Best Hiking Pants for Women

Best Hiking Pants for Women

For years, I swore by leggings for hiking—stretchy, comfortable, and versatile. While I still reach for leggings on shorter, local trails, I’ve discovered that for longer trips, hiking pants are my go-to. With improved durability, functional pockets (yes, real pockets!), and weather resistance, hiking pants have completely transformed how I prepare for the outdoors. If you're on the fence, let me share why making the switch could elevate your trail game.

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  1. REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

These REI convertible pants are perfect for long adventures and unpredictable weather. The side zippers transform them into shorts without needing to remove your shoes, while the breathable UPF 50+ fabric keeps you cool and protected from the sun.

Image Credit: REI Co-op

Product Details:

Price: $89.85

Fabric: 96% recycled nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved)

Quick Drying: Yes

Best Use: Hiking

Pants Rise: Mid

2. Stio Pinedale Pants

These are the pants I reach for the most for my backcountry excursions. The Pinedale Pants deliver year-round performance and comfort for every alpine adventure, featuring stretchy, breathable Everlight™️ softshell fabric for ultimate versatility and great pockets.

Image Credit: Stio

Product Details:

Price: $149

Fabric: Everlight™ softshell, a nylon/polyester/spandex blend

Quick Drying: Yes (PFAS-free DWR finish)

Best Use: Hiking

Pants Rise: Mid-High

BONUS: Stio Pinedale Joggers

If you’re looking for a more streamlined version of the Stio Pinedale Pants, this is the perfect pair of pants for you. Comfortable, technical, and dare I say, more versatile than the pants, this jogger is the ultimate in cool-weather performance. Ideal for everything from bouldering and hiking to running errands in town or hanging out at the brewery.

Image Credit: Stio

Product Details:

Price: $129

Fabric: Everlight™ softshell, a nylon/polyester/spandex blend

Quick Drying: Yes (PFAS-free DWR finish)

Best Use: Hiking, Biking, Lounge, Around Town

Pants Rise: Mid

3. Gnara Go There™ Pants

I particularly love these pants for the cooler months. Alongside the classic zipper fly for taking your pants on and off, the innovative GoFly® zipper starts below the main fly and extends around to the back. This design lets you unzip with ease, allowing for a comfortable and secure bathroom break without removing any clothing.

Image Credit: Gnara

Product Details:

Price: $168 // On Sale for $99

Fabric: 93% nylon, 7% spandex

Quick Drying: Yes

Best Use: Hiking

Pants Rise: Mid-High

Do you have a favorite pair of hiking pants that didn’t make this list? Share them with me in the comments, I’d love to test them out!

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