The 7 best women’s hiking pants, leggings, and shorts for day hikes and backpacking trips

Our testing methodology

Each of the hiking pants featured in this guide went through a series of on-trail tests to see how well they compared based on these four categories: Fit, function, versatility, and value. Here’s how each category factored into which hiking pants I ultimately included:

Fit: A hiking pant’s fit is perhaps the single most important category when assessing whether it’s worth spending money on or not. When testing, I looked for everything from how it felt to wear casually, how it held up on both casual and technical hikes, and whether it remained comfortable enough to wear post-trail. 

Function: There is plenty of women-designed outdoor apparel that skimps when it comes to including functional pockets (or any kind of storage), so this was a key consideration. Even if you tend to hike with a pack, there’s still a need for being able to store a smartphone or your keys in a pant pocket, instead of fishing them out of your bag all day. 

Versatility: Being able to wear a pair of hiking pants outside of its singular intended purpose is important for a couple of reasons: You don’t always have the time or space to change right after a hike and if you’re investing in quality pants, you should be able to put them to use in other scenarios.

Value: Value is less the final sticker price as much as it’s the combination of the three categories above as well as how much it costs. I often subscribe to the idea that it’s better to spend more on something that’s built to last than to spend less, more often on an inferior product. 

The best women’s hiking pants overall

Tough, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon fabric makes the Columbia Sportswear Saturday Trail Convertible Pant a great option for women looking for one garment that does it all.

Pros: Zip-off legs, gusseted crotch, made of stretch fabric that repels water

Cons: They run small so it’s smart to size up

Size range: 2-16 in short, regular, and long

Hikers will love that the legs on these zip off, adding an extra layer of versatility, allowing you to switch to shorts if need be. When worn as pants, a subtle flap covers the zipper to avoid snagging on anything as you hike.

A gusseted crotch allows for full freedom of movement and the pant’s articulated knees won’t pull up or feel binding when you’re stepping up or down. Side-zip security pockets safely hold an ID or credit card while leg hem cinches keep out bugs and debris. The fabric is rated for UPF 50, meaning you’re able to wear these in the sun without having to worry about getting burned, too.

The comfortable stretch fabric repels water and resists stains while breathing and wicking moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable. These pants feature a mid-rise design, come in three different lengths, and have enough give in the fabric to fit a variety of body shapes and sizes. Consider sizing up, though; they run small. 

The best capri-style women’s hiking pants

The from The North Face features oversized leg openings, making them cool in hot weather without leaving you as exposed as a pair of shorts.

Pros: Capri style keeps you cool in hot weather without completely exposing your legs, adjustable drawcord allows for a custom fit

Cons: Fit runs big

Size range: XS-3X

The waistband is two inches wide, so it won’t dig or chafe, even when you’re huffing up a steep incline or hauling a heavy backpack. An adjustable drawcord at the waist lets you easily cinch the pants for a customized fit.

The North Face manufactured the Aphrodite from durable, breathable fabric that quickly wicks and dries, allowing them to stay comfortable whether you’re hiking in the rain or breaking a sweat. A concealed zippered compartment inside the hand pocket secures valuables like car keys and its triple-stitched seams can endure miles of hard use. The shirring on the legs adds flair, so you could throw these on over your yoga tights en route to class if you don’t feel like walking around in Lycra.

The best women’s hiking shorts

Topo Designs Global Shorts are a high-waisted, quick-dry, and durable pair of adventure shorts that have held up on countless hikes and trips with our tester.

Pros: Durable stretch nylon, DWR finish, interior waist tie, three pockets, versatile use, cute colorways

Cons: Limited sizing, 4″ inseam may still ride up on thicker thighs

Size range: XS-XL

Whether you prefer to hike in shorts or want to keep cooler, hiking shorts should be breathable, sweat-wicking, and durable. (Just be sure to apply SPF to your exposed legs regularly.)

From cult climbing brand Topo Designs, these shorts are a great investment because they’re the only bottoms you’ll need for any outdoor adventure. For starters, they’re high-waisted (yay crop tops) and just long enough to prevent chafing but still be flattering. Made from quick-dry stretch nylon fabric, they hit that sweet spot of being thick enough to hold up against butt scoots and not feel your backpack rubbing, without getting weighed down by moisture.

I bought my first pair of these shorts a few years ago and wore them so much, I bought another (also because I fell in love with the green color). I’ve comfortably worn them on everything from quick day hikes around my home in the Colorado Rockies to a long, hot, 13-mile Volcano climbs in New Zealand.

Why I love the Global Shorts above other hiking shorts is their verstility for the price. These shorts are ideal if you’re going on an outdoorsy weekend and want to pack light with items that will function both on a hike and stylishly when walking around town. In addition to hiking, they work great climbing and on river days. —Rachael Schultz

For more great hiking short options, check out “What else we’ve tested” below.

The best women’s hiking leggings

The Fjällräven Abisko Women’s Trekking Tights are very comfortable with stretch fabric, a very flattering fit, and reinforced at the knees and butt for durability and protection if you fall, slide, or need to scoot.

