Best Hiking Pants for Women

What are hiking pants?

Hiking pants aren’t just pants—they’re your trail-tested, adventure-ready, mile-crushing sidekick. Unlike your everyday leggings or joggers, women’s hiking pants are built to move, stretch, wick, and protect. They fend off scrapes, fend off the elements, and—best of all—come with actual, functional pockets (because we know you need a place for snacks). Whether you're tackling steep switchbacks, wading through streams, or just out for a quick hike with the pup, the right pair of hiking pants makes all the difference. So, what should you look for? We’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding the best hiking pants for women—because when the trail calls, you’d better be ready.

What types of hiking pants are there?

Classic Hiking Pants

The OG of trail gear—classic hiking pants such as our Clamber, Big B, and Evergreen hiking pants and shorts are made for durability, breathability, and all-day comfort. They’re tough enough to handle rough terrain but lightweight enough to keep you moving. Most come with room for mobility, water-resistant finishes for unexpected drizzles, and—yes—plenty of pockets. If you want a reliable go-to, these are it.

Benefits

• ✔ Durable and abrasion-resistant for rugged trails
• ✔ Breathable and moisture-wicking for all-day comfort
• ✔ Plenty of pockets for snacks, maps, and gear
• ✔ Often water-resistant or quick-drying

Hiking Joggers

A little more laid-back but still trail-ready, hiking joggers like the Sylvan Hybrid Hiking Joggers offer a modern, tapered fit with an elastic waistband for extra comfort. They’re lighter than classic hiking pants but more rugged than your everyday joggers, making them great for fast hikes, travel, or post-adventure coffee runs.

Benefits

• ✔ Comfortable, relaxed fit with a modern look
• ✔ Tapered legs prevent snagging on brush
• ✔ Lightweight and breathable for easy movement
• ✔ Great for hiking, travel, and everyday wear

Hiking Leggings

Like your favorite leggings but tougher. Hiking leggings like the Sylvan Hybrid Hiking Tights bring stretch, breathability, and moisture-wicking power to the trail, with reinforced panels in high-wear areas for extra durability. They’re perfect for when you need flexibility but still want protection from scrapes and the elements.

Benefits

• ✔ Maximum stretch and mobility for scrambling and climbing
• ✔ Breathable and moisture-wicking for sweaty hikes
• ✔ Lightweight and easy to pack
• ✔ Snug fit means no extra fabric catching on rocks or branches

Convertible Hiking Pants

Can’t decide between pants and shorts? Get both. Convertible hiking pants zip off at the knee, letting you switch between full coverage and bare legs as the weather (or your body temp) changes. They’re a great choice for unpredictable conditions and multi-day trips where packing light is key.

Benefits

• ✔ Two-in-one versatility—pants or shorts depending on the weather
• ✔ Great for unpredictable conditions and multi-day trips
• ✔ Lightweight and often quick-drying

Lightweight Hiking Pants

For hot hikes and high mileage days, lightweight hiking pants such as the Switchback Ultralight Hiking Joggers keep things breezy. Made from ultra-breathable, quick-drying fabric, they offer sun protection without weighing you down. Bonus: they pack small, making them an easy addition to any backpack.

Benefits

• ✔ Super breathable and perfect for hot weather
• ✔ Quick-drying and packable for travel or long hikes

Winter Hiking Pants

When the temps drop, winter hiking pants Iike the Clamber Lined Hiking Pants or Cold Killer Pants step up. Designed with insulation, wind resistance, and water-repellent finishes, they keep you warm without sacrificing mobility. Some have fleece lining for extra coziness, while others focus on layering potential—either way, they’re a must-have for cold-weather treks.

Benefits

• ✔ Insulated and wind-resistant for cold-weather comfort
• ✔ Water-repellent to handle snow and light rain
• ✔ Some styles have fleece lining for extra warmth

What Qualities to Look for in Hiking Pants

When we’re out on the trail, we need pants that work as hard as we do. No pinching, no sagging, no giving up halfway up the mountain. Here’s what to look for when picking the best hiking pants:

• • Durability – We’re not here for one-hit wonders. Hiking pants need to handle brush, rocks, and whatever else the trail throws at us without tearing or wearing thin. Reinforced knees? Even better.
• • Stretch & Mobility – If we can’t squat, scramble, and power through the trail without resistance, we’re out. Articulated knees, gusseted crotches, and just the right amount of stretch keep us moving freely.
• • Weather Resistance – Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes. Quick-dry fabric, water resistance, and wind protection mean we’re ready for whatever she’s got planned.
• • Breathability & Wicking – Sweat happens. Pants that wick moisture and breathe keep us cool on hot hikes and dry when we’re pushing the pace.
• • Pockets That Actually Work – We need room for snacks, maps, keys, and whatever else we don’t feel like stuffing in our pack. The more pockets (with zippers!), the better.
• • Versatility – The best hiking pants pull double duty. Trail to town, hike to hammock, peak to post-trek brewery—they’ve gotta fit the whole adventure. Bonus points for roll-up cuffs or zip-off legs.

Bottom line? The best hiking pants don’t just fit—they function. We’re here to hike, climb, explore, and crush the miles, and our gear should be just as ready as we are.

What Are the Best Hiking Pants for Women?

As women who live for the outdoors and know exactly what a hike can throw at us, we’ve got some favorite hiking pants that we absolutely swear by. These pants are more than just gear—they’re our trusted companions on every adventure. Here’s why we love them and why we’re recommending them to you:

What is the difference between climbing and hiking pants?

Climbing pants and hiking pants are like cousins—they look similar, but they’ve got different strengths for different challenges.

Climbing Pants are all about flexibility and durability where it counts. These pants are designed for vertical moves—extra stretch in the crotch and knees, durable fabric in high-wear areas, and a fit that won’t interfere with your harness. They're made to give you that full range of motion you need when you're scrambling up rocks or reaching for that next hold. But, they’re often a bit lighter and less weather-resistant than hiking pants.

Hiking Pants, on the other hand, are built for endurance. They’re all about comfort for long miles, featuring breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that handle sweat and long days on the trail. Hiking pants often have features like water-resistance, articulated knees for movement, and more pockets for gear. While they have some flexibility, they’re less about being super stretchy for climbing and more about standing up to rough terrain, changing weather, and hours on the move.

Can you use climbing pants for hiking? Sure. But if you’re hitting steep inclines, rocky trails, or need protection from the elements, hiking pants are your better bet.

Are long or short pants better for hiking?

When it comes to long pants vs. shorts for hiking, it’s all about the trail—and the weather. Here's the deal:

Hiking Pants are your best bet for rough, rugged terrain. They protect you from scrapes, branches, rocks, and even pesky bugs. Plus, they give you a little extra shield from the sun, so if you’re facing long, exposed sections, long pants will have your back (literally). They’re also better for unpredictable weather, keeping you warm when it cools off or during surprise rain showers.

When the trail calls for something between full coverage and full exposure, hiking capris are the answer. Offering more protection than shorts but better breathability than pants, they’re built for versatility. The Clamber Capris are tough yet lightweight, made with recycled ClambR™ fabric that’s rugged enough for scrambles but breathable enough for warm-weather treks. With an internal leg cinch system, UPF 50 protection, and six pockets, they’re adventure-ready. The Evergreen Capris bring a more streamlined, do-it-all vibe with a stretchy, quick-dry fabric and a pull-on yoga waistband for all-day comfort from peaks to streets. Whether tackling rocky switchbacks or post-hike coffee runs, these capris keep up.

Hiking shorts, on the other hand, are the go-to when the sun's out and the temps are up. They keep you cool and free to move, especially on shorter hikes or low-altitude trails. But they don’t do much for protection, so you’ll want to be careful of thorny bushes or rough brush.

Can’t decide? Convertible pants that zip off into shorts give you the best of both worlds—quickly switch from full coverage to breeze-friendly as the day heats up.

Bottom line? If you’re on a rugged trail with unpredictable weather, long pants are the way to go. For those hot, easy-going hikes? Shorts have got it covered.

What hiking pants should I wear in different weather?

Hot and Sunny Weather

When you're hiking in scorching heat or under intense sun, breathability, moisture-wicking, and UV protection are your top priorities.

• • Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon and polyester that allow air to circulate and keep you cool.
• • Moisture-wicking properties will keep sweat at bay, so you don’t end up feeling soggy after a steep climb.
• • UPF protection is a must to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. We love the Evergreen Hiking Pants, which feature UPF 50 protection to keep you safe from the sun while you enjoy your adventure.

Cool and Breezy Weather

For those days when there’s a slight chill in the air but the weather’s still mild enough for a comfortable hike, you'll want pants that offer a little extra warmth without overheating.

• • Look for versatile, mid-weight fabrics that provide just enough warmth while still being breathable.
• • Pants with stretch will allow you to move freely, especially when you're working up a sweat.
• • A soft waistband and adjustable features are ideal when the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

Cold and Windy Weather

When you’re heading out on colder days, you’ll need winter hiking pants that provide insulation and block out the wind. Look for options that can keep you warm without being bulky, so you can still move easily.

• • Look for insulated fabrics or pants with a thermal lining to retain body heat.
• • Wind-resistant features are a must when trekking through colder, breezy areas. Pants with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment will also keep light rain or snow at bay.
• • Adjustability becomes key—look for pants that allow you to layer underneath or cinch at the ankles to trap warmth.

Rainy and Wet Weather

When you’re facing wet, rainy conditions, you'll need pants that can handle moisture, dry quickly, and protect you from getting soggy.

• • Water-resistant or waterproof materials are crucial for keeping you dry.
• • Look for pants with a DWR finish or fully waterproof coatings.
• • Quick-drying fabric is a must to keep you comfortable and prevent that wet, clingy feeling after a downpour.
• • A good adjustable leg cinch or tapered ankle design helps to keep water from splashing into your pants or boots.

All-Season, Versatile Pants

If you're the kind of adventurer who’s always on the go—no matter the weather—a pair of pants that can handle all conditions is essential.

• • Convertible hiking pants are an excellent option for year-round hiking, as you can zip off the legs when it's hot or keep them on for warmth when it cools down.
• • Pants with adjustable features like waistbands, leg cinches, and cuffs offer flexibility for a variety of conditions.