Gear up for your hikes and shop the best hiking pants for women

When hiking, not only do you need to consider the weather and terrain, but you also have to ensure you have the appropriate gear. 

As any seasoned hiker knows, having the appropriate gear can make all the difference when traversing rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. A good pair of hiking trousers will take you far on your outdoor adventures.

From moisture-wicking fabrics to durable construction and functional design features, the best hiking pants offer a blend of performance and comfort tailored to the demands of the trail. 

However, we know that finding suitable hiking slacks can be tricky, which is why we have put together a list of the best hiking pants for women that will keep you comfortable and dry.

Read more: Complete your hiking outfit with the best hiking boots

Find hiking pants for women

An all-rounder option

Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Pants

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From $48.88 at Amazon

Best lightweight hiking pants

prAna Halle Pant II

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$47.50 at prAna

Best waterproof pants

The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

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$48 at The North Face

Best backpacking pants

Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Pants

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$98.95 at Back Country

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An all-rounder option

Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Pants

$48.88

From $48.88 at Amazon

$70 at Columbia Sportswear

Specifications

Colors: 4

Sizes: Standard and plus. 2-18

Features: UPF 50 sun protection, converts to capri pants, cargo pockets, water repellant

With a blend of nylon and elastane, these Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Pants from Columbia provide ample stretch for freedom of movement.

Equipped with Columbia's Omni-Wick technology, they efficiently wick away sweat and moisture from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable even in warm or humid conditions. They also have built-in UPF 50 sun protection, which makes it great for summer days. 

Not only can you wear these pants for hiking, but their versatile design is also suitable for various outdoor activities, thanks to their roll-up legs that convert them from pants to a capri style.

You can stash small essentials such as keys, trail maps, or snacks in its multiple pockets too.

Best lightweight hiking pants

prAna Halle Pant II

You save $47.50 (50%)

$47.50$95

$47.50 at prAna

Specifications

Colors: 9

Sizes: 00 to 18

Features: UPF50+ protection, PFAS-Free DWR coating, snaps for hem roll-up, recycled materials

Made with nylon fabric, the Halle Pant II is breathable and scratch-resistant, and great for hiking and camping. It features snaps on the legs, which lets you roll them up to a capri style to adapt to changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations on the trail.

You get multiple flap and zip closure pockets for storage and it’s finished with durable water-repellent (DWR) coating for protection against light rain and moisture.

Best waterproof pants

The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

You save $32 (40%)

$48$80

$48 at The North Face

$71.89 at Amazon

$80 at Zappos

Specifications

Colors: 9

Sizes: XX small short to 3X Short

Features: UPF 40+, FlashDry technology, stretch drawcord at leg, DWR finish

Featuring a relaxed fit and a tapered leg in a lightweight and breathable nylon-elastane blend, these hiking pants from The North Face are flattering and comfortable for any hiking or travel adventure. 

You’ll stay dry in light rain or when you’re sweaty with its DWR finish and the North Face’s FlashDry technology, which won’t weigh you down nor wash out. We think this is a great option if you’re looking for waterproof hiking pants.

Equipped with multiple zippered pockets, including front hand pockets and a zippered cargo pocket, you’ll have plenty of space for essentials like keys, your cell phone and cards.

Best backpacking pants

Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Pants

$98.95

$98.95 at Back Country

$98.95 at Amazon

$99 at Outdoor Research

Specifications

Colors: 11

Sizes: 0 to 14 short

Features: UPF 50+, water-resistant, drawcord cuff closures, abrasion-resistant, movement mirroring stretch

Don’t be fooled by the minimalist design of the Ferrosi pants — they have many practical design elements that will make your hiking, backpacking or climbing experience more convenient and enjoyable. 

Made from a durable and stretchy softshell fabric, they offer unparalleled freedom of movement. The fabric is also highly breathable, water-resistant and has abrasion-resistant properties for durability against rough terrain and rough surfaces.

It even has a harness-compatible waist, which is ideal for climbers, and a brushed tricot-lined, comfortable, breathable waistband.

