If you are able to get pants that fit great then the belt is an unnecessary addition. Having some flex makes the pants more comfortable especially if your weight is not constant. A: In general I would say no. If you will be hiking in the rain, a pair of rain pants would be a better option. Having your primary pair of hiking pants waterproof means they will not be as breathable and will be warmer than a non waterproof pair of hiking pants.
A: There are three main types of fabric that commonly get used in hiking pants. Nylon is durable and abrasion resistant.
This man made fabric can be nearly waterproof on its own and is highly wind resistant. Polyester is a little less durable than nylon. However, it is better overall at wicking sweat and feels a little less like a plastic fabric compared to nylon.
Depending on the weave used, poly can be quite wind and water resistant or not at all. It gives the finished fabric a lot more flex and stretch which is nice for kneeling, sitting, and moving. For off trail hiking nylon is great because it resists abrasion from boulders, thorns, and brush. Polyester is great for high-output activities like hiking quickly, running, etc. Today, zip off pants pretty much only show up in hiking applications. Honestly I use them all the time, though not for backpacking very often.
I bought them for backpacking but ended up mostly just hiking in running shorts, or running shorts with leggings underneath. You need to make sure these zip off pants have boot zippers down near the cuffs. Unless you want to take your shoes or boots off every time you need to change zippers, the boot zippers are a must have. The real issue with belts when it comes to hiking and backpacking is bulk. When you put a backpack over the top of your belt, the hip pads can dig in and cause chaffing on belts that are bulky like lage leather belts.
When you look for hiking pants that have built in belts, make sure they meet these guidelines or the pants will be all but useless. Every step you take makes that junk in your pockets rub and flop against your leg which will quickly become annoying at best, painful at worst.
Hiking around with anything in a front pocket is much more uncomfortable than in a pocket on the side of the pants. Generally I like to store snacks or other items in a hip pocket of my backpack. Of course, anything over your skin will help repel more bugs than not having clothes on, and the same is true of preventing sunburn, so…. I wonder a little at modern bug repellent clothing and what technology, chemicals, or really tangible bug repelling solutions they really offer, frankly.
That said, if you ignore these advertisements and just think about it logically, nylon makes the most sense. Flat rolled nylon, or nylon fibers that have been slightly flattened by heat after being woven, are almost entirely waterproof, windproof, and bugproof. If you can manage to find enough information from the manufacturer about the exact construction process of the fabric used, look for this type of nylon fabric to repel as many bug as possible!
Among many options the choice for a convertible pant may be one of the more important decisions in the utility value of your new pair of pants. Avoid any pants that are too restrictive or bulky around the waistband. Good hiking pants are durable, adaptable, and will last through years of heavy use.
For many hikers, these pants are the perfect combination of utility, durability, and aesthetic. To come up with the top hiking boots we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas and Backcountry along with our own personal experience. We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could.
To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot. With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler has been leading backpacking trips for over a decade in his native state of Michigan. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow guides and outfitters. After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.
Outdoor Research Cirque Pants at a Glance :. Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants at a Glance :. Columbia Silver Ridge Pants at a Glance :. Dicks Sporting Goods. Bass Pro Shops. Outside Magazine. The North Face. Notice: OutsidePursuits. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Casey Fiedler Last Updated: November 17, Casey Fiedler Casey is a qualified ski instructor, naturalist educator, hunter, and avid outdoorsman based in Mason, Michigan.
He spends much of his time in the wilderness where he tests outdoor gear supplied to him by companies such as Patagonia, Smith Optics, and Wolverine. Casey has guided backpackers, kayakers, and skiers on backcountry trips all around the US. When he is not working, Casey enjoys fishing and participating in adventure and orienteering races. Close Search for. Outdoor Research Cirque Pants. Mountain Hardwear Castil Pant. Columbia Royce Peak Pants. Outdoor Research Voodoo Pants.
The Renegade convertible pants are made with a breathable yet strong softshell fabric. These pants have plenty of room and mobility without having too loose of a fit, which can make pants feel sloppy. We love that they have calf zippers to get them over shoes, and wish more pants included in this list had that featured as well. The Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible pants are another classic and a good value.
We like the pockets and general design and they get rave reviews on Amazon. These pants have a gusseted crotch and knee design for more mobility, but a timmer fit and lack of stretch fabric make them seem trimmer and snugger than we would like for full freedom of movement — at least if you have muscular thighs.
Columbia uses OmniShade technology to protect against UPF rays, and uses OmniWick technology to help move moisture away from your body as you hike in the heat. Again, this is a fairly good price for a pair of durable convertible pants that are readily available in a large number of sizes.
Throughout the rest of the pants, the fit is large with plenty of room in the legs, even for well muscled legs. The Toomett Cargo Convertible Pants are our top budget pick. We like them because they have plenty of pockets for storage, and the fit allows for plenty of movement. Even though they are not made with stretch fabric, the wide fit throughout the thighs still gives plenty of room. Also, there is an extra zippered cargo security pocket for valuable items, while the two other cargo pockets snap closed.
