7 Best Hiking Pants for Women (Lightweight and Waterproof)
After trying on and testing dozens of hiking pants and hiking shorts over the years, I’ve finally narrowed it down to the best pants that are made to fit a women’s body.
I’ve tested the durability on comfort of these hiking pants on tough summer hikes like Big Pine Lakes and colder backcountry trips to The Enchantments.
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Best Womens Hiking Pants
Best Overall | Arc’teryx Gamma Pants
Best for Summer | Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Best for Winter | M.H. Dynama Lined Pants
Hiking Tights | Athleta Headlands Cargo Tight
Thermal Hiking Tights | Athleta Rainier Tight
Best Hiking Pants for Women
I’ve listed options for lightweight hiking pants ideal for summer, year-round, and weather-proof for winter.
1) Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pants
— Editor’s Top Pick —
REVIEW: I’ll be honest, I avoided these hiking pants for awhile because the price tag, but I finally tried them on one day at REI and I didn’t want to take them off. No, seriously, they’re that good!
Besides them fitting like your favorite pair of jeans (comfortable and look great on) they are also incredibly durable in the backcountry. If you’re also an alpine climber or backpacker, definitely consider investing in these pants.
Unlike the other hiking pants on this list, these are made with a soft-shell fabric so they’re going to be more durable and better at resisting rain and wind. That also means they won’t breath as well so I wouldn’t wear these in warmer temperatures (over 80F).
I typically never use a built in drawstring, but the built-in belt on these pants is very functional and useful. I have a smaller size waist to hip ratio and the belt helps me dial the fit right in.
If you’re between sizes, I would suggest sizing up. Otherwise these pants are pretty true-to-size. The Gamma pants don’t have any rear pockets but I actually prefer that as you can really only stuff so many things in your pockets before weighing them down.
2) Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
WHAT WE LOVE
Best lightweight hiking pants for warm weather hiking
TOP FEATURES
Abrasion-Resistant
Water and wind-resistant
Incredible stretch throughout
Cinchable ankle cuffs
Deep, functional pockets
Tall, short, plus-sizes
CONS: cinching at ankle cuffs doesn’t stay in place well
MSRP: $99
View at: REI | Outdoor Research
REVIEW: If the Arc’teryx pant is too far outside your prize range, these should be your next choice for a 3-season hiking pant. The Ferrosi pant are top-rated in the hiking community because of their quality, comfort, and durability over the years.
While these pants look more like a jean style with the zipper, button closure, and pocket layout, the fabric is a very lightweight, brushed material with a great amount of stretch.
When I’m going on longer hikes or backpacking in warmer temps, I forego my favorite hiking shorts (because chafing is a b) and almost always grab for the Ferrosi pants. They’re breathable, abrasion-resistant, and dry quickly after a water-crossing or light rain.
If the fit on the Arc’teryx pant is a 10/10 for me, I’d give the Ferrosi an 8.5/10 and that is rating with high standards. Because I have slightly wider hips I can’t dial in the waist as well, but that’s my only very picky complaint.
Outdoor Research is solid at being true-to-size and I love that they offer plenty of variations from tall, short, and plus-size.
3) North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
REVIEW: These extremely lightweight hiking pants have been my most worn pants for hiking and backpacking in warm weather.
I lived in San Diego for 10 years, so I needed a hiking pant that was breathable and comfortable in the desert climate.
While these are the lightest hiking pants on this list, they are still surprisingly durable.
The top features on these hiking pants are the breathable fabric, semi-relaxed fit, wide-waistband, and the super easy to cinch ankle cuffs.
I’ve worn these pants hiking across all terrains from the west to the east and prefer them most in the desert or humid hikes in the eastern U.S. I also really love backpacking with these pants if I know it isn’t going to get colder than 50-60°F.
There are only two notable cons with these hiking pants.
First, because the fabric is so lightweight you don’t want to put much in the pockets or it is going to weigh your pants down. Also, the drawstring at the waist isn’t the best quality so it gets tangled up sometimes in the washing machine.
— Read next: 8 Best Workout Bras [A to DD+]
4) Athleta Headlands Cargo Tight
WHAT WE LOVE
Most flattering and durable hiking tights that can withstand a tree snag
TOP FEATURES
Abrasion-Resistant
DWR water-repellent
Wide, High-rise waistband
Beautiful color options
6 zippered pockets
CONS: Putting anything inside the pockets doesn’t make them as flattering
MSRP: $119
View at: Athleta
REVIEW: I have never been able to find a true hiking tight that is durable until now. The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II Tight (longest product name ever) is a game-changer for those of you that like hiking in tights.
I used to hike in my coveted lululemon leggings, but always had to refrain from sitting down so I wouldn’t snag them. Not now though!
I love everything about these hiking tights from the color options, perfect amount of stretch throughout, ultra-comfy high-rise waistband, ankle length (I’m 5’7), and how the hem on the butt is extremely flattering (and lifting).
I do go commando when wearing these because they are tights and you can see lines with the lighter color pair. These tights also fit true to size.
5) prAna Halle Joggers II
REVIEW: If you’re a big fan of joggers (like myself) you’re going to love the fit and performance of the prAna Halle joggers.
The fit of these joggers is exceptionally comfortable for all day of hiking, and the pants have just enough room throughout to let you breathe without looking overly baggy.
Additionally, unlike cinchable cuffs, these joggers fit securely to my ankle and are the best at keeping mosquitoes out!
I wouldn’t wear these joggers if you’re going on a hike that has a lot of scrambling involved, but other than that you will love them!
I haven’t seen these joggers look bad on any body shape and I always catch fellow hikers wearing them on a regular basis from daily errands to travel.
6) Mountain Hardwear Dynama Lined Pants
WHAT WE LOVE
Perfect cold weather hiking pant that is breathable and lightweight
TOP FEATURES
Super-soft brushed mesh lining
DWR finish repels water
Sweat-wicking
Anti-odor protection
Comfortable, high-rise fit
CONS: ankles don’t cinch up
MSRP: $95
View: Mountain Hardwear | Amazon
REVIEW: These are my favorite hiking pants for winter, hands-down. The relaxed fit with the perfect amount of stretch make them comfortable for all day of wear.
I will admit I don’t actually like the regular (3-season) version of the Dynama pants because I don’t find the fabric on those very durable or flattering, but I have a completely different opinion on the lined-version.
What is so unique about the lined-version of the Dynamas’ is the fleece-like liner that is somehow very thin, yet keeps you warm and cozy. Additionally, the liner is protected with an anti-odor treatment and is incredible at wicking-sweat so you stay dry throughout your hike (especially important in winter).
The outside is also treated with a DWR finish to repel any light snow or rain. And they are pretty good at blocking wind.
While they aren’t labeled as abrasion-resistant, I have yet to snag them after two heavy-use winters.
Additional details that make these winter hiking pants stand out are the cinchable ankle cuffs, very comfortable wide waistband, and the zippered side pockets.
These have become my go-to hiking pants for any winter hike or snowshoeing adventure. I’ve worn them down to 10°F and they were plenty warm.
7) Athleta Rainer Tight
WHAT WE LOVE
The comfort of tights with the insulation for cold-weather pursuits
TOP FEATURES
Very soft, lined fabric on inside
Breathable, sweat-wicking
Stays in place throughout activity
Petite, Tall and Plus Sizes
CONS: length could be longer
MSRP: $119
View at: Athleta
REVIEW: If you prefer the stretch of tights, Athleta does it again with the perfect hiking tight, but these Rainier Tights are specific for cold-weather.
The outside is cool to the touch, but the inside is a really compressed, soft fleece-type lining that keeps you warm on those frigid morning hikes.
I personally wear these tights for XC skiing and sweaty hikes in semi-cold temps because they are warmer than normal leggings but they breathe incredibly well so sweat doesn’t build up inside.
I’ve still yet to find another pair of tights or leggings with capability of this fabric being so warm but breathable and it’s why they are so expensive compared to more affordable fleece leggings from Amazon.
While the fabric isn’t technically abrasion-resistant, it is has never snagged on me in the past 2 years of wearing these tights hiking or XC skiing.
The tights do fit true to size, but at 5’7 I prefer to “tall” length inseam since the regular inseam (27”) length hits just above my ankle and that cold breeze is noticeable in winter.
Additional Hiking Pants —
Here are quick reviews on hiking pants we tried and either they didn’t work out or are still being tested to see if they’ll make the list.
REI Activator: a nice alternative option to the more expensive (and more loved) Arc’teryx Gamma Pants. They are a mid-weight soft-shell pant that is just as durable, but not as flattering or breathable.
Athleta Trekkie: love these joggers and the fit. Very lightweight and nice for short or easy hikes, but not as comfortable or durable for tough, demanding hikes.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2: I wanted to love these as much as the reviews say, but they are just too unflattering for a curvy figure. They are very lightweight and comfortable, but I’d still stick with North Face Aphrodite if you want this lightweight of a hiking pant.
Kuhl Freeflex Pants: I couldn’t get over the uncomfortable and unflattering fit to decide if the fabric could actually perform.
REI Trailmade: Similar fabric weight as the OR Ferrosi and fit as the Trekkie, but not as comfortable as either. Descent pockets (only 1 zip), nice length and the draw string waist is nice.
What is different about hiking pants —
Hiking pants are different than normal athletic pants because they are made to be abrasion-resistant on any trees, bushes, or rocks. Additionally, they are made with fabric that can resists wind and is treated to repel water.
Should hiking pants be loose or tight —
As long as there is some stretch, hiking pants can be either loose or tight, depending on your preferred comfort. Most hikers seem to like a semi-relaxed fit, but there are also incredibly made hiking tights like those from Athleta.
Should I wear leggings or pants for hiking —
Whether you want to wear leggings or pants for hiking, just make sure they have a good amount of stretch, are made out of a more durable fabric to resist snags, are quick-drying (no cotton) and can breathe well so you your sweat doesn’t hang around making you cold or chafe.
