6 Best Ladies Hiking Pants (Tried and Tested!!)

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Interested in finding the best hiking pants for women that are both functional and also stylish? I’ve tested a ton of pants and these are my favorites.

When I first started hiking, finding the right hiking pants as a woman was hard. I felt like everything I came across was outdated and catered to the mega granola girl.

I wanted a cute pair of pants that was both functional and flattering. Is that too much to ask?

Luckily, I’ve discovered some quality ladies’ hiking pants throughout the years and have narrowed them down to what I would purchase again.

1. Coalatree Trailhead Pants – Slim

The Coalatree Trailhead Pants (Slim Fit) were the first pair of hiking pants I ever purchased. I still love using them and they’ve survived almost five years of consistent use.

Slim fit is my personal preference because I don’t like extra material when I’m on the trail. I think they’re way more flattering too (I’ve tried both).

I own the black and navy colors which go well with almost any hiking outfit!

The nice part about these pants is they are easy to wear off the mountain since they don’t scream “hiking pants” like some other pants do. I love how easy they are to clean and they dry quickly if they get wet.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a small in these.

Pros

• Come in a variety of colors
• Easy to clean
• Quick-drying
• Flattering
• Synch tie waist
• Tie at the ankles for an adjustable fit

Cons

• Not secured with a zipper so it can sometimes slide depending on how involved your hiking is
• Stiffer material than some of the others on the list (if you’re a texture person this might bother you)

2. Fjallraven Keb Agile Trousers

These are so comfortable and look incredible on. They are rather thin so I consider them 3-season pants.

The Fjallraven Keb Agile Trousers are perfect for backpacking and one of my favorite features is the thicker material on the knees (a staple for Fjallraven pants).

I’d been holding out on getting a pair of these because they are the most spendy on this list. I chose to purchase them during one of REI’s big sales and I have zero regrets.

These are the pants I reach for when I want a reliable pair of pants for a long overnight trip during the summer. I know they’re going to hold up well and perform up to my standards.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a U.S. 4/EU 36 in these.

Pros

• Lightweight/breathable
• Durable material
• Form-fitting
• High-quality construction

Cons

• Expensive
• Not a ton of color options in this style

3. Wondery Outdoors Isabel

If I were to only have one pair of hiking pants, these would be it. They hug your body in all the right places and don’t look like the traditional hiking pants that scream granola in all the wrong ways.

I purchased the Wondery Outdoors Isable 3.0 Pants on sale at Backcountry for the winter season. They are on the thicker side, but I know they will perform great in the summer at higher elevations.

Women’s hiking pants generally lack pockets, but these pants defy that with numerous pockets throughout. The fabric is incredibly soft while also being durable for time outside.

I’ve also worn these off the trail and they go great with a variety of outfits. I chose the teal/evergreen color because I’m obsessed with blue. The coral/peach color is also so stinking cute.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a small in these.

Pros

• Most flattering hiking pants I’ve ever owned
• Thicker material
• Synch belt on the back side to adjust the fit
• Numerous colors to choose from (+ seasonal color drops!)

Cons

• Can be spendy if you don’t buy them discounted
• Material isn’t as flexible or breathable as some of the others on this list (a.k.a I wouldn’t wear them on a super hot, humid day)

4. Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pant

If you live in a humid area like me or spend a lot of time hiking in hot temperatures, the Outdoor Voices Rectrek is the perfect pair of hiking pants.

I haven’t had the chance to put the shorts part of these into action, but the pants are such a good addition to my hiking wardrobe.

Temperature-wise, I think these perform well until about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can wear them when it’s colder than that but I would recommend a pair of leggings underneath unless you’re doing a difficult hike where you know you’re going to heat up a lot.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a small in these.

Pros

• Can be zipped off to cropped pants as well as shorts
• Extremely breathable
• Adjustable waist and ankles
• Side cargo pockets that are perfect for small items

Cons

• Not a year-round option

5. REI Trailsmith Jogger Pants

The REI Trailsmith Joggers are the most affordable pants on this list. They are made of a thicker material and would be fantastic for cooler months.

As someone who lives in the southeast United States, I wouldn’t reach for these year-round due to the humidity. If you live in places like the PNW, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, or Northeast, I think these will perform great during all seasons.