We prefer the snaps as they snag less than velcro. The waist has elastic in it, with a button closure. The quick dry material makes these pants suitable for water adventures as well.
Finally, the pants zip into shorts to add versatility. The material is extremely stretchy, breathable, and ready for movement. However, they fit well enough to be worn around town without a second glance. The fabric is very lightweight, which may hinder the overall durability of the pants over time. The gusseted crotch allows for more big movements as well. We do wish there were more zippered pockets, as these only include one zippered cargo pocket.
The REI Sahara Convertible pants are a trail zip-off classic and have been one of our favorite trail pants for over a decade. However, we are not as impressed with the current version pants as we have been with previous models. The pants are reinforced on the back of the cuffs to protect against abrasion from hiking boots, and there are also plenty of pockets. Still, these pants are a good choice if you want a brand name with a one-year warranty.
We acknowledge that many of these pants are quite expensive and may not be within your budget. A size 30 actually has a 32 waist, with a 30L inseam. The fit is true to size in the waist, and the inseam runs long. For people with well muscled legs the fit is a bit snug throughout the thighs.
These pants are budget-friendly, lightweight, and versatile. They have a classic fit, which fits fairly snug throughout the thighs — trimmer than the Toomett Pants. This is great for a more fitted and casual look, but may not be the best for big movements or versatile activities if you have well muscled legs. The pants also use Omni-Shade technology for sun protection and a quick drying finish, in the case of river crossings or inclement weather.
The partially elastic waist is also cut for movement, and the zip-off design is a classic weight-saving technique. These are an excellent pair of heavy duty pants for a great price. The fabric is a stretch fabric, which makes these pants move and breathe really easily. The waistband is elastic with button closure and a self belt, and feels very comfortable on the skin. Furthermore, they convert into shorts.
The hand pockets are very deep, and we like the two zippered security pockets to comfortably hold valuables. That being said, the caution against cotton is likely overstated and we really like these pants and could see them as a good choice for canyoneering and bushwacking. These pants are workhorses and will take you through any adventure imaginable. This means scraping up against rough limestone, traversing through snow, or bushwhacking through brambly territory.
These pants are both great options if you want a quality piece of clothing that will last for years, no matter where you take it. They are very similar to the Bushwacker Weather Pants but have an adjustable ankle with elastic and velcro for even more technical adaptability. RailRiders pants are durable work horses that will last forever. Their 2 ply 3 oz nylon shell is strong enough to stand up to bushwacking with risk of snags or tears. The material is reinforced at the knees, backside, and inside the ankle area.
These are common wear and tear spots, so the extra strength in these areas is crucial. This is enough to securely store a phone, wallet, keys, and some snacks. The waistband contains elastic and belt loops for an adjustable and comfortable fit, and a drawcord at the bottom gives you the option to completely seal in the pants. Articulated knees and a gusseted crotch also both give you extra freedom of movement.
The DWR finish on the fabric repels light moisture and is windproof up to 35 mph. Softshell pants like this are heavier duty and best suited for adventures off trail and in alpine environments when you need something that will last.
There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from bugs read our full article here , but one of the first steps is purchasing bug-repellent clothing. These pants tightly bind Permethrin, a bug repellent, to its clothing fibers. This effectively repels mosquitoes, ticks, ants, no-see-ums, and flies. Plus, you can wash these as you would in any normal clothes! The treatment is effective for roughly 70 washes, which comes out to well over a couple of years of use.
For backcountry adventures in bug season summer or any travels to tropical locations, bug repellent pants should be the first item in your kit. Size down for a true to size fit. These are extremely breathable and lightweight pants that are ideal for hot, buggy climates.
Of them, we're most impressed with the thin elastic bands and lightweight, easy-to-adjust clasps on the Savanna and Dynama 2. 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, you want 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 hikes, short walks to boulders, or international trips that will involve a trail or two, there are other factors to consider, like the style. We break down the considerations below. The most trail-versatile model is the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. They're durable, breathe well, resist light splashes of water and stains, fight off the wind, and are easy to roll up to your knees.
The zip-off version can also convert to a Bermuda-length short. We feel confident heading off into the backcountry, knowing that these pants can handle it. We especially appreciate their trail versatility on multi-day ventures, where we really need our pants to handle varying conditions. These pants also resist stretching out after multiple days of use, which we can't say of many of the other options tested.
The REI Sahara convertible pants also zip off, shed water quickly, and breathe very well, but they get chilly fast in a stiff breeze. The Arc'teryx Palisade balances wind-blocking and breathability almost as well as the Ferrosi pants, and their fabric is a little stiffer and more substantial. We like the feel and love the extra protection we get when venturing off-trail. We spent a day bushwalking through east coast briars in them and came out with no more than a couple of scratches on our legs.