A durable pair

Gamma Pant Women’s

$126.83

$126.83 at Rei Co-op

$200 at Arc’teryx

Specifications

Colors: 4

Sizes: 0 to 16

Features: Water and wind-resistant, DWR finish, stretchy fabric

If you’re after a pair of lightweight hiking pants that are durable but yet still offer stretchiness and comfort, then the Gamma Pant may be your ideal pair. It’s made with wind-resistant softshell fabric for reliable protection against the elements while providing exceptional breathability and freedom of movement. 

Users say it’s surprisingly stretchy with a four-way stretch material that allows you to navigate steep trails and challenging terrain with ease and you’ll be kept dry with a water-resistant finish that repels light moisture. 

The hiking pants have articulated knees and a gusseted crotch while a contoured waistband ensures a comfortable and secure fit. Multiple pockets, including zippered hand pockets and a zippered thigh pocket keep your hands free but don’t add bulk to your silhouette.

Best functional pants

Mountain Hardwear Women's Dynama/2 Pant

$74.95

From $74.95 at Amazon

$85 at Mountain Hardware

Specifications

Colors: 12

Sizes: X-small tall to x-large long

Features: UPF 50, water repellant, odor resistant

Designed with the active woman in mind, the Dynama/2 Pant features a range of practical design elements tailored to enhance performance and convenience when you’re out on hikes.

Boasting a low-profile waistband, it sits comfortably under a backpack hip belt, while a drawcord adjustment gives you a customizable fit. The pants also include multiple pockets, including a zippered thigh pocket and two hand pockets.

The best part? It’s minimal enough to be worn daily when paired with other items in your closet. No one will be able to tell that you’re wearing comfy hiking pants to work.

For warmer weather

Patagonia Quandary Pant

$62.30

$62.30 at Back Country

$99 at Patagonia

Specifications

Colors: 4

Sizes: Short and regular lengths, 0 to 22

Features: 40+ UPF, DWR finish, recycled nylon

Planning a hike in warmer weather? These Patagonia hiking pants will offer protection from light rain and moisture to keep you dry and cool.

It’s flattering on smaller silhouettes with its curved waistband that contours to the natural shape of the hips and provides a close fit to keep the pants in place during movement. Additional features include belt loops, a zipper fly with a metal-button closure and a hidden drawcord for a customizable fit.

There are just enough pockets for your belongings — two front ones with a left-front pocket that has a built-in repair patch for fixes on the go, two back pockets and one right-thigh zippered pocket.

A cargo style

KUHL Splash Roll-Up Pant

$89

$89 at KUHL

Specifications

Colors: 8

Sizes: 2 to 16

Features: Short and roll-up styles, UPF 50, quick dry, legs roll up and snap in place

Like the cargo pants style and want that in a pair of hiking pants? The KUHL Splash Roll-Up Pant should tick those boxes. 

Featuring cargo-style pockets and front and back pockets with snap closures, there’s plenty of space to store and reach for your essentials on hikes.

These are the best convertible pants for hiking because of their roll-up cuffs that allow you to convert them into capris, which are great if you have to tread through water or want more breathability in warmer weather.

And if you’re someone who sweats buckets, the pants are made with lightweight, quick-drying fabric so you’ll be comfortable and moisture-free even in damp conditions.

Which hiking pants do we recommend?

The selection of best hiking pants for women on our list and highly recommended and will be comfortable and suitable for tackling any hikes. If you need to narrow it down further, a few styles stand out.

For a great all-rounder pair of hiking pants, we recommend the Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Pants, which are ideal for other types of outdoor activities and not just hiking, thanks to its ultra-stretchy fabric, moisture-wicking properties and ability to roll up into a capri style.

If you’re looking for hiking pants that can take you from the streets to the trails, the Mountain Hardwear Women's Dynama/2 Pant are a good option with its minimal design and customizable fit.

And if you’re into cargo-style pants, the KUHL Splash Roll-Up Pant with its many pockets and breathable fabric may be the one for you.

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Prices updated on 04/29/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.