Why do we have the Alana Jogger ranked here? Keep in mind that the Abisko Trekking Tights are overkill for casual use, and price is a deterring factor for many. To ensure a good fit, prAna offers three different inseam lengths: short, regular, and tall. Sizes: 2-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. The comfortable pants are bootcut with a regular fit and come in sizes XXS to 2XL. Our overall favorite pick is the prAna Womens Halle Pants. Because suitcase space is often limited, travel pants should also be lightweight and able to serve many different purposes, from withstanding adventurous activities to fitting in at pubs and restaurants. ", Best Skinny Fit: prAna Womens Briann Pants at Amazon, "Looks just as great with heels as it does with hiking boots. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. If and when they eventually soak through, drying time isnt too shabby either, which is reason enough for us to recommend sticking to hiking pants on all but the most extreme rainy days. Beyond temperature considerations, thickness often correlates with durability and tear resistance. Two helpful design features to look out for in your hiking pant search are articulated knees and gussets built into the crotch. But hikers that hit the trail in the warm summer months are left with a difficult decision: pants, shorts, or something in between? We love Patagonias Quandary shorts, which come in two different inseam options (5 and 7) and have deep front pockets that even fit a large phone. Finally, truly summer-specific pants like the TNF Aphrodite 2.0 and Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 are more tear-prone and should be restricted to more casual hiking and backpacking. As the name suggests, these pants include a handy roll-up feature that allows you to quickly and easily convert the pants to capris (secured via a fabric loop and snap), which is a convenient option on warm summer days. ", Best Curvy Fit: Eddie Bauer Womens Guide Pro Pants at Amazon, "Looks great on ladies with fuller hips and thighs. Some of our favorite performance-oriented options include the Arc'teryx Gamma LT and Patagonia Quandary, and the Fjallraven Trekking Tights also fall into this category due to their technical fabrics and design. Many trail leggings, like the Patagonia Pack Out Tights, fit into this category as well. Enter the Dynama/2 Ankle Pants from Mountain Hardwear, which slots in as our favorite pick for warm days on the trail. Both pants are fairly average in terms of fit, although youll likely want to size up with the Columbia. However, while the Dynama/2 Ankle is fully serviceable for casual days on the trail, it does sacrifice some storage and lacks technical capabilities for serious mountain pursuits. The fabric is also water and abrasion resistant and wont wrinkle, so that you can wear the pants straight out of your suitcase. We call out storage when relevant in the write-ups above, but two of our favorite designs for stowing the essentials are the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights and REI Co-op Sahara. Weve put up with our fair share of baggy, ill-fitting hiking pants over the years, but the good news is that the market has improved significantly of late. Further, while we love the Aphrodites roomy hand pockets and hidden zippered stash, the lack of other storage can be limiting. The best travel pants will have loads of versatility. Both pants offer good stretch and mobility, although the Quandarys internal drawcord allows for better fit customization than the Dynamas simple elasticized waist (on the other hand, its made of thin elastic and can be difficult to tighten). Category: PerformanceMaterials: 87% polyester, 13% spandexWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Excellent comfort, functional storage, and durable materials.What we dont: Doesnt dry quickly and breathability falls short in hot weather. The power of the perfect pair of trousers is not to be underestimated, and were looking for a style that will make us feel polished and pulled-together when we sit down at the dining table that now serves as our desk. California-based Vuori is proof of this trend, with a nice selection of stylish yet functional offerings that look good but can still handle the rigors of trail use. Our best advice in finding the ideal fit for you is to start with the waist design, whether it be an integrated belt, drawstring, or fitted elastic waistband. If youre traveling and have only packed one or two pairs of all-purpose pants, you may need to wash them while youre away. This revamp is great news, as the waistbelt was our primary gripe with the previous model (the metal fastener caused pressure points under our packs hipbelt). productslearn more about Add. The Columbia women's pants also benefit from water and stain-repellent technology and built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring you're ready for all kinds of adventures at a moment's notice. The 25 percent stretch adds to the comfort factor, too. Pants in our performance category are your standard hiking fare and include technical fabrics, functional and often generous storage, and convertible or roll-up legs to keep you cool on warm days. And, as long as you avoid a more casual cotton construction (like that of the Vuori Ripstop), the nylon blends arent very prone to soaking up moisture. The thin and lightweight materials arent particularly durable and have a tendency to snag and pill over time, and you dont get any wet-weather assurance in the form of DWR or wicking fabrics. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized From the peaks of the Cascades, across the coastal rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, to towering volcanoes like Mt. Choosing full-length pants gives you better protection from the sun and helps keep dirt and rocks from getting into your shoes. But depending on the model, hiking pants can actually be pretty decent performers in the wet. Stay comfortable without sacrificing style with these joggers from Lululemon. Pants with elastic waistbands generally forgo the standard zippered fly and button closure, but theyve recently gained popularity for their comfort and good all-around fit. Additionally, the lightweight Freeflex fabric wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and provides a nice amount of give for activities like hiking and backpacking. Instead were looking for body skimming pieces that wont feel like a culture shock after a month of living in our cosiest loungewear. For another popular alternative with less cotton in the build (62 percent), check out prAna's Kanab.See the Vuori Ripstop Pant. In contrast to a traditional, straight-legged pant, the improved range of motion is immediately noticeable. From the pull-on pairs that will ease you back into tailoring to the bold styles that will revive your wardrobe, weve found the best summer trousers to buy now. However, all of that material comes with some notable downsides, the most obvious of which is a lack of breathability. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Below we break down the best womens hiking pants of 2022, from summer convertibles to mountain-ready softshells and form-fitting leggings. And if you want a superlight and breathable option, a trail running-specific model can do the trick (we've worn a range of styles from Salomon, Brooks, and Patagonia). The Ferrosi pants are undeniably comfortable and mobile, but their quality does fall short of other options here. Sorry, sweatpants, youll be heading the back of our wardrobes for the foreseeable. But if youre looking for a stylish pant that will last (or plan to mix climbing into the mix), these drawbacks are relatively minor. All told, these pants are comfortable, sleek, and fully tuned for everything from day hiking and travel to overnight backpacking trips (theyre even serviceable for a casual night on the town). As a result, roll-up pants are becoming more and more popular, especially for women. The big benefit here is that you dont have to fuss with zippers or risk losing your pant legsall thats required is a low-profile button and some tabs to secure the cinched hem, and you get many of the ventilating benefits of a zip-off design. And for a true legging design, check out their Oriel, a durable climbing tight thats equally at home on the trail.See the Arc'teryx Sabria. Finally, we found the elastic at the ankles to be a little snug and prone to riding up when taking big steps over boulder and other large trail obstacles. All told, for a weather-resistant and quick-drying pant that wont inhibit movement, the Ferrosi is one of the most functional performance hiking pants here (and it also comes in capri andconvertible designs).See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant. The rest of the design is equally well-executed, from the contrasting zipper pulls to the articulated knees and thoughtfully placed zip pockets at the back and sides. Plus, unlike white, wearing it to a BBQ doesnt feel like an adrenaline sport. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. We also found the elastic at the waist to be pretty meager and ended up having to use a small piece of cord to prevent them from falling down (a built-in belt or cinch would be very helpful here). The reinforced panels are nice, and we like the storageone large pocket on the right leg, a smaller zippered pocket on the left, and a zippered pocket at the hipbut youll need to get out a lot to make the investment worth it. Many users compliment the fit in particular, and weve been impressed by how flattering KUHL pants tend to be on our athletic figure. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 96% nylon, 4% elastaneWaist: N/AWhat we like: A great hot-weather option at a low price.What we dont: Unflattering fit and fabric tends to pill. So with all that praise, why is the Alroy ranked so low on our list? We covered prAnas Halle above, which utilizes their well-loved Stretch Zion fabric that offers a great mix of comfort, stretch, and durability. Regardless of style, our favorite models are mobile, breathable, and durable for activities from casual day hiking to backpacking and even bouldering. Todays offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. The Halle simply puts it all together better than most: Its available in a range of colorways and sizes (including plus sizes and three different lengths), the stretchy fabric is comfortable and highly mobile, and you get a full array of functional features, including deep hand pockets and snaps to secure rolled-up legs. However, from a quality standpoint, the REI still lacks the fit and finish of more premium models here: Weve found the zippers particularly difficult to operate, and the lightweight fabric has a tendency to form holes and pill. A drawstring functions similarly but ties shut, thereby adding a bit of extra bulk near your belly button. Rounding out our lineup is another quality budget option: the Columbia Saturday Trail. Further, they're the obvious pick for technical hikes or summit bids to reduce the number of scratches or cuts when brushing against rocks or branches (and the good news is that many now convert into capris with integrated tabs). The adjustable hem works for a range of heights or even activities. Zippered bottoms allow the pants to fit