Can I wear regular pants for hiking? 🧗‍♂️ 11 Best Hiking Pants for Women That Are Comfortable and Lightweight

Can I wear regular pants for hiking? While you can wear regular pants, they often lack the features needed for comfort and protection on the trail, such as breathability, flexibility, and weather resistance.

If you spend a lot of time outside, you are aware that sometimes an ordinary pair of pants won’t suffice, no matter how worn out they may be.

Choosing the right hiking pants can make or break your outdoor adventure. Imagine being halfway up a mountain trail, only to realize your pants are chafing, restricting your movement, or failing to protect you from the elements. Not a great scenario, right?

In this article I will guide you through everything you need to know about selecting the best hiking pants for women, ensuring you stay comfortable, protected, and stylish on your hikes.


🧐 Things To Consider When Buying Hiking Pants for Women [Buying Guide]

When you’re looking for hiking pants, you want to make sure they are comfortable and practical. Here are some important things to think about:

1. Fit

  • Comfortable: Your pants should fit well. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
  • Movement: Make sure you can move easily in them. You might need to climb or stretch while hiking.

2. Material

  • Breathable: The fabric should let air flow so you don’t get too hot.
  • Quick-Drying: If you get wet, you want pants that dry quickly.
  • Durable: They should be tough enough to handle rough trails and weather.

3. Weather

  • Warm Weather: For hot days, look for lightweight and breathable pants.
  • Cold Weather: For cold days, look for pants with extra insulation or that you can layer over other clothes.

4. Pockets

  • Useful: Pockets can hold small items like maps, snacks, or a phone.
  • Zippers: Zippered pockets can keep your things safe from falling out.

5. Water-Resistance

  • Rain: If you hike in rainy areas, water-resistant or waterproof pants are helpful.
  • Mud: Water-resistant pants are also easier to clean if they get muddy.

6. Weight

  • Lightweight: Lighter pants are easier to hike in and pack.
  • Heavy: Heavier pants can be warmer and more durable but may be less comfortable on long hikes.

7. Style

  • Convertible: Some hiking pants can zip off into shorts, which is great for changing weather.
  • Regular: Regular pants can be more durable and offer more protection.

8. Price

  • Budget: There are good options at different prices. Sometimes more expensive pants last longer and have more features.
  • Value: Consider what features are most important to you and if the price matches your needs.

By thinking about these things, you can find the best hiking pants for your adventures!

SaleBestseller No. 1
BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants Quick Dry Water…
  • Stay cool, fresh and comfortable all day with our…
  • UV protection is a priority when exploring the…
  • Convenience is key when hiking, so we designed our…
  • The adjustable cord locks around the cuffs allow…
SaleBestseller No. 2
Eddie Bauer Women’s Rainier Pants, Graphite…
  • bluesign certified fabric—ensures safe and…
  • StormRepel DWR finish sheds moisture
  • FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Two front hand pockets
Bestseller No. 3
Singbring Women’s Athletic Hiking Cargo Joggers…
  • Lightweight, breathable, slightly elastic, quick…
  • Mid-rise, elastic wasitband with drawstring,…
  • 5 functional pockets: 2 cargo pockets,2 side zip…
  • UPF 50+ against harmful ultraviolet rays

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


📝 List of The 11 Best Hiking Pants for Women

After reading a lot of reviews and research we have shortlisted some of the women’s hiking pants available in the market.

1. Saturday Trail Pant By Columbia

The Columbia Saturday Trail Pant ($65) is a great value that enables you to hit the trail without going over your spending limit.

We adore its comfort and longevity in addition to its excellent value. High-stepping or scrambling becomes a breeze thanks to the two-way stretch and gusset.

They are perfect for both chilly off-season activities and warm sunny days thanks to the Omni-Shield and Omni-Shade finishes, which block damaging sun rays and repel undesirable water and stains. For such a low cost, these pants have a lot to offer.

However, you could be let down if you want to carry around a lot in your pockets. There is only one little zippered pocket, and the front pockets are angled, making it easy for anything to fall out.

Their back pockets with hook and loop finishes do offer some consolation in the case of troublesome storing.

The Saturday Trail Pant is a great option for getting outside, whether on an epic backcountry adventure or a leisurely day hike.

However, pocket space is a concern. They are, in our opinion, the most cost-effective women’s hiking pants.

Sale
Columbia Womens Saturday Trail Stretch Athletic…
  • ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Women’s Saturday…
  • HANDY FEATURES: Two side pockets with hook and…
  • ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: A partial elastic waist…
  • CLASSIC FIT: This pant is crafted of a classic fit…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: Best Waterproof Boots For Men


2. Women’s Halle Pant By prAna

PrAna's Halle pants ($85) is ideal for a range of outdoor pursuits and may be among the best pants ever made.

Together, the members of our staff have rock-climbed, thru-hiked, ascended 14ers, commuted to work, visited foreign countries, and more in these tough, well-equipped, adaptable pants.

Four-way stretch nylon and spandex fabric are used to make the prAna Halle. To ensure that they withstand bad weather and are resilient against wind, water, rock, and repetitive use, they have an additional water-resistant covering.

