Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Comfortable and versatile
• Provides good range of motion
• Water resistant and quick drying
• Durable fabric stands up to trail use
• Several storage options

Reasons to Avoid

• May be too warm for hot climates
• Fit might be a bit loose for some users
• Some customers reported sizing issues
• Not the most fashionable option on the market

The Important Specs

• Inseam: 32 inches
• Pockets: Two hands, two back, one hidden zip
• Material: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex
• Uv Protection: UPF 50
• Reinforced Knees: Yes
• Bluesign Approved: Yes

Review Roundup

The PrAna Halle Pants really step it up when it comes to versatility. Ideal for any type of hiking trail you might encounter, and stylish enough to head straight to a café after. These pants are a comfortable fit that adjusts easily to your body type thanks to the customizable inseam length and mid-rise waist, made with strong, stretchy material, enabling you to move freely even on the trickiest of trails.

The pants are a durable, water and abrasion-resistant design, providing good protection from the elements, making them a suitable choice for a variety of hiking conditions, although some users have noted that they aren't as warm as some other options on chillier trails.

It features articulate knees and a relaxed fit that make them great for active days in the great outdoors. But it's not all about function - the PrAna Halle Pants are also about style. With their sleek design and flattering fit, they are the kind of hiking pants you actually want to be seen in. Users have echoed this sentiment, mentioning the cool aesthetic and feel-good fit of the pants.

Practicality is also a strong point of the PrAna Halle pants. They include a hidden zip stash pocket at the upper right leg, perfect for essentials you want to keep close, however, some users have pointed out the lack of more pockets as a slight downside.

The pants have received a few criticisms, though. The button closure on the pants has been reported as weak and tends to come off easily and, as mentioned before, they're not your go-to for colder terrains or winter hikes due to lack of insulation.

Despite those few pitfalls, purchasers definitely love these pants, praising them for their comfort, durability, and stylish appeal. They are indeed a high-quality option for those on the lookout for the perfect women’s hiking pant.

Reasons to Buy

• Robust fabric that endures wear and tear
• Holds up well in rainy conditions
• Superb mobility for climbing and hiking
• Several handy storage options

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit pricey for budget-conscious shoppers
• Might run large for some body types
• No built-in belt

The Important Specs

• Belt: Not included
• Inseam: 32 inches
• Pockets: 2 hand pockets, 1 thigh pocket, 1 rear pocket
• Material: Fortius DW 2.0 (88% nylon, 12% elastane)

Review Roundup

The Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant makes a mark in the hiking world with its unique combination of comfort and durability. These pants score top points for not just being comfortable enough for wearing on a trail all day, but also for their ability to withstand the rigors of the rough outdoors. Made with Fortius DW 2.0 fabric, a blend of nylon and elastane, these pants offer that perfect balance between breathability and robustness.

Where the comfort knocked it out of the park, the fit and mobility get equal rave reviews from users. A specially designed articulated pattern allows freedom of movement no matter what type of terrain you're facing. Whether you're scrambling over rocks or trekking uphill, these pants deliver on their promise of unrestricted movement. Plus, the adjustable integrated webbing belt with a metal buckle ensures that the pants sit just right.

But it's not all about the comfort and mobility. User feedback also highlighted how multi-functional these pants are. With a plethora of pockets including two zippered hand pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket, you have plenty of options for securely storing your essentials like keys, maps or granola bars.

However, it would be remiss to not mention the notable customer feedback on these pants' sizing. Many users have suggested that they run a bit larger, so it might be a good idea to order a size smaller than you usually would. Another gripe some people have had is the lack of color options, but that's more of an aesthetic preference than a performance issue.

All in all, the Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant certainly has its fans among the hiking community, with many buyers praising its comfort, maneuverability, and practical design. The minor issues regarding size and color range do little to detract from its bigger qualities.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent mobility and stretch
• Durable abrasion-resistant fabric
• Breathable and ventilates well
• Dries quickly after exposure to water

Reasons to Avoid

• Fit may not be flattering for all body types
• Lack of waterproof qualities
• Fewer storage options

The Important Specs

• Pockets: Two hand pockets, one zippered thigh pocket
• Material: 86% nylon, 14% spandex
• Upf Protection: UPF 50+
• Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry

Review Roundup

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are highly favored by women backpackers and climbers across the globe. This popularity owes a great deal to the amazing mix of comfort, durability, and versatility offered by these pants.

In terms of comfort, users rave about the soft and light fabric that the pants are made from. Most find it incredibly comfortable against the skin, and it's widely appreciated for its quick-drying and breathable properties. Not to forget, these pants have a stretchy quality that allows unrestricted movement - a godsend for women who hike or climb.