I personally love seeing options on the market that work for all budgets. Although these aren’t my all-time favorite hiking pants, I think they check the box on everything that matters. Plus, they are often discounted so you can get them at an even better price!

They are comfortable, practical, and look good off the trail. I ordered a 6 originally but had to downsize since they have a little more stretch than I was anticipating (not a bad thing).

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a 4 in these. I could size down to a 2 as well for an even snugger fit as I think they run on the slightly larger side.

Pros

• Cost Effective
• Made from cotton and spandex for a nice structured, stretchy fit
• Adjustable waist with elastic ankles
• Numerous pockets throughout

Cons

• Not as breathable as other materials
• Only a few color options
• I find that they are only good for one or two uses before they stretch out. This is fine if you are a stickler about washing, but I don’t wash until my pants are typically dirty and/or stinky.

6. For the Tall Girls: RVRC Norwand Highwaist Stretch Pants

The RVRC Norwand Highwaist Stretch Pants are the ideal pants for tall ladies. I received these as a pr gift and although I like them, I think they are best for 5’8″ or taller women.

I’m 5’6″ and these are too long for me. They fit great in every other regard and I still wear them with rolled-up bottoms.

The stretchy material on these is one of the stand-out features for me. They are snug in all the right places but provide great mobility for movement on the trail.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have an EU Small/US 27-28 in these.

Pros

• Flattering!! I like a high waist fit so these are great for me
• Cotton canvas reinforcements protect against hard wear like dirt and liquid
• Different color options are available
• 4-way stretch for ease of movement
• Good water repellency for rainy days

Cons

• Incredibly long. These are made by a Nordic country so I think their average height is taller than in the United States.
• Slim fit so not great for super curvy gals

BONUS: Down Pants For Cold Weather Trips/Hikes

I am obsessed with the Stretchdown Pant from Mountain Hardwear. I originally bought these for a trip to Iceland in February and I’ve used them numerous times since.

If you live in colder areas or take many winter trips during the year like me, these pants are essential. They are the perfect outer layers without being too heavy or bulky.

I love how easy they are to pack down and how warm they are, especially with thermals underneath.

I wore them for exploring ice caves and on a super windy, cold day in Iceland and they performed exceptionally well.

I’m 5’6″, 135 lbs, and I have a small in these.

Pros

• Warm
• Easy to Pack
• Flattering
• Adjustable Waist
• Zipper Pockets for easy storage (credit cards, keys, lip balm, etc.)
• Roomy enough for a base layer underneath if necessary

Cons

• Expensive
• Easy to rip (be careful with spikes/crampons)

FAQs: Ladies Hiking Pants

Should hiking pants be loose or tight?

This depends on preference and what you’re most comfortable in. The more important aspects are material, durability, and weight.

I prefer more form-fitting pants because they look better for photos! Additionally, I don’t like a baggy fit when navigating different elements of nature. Like I said though, this is totally up to what you feel the best in.

What makes hiking pants different?

Often it’s the material and durability! Most hiking pants are made from sweat-wicking materials and are more lightweight/breathable than normal pants. I would never wear jeans or thick pants on a hike because they won’t breathe and you’ll get hot quickly.

On top of that, most hiking pants repel water better, are easy to clean, and hold up better to outdoor elements.

Do you wear anything under hiking pants?

I used to wear a pair of thermals or leggings under hiking pants if it was cold, but now I own thicker pairs of hiking pants for cooler temperatures so it’s not necessary. If you can only afford one pair of pants, I think it’s better to get a thinner pair and layer underneath so you can utilize them year-round!

What is the difference between climbing and hiking pants?

Hiking pants tend to be made from more breathable material while climbing pants are typically made with tougher, more abrasion-resistant fabrics and designed to withstand scrapes against rough rock surfaces. Fabric flexibility is more of an emphasis in climbing pants which often include gusseted crotches and articulated knees for large range of motion.

Wrap-Up: Ladies Hiking Pants

Finding the right hiking pants for a woman can be a struggle, but hopefully, this post helps you narrow it down. I stand by each of these recommendations and understand that not all of these will work for everyone.

If you’re looking for a pair of hiking pants that does it all, I’d recommend the Wondery Isabel 3.0 Pants.

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