Want to ride a bike, climb a mountain, or wash your feet in a creek without being held up by fabric? Simply use the convenient snaps prAna provides to roll up the pants to Capri length.

Five pockets altogether—two front hand pockets, two back snap pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket—make up the Halle pants. These are ideal for a smaller phone (an iPhone XR fits just fine) or a wallet.

Mary Murphy, the managing editor of GearJunkie, has four pairs of these pants. They fit perfectly, work perfectly, and perform flawlessly no matter the activity.

They make excellent all-around hiking trousers for the summer, but we’ve also used them in the winter.

prAna Women’s Petite Halle Pant, Coal, 6 Short
  • THE EVERYDAY FAVORITE: The cross-functional Halle…
  • CASUAL STYLE: Elegant design in neutral colors…
  • DURABLE FABRIC: These adventure-ready pants are…
  • SUPERIOR FIT: Pants that feel as good as they…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


3. Keb Trousers By Fjallraven

For trekking, the Fjallraven Keb Curved Trousers ($235) is incredibly durable. They ought to be accompanied by a label saying, “Once you put these on, be ready to go achieve tremendous things.”

Where you need it most, the reinforced knees and rear offer additional protection in addition to the abrasion-resistant G-1000 material.

These pants are equipped with lengthy side vents and sizable snap-down cargo pockets, making them suitable for almost any situation. We also value the elastane’s thoughtful placement, which permits a full range of motion.

These have been put to the test in the rain, the cold, and on steamy, humid days. Because of the side vents, they are exceptionally breathable even in the warmest temperatures. Additionally, it’s simple to layer on a thin pair of long underwear underneath in colder climates.

There’s no denying that these hiking pants are expensive. They aren’t lightweight, weighing over a pound, aside from the price, but that’s what makes them pretty tough!

However, the Keb Trouser is well worth every penny if you’re seeking to get just one pair of pants that you can use for trekking all year long and do almost anything in.

Fjällräven Keb Trousers Curved Timber…
  • Make for the trails with Fjallraven and the Keb…
  • Durable, wind and water resistant G-1000 with…
  • Low-waist, pre-curved fit.
  • Pre-shaped knees and rear for added durability and…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


4. Sky Canyon Jogger By prAna

The prAna Sky Canyon Jogger ($89) is yet another excellent pair of trousers fashioned from the brand’s timeless and fashionable Stretch Zion fabric. They offer a UPF 50 sun protection rating, are slightly elastic, and are water-resistant.

For comfort, we appreciate the mid-rise and the tapered bottom. And we are particularly fond of the ample storage with six pockets. These pants have plenty of storage space, making them ideal for quick excursions without a bag.

Due to the lack of reinforcements and characteristics like abrasion resistance, these trousers do not receive our top rating for toughness.

We wish they had an elastic waistband instead of their current non-stretch waistband since it would have been more comfortable.

However, prAna’s Sky Canyon Jogger Pant provides nothing you don’t need and everything you need.

You’ll also look adorable without breaking the bank. These pants were designed to do it all in style, from multiday hikes to brisk strolls on your neighborhood trail.

prAna Women’s Sky Canyon Jogger, Coal, 8
  • Stretch ‘Zion’ Performance woven with DWR (durable…
  • Quick Dry
  • Upf 50+
  • Cross-functional pant with tapered leg

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


5. Women’s Alturas Guide Pant By First Lite

A choice pick for summer alone or combined with base layers for cool hikes, First Lite’s Alturas Guide Pant ($135-145) is a breathable, durable pant that cuts no corners.

The pockets are legitimately utilitarian without feeling like cargo pants, and the fabric has a four-way stretch that’s excellent over long distances.

These pants will last. Beat the tar out of them for a few years, and then keep it up. Specializing in pants made for hunters, durability is top of mind in First Lite’s line, and its gear proves itself in the field. Invest here if you’re looking for a pair of pants to get you through whatever time and time again.

While we give these pants high praise for their ruggedness out in the field, we don’t consider them the most flattering, and that’s due to their primary function as hunting pants. So, they won’t be a great choice for the office.

If you don’t mind a rugged look while bushwacking across the terrain and prefer a no-frills appearance, then the First Lite’s Alturas Guide Pant is a hiking pant that doesn’t mess around.

First Lite Women’s Alturas Guide Pant -…
  • Guiding Through Fields | Women’s hunting pant…
  • Stretchy Nylon | Durable material made with enough…
  • Weather Protection | DWR treatment fends off light…
  • Women-Specific Athletic Cut | Free-moving fit…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: Best Travel Scarves For Men


6. Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants By NORTH YARD

Nothing is more annoying than having to continually adjust your jeans while hiking. The integrated belt and drawstring closure on these NORTH YARD Women's Hiking Cargo Pants ($32) allows you to adjust the fit to your preference.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


7. Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Hiking Pants By BenBoy

With the BenBoy Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece Hiking Pants ($37), you won’t have to worry about the bulk and difficulty moving about that typically comes with clothing designed for temperatures below zero.

They not only keep you warm and dry, but they are also 8% spandex and slim-fitting, allowing you to hike and climb without restriction.

BenBoy Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Windproof Fleece…
  • Material: The hiking pants are made of 92%…
  • Multi zipper pockets keep your phone,keys,credit…
  • Slim fit hiking pants featuring adjustable…
  • Water repellent windproof outdoor pants with…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


8. Hiking Cargo Pants By BGOWATU

Any outdoor activity requires the proper equipment, but if you’re more of a casual hiker, you might want to think about a pair of BGOWATU Hiking Cargo Pants ($22).

Although they are made of premium, quick-drying UPF 50 fabric, they are nonetheless reasonably priced for novice hikers.

BGOWATU Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants Quick Dry…
  • Quick-Dry & UPF 50+ fabric is moisture wicking,…
  • 2 SBS Zipper pockets to securely hold stuff when…
  • Elastic waist with drawstring for an adjustable…
  • OCCASIONS: Suitable for all the season. Good…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: Best Paper Bag Pants And Shorts


9. Women’s Cargo Hiking Pant By MOCOLY

The material used to make the hiking pants is soft, thin, breathable, and quick-drying. All day, a water-repellent coating keeps you cool and fresh. Stretch-woven fabrics with UPF 50+ construction offer excellent defense against damaging UV rays.

The hiking jogging trousers have two hand pockets up front, one cargo pocket with a hook-and-loop closure, one cargo pocket with a zipper, and two zipper pockets at the back. They offer storage for your cards, phones, and keys.

The cargo pants’ drawstring-adjustable elastic stretch waistline and elastic cuffs make for a comfortable and sporty fit.

MOCOLY Women’s Cargo Hiking Pants Elastic Waist…
  • Sun Protection — Stretch-woven fabric build-in…
  • YKK Zipper-Closure Pockets — Deep enough to…
  • Adjustable Cord Lock — The cargo pant features…
  • Adjustable Drawstring Waistband — elastic…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: Best Climbing Shoes For Women 


10. Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants By Libin

Although it’s simple to take your hiking necessities in a backpack, you might not need to if you have these Libin Lightweight Quick Dry Hiking Pants($32).

The pants have five large, deep pockets for all of your small items.

Sale
Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers Lightweight Quick Dry…
  • Fabric is super lightweight, slightly elastic,…
  • UPF 50+ treatment provides excellent UV…
  • 5 functional pockets including 2 side zip pockets,…
  • Elastic wasitband with drawstring for a adjustable…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


11. Women’s Joggers Pants By BALEAF

High-Stretch, Lightweight, and Moisture-Resistant- Comfortable and wicking feeling. Although they are more appropriate for the fall, summer, and spring, you may add tights or leggings over these joggers in the winter to stay warm and look thin.

To keep you hydrated throughout your activities, special ventilated mesh side panels are included.

A customized fit and increased range of motion are provided by the internal drawcord on the elastic waistband.

Perfect for running, yoga, golf, hiking, jogging, outdoor sports, gym fitness, sitting around the home, casual wear, etc.; extremely lightweight and elastic tapered cuff for an athletic fit.

BALEAF Hiking Pants Women Joggers Workout Athletic…
  • Premium Soft Fabric: High-Stretchy & Lightweight &…
  • 2 Zipper Pockets: The zippered pockets are perfect…
  • Unique Ventilated Mesh Side Panels provide in…
  • Internal Drawcord on elastic waistband offers a…

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs About Hiking Pants For Women

People have a lot of questions about hiking pants some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

Q. Are hiking pants necessary?

A. Yes, hiking pants are necessary for optimal comfort, protection, and mobility on the trail.

Q. What is special about hiking pants?

A. Hiking pants are special due to their durable, quick-drying materials, weather resistance, and enhanced mobility features.

Q. What are the three types of women’s hiking pants?

A. The three types of women’s hiking pants are convertible, insulated, and soft-shell pants.

Q. What is the best material for hiking pants?

A. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are often the best choices for hiking pants due to their durability, quick-drying properties, and lightweight nature.

Q. How do I know if hiking pants are durable?

A. Look for pants with reinforced areas, such as the knees and seat, and read reviews for real-world feedback on durability.

Q. How should hiking pants fit?

A. Hiking pants should be snug enough to stay in place without a belt but loose enough to allow for a full range of movement. They should not restrict your mobility or cause chafing.

Q. What are some affordable brands for hiking pants?

A. Columbia and REI Co-op offer quality hiking pants at more affordable prices, making them great options for budget-conscious hikers.


😇 Conclusion

Investing in a good pair of hiking pants can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. By considering factors like material, fit, and weather protection, you can find the perfect pair that meets your needs and keeps you comfortable on the trail. Whether you choose a high-end brand like Arc’teryx or a budget-friendly option from Columbia, the right hiking pants will be a valuable addition to your hiking gear.


🗨️ Which hiking pants do you think are the best for women? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar of Ishika Mehra

Ishika Mehra is a budding author who currently pursuing college. She has a passion for reading, especially fiction, and is also an avid binge-watcher of various genres. In addition, I enjoy exploring her creative side through acting, dancing, and playing volleyball. Travel is my passion, and I love exploring new places. Read More

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