Best women’s hiking pants: for comfort and protection across all terrain

With cold weather approaching, you will want to hit the trails in the best women's hiking pants available, knowing you'll be protected from wind, rain, snow and whatever else nature hurls your way. It's time to pack away your hiking shorts and pull on some long-leg wear that guarantees comfort, weather resistance and durability so you can use them for years to come. 

Fortunately, the best women's hiking pants now come in a wide range of styles and specifications to suit your needs, from supportive leggings ideal for casual day hikes in milder conditions to waterproof, insulated technical trekking trousers for alpine adventures. Pair these with the best women's waterproof jackets and you won't be able to stay off the trails this winter.

Not all hiking pants are created equal, and it's good to shop with an eye towards the types of conditions and terrain you're likely to be tackling. Some hiking pants are waterproof while others are merely water resistant and increasingly, women prefer fast-drying leggings over either of the previous options. If you're likely to be hiking in cold temperatures, you might be seeking insulated trousers or perhaps you'd rather layer a light, weather resistant pair over moisture-wicking long underwear for chilly nights at camp.

Then there's the issue of protection. If you love to tackle technical scrambles and clamber over snowy terrain, you'll want a sturdy pair of pants like the Fjällräven Keb Curved pants that will hold up to your adventures, but if you're planning on woodland walks in temperate climes, why not try a lighter pair of low maintenance leggings like the BAM Bamboo Kennick leggings? There's also the question of whether you want lots of pockets for storage and easy access to gloves and maps, or are looking for a sleeker, no-frills approach to your trail wear. Read on to choose the best women's hiking pants for you.

Best women’s hiking pants for mild conditions

The Rab Women's Sawtooth pants appear to be everything you want from a pair of softshell pants. They are feather light and very stretchy, meaning that while you’d probably wear them for hiking, you could do a proper heel hook while rock climbing in them, or even a little yoga on the trail.

They are highly breathable and designed for summer hiking however they’d work across all seasons even for ski touring with good wind protection and even some water repellency. They boast four deep zipped pockets for storage, tethered drawcord hems, a fleece-lined waistband, belt loops and 30+ UPF. All in all, these are everything you want from a softshell pant all wrapped up in a stylish fit.

These hiking pants are impressively lightweight and soft. With a slim flattering fit, The Keela Trail Trousers are designed for fair weather hiking, comfortable traveling and hanging out around town. The material is ultra stretchy and the knees are articulated which allows for unrestricted freedom of movement when you’re clambering up a rocky face. Two zipped hip pockets provide ample storage for gear you want to close to hand, and hidden inner pockets are great for stashing keys and credit cards. They also feature belt loops and come in three different leg lengths so it’s nearly impossible to find a pair of these that won’t work for your body. Treated with ViralOff, the antibacterial protection keeps them fresher longer.

While they’re not waterproof or insulated, they offer UV protection and are quick drying so they’ll work well on warm or damp days on the trail and for travel, but aren’t intended for extreme cold weather conditions. These are so comfortable and flattering that chances are, once you put them on you’ll be wearing them for days.

Best women’s hiking pants for technical terrain 

These tough Fjallraven Keb trekking trousers are built to last and expertly designed to hold up under challenging mountain conditions. These medium weight pants are tailored to a flattering fit, with stretchy fabric panels providing excellent range of motion. With water and wind resistance, you can wear these in most conditions and seasons, however they’re ideal for spring, fall and dry winter days.

They boast generous ventilation zippers from hip to knee and down the calves, ample deep pockets with flaps for gear, phones, wallets and keys and openings for knee pads if you plan on scrambling and bouldering in them. They feature belt loops and attachments for suspenders with reinforced knees, rear and pockets for scrambles, seats and stumbles on the trail.

These trousers are not insulated, but they do repel non-extreme weather and they’re just roomy enough to be worn with long underwear underneath on colder days. These are well-fitting and ultra durable trousers that run at the high end of the price range, but the good news is they should last you a lifetime.

On the rack, the Alpkit Kraft Hiking Pants look like a pretty stylish pair of jeans but on your body they make a pretty sturdy piece of kit. The organic cotton canvas is tough without being too thick and promises to be long-lasting, hold up against abrasion and offers some wind resistance. The fit is slim and stylish with an articulated cut and a low-rise waist.

The slight stretch to the fabric and gusseted crotch allow for better movement than the slim fit suggests; in fact, the company claims they’ve passed the ‘foot-next-to-your-face-heel-hook’ test. These pants feature a deep zipped thigh pocket for your valuables, double-stitched hems for durability and deep hems on the ankles for easy alteration if needed.

Best women's hiking pants for wet weather

The Salomon Wayfarer pants are featherlight and well suited to hiking in cold to warm temperatures and even some wet weather hikes. The active fit is unencumbered with bells and whistles, so they take on a sleek, classic look.

Their biggest boast is the stretchy yet durable fabric, so they won’t restrict your movement no matter how steep the slope, but they’ll last a long time if you put them to that test. Because they are windproof, they’re warm on cold days but with ultra breathability they work for for milder days too.

They come in three leg lengths and the addition of belt loops and ankle adjustments make them extra versatile, plus they feature four pockets, two with zips, to stash your keys and credit cards.

The Columbia Firwood Core Trousers are super lightweight and have a utilitarian appeal, great for those looking for function over fashion on the trail. The fabric is soft and extra stretchy for comfort and freedom in movement. They boast advanced water repellency and UPF sun protection so they can be worn in light rain, over pants or long underwear on cool days, or on their own on dry, bright days. 

These straight leg, mid-rise hiking pants have roll-up hems with tab holders that you can use to shorten the pants if it’s warm out, or so the ends don’t end up trailing through the mud. With five pockets, there's plenty of storage, though only two have a zipper. The waist is partially elastic and does not have belt loops. All in all these are functional, practical, comfortable hiking pants good for mild weather at a reasonable price.

 Best women’s hiking leggings 

The BAM Bamboo Kennick Side Pocket leggings are made for those hikers who want to feel supported on the trail but still enjoy the freedom to move. Whether you're wearing them as hiking pants or running leggings, the thick, sturdy bamboo cotton makes for a figure-sculpting pant that is also soft against the skin, breathable and stretchy so you get full range of motion.

The 7/8 length of these pants means no bunching around the ankles inside your hiking boots, while BAM has added two thigh pockets with flaps where you can stash a key, a credit card and your phone. The deep waistband and flatlock stitching ensures no chafing.

Bamboo is eco-friendly, super soft and moisture wicking fabric and meets the challenge of outdoor adventure. These pants are a little hard to get into, but once they’re on they’re neither restrictive nor do you have to pull them up constantly. Though not waterproof, they’re a better alternative to your basic yoga pants for hiking, and come in at a good price too.

On the rack, the sleek-but-sturdy Columbia River Leggings are ultra-stretchy to support movement and moisture-wicking for all-day comfort when you’re working up a sweat. They’ve even added sun protection to keep you covered.

The 7/8 length hits just above the ankle which makes them easy to wear with the no-sock running look, while the body-fitting style means you can pull your hiking socks up over them no problem. Though they don't feature larger thigh or back pockets for maps and gloves, they do boast a hidden pocket for carrying your car key or credit card. These simple hiking leggings come in lots of sizes and are a good, affordable option for the casual hiker.

What to look for in the best women's hiking pants

Like any article of clothing in your closet, what makes for the best women's hiking pants is a very subjective experience and a lot of it comes down to personal preference. There are, however, certain factors to consider that will influence your choice, like where you'll be hiking, at what time of year and the climate. 

If you tend to do most of your hiking in the summer or in a milder climate, or just prefer casual woodland walks, then you might be happiest in a pair of lightweight, breathable pants (see: breathability ratings explained and what to wear hiking in hot weather). You might even want to consider a pair of the best hiking shorts instead of pants.

But if you're looking for something to hold up against hiking tough terrain in all seasons and scrambling up high peaks in cold and snow, then you're looking for technical trousers with weather protection and perhaps even insulation.

The following are some factors that are worth considering whatever style of hiking you intend to do, to ensure adequate protection and comfort.

Comfort

When you're already challenging yourself on the mountain, the last thing you want is for your clothes to be uncomfortable. There are a lot of factors that play into comfort, from the fit of your trousers to the material they're made from. Many of the best women's hiking pants are stretchy and made with gusseted crotches and articulated knees for freedom of movement. Make sure they’re going to be warm (or cool) enough for the conditions and terrain you’re planning to walk in. You wouldn't wear thick winter hiking socks in the height of summer, so don't make that mistake with trousers. Some of the best women's hiking pants will also feature vents, so you can dump some of that heat and let in some fresh air on warm days.

Stretch

If you're planning on tackling steep slopes or incorporating rock climbing and technical scrambling in your hiking adventures, it’s always good to have a bit of dynamic stretch in your pants. Even if you're just clambering over the odd stile or wall, you don't want your trousers to hold you back or slow you down. Fortunately, most of the best women's hiking pants are designed with freedom of movement in mind. Look for a percentage of elastane or spandex in the material make-up of your trousers – any mention of four-way stretch is a good sign.

Protection

Generally speaking, the thicker the material used in your hiking trousers, the more protection they will offer you from everything from the sun (check the Ultraviolet Protection Factor – UPF – rating) and sharp sticks and stones, through to biting insects and stinging or prickly plants. There is a weight penalty to pay for this protection of course. Some lightweight hiking pants are now treated to include sun protection, while others feature reinforced panels in high contact areas that will both protect you, and improve the lifespan of the trousers.

Wild weather

Many of the best women's hiking pants have been treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, which means they won’t absorb water during light rain showers. Some of the best women's hiking pants aren't water repellent, but are fast drying, so consider whether you're likely to be hiking in light rain or torrential downpours, the temperature and whether you mind getting briefly damp. Some will also be windproof, which will greatly improve their capability to keep you warm.

Pockets

Like with the best day packs and hydration packs, these days the functionality of multiple pockets is something manufacturers go for when designing hiking pants. That said, many of prefer to use our backpacks for storage and keep our hiking pants streamlined and clutter-free.

If you still like to carry a paper topographical map, then look for a pair of hiking pants with a cargo pouch big enough to stash said map (plus compass) so you can keep it to hand at all times. 

Alternatively, you might want to put a small water bottle in that space, or a GPS device, or your phone. Having at least one pocket with a zip is always a benefit, so you can securely store things you really don’t want to lose, like your car keys and credit card.