Pants for hiking? - calling La Ped and Style Fan - YouLookFab Forum

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Pants for hiking? - calling La Ped and Style Fan

notsaf

Veteran

Janet's recommendation of the Athleta Brooklyn Ankle Pant has me thinking about summer outings and activewear. When we were in the mountains last summer, I wore leggings for hiking, but I'd like to find something a little less constricting and prone to picking up pine needles!

Any recommendations for spring/summer-weight hiking pants from this group? Posting a collection of my hiking gear here for context (though I'm afraid not all of my pieces are represented).

Thanks for your suggestions!

SCARPA Women's Cyrus Walking Shoe

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Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

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Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Crop Top

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Zella High Waist Studio Pocket 7/8 Leggings

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Zella Camo Seamless Tank

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Gap Elation Camo 7/8 Tight

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Outdoor Ventures Women's Sleek Waterproof Softshell Fleece Lined Ski Snow Insulated High Rise Hiking Pants with Bottom Zipper

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Quilted vest with PrimaLoft

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Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from ShaneGood

SarahD8

Veteran

Not exactly what you asked, but I like to hike in a knee-length knit skirt or dress. Like you said, less constricting. And perfectly fine unless you need leg coverage to protect from plants/bugs.

sarah

Veteran

I have a couple of pairs of Athleta pants, similar to the Brooklyns, that I use for hiking. They are lightweight and quick drying and comfortable.

Gap Chelsea Cargo Pant

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Karie

(website)

Veteran

I hike every weekend, in the woods and up mountains. My favorites are Eddie Bauer Guide Pro full length pants, and Eddie Bauer Exploration capris. I also like - from Amazon - Little Donkey Andy convertible pants (full length pants that zip off into shorts).
Sorry, no pics for these - I don’t know how to add items to Finds from my phone.

Bonnie

Veteran

I really like these Trekkie North joggers from Athleta. They are lightweight for warm weather and because they are joggers they keep my ankles covered from insect bites and stickers. I wear them in cold weather with my Uniqlo Heattech leggings.

Gap Trekkie North Jogger

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Gap Trekkie North Jogger

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SW prof

Echo Karie’s recommendation of Eddie Baer Guide Pro pants for full-length hiking pants. I like that they have zip pockets so keys,etc. are safe. For summer, some Columbia capris are good. They are just below knee length (18 in. inseam). See Finds. Not beautiful, but have held up well for several years.

Women's Guide Pro Pants

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Columbia Women's Anytime Outdoor Capri Pant

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I hike nearly every day lately, and my favorite hiking pants are full-length, loose-leg styles from Athleta. I also have ones from Zella, REI, and Prana.

I’m thinking of getting another pair from Athleta because the old Zella ones are wearing out and the Prana ones have a weird drawstring closure in addition to the button/zip fly, and it’s a little annoying to use, but the waist is too big without the drawstring. All of these pants are several years old.

My requirements for hiking pants are pretty specific though, so YMMV. I usually want full leg coverage because I sometimes go off trail or sit or crouch on the ground to take photos. I need pockets that are nice and deep and preferably zip closed too (for spare memory cards, etc).

I also have a lined pair of fleece-pants from Eddie Bauer that are great for winter!

Good luck!

JAileen

Veteran

I have these Columbia pants in several colors. I like that they have a drawstring waist, for a perfect fit. They look like normal pants. I’ve taken them to Alaska and they take up no room in a bag. I can wear long underwear under them. I also wore them with my bell ringing choir. Oh, and I’m wearing them right now!

Columbia Anytime Casual Omni-Shield Outdoor Hiking Pants

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JamC

Veteran

My favorite are Prana Halle straight hiking pants. They look like hiking pants so I don’t wear them for any other activity. They are very light but durable. They come in 3 lengths which is a plus. I only wear full length pants when I hike to protect from insects and, thorns, and poison ivy. They do have an internal waist tie, which is a bit annoying (as Janet mentioned), but I quickly forget it once it is adjusted. I have the Athleta Brooklyn’s but tend to use those for more urban walks. I like the look of the Columbia JAileen posted.

ChrisM

Veteran

Duluth flexipedition pants are my go-to hiking pants because they offer *some* longer inseams and *some* plus sizes. I prefer the straight leg,

In truly hot weather I like their flexipedition skorts.

nemosmom

Veteran

I have the Prana Alana pant (in Finds) and really like them so far! They are a new addition for me this year, so I have not yet put them through any rough hike test, but the fit and comfort level is decent. I like the high nylon content, so they are more like a ripstop-type of material (without the noise). They perform well on the ravine and beach.

Most hiking pants are too short in the front rise, too wide in the waist, and too tight on my thigh and rear. These are ok on the front rise, but I like that they have a hidden inner drawstring so I can size up for hips and cinch the waist.

I am eyeing a pair of Coalatree Trailhead pants (higher front rise, more-generous thigh cut), but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I want something that looks more like a pant, and less like hospital scrubs...

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LaPed

Veteran

I wish the Athleta Brooklyns fit me but they catch on my calves and look very silly!

I have been wearing these Rail Riders Adventure Khakis for the past year. I like that they're designed to fit loose, rather than fitted and stretchy. More air flow for hot weather and they dry much faster; plenty of room for a baselayer underneath in colder weather. The belt is removable and they have a nice high-ish rise, which is incredibly difficult to find in women's nylon pants! I also like the North Face Aphrodite pants and capris. The material is a little heavier and has a slightly brushed feeling, so not for the hottest weather, but the knit waistband is ridiculously comfy.

Like SarahD8, I'm a big fan of hiking in skirts and dresses. I have a Purple Rain skirt (small woman-run company) that is great for backpacking. Prana, Title Nine, and Skirt Sports are other brands to look at for skirts/dresses. I'm also really devoted to my Patagonia Baggies shorts. Again, very loose and breezy rather than fitted and stretchy, and virtually indestructible. Plus fun new prints every year.

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The North Face The North FaceAphrodite 2.0 Capