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As women, we all know finding the right balance between fit and functionality in hiking pants can be a challenge. We hit the trails to find the best pairs offering comfort, fit, and yes, style. Whether you're a casual day hiker, avid backpacker, or somewhere in between, there's a pair for you in this review.
Since 2012, we've bought and tested 50 pairs of hiking pants for women to find the best pairs. This review covers 14 of the top models on the market today. We trekked hundreds of miles, scrambled up spurs, and hiked strenuous trails during hot days, sudden showers, and unexpected snow to push the limits of each pair's comfort and mobility. We also wore them to climb, travel, and socialize to find hiking pants that can hang.
Our favorite option overall is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. With a comfy and functional design, this model basically checks all the boxes for what you could want in a pair of hiking pants. Year after year, we love this pant.
If you're looking for a great value, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are another favorite for the incredible comfort and mobility they offer at an affordable price.
Editor's Note: Our women's hiking pants review was updated on Nov 15, 2025, to test and review the REI Co-op Activator and Fjallraven Keb Curved trousers.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are soft, comfy, and feature a UPF 50+ rating to protect you from UV rays and enough water resistance to shake off a splash or two. They have a relatively flattering fit, functional pockets, and practical details like a mid-rise waist, fleece-lined waistband, and integrated drawstring that works well under a pack's waist strap. The stretchy fabric shadows your every move and rolls easily to help cool you off on hot days. Our lead tester said, “I love the soft fabric. It stretches like a dream and allows complete freedom of movement.” The Ferrosi pants also breathe well and dry quickly. Elastic bands let you cinch the hems for unfettered footwork.
The pants are trim through the thighs. If you size up for more room, they can gap at the waist. The waist tie solves the problem, but the resulting fit can be less flattering. If you overheat easily, there is a convertible version of the Ferrosi with mid-thigh zips that create Bermuda-length shorts. The thigh zippers limit stretch, though, and our testers prefer to roll the regular pants rather than unzip the convertible version. If you need a less expensive option, consider the versatile REI Co-op Trailmade Pants. If you can afford the Ferrosi pants, they're worth the investment – functional, versatile, and ready for a range of outdoor objectives, from water sports to backpacking trips to day hikes.
If we had to choose one pair to withstand blistering summer days, chilly fall winds, and wintery conditions, the OR Ferrosi hiking pants would be our pick.
We wore them while hiking, climbing, working, and yoga breaks, and the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants never let us down. The midrise, roomy design, and stretchy fabric moves with you no matter what. They also manage to offer all the usual features at a lower price point than the rest. The hand pockets work well, and there's a zippered option on the right thigh to secure your phone. Light water resistance, a bit of wind breaking, easy-to-roll hems, and a cinch that lets you batten them down to keep debris out round out these hardworking hikers.
Despite the doubled fabric at the back of the ankles and the knees, we're still a bit concerned about the longevity of the lightweight fabric. “When I prodded it with the tip of a paperclip, it punctured easily, and some of the threads pulled,” one tester said. There are already a few loose seams, and the button at the waist is wobbly with no reinforcement. Their loose cut can also look and feel sloppy at times, but the fun colors and relaxed fit still earned us compliments. Overall, we expect these pants to stand up to normal wear and tear, and they'll keep you comfortably out on the trail for less.
Weight: 10.8 oz | Inseam Options: 28.5", 30.5", 33.5"
PROS
Impressive weather resistance
Lightweight softshell pant
Integrated belt and useful pockets
CONS
Heavier for summer use
Expensive
The Arc'teryx Gamma pants are light enough for summer weather and can handle shoulder season and winter temps. They are among the most weatherproof options in the test, with highly wind-resistant softshell material that also sheds water well and is quick to dry. “I appreciate the solid weather resistance, which makes them great for mild to cold weather and wet days on the trail,” our lead reviewer said. They now have a tweaked fit with wider legs, perfect for layering in cold weather, and a slightly higher rise. The new fit is more specific but works very well under a climbing harness or backpack strap. The integrated belt got a redesign to match, it's now offset, keeping it out of the way of other straps and snaps. Handy zippered pockets can secure your smartphone and your paws.
Even though the Gamma is light for a softshell pant, they are thicker and hold in more heat than many of the models in the test. They breathe well but really shine in milder weather, shoulder seasons, and rainy days. They are also expensive and can be tricky to size with a trim cut. If you can afford them, though, they are awesome four-season hiking pants and one of our top recommendations for technical hikes, alpine conditions, or cooler weather adventures. If you want similar weatherproofing in a lightweight pant at a lower price, consider the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant.
If you don't want to waste time changing when you head to the trailhead after work or between the trail and dinner, the Prana Halle Straight Pants II are made for you. “I love that they wear like a polished pair of jeans but with stretch fabric that moves like a dream and never seems to lose its form,” our lead tester said. Articulated knees, generous proportions through the hips, and a gusseted crotch let you move through the world however you want. The cut tends to skim the thighs but fits well in the waist, with an integrated waistband to tailor the fit.
Prana seems to have dropped the II from the name of these. They're simply called the Halle Straight Pants now. You may still see the Halle Straight II online for a discount.
These aren't the most technical pants we've tested. The PFAS-free water-resistant coating blocks water only briefly before soaking into the fabric. They only lasted five seconds in the shower test before we started to get wet. None of the pockets secure a smartphone well, and they aren't as breathable or windproof as the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant. Usually, though, when we're heading for a hike after work, it's not an epic or technical climb, and these pants are great for a walk in the woods. The Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants and Patagonia Happy Hike Studio are other great options for daily wear.
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible are comfortable, breathable hiking pants with loads of handy features at an affordable price. We love the useful pockets and built-in waist tie, but their standout feature is that the lower legs detach, and an additional vertical zipper allows you to convert them without removing your boots. The material stretches enough to allow for any outing, from rock climbing to backpacking, and they proved to be quite durable during our test period. They breathe well when it's hot, repel water when it rains, and easily fit a base layer underneath when it's cold. We especially appreciate that they come in a wide range of sizes, from petite to plus.
The REI Sahara pants are beyond comfortable and never feel restrictive, but the generous cut keeps them from passing for anything but athletic wear. Fortunately, society loves athleisure these days. Our tests proved the thin fabric and zip-off legs work terrific on warm hikes. But when the weather is cold, or the wind picks up, they don't do much to hold back the chill. “I found these pants too thin for chilly weather, but the cut is so loose that it's easy to wear a base layer underneath,” one tester remarked. When it's hot, though, these pants are hard to beat. We certainly tested options with a lower price point, but the Sahara pants offer an incredible cost-to-performance ratio. If you need a budget option, the Cycorld Convertible Outdoor Pants 11 also convert to shorts. Though they aren't as well-made, we suggest you size up for a comfortable fit.
The REI Activator's are a versatile pair of pants that kept us comfortable and warm hiking on trails in the late fall. These stretchy, soft-shell pants are made of durable 63% nylon and 26% polyester, while the 11% spandex allows us to stretch with ease. We love the large zippered hand pockets and the small lower pocket that's great for stowing away smaller items like keys or earbuds. It also has two big back pockets with sturdy snaps. We appreciated the cinch at the hem, which tightens and loosens more efficiently than the hem snaps on the Fjallraven Keb trousers. We love that these pants come in so many different size options, we were easily able to find a pair that fit like a glove. “As a pear-shaped person, most pants fit me pretty tight around the waist, but these offer plenty of room without feeling baggy,” said one of our testers.
While these pants are cozy and warm, they're only meant for specific seasons. “I wouldn't want to wear these in the middle of the summer, I'd get way too warm,” said testers. They're also not very breathable. Instead, they're constructed to block winds up to 30 mph, which we found to be effective in our field tests hiking up mountains with similar wind speeds. And, while they guard against light rain, we wouldn't wear them for prolonged periods in stormy weather. Even though these aren't the most expensive pants we've ever tested, they're still an investment, and we'd primarily recommend them to folks who regularly hike in the off-season.
We wore the Fjallraven Keb Curved trekking trousers while bushwhacking through a field of thorns and scooting down jagged rocks, and they came out without a single scratch or thread pull. The G-1000 blend is practically impenetrable. We would be psyched to take these on high mountain climbs or anyplace where the approach can get a bit dicey, though they're also great in flat terrain with stormy weather, as the fabric is incredibly water repellent. We love that it's compatible with Fjallraven's affordable Greenland Wax, which means that after the water repellency starts to wear, you can reapply it and use these pants for many years to come. So, while these pants are quite expensive, you'll get your money's worth in the long run as they aren't likely to rip or tear, and you can always reapply the wax. We found the curved version of this pant had a great fit on our curvier testers.
It takes a long time and a lot of water to soak the Keb trousers.
Credit: Elizabeth White
The Keb Curved trousers are great for most seasons, though you'll want to wear some long-johns under them in the winter. They also come with four different vents: The top two run from the hip to the knee, and the bottom two run from the knee to your ankle, making them a breathable option for warmer days. Finally, they have massive pockets that can fit everything from your phone and keys to a small water bottle. Fjallraven also makes a non-curved version of the Kebs for those with narrower frames.
While the fit is good, the comfort is severely lacking. The material feels rough, similar to a thick hemp pant, but what we dislike most is the protruding seams. “I'm a very sensory person and have sensitive skin. While I can ignore the seams on most of the pants I tested, I can instantly feel these, and they chafe against my skin whenever I move. But, some might not mind it,” said our tester. Regardless, we'd hope for far better comfort in this price range. All told, if you're looking for a feature-packed, rugged pair of pants that will last a long time and don't mind the high price, these are a solid pair of trekking trousers.
The Keb's are the best pair of pants for longevity and high adventure.
Credit: Elizabeth White
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We took these pants on many adventures and tested alongside some locals.
Credit: Elizabeth White
How We Tested
After scouring the market, we selected the top 14 pairs of women's hiking pants to test. Our women's hiking team tested these pants for several months in the borderlands of Arizona, the high alpine of Colorado and California, and in the sea-to-sky landscape of Downeast Maine. Test scenarios spanned climates, temperatures, terrain, and conditions. We pushed these pants to the limit, mountaineering, climbing, scrambling, trail running, and, yes, hiking.
For multiple years of continuous testing and trail adventures, we've worn the award winners until they're crusty enough to stand on their own. Then washed them and wore them again. We've also handed them around to our friends to get a feel for fit.
Our women's hiking pants testing is divided across five rating metrics:
Comfort and Mobility (35% of total score weighting)
Clark is a former van lifer who moves from the desert to the mountains to the sea regularly. She hikes, climbs, runs, sea kayaks, and demands that these pants keep up with her along the way.
Cam has been climbing for over 20 years and regularly logs plenty of trail miles to and from the crag, along with countless other adventures on foot. She has tested over 25 different hiking pants styles over the years, keeping her keen eye on details that make the difference between a good and a great pair of hiking pants.
Elizabeth is a former outdoor educator and a lifelong hiker, backpacker, and climber with a deep attachment to venturing through the wilderness. She has tested dozens of hiking and climbing pants on many alpine climbs across the globe. She has worn these hiking pants while climbing steep mountains, bushwhacking through manzanitas, crossing rivers, and trekking across the desert in sweltering heat.
We field tested these trekking pants while climbing and hiking to find which ones are the most versatile. We also tested them in the snowy mountains and hot deserts to assess which are best for all four seasons.
Analysis and Test Results
These days, hiking pants are a genuine investment—you don't want to spend $100 or more on something that's going to rip the moment you snag a branch or scoot down a rock. At these prices, your pants should also keep you comfortable and dry in harsh weather conditions. To help you find the best pants that match your dollar, we bought the top options and tested them outside in the field to compare their comfort, movement, breathability, weather resistance, versatility, and assess their features. Below, we break down each metric, explain why it's important to consider it, and identify which pants stand out from the crowd.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
We demand performance, and we always want a good return on our investments. Expensive options often include snazzy features like zip-off legs, water-resistant material, or more breathable or durable fabrics. The zip-off option alone usually costs 10% to 15% more than traditional pants. Of course, they double as a pair of shorts, which adds a lot of value for some hikers.
Finding a great value for you depends on your needs, but we like the REI Co-Op Trailmade and Sahara pants for their reasonable price point and reliable performance across the board. Both are very comfortable, the Trailmade thanks to stretchy fabric and the Sahara thanks to a roomy cut.
The Trailmade pants are cute, comfy, and work in all four seasons if you have a solid base layer.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Sahara pants convert into shorts, so the fact that their price is in line with non-zip options really showcases their value. We also think the top-performing Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants provide a lot of value. If you want the best of the best, they aren't that much more expensive than some of our budget options. The Prana Halle Straight Pants and Patagonia Happy Hike Studio pants cost about the same. Both feature incredibly comfortable and fairly fashionable cuts and seemingly durable construction. We find ourselves wearing these often and think you'll get a great cost-per-wear value. Look for ripstop or abrasion-resistant fabrics if you want long-lasting hiking pants.
The Sahara Convertible zip-off pants are like getting two for the price of one.
Credit: Elizabeth White
Comfort and Mobility
If your pants chafe, pinch, or impede your movement, it could really ruin your experience. Fabric stretch, cut, and fit make the biggest difference in terms of comfort and mobility, which is why we weighed this assessment the most.
Plus sizes: Many options we tested are available in plus sizes and variable lengths. The correct sizing and fit maximize comfort, so be sure to look into the sizing options that suit your body before ordering.
The REI Co-op Trailmade Pants, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Happy Hike Studio, REI Co-op Activator and Prana Halle Straight Pants top the charts in comfort and mobility. All are incredibly cozy for a wide range of activities, from hiking to climbing. The Trailmade pants rely on their soft, stretchy material and loose cut for comfort.
The Activator pants have a soft, almost fuzzy interior that feels like fleece and keep us fairly warm in 40-degree weather. They have an 11" gusset, but barely need it as these pants are incredibly stretchy thanks to the elastic, polyester, and nylon blend. The Activator pants also feature a soft, partial stretchy waistband and belt hoops to accommodate most body types.
Pear-shaped testers were plenty comfortable in the REI Co-op Activator Pants. We especially appreciated the partial elastic waistband.
Credit: Elizabeth White
The Ferrosi, Happy Hike, and Halle pants make the most of their infinite stretch fabric and movement-focused construction details like articulated knees. The Ferrosi pants also feature a “cowboy stance” curve in the legs.
The yoga pant-like elastic band on the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio pants make them uber comfortable.
Credit: Clark Tate
The excellent Arc'teryx Gamma Pants have a multi-panel construction with curved seams for a 3D fit. Another comfortable pair of pants is The North Face Aphrodite 2.0, with its loose cut and stretchy material.
Both The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 and Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 are cozy and flexible pants. The Dynama, in particular, features a heavenly soft fabric. While their durability holds them back on bushwhacks or rocky climbs, they're both excellent loungers. We love the Dynama for less abrasive hikes and water-based adventures.
The Prana Halle are comfortable enough to wear all-day, from the desk to the trail to dinner.
Credit: Clark Tate
Rise and waistband construction have an outsized effect on comfort. Low-rise pants aren't always the best option for hiking. Mid-rise options like the OR Ferrosi, Prana Halle Straight, and REI Co-op pants are the most common and popular hiking pants in these tests.
Higher rise options like the Arc'teryx Gamma Pant calso work well for longer hikes with the right proportions. A backpack waist strap and the front of a climbing harness both sit below the waistline with its included belt. We find this stagger fit very comfortable.
The higher rise and easily adjustable belt of the Gamma pants holds the pants in place no matter what, increasing comfort.
Credit: Clark Tate
Many pants include a soft lining around the waistband and internal drawstrings, like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. We appreciate that the drawstrings let you adjust the waist without worrying about wearing a belt under a backpack. In addition to the Ferrosi, the Halle II, REI Trailmade, Khul, REI Sahara, and the North Face Aphrodite 2.0 all have internal waist ties.
Then there is the controversial comfort vs fashion vs function dynamic that arises with convertible hiking pants. Most zip-off hiking pants have a relaxed fit, keeping the zipper away from your leg to improve comfort, like the REI Sahara. They aren't often flattering, but the Sahara, while obviously a hiking pant, looks reasonably nice.
While the Fjallraven Keb Curved has harsher material that detracted greatly from its overall comfort score, they do have a very wide gusset and patchwork with stretchy material that gave us a good range of motion when scrambling through the mountains. We especially appreciate the inclusive curved cut of these pants, which are great for pear, apple, and hourglass-shaped folks.
Most of the pants that score high marks for comfort work well for a range of body types and come in petite to plus sizes.
Many pants, like the REI Co-op Activator, come with a cinch that allows you to open or close the hem of the pants to control airflow. It also helps to keep out any other unwanted debris, snow, or bugs from finding their way in.
Credit: Elizabeth White
Venting and Breathability
When you hike, you generate heat and sweat even when it's cold out. All that moisture can feel clammy when you're hot and give you the chills when you stop moving in cooler weather. Airflow is key to regulating your temperature on the trails and is particularly crucial for thru-hikers. Pants can improve airflow in two ways—by venting air through physical openings or with breathable fabric that lets air and moisture exit through the material itself.
Pants that shine in this metric often provide both venting and breathability. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi and REI Sahara pants are highly breathable. The Ferrosi pants are easy to roll up to your knees, and the REI model zips off the bottom half to provide the ventilation of shorts.
They function to keep you cool and are all excellent choices for peak summer hikes. The Sahara is the only pair of hiking pants we reviewed that lets you keep your boots on when you convert them to shorts, a nice bonus if you do this often. The Cycorld Convertible pants breathe well and the lower legs zip off as well, but you do need to take off your shoes to do so.
We love that the Sahara Convertibles don't require us to remove our shoes to take off the bottom layer.
Credit: Elizabeth White
The Fjallraven Keb Curved trousers deserve a notable mention here. While the fabric itself is quite thick and unbreathable, Fjallraven has addressed this issue by incorporating four long vertical vents on the outside of the pants that zip open, allowing ample airflow. While these features add a great deal of breathability, the thick material would still prevent us from wearing them on extra hot days.
The Keb Curved trousers are full-featured pants that are breathable when you want them to be.
Credit: Elizabeth White
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 and The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 are made of incredibly breathable fabrics. They are excellent choices for casual hot weather hikes where you won't risk wearing out their less-than-durable fabrics.
Of the pants that don't convert to shorts, most are made to be rolled up and include snapping tabs or cinches to secure the folded fabric. It's incredible how much a little airflow on your ankles and calves can cool you off. The Prana Halle II and Arc'teryx Gamma pants give you this option, and they're also quite lightweight and breathable without the roll.
The thicker and less breathable Khul Freeflex pants have roll-up hems for hot days. You can also roll up or cinch the thicker Fjallraven Vidda Pro and Keb Curved pants above your ankles. This allows you to feel a breeze while still keeping your upper calves protected from the sun.
The face of a hiker emerging from a surprisingly warm spring hike with dry, sweat-free legs.
Credit: Clark Tate
Weather Resistance
Your legs can be an afterthought when protecting your body from the wind, sun, and rain. They shouldn't be. If your legs are cold, wet, or burnt to a crisp, you'll be miserable even if your rain jacket or sun shirt keeps your core happy. While you'll need dedicated waterproof pants for a downpour, water-resistant fabrics can get you through a drizzle or buy you time to seek shelter. Many of the hiking pants we tested have water-resistant fabric, a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the fabric, or both.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi repels water and blocks wind better than any other hiking pants we tested. Another admirable choice is the Arc'teryx Gamma LT. Both pants do a good job of cutting the wind and offer UPF 50 sun protection. While neither is waterproof, both feature DWR coatings that help light rain and splashes run off the fabric. The Ferrosi pants kept us dry for over 50 seconds in the shower test. The Gamma lasted only 35 seconds but still didn't let much moisture in. It also features a new DWR treatment that is free of problematic fluorocarbon chemicals
The Fjallraven Keb Curved pants were a mixed bag, but overall impressive. The stretch fabric around the waist, gusset, and knee pits are incredibly water repellent (we timed them at 45 seconds, and they just barely soaked through), using Fjallraven's Greenland Wax treatment. Though the patch of fabric around the knees down to our ankles only lasted around 20 seconds before it soaked through. As for wind resistance, these held up decently in over 30 mph winds, but we did feel a slight breeze get through. All told, we were impressed with the weather resistance of the Keb trousers.
Long-chain (C8) PFAs, or per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals, are toxic forever chemicals that never break down in your body or the environment. They were used to create water-resistant DWR finishes for years. Many leaders in the outdoor industry have been working to create alternatives that are less dangerous.
A popular first step was to switch to short-chain (C6) DWR, which employs shorter-chain fluorocarbons and breaks down a little faster than, well, never. There doesn't seem to be evidence that it's harmless, though; companies just think it may be less harmful than PFAs. The European Union had a plan in 2020 to ban its use.
Now, many companies have created and use PFAs-Free DWR treatments, though they won't tell us what chemicals they're using now.
The REI Co-op Trailmade, Sahara, and Activator pants and the waxed Fjallraven Vidda Pro pants all bought us about 20 seconds in the shower. The Trailmade, Sahara, and Activator pants both use short-chain PFAs DWR, while the Vidda Pros avoid the issue with a physical wax treatment. The Patagonia Happy Hike pants held out for 15 seconds with their non-PFC DWR finish.
The OR Ferrosi pants do an incredible job of shedding water.
Credit: Clark Tate
Drying time is an essential factor in hiking pants, especially if they're the only ones you have with you in the backcountry. The Sahara and Dynama 2 dry the fastest. The Ferrosi and Arc'teryx Gamma take a bit longer but are still considered quick drying. (The felt liner on the Ferrosi pant's waistband holds water longer than we'd like.) The Fjallraven Keb trousers took just a few hours. All of the pants we tested dried overnight.
The Sahara Convertible pants dry off within a few hours.
Credit: Elizabeth White
It's nice to keep the wind from cutting right through your pants on a blustery day. Often, wind resistance comes at the expense of breathability. Models with more structured fabric, like the Arc'teryx Gamma, often do a better job than highly breathable pants like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 or The North Face Aphrodite 2.0. The Ferrosi pants defy the trend. They block the wind well despite their thin and stretchy fabric.
While not the most breathable, the Activator soft-shell pants are designed to block high winds, and they managed to shield us from wind speeds of just over 30 mph before we began to notice any discomfort. Better yet, they kept us reasonably warm in snowy, windy conditions. As for rain, they kept us dry for about 30 minutes in a light drizzle, but in the shower, they lasted around 20 seconds.
Then there's the sun. It's easy to slather sunscreen on our shoulders and noses but skip our legs. That's a problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common location for melanoma for light-skinned women is the lower leg. If you have darker skin, it's more often found on your palms, the soles of your feet, or under your nails. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't protect your legs, too.
Many of the pants in the review have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50 or more, which allows only 1/50th of UV radiation through. While all clothing blocks some rays, many light and summery fabrics have a UPF of only 6. Of the award-winning pants, only the Gamma,Happy Hike, REI Activator, Fjallraven Vidda Pro, and Keb pants do not have an advertised UPF of 50.
The Prana Halle Straight pants provides UPF 50+ sun protection, great for a day at the beach.
Credit: Clark Tate
Construction Quality
Since we can't test these pants for years before we review them, we look closely at their construction quality to get a sense of how long they'll last. We expect the Arc'teryx Gamma, Fjallraven Vidda Pro, Keb, and Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants to withstand the test of time.
All of these pants include solidly constructed features, with sturdy pockets, useful hem cinches, and solid seams. The Gamma pants lead the pack, however, with double-stitched seams and stitches so refined that they are too small to snag with a paperclip. The fabric is hard to puncture. If you do manage to punch a small hole, the warp and weft quickly shift back into position to repair the spot.
The Fjallraven Keb and Vidda Pro trousers feature reinforced panels at the rear and the knees. While you can snag their larger stitches, they don't pull through. The OR Ferrosi pants are similarly well-made, but their thin fabric may wear faster.
The REI Co-op Sahara, Activator, Prana Halle Straight II, and Patagonia Happy Hike offer smart cuts for comfortable fits. Their fabric is easier to puncture, and their stitches can snag. However, they still don't pull and bunch the fabric. The Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants are similar, but their fabric has piled a bit and a few seams loosened over time.
The Kulhs look polished but can take a beating on the trail.
Credit: Clark Tate
Versatility and Features
We consider how versatile these pants are on the trail and how versatile they are in your life. For a multi-day backcountry trip or even a long day hike, it's essential to have pants that can handle shifting weather conditions. Technical fabrics and zip-off or roll-up hems help you move from a cool trailhead to a hot hike to a cold and windy summit. For after-work walks, bouldering missions, or international trips that will involve a trail or two, there are other factors to consider, like the style.
The most trail-versatile models are the Arc'teryx Gamma and Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants. They resist light splashes of water and stains, fight off the wind, breathe fairly well, and are easy to roll up to your knees. A zip-off version of the Ferrosi pants can also convert to a Bermuda-length short. We feel confident heading off into the backcountry, knowing that these pants can handle it. These pants also resist stretching out after multiple days of use, which we can't say of many of the other options tested.
From damp forest floors to hot beaches and desert sands, the Ferrosi pants will keep you comfortable.
Credit: Clark Tate
For lifestyle versatility, the Prana Halle Straight II and Patagonia Happy Hike earn top marks. They both offer endless mobility, a killer cut, reasonable breathability, and a slightly thicker and more structured fabric that provides more protection day-to-day. And they look good. We wear these pants to our casual offices and to get drinks with the gang. Both are perfect active travel options.
The REI Activator is a great pair of pants to hit the trail, climb, or run errands in. We even found ourselves lounging around the house in these, since they're so comfortable. While we don't love manufacturer symbols on the outside of pants, we appreciate that the REI symbol is up around the waist, so we were able to cover it up with a jacket for a low-profile look.
The Arc'teryx Gamma pants work well in all four-seasons from technical climbs to beachside strolls.
Credit: Clark Tate
For hiking pants, features like functional pockets, internal drawcords, or cinches on the hem have a great impact on their versatility. For us, it comes down to the pockets. Functional pockets are finally starting to become standard on women's hiking pants, and we demand them from all of the pants we test. This means big demerits for fabric folds barely big enough for a breath mint.
Six useful pockets will hold all your necessities in the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Arc'teryx Gamma, Fjallraven Vidda Pro, Keb, and REI Trailmade main pockets can fit your phone and hands. They also made their thigh pocket big enough for a smartphone, and all have a securing zipper or snap. Since the pockets are set off to the side, it's one of the most comfortable ways to secure a smartphone. The REI Sahara pants are basically cargo pants, and all the pockets work well.
The Keb Curved trousers have huge cargo pockets that could fit a phone, wallet, keys, and even a small Nalgene. We love zip and snap combo, which provides plenty of security for our belongings.
Credit: Elizabeth White
Another important feature to consider is an internal drawstring. It's common for your weight to fluctuate while backpacking, traveling, or being a woman. While most of the pants include belt loops, actual belts can be uncomfortable to hike in and rarely work well under a hip strap or climbing harness.
A drawstring at the waist, like this one on the REI Co-op Trailmade pants, make for more versatile hiking pants.
Credit: Clark Tate
An internal drawstring lets you keep your pants in place as they stretch out or your body shifts. Most hiking pants include them. Of the award winners and most notable options, only the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers, Keb, and Activator pants do not, though they have enough structure that they're less likely to need one. They also include belt loops if you do. The elastic waist of the Patagonia Happy Hike pants bypasses the issue.
Hem cinches are another nearly ubiquitous hiking pant feature. They keep your hems out of the way in wet weather or when foot placements are particularly important on technical terrain. Nearly all of the pants in the test let you tighten their hems with the assistance of thin elastic bands and lightweight, easy-to-adjust clasps or cinches.
Both the Keb (above) and Vidda Pro pants have snap buttons that sturdily hold the hem in place.
Credit: Elizabeth White
The process works well in all of the award-winning pants. Of these, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro and Keb trousers stand out for a more complicated but well-made and functional snap system. It works well to secure the hem. The integrated clip also gives you the option to secure them to your shoelaces instead.
The metal clip on the Keb trousers helps to strap the hem to your laces to hold them in place or help prevent snow from entering, much like a gaiter.
Credit: Elizabeth White
Notably, the Patagonia Happy Hike Studio pants also include a silver salt-based biocide to control odors. We didn't notice a difference. This might be handy on longer trips, but these aren't the best pants for backpacking, and we tend to wash our clothes in the sink when traveling, so it's not a big factor for us.
No matter what weather or hike you're planning, we've found a pair of hiking pants for you.
We put a lot of miles, energy, and wear and tear on our joints to bring you this list of the best women's hiking pants. We hope our side-by-side tests and thorough analysis help you find the perfect option to conquer your adventure plans confidently and in style.
—Clark Tate, Elizabeth White, and Cam McKenzie Ring