easily over your snow boots or hiking shoes, while an external waist adjustment system lets you alter the width by up to two inches. while the Alroy checks in at 7.9 oz.). Wear with white ankle boots for a smart yet chic office look, or add chunky black sandals to take them straight into the weekend. But among the competition, its still hard to beat the Halles versatility for a range of body sizes and outdoor pursuits, which is why we rank it here. Best of all, the pants feature Luxtreme fabricthe brand's signature, four-way stretch fabric that's sweat-wicking for a breathable and cool feel. And with such a close fit, you dont get the option of layering long underwear underneath when the mercury drops. Other changes include the addition of a DWR coating for fending off light moisture, a little more nylon (from 94 to 96 percent), flat seams to reduce chafing, and a simpler elastic waist (the past version had an integrated belt). ", Best for Hot Weather: Everlane The Easy Chino at Everlane, "You'll stay cool thanks to its lightweight cotton twill construction. All told, the Alroy is one of our favorite hiking pants, and we have nothing but good to say about the fabric, which has just the right amount of stretch and has held up well to heavy use. Category: Performance/casualMaterials: 100% polyesterWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Fashion meets function; high waist offers great coverage.What we dont: Expensive and not offered in tall sizes. Made with lightweight nylon, the Savanna Trails is both breathable and quick to dry, making it a great choice for summer outings and travel. Other favorites include the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short and REIs Sahara Shorts (for a more detailed breakdown, see our article on the best women's hiking shorts). Sizes: 00-22 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable, Over the last few years, joggers have become a prevalent and stylish version of sweatpants. Youll see anything from tropical and summer-ready thin pants all the way to medium-thick softshell pants, so its important to know what youre looking at. When the time comes, well be wearing these in office with, The appeal of a drawstring waist cannot be denied and thankfully this chic beige style is sophisticated enough that no will guess how comfortable it really is. Options include med indigo, slate green, and Dk chinaberry (maroon). Plus-sizes are available for curvier ladies., Neutral tones that work for all occasions, Mid-rise waist isn't great for intense activities. But overall quality and performance are top-notch, and the Abisko is also available in two trimmed-down versions, the Pro and the warm-weather Trail Tights, both of which retail for $150.See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights. The best travel pants combine fashion with function to ensure you're as comfortable as possible on the plane and will still look great when you land. For those who value function over form, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a true utility belt of a hiking pant. Thanks to the brands unique Stretch Zion fabric, they dont feel restrictive despite their snug fit. For midsummer conditions or high-exertion days on the trail, nothing beats the easy-breezy feel of a hiking short. Many pants will often come with belt loops as well, but we prefer a built-in style over the bulkiness of an added belt. While theyre a bit of an outdated style, theres no denying the added functionality and versatility. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and feature sets. Nor do we want skinny and cigarette trousers that make getting comfortable on the sofa we mean work from home pod impossible. But with an extensive array of sizing options at a really great price, the Savanna Trails gets our vote as the most well-rounded budget pick this year.See the REI-Co-op Savanna Trails. While pockets arent for everyonewe dont like to overload our hiking pants with excess bulkorganization can be a big help on the trail, especially when it comes to items like a phone or Chapstick. And for a slightly cheaper softshell design with a roomier fit, see Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant. But if they fit you well, the Dynama/2 are a fun alternative to more traditional styles and a nice option for summer trail days.See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle. From their current lineup, we like the Trekkie North Jogger best: The sleek, lightweight fabric is soft and breathable, the fit is flattering with nice tapering from the knit waistband down to the elasticized cuffs, and the two-way stretch fabric allows for good all-around mobility while still offering resistance against tears and snags. On the other end of the spectrum, for high-alpine adventures when you need added weather protection and durability, taking on extra weight for a pant like the 1-pound-3-ounce Fjallraven Keb Trousersmay be worth it. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 63% polyamide, 26% polyester, 11% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Uncompromised durability for technical trekking and alpine objectives.What we dont: The priciest pants on our list and decidedly overkill for moderate hiking. And as weve come to expect from Patagonia, theres a strong sustainability element with recycled nylon and bluesign-approved fabrics, which indicate theyre safe for the environment, workers, and consumers. All told, the Aphrodite is one of our favorite pants to wear for casual warm-weather adventures when we still want full leg coverage. Ladies, we get it: Trying to find a pair of hiking pants that fits well is a daunting and often futile task.