The pants were fine. For lifestyle versatility, the Prana Halle earns top marks, offering endless stretch, reasonable breathability, and slightly thicker fabric that provides protection. And they look good. We wear these pants to our casual offices and to get drinks with the gang. It's a perfect active travel option. The Halle also has a tab that holds the hem roll and allows for more airflow. They are also more comfortable under a climbing harness, making them a favorite for climbing days.
We also like the Patagonia Pack Out tights for days that head from yoga to work to the trail. While the Arc'teryx Gamma LT handles a range of wet and cold environments, it's not so great in warm weather. Since most people hike in pleasant temperatures, we don't consider the Gamma very versatile.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Best Hiking Pants for Women of We tested women's hiking pants from Columbia, Prana, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and others to find the best pair for your outdoor needs.
Photo: Clark Tate. Share this article:. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Learn more. Over the last 9 years, we've bought and tested 45 women's hiking pants to find the best fit for you.
Our review covers 15 top options on the market today. Our test team researches options ranging from softshells, convertible pants, and hiking tights before buying the top tier to test side-by-side.
We hike hundreds of miles and scramble up spurs to push the limits of each pair's comfort and mobility. We evaluate how well they breathe on strenuous trails and how well they protect us from sudden showers and scorching sunshine. We also wear them to climb, travel, and socialize. No matter what type of adventure you like, we've found a hiking pant that can hang.
Top 15 Product Ratings. Displaying 1 - 5 of Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant - Women's. Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2. Prana Halle - Women's. Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tight - Women's. Show full specification details Hide full specification details.
See all prices 2 found. Comfort and Mobility 9. Venting And Breathability 9. Endless stretch and mobility. Comfort and Mobility 7. See all prices 3 found. Comfort and Mobility 5. Stretchy fabric moves well. Venting And Breathability 8. Comfort and Mobility 8. Venting And Breathability 6. Comfort and Mobility 6. Venting And Breathability 4. Comfort and Mobility Venting And Breathability 5. Score Product Price Our Take Arc'teryx Palisade Pant - Women's. The North Face Aphrodite 2.
Marmot Kodachrome. Patagonia Pack Out - Women's. Arc'teryx Sabria Pant. Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch - Women's. Patagonia Quandary - Women's. Vuori Ripstop - Women's.
We tested these pants head-to-head for months to get you the nitty-gritty details on which works best on the trail. The Sahara pants aren't tight or loose, allowing you to move when you need to. Having full range of motion makes hiking more fun. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants let you high step to your heart's content. Plus sizes: Many options we tested are available in plus sizes and variable lengths. Comfort is maximized when sizing and fit are correct, so be sure to look into the sizing options that suit your body before ordering.
The Patagonia Pack Out tights are the coziest pants we've ever hiked in. It doesn't get much more mobile than this. The Prana Halle tights never restrict your high steps. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants have a comfortable fleece fabric lining the waist and a forgiving elastic drawstring. Light, breathable and weather resistant, the Ferrosi zip-off pants set you up for success on the trail.
The Arc'teryx Palisade pants breathe really well while blocking cold winds from ripping away your warmth. Days in the mountains often start off cool but heat up quickly. A convertible option covers your bases for different weather conditions.
The Halle pants roll up to a capri but are not convertible into shorts. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are water-resistant. They shed water effectively in all but a downpour. We had a hard time getting this water droplet to stay put.
The rest ran right off the fabric. All of these pants wet out eventually. So it also matters how quickly they dry.
For a trekking tight, the Fjallraven Abisko pants are pretty speedy. The Arc'teryx Gamma LT has great weather resistance and can be used for a variety of colder weather activities, like spring skiing and hiking in wet weather. Details like the Fjallraven Abisko tight's knee and bum reinforcements can make all the difference in performance.
Cinchable hems are a popular trend in hiking pants right now. We like them. An inner drawstring helps with fit adjustments and means you don't have to wear a belt, which is much preferred when also wearing a harness or hipbelt. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are versatile enough to tackle nearly any three-season conditions you'll run into on the trail.
The Ferrosi pants perform well enough to keep up with us on almost any hiking or climbing or water-based adventure we can dream up. And they look pretty darn good doing it. Pants like the Prana Halle are versatile on the trail and in life. We just wear them all day and see what we get into. So many pants in this review offer great performance in a few metrics, while a few have stellar performance across the board. Don't forget to compare the product ratings to find the right option for you.
Learn More. All-day comfort, versatile, breathable, wind-resistant. Mobile, wide range of fit options, shed water easily, excellent pockets. Incredibly light, soft with endless stretch, breathable, DWR finish. Feminine fit, many adjustment options, great movement, comfortable. Durable, breathable, excellent pockets, cinch-able high waist stays put. Not the most flattering, low rise can be uncomfortable. Feel a bit odd at first, tricky fit, expensive. With their endless mobility, comfortable details, and technical chops, these pants are up for any adventure.
A great bargain for a convertible hiking pant the does it all. Incredibly soft, flowy, and stretchy, these pants are comfortable, except for the low rise, which can make the crotch feel tight.
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