Durability is another point worth mentioning. Many users have reported extensive use over several seasons with minimal tear or wear to show for it. This makes the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants a great investment for any outdoor enthusiast; they seem to resist damage from thorns and rocks pretty well.

Nonetheless, it's worth noting that they may not be the warmest option available, particularly for hiking in colder weather. A few users have mentioned that the Ferrosi Pants may not provide enough warmth during late fall or winter hikes. But they work fantastically in mild to warm weather.

As for versatility, users find these pants to be stellar. They transition well from trail to town, and their slim fit and flattering cut make them stylish enough for casual wear. The roll-up leg feature is greatly appreciated for crossing streams or tackling uphill climbs.

The added pockets, including a zippered thigh pocket, have been praised for their practicality. The only common critique here involves the depth of the front pockets, with some users finding them a bit shallow. However, the zippered thigh pocket seems to compensate for it by providing secure storage.

Finally, users were generally pleased with the sizing and the assortment of available colors. The adjustable waist tie has been of great help to many users to refine the fit according to their liking.

Reasons to Buy

• Durable and resistant to abrasion
• Breathes well and vents heat efficiently
• Fairly resistant to water and dries quickly
• Highly flexible with a good range of motion
• Plenty of storage options with spacious pockets
• Cut to fit women's shapes precisely
• Excellent bang for the buck

Reasons to Avoid

• Not as water-resistant as some other pants
• Could be hotter than other pants in extreme conditions
• May need regular reapplication of the water-resistant treatment

The Important Specs

• Pockets: 2 front, 2 rear, 1 cargo
• Fit Type: Active Fit
• Material: Omni-Shield Summiteer Lite 96% nylon, 4% elastane
• Upf Protection: 50+

Review Roundup

The Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch Pants have been a favorite among women hikers, especially those on a budget. They're incredibly popular for their blend of comfort, durability, and affordability, without skimping on quality. The satiny finish not only provides these pants with a touch of style, but offers much-needed water-resistance, perfect for those unpredictable trail conditions.

Users love the two-way comfort stretch which offers great mobility while hiking up steep trails or scrambling over rocks. The acceptable length combined with a straight-leg design doesn't cling to your legs, ensuring your pants won't uncomfortably ride up while walking.

One drawback that some buyers noticed is the sizing, which seems to run a bit small. It may be a good idea to order a size up to ensure a nice, comfortable fit. Others have noted that although the fabric is high-quality, they are not insulated, which might make them less than ideal for chilly weather hiking. However, this can be easily remedied by layering them with thermal leggings.

If you’d like to make use of the UPF 50 sun protection, the protective Omni-Shade technology is a great feature to have. It blocks out harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, which can come as a real boon on those scorching summer hikes.

Many users give the gusset detail and mid-rise style thumbs up, claiming it provides a figure-flattering fit. The pants also come with a series of pockets, a security pocket and zip-closed pocket, allowing for handy placement of essential items whilst on the move.

For infrequent hikers or those sticking to a tight budget, these pants have made quite an impression. Users claim they strike a fantastic balance of practicality, comfort, and affordability, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious hikers.

Reasons to Buy

• Columbia's Silver Ridge Pants are versatile
• Breezy and quick dry
• Plenty of roomy pockets

Reasons to Avoid

• The waistband may fit loosely on some
• Can feel a bit baggy

The Important Specs

• Upf: 50
• Inseam: Short 30, Regular 32, Long 34
• Material: Nylon Ripstop

Review Roundup

The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants are a superb choice for adventurous women who value comfort, versatility and practicality. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, these pants are designed to suit women of all shapes and dimensions. Made from Columbia's patented Omni-Wick fabric, they offer superior moisture management, drawing sweat away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable, even on the most challenging trails.

These pants also offer Omni-Shade UPF 50 protection to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays on those sunny hikes. The zipped security pocket, side pockets, and mesh pocket bags give you plenty of storage options for all your hiking essentials, from trail maps and compasses to energy bars and even your smartphone.

One of the standout features of these pants is their convertibility – in just a few moments, and with minimal fuss, you can zip off the legs to transform your hiking pants into cool, convenient shorts. This feature turns out to be a favorite among users, as it offers flexibility depending on the weather conditions and the intensity of the trek.

Performance-wise, users praise their lightness and breathability. Their versatility means they're just as useful on a casual day-hike as they are on a multi-day backpacking journey. The only repeated criticism is that sizing may run a little larger than standard, so it's recommended to try them on first or consider ordering a size down.

While they understandably may not be everyone's cup of tea fashion-wise, their functionality, quality, and affordability often outweigh any aesthetic concerns. After all, when you're out enjoying the great outdoors, comfort and practicality are what matter most.