and have a UPF 50 rating, making them well suited for warmer weather. Despite their breathable design, the Subo pants lack ventilation zippers. For the most part, it was a non-issue, but on extra hot hikes, it would be nice to have an option to air out.

The Subo pants have a durable water-repellant finish, which we appreciated when we got caught in light showers. If you’re hiking somewhere with regular rainstorms, you should opt for fully waterproof pants like the  Fjallraven Keb Trousers — the Keb Trousers aren’t as breathable, but they are reliably waterproof.

The Subo pants sport an elastic waist with a drawcord, so they’re nice and comfortable and it’s easy to make size adjustments. A standout feature of the pants is the adjustable bungees at the cuffs — these allow you to cinch your pants tight around the ankles to prevent snagging. The pants have two pockets in the front plus a zippered pocket in the rear, perfect for stashing quick-access items. The Subo Pants have a similar fit and feel to the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants but the Dynamas lack the drawcord and adjustable bungees at the cuffs.

Best Leggings with a Fly

Zip Hers Fit & Leisure Elite Tights ($105)

Fabric: 80% nylon/20% spandex
Fit: Formfitting
Leg Style: Leggings
Weight: 5.6 oz

Pros: Thoughtful fly design, side pockets for phone
Cons: Not the best fit, zipper catches easily

Another pair of zippered fly pants designed specifically for women, the Zip Hers Fit & Leisure Elite Tights are an awesome choice for lighter hikes and trail-to-town looks. While we love the Gnara Go There above, those look best in the woods and mountains–the Zip Hers look like simple leggings, but with a secret fly that makes it easy to go to the bathroom on trail.

Stand-out features include side pockets for your phone and, of course, the fly design. The legging material wasn’t our favorite, and the fit felt a little off compared to premium tights, but they still looked great and were super versatile on days we were hiking and grabbing lunch in town afterward.

Best Cold Weather Leggins

Smartwool Intraknit Merino Thermal Leggings ($150)

Fabric: 51% Polyester, 36% Merino Wool, 13% Elastane
UPF Rating: N/A
Fit: Formfitting
Leg Style: Leggings
Weight: Not specified

Pros: Merino wool stays warm when wet, versatile
Cons: Waistband feels tight, basic design

Whether you opt to wear them on their own or as a base layer, the Smartwool Intrakit Merino Thermal Leggings are a great option for cold-weather hikes. Made from a blend of polyester, merino wool, and elastane, the Thermal Leggings are thick yet stretchy. They sport a wide, high-rise waistband that sits well under backpacks or outer layers but does feel a bit tight against the waist at first.

One of the biggest perks of merino wool is that it keeps you warm even when wet, so the Thermal Leggings are a great pick for wet or snowy conditions. We found them to work well for backpacking as they can be worn on their own, under a pair of hiking pants, or to stay warm at night while sleeping. In terms of style, they’re pretty basic, but the all-black design allows them to pair with everything. If you plan on hiking in overgrown areas or doing lots of scrambling, the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights have durable panels on the knees and rear to help prevent snags and tears.

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Bomber Construction

Helly Hansen Verglas Tur Pants ($220)

Fabric: 67% cotton/33% polyester; shell 2: 94% polyamide/6% elastane
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Straight
Weight: 1 lb 5 oz

Pros: Adjustable waist strap, fuzzy material along waistband
Cons: No ventilation zipper in lower legs

The Helly Hansen Verglas Tur Pants combine comfort and function into a pair of durable hiking pants. The Verglas pants are on the baggy side, but they have a velcro strap at the waist as well as straps around the ankles for adjustments. We found the ankle straps were a great option for wet conditions or for areas with thick brush as you can cinch them tight and keep unwanted water and twigs out. Lining the inside of the waistband is a strip of soft, fuzzy material which greatly enhances the overall comfort of the pants.

The Verglas are on the warm, heavy side for hiking pants, but they do have ventilation zippers along the thighs that are a game changer on hot days — we wish there were even more ventilation zippers. The pants also have an assortment of zippered pockets for stashing essentials, which we always appreciate. Despite their warmth and durability, the Verglas are nice and stretchy which further enhances their comfort. If you’re looking for an even heavier-duty pair of pants, the Fjallraven Keb Trousers lack some of the stretch and comfort of the Verglas but are insanely durable.

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Arc’teryx Gamma Pants ($200)

Fabric: Fortius DW 2.0 88% nylon/12% elastane (bluesign approved)
Fit: Standard
Leg Style: Straight
Weight: 12.5 oz

Pros: Incredibly lightweight, drawstring at the cuffs
Cons: No ventilation zippers

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are super comfortable, flexible, and medium thickness, making them work well for hiking year-round. The Gamma pants are wind and water-resistant, so they perform well in a wide array of conditions. They also have an adjustable drawstring around the ankles, which further works to keep you dry and also helps prevent debris from entering your pants. We also had the opportunity to test the quick dry version, which is even lighter (9.9 oz). Made from 92% nylon, they are even more water resistant, but the fabric is when hiking. We are big fans of both.

The Gamma pants have a mid-rise cut, which we didn’t find to be the most comfortable for hiking but if you plan to wear them for climbing, the higher cut works well with a harness. The pants come complete with two zippered hand pockets as well as a thigh pocket that you can even access while climbing. We found that these pants are durable and for the most part abrasion resistant, which is a huge perk for climbers or those whose hikes involve scrambling. If you prefer to hike or climb in leggings, the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights have durable panels on the knees and seat but obviously can’t compare to the durability of true hiking pants.

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Some of the great hiking pants we tested. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Women’s Hiking Pants Comparison Table

Good women’s hiking pants can do it all. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested Women’s Hiking Pants

The best way to test a pair of hiking pants? Hit the trails, of course! Our team has a lot of experience hiking and backpacking and we put that experience into practice in order to test these women’s hiking pants. Rebecca Parsons took the lead on this guide. We did the bulk of our testing in hot and humid Hawaii but also did some testing in the wintertime in California, Arizona, Colorado, the Midwest, and beyond. We logged hundreds of miles in these pants including hikes on mellow, flat trails as well as hikes that involved some scrambling and rope sections to truly put their flexibility and durability to the test.

Testing out women’s hiking pants. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia

Women’s Hiking Pants Buyer’s Guide

There are lots of pants out there, so what specifically makes a pair of hiking pants? In short, hiking pants are pants that are specifically designed for the trails. In general, hiking pants are lightweight, breathable, aren’t too bulky, and have some pockets. Many hiking pants are treated with a durable water-repellent finish (DWR) or are fully waterproof and can keep you dry in wet conditions and/or snow. The purpose of hiking pants is to protect your legs from scraps and abrasions, offer sun protection, and sometimes even keep you warm (depending on where you’re hiking).

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Pants

Like most items from Patagonia, the Quandary Joggers marry function with quality. Thanks to their sustainable construction, stylish fit, and breathable material, the Quandary Joggers are our top pick for women’s hiking pants.

Price: $1197

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What Should I Look For in a Pair of Hiking Pants?

Well-placed ventilation can make all the difference when trying to dump heat on a hike. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Ventilation Zippers

In our opinion, every good pair of hiking pants should have ventilation zippers. Even if you’re hiking somewhere cold, it is easy to get overheated while hiking, especially when you’re going uphill. Rather than having to stop and shed layers, ventilation zippers allow you to easily let some air in and then you can simply zip them back up should you get cold.

The Fjallraven Keb Trousers are heavy-duty and on the warm side for hiking pants, but they have generous ventilation zippers throughout, making them a good pick for chilly hikes.

Women know the struggle: Pockets are a must for hiking pants. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Pockets

Who doesn’t love pockets? In everyday pants, they’re nice to have but in hiking pants, they are essential, especially if you are backpacking. When we’re hiking, we like to keep items like our phone, Chapstick, and some snacks in easy-to-reach locations.

Having at minimum a couple of pockets on the pants is helpful, but it’s nice to have a mix of hand pockets and zippered pockets to securely store your items. Hand pockets also come in clutch when it’s chilly and zippered pockets ensure you won’t lose anything on the trail. If you climb, you’ll appreciate pants like the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants which have a strategically placed thigh pocket that you can even access while wearing a harness.

Pockets are a great place to store your cell phone and other essentials. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Breathability

Whether you do most of your hiking in hot or cool regions, having a breathable pair of pants is essential. The hotter the region the more breathable you want your pants to be, but in cold climates you can always throw a pair of leggings or thermal underwear beneath to increase their warmth.

Breathable pants typically have a looser weave or more open knits that allow the air to pass through. Thinner materials are also more breathable than thick ones. Of all the pants we tested, the Quandary Joggers, Cotopaxi Subo Pants, and the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants were the most breathable and all of them include nylon in their construction.

Durability and hiking pants materials are crucial factors when deciding. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Weather Resistant Coating

Although some hiking pants are fully waterproof, most aren’t. 100% waterproof pants aren’t breathable, which is why most hiking pants opt for a DWR finish instead. A DWR coating is water-resistant and fairs well in mild to moderate rain. However, if you are caught in a full-on downpour, you are likely to get wet. For times when the rain is intense, rain pants are the move. Another coating that we’ve found works well to help protect you from mild rain is Omni-Shield.

Hiking Pants Rise

The rise of hiking pants refers to how high the pants hit on your waist. All of the pants we tested fell into one of three categories: standard-rise (hits below the belly button), mid-rise (hits in the middle of the belly button), and high-rise (hits above the belly button). We found the standard- or mid-rise were the most comfortable for hiking whereas high-rise were a good pick for climbing as they work well under a harness. However, the rise ultimately comes down to personal preference.

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pants are a durable pair of hiking pants. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia

UV Protection

Even if your hiking pants don’t explicitly have a UPF rating, they will offer some form of sun protection because they cover your legs. The tighter the weave, the more sun protection they offer. But most lightweight hiking pants that you’d want to wear for hot hikes, like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants and the Cotopaxi Subo Pants, have a UPF rating. However, just because a pair of pants doesn’t have a UPF rating doesn’t mean that they don’t provide UV protection, it just means that the manufacturer hasn’t run it through the specified testing.

Durability

It’s no secrect that hiking pants aren’t cheap, so you’ll want a pair that can withstand the test of time. Unlike your favorite pair of jeans, hiking pants often get put through it by being constantly exposed to the elements and run-ins with boulders, sticks, twigs, and constant rubbing from your pack. Consequently, you’ll want a pair of pants that is well made and can keep up with everything you throw their way. Of all the pants on our list, the Fjallraven Keb Trousers are the most durable but simultaneously the most expensive.

Ankle cuffs can lock out dust and debris, keep your pants in place, or just dial in fit. Photo: Rebecca Parson//The Inertia

Ankle Cuffs

Some, but not all, of the pants on our list have adjustable ankle cuffs. We didn’t realize how big of a game changer these are until we got to testing. Adjustable ankle cuffs allow you to cinch your pants tight at the bottom, which we found to be extremely helpful when it was raining or through sections of trails that were especially overgrown. When you have your ankle cuffs tight, it helps prevent debris or water from entering your pants. The Cotopaxi Subo Pants are an example of a loose, lightweight pair of hiking pants with adjustable ankle cuffs.

Hiking pants offer protection against scrapes/abrasions as well as the elements. Photo: Kip Tousuell

Hiking Pants Fit

Bootcut

Like bootcut jeans, bootcut hiking pants are fitted at the waist and then flare out towards the bottom. They fit well over hiking boots but if they don’t have adjustable anklet cuffs, the extra material can snag on the foliage or pose a trip hazard.

Straight

As the name suggests, straight pants have a straight leg without much deviation from the hip to the ankle. More times than not straight-leg hiking pants will fit over hiking boots, but it’s definitely helpful if they have adjustable ankle cuffs in case it’s a tight fit.

Leggings are a great option to wear for hiking because they can be worn on their own or layered under a pair of hiking pants. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Leggings

Leggings, sometimes referred to as tights, are formfitting pants made from a stretchy material. They can be worn on their own or as a warm layer under a pair of hiking pants. Leggings tend to be less durable than traditional hiking pants but they are often more comfortable.

Jogger

Jogger pants have a similar fit and feel as sweatpants but with a more durable construction. They are typically looser in the thighs and then slim down towards the ankles. Most jogger hiking pants have an elastic waist with a drawstring for small size adjustments. Typically, joggers don’t have adjustable ankle cuffs but they often have elastic in the ankles for a more secure fit.

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Editor’s Note: For men’s hiking pants options, check out our guide to Best Men’s Hiking Pants. Click here for more gear reviews from The Inertia. 

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