REASONS TO BUY
Durable technical fabric
Full-circumference waistband storage pockets
Stays in place during movement
Versatile for hiking and training
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Fabric feels more technical than cozy
Moderate compression may feel snug
Arc'teryx Essent Utility Review
A durable, supportive technical legging with exceptional storage, including thigh pockets and full-circumference waistband pockets, built for hiking, training, and demanding outdoor use
Credit: Kate Pitts
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 18, 2026
RELATED: The Best Leggings of 2026
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Arc'teryx Essent Utility | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Legging |  Best Streamlined Training Tight | Best Compression for Weight Training and HIIT Workouts |  Best Bang for the Buck Comfortable Legging | |
| Price | $140 List Check REI (on sale!) | $125 List Check REI (on sale!) | $98 List | $134 List Check REI (on sale!) | $32 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A durable, supportive technical legging with exceptional storage, including thigh pockets and full-circumference waistband pockets, built for hiking, training, and demanding outdoor use | The do-it-all legging for most people, offering the ideal mix of comfort, versatility, performance, and everyday style for nearly any adventure | A streamlined workhorse — compressive enough for hard sessions, clean enough to wear around town, and not overloaded with unnecessary extras | Built for hard training, these leggings combine strong compression, durable fabric, and practical pockets to keep up through intense workouts and dynamic movement | A comfortable, stylish, and budget-friendly legging that delivers impressive performance for yoga, everyday wear, and light adventures |
| Rating Categories | Arc'teryx Essent Uti... | Patagonia Maipo Stas... | Lululemon Wunder Tra... | Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 | CRZ Yoga Butterlift... |
| Comfort & Fit (35%) | |||||
| Compression & Support (20%) | |||||
| Breathability (15%) | |||||
| Durability & Recovery (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Arc'teryx Essent Uti... | Patagonia Maipo Stas... | Lululemon Wunder Tra... | Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 | CRZ Yoga Butterlift... |
| Best Use | Running/HIIT Workouts, Outdoor (hiking, climbing, skiing) | Daily Wear/Lounging, Running/HIIT Workouts, Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor (hiking, climbing, skiing) | Daily Wear/Lounging, Running/HIIT Workouts, Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor (hiking, climbing, skiing) | Daily Wear/Lounging, Running/HIIT Workouts, Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor (hiking, climbing, skiing) | Daily Wear/Lounging, Running/HIIT Workouts, Yoga/Pilates, Outdoor (hiking, climbing, skiing) |
| Inseam Lengths Available | 28.5 to 35.5 (varies by size) | 26" | 23", 25", 28", 31" | 24" | 25" |
| Sizes Available | 00-16 | XXS-XXL | 0-20 | XXS-XXL | XS-XL |
| Squat Test | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Colors | 2 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 13 |
| Pockets | Two side, waist band stretch pockets | Two side | Waistband | One side and back zip | None |
| Material | Nylon stretch lycra, 220gsm - 71% Nylon, 29% Elastane | 81% NetPlus® recycled nylon, 19% spandex | 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra Elastane | 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane | 74% Polyamide, 26% Lycra |
| Compression | Moderate | Moderate | Firm | Firm | Moderate |
Our Analysis and Test Results
—Kate Pitts
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