Pros: Stretchy, reinforced in key areas, wide waistband, gusseted, flatlock seams reduce chafing, interior drawcord for better fit, gear loops, phone pocket

Cons: Expensive, limited sizing, too long for short folks, can get hot during sunny summer hikes

Size range: XS-XL

Like most millennials, I prefer to wear leggings over pants in pretty much every situation, especially during exercise. The Fjällräven Abisko Women’s Trekking Tights are ideal if you want a close-to-body feel and flattering fit on a more technical hike. 

Made from 82% nylon and 18% elastane, these tights are the perfect balance of stretchy and durable. They’re breathable and sweat-wicking, though they’re a little too thick for hot summer hikes. The best part about these tights are the reinforced knees and butt areas, which offer abrasion-resistance on the areas you’re most likely to scrape against the ground slipping, sliding, or scooting.

They also have a convenient phone pocket for quick pics on your hike, and an interior drawcord for a tighter fit around the waist if you need.

The downside is they’re quite pricey. But if you hike a lot or are heading out for a big trip where you need reliable, durable bottoms, the splurge may be worth it. —Rachael Schultz

The best plus-size hiking pants

Plus-size hikers are obsessed with for their stay-put fit specifically designed for bigger bodies, slight compression, and durability.

Pros: Specifically designed for plus-sized bodies, stays put with activity, slight compression

Cons: Not waterproof or wind-resistant 

Size range: L-7X

When we asked a handful of plus-size outdoor adventurers and athletes what gear they couldn’t live without, multiple ladies pointed to . Despite being an activewear company, its are great for outdoor adventurers, in particular hiking, as they’re high-waisted with a 20-inch inseam and stay put with movement, thanks in part to their gusseting for better mobility. They’re made from soft, stretchy, and mildly-compressive fabric which is also sweat-wicking and quick-dry to keep you cool for long miles. 

Because the brand is more focused on activewear than technical-wear, the capris don’t have any waterproofing, abrasion-resistance, or wind-resistance. But because are so comfortable and well-designed, and the vast majority of women of all sizes like to work up a sweat in leggings over pants, these still hold our top plus-size pick.

If you want something more technical for, say, a backpacking trip, check out our top overall pick, Columbia Sportswear’s Saturday Trail Convertible Pant, which is also made in plus-size and was another great-fitting must-have from the plus-size adventurers we spoke with. —Rachael Schultz

The best wear-anywhere women’s hiking pants

The pant is able to do it all, from trekking through the backcountry to remaining comfortable around the house for daily use.

Pros: Stretch fabric is perfect for a variety of use cases, features SPF 50+ protection, repels water, available in three length choices

Cons: The fitted, skinny leg style may not be suitable for everyone

Size range: 00-14 in short and regular

These stretchy, slim fit pants don’t scream technical trail attire and are perfect as a travel pant, allowing you to wear them at a city tour, a hike, or while out to dinner with friends.

Stretchy and water repellent, the Briann stays comfortable no matter if you’ve been in them for hours or days, and they won’t look saggy or worn down. Made from durable, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon, the pants quick-dry moisture, offer SPF 50+ protecting, and repel water. They’re designed as a mid-rise pant with belt loops and a button closure. Prana offers the Briann in three length choices and seven different colorways.

The best women’s hiking pants for mountaineering

Made for professional mountain guides, the Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants are lightweight, packable, and constructed from a stretchy fabric that lasts for years of hard use.

Pros: Features UPF 50+ protection, highly durable, zippered pockets able to hold plenty of loose gear like phones, wallets, etc.

Cons: Sizing can be a little tricky

Size range: 0-16

These pants are rugged and durable enough to survive anything the outdoors throws at you, and feature a treated water-repelling finish and UPF 50+ protection.

The Guide Pro Pants offer a style reminiscent of a pair of stretch jeans and feature two hand pockets, a button waist, and belt loops. Zippered pockets on the thighs are big enough to hold a phone, wallet, or ID, too. They’re styled as a mid-rise pant and come in seven different colors.

Eddie Bauer designed these for women with a somewhat curvy figure, so check the sizing guide before choosing which pair to buy.

What else we’ve tested

What else we recommend

Fjällräven Abisko Stretch Shorts ($90): These shorts are super lightweight and very comfortable, with their high-stretch, breathable fabric and freedom-of-movement design speficially cut for a feminine silhouette. I’ve worn them on hikes long and short and they surprisingly don’t ride up or chafe, and I love that they’re flattering while still being incredibly functional. The Topo Designs shorts won out for our top pick in that category because they’re more versatile and more trendy of a look, but I still highly recommend these for any hiker.

Outdoor Voices Rectrek Shorts ($78): Based on how stinking cute these shorts are, I was shocked to find they’re amazingly functional. The fabric is quick-dry and stretch, the overall design allows for unobstructed movement and a chafe-free hike, and they have pockets galore for snacks and chapstick.

What we’re looking forward to testing

Alpine Parrot Ponderosa Pant: This new Latina-owned brand raised $60,000 on Kickstarter for its durable, technical adventure pants designed specifically for sizes 14-24. We are so excited to see a pair of technical pants made specifically for oft-overlooked body shapes so more women can access the outdoors, and we’ll be testing these pants on hikes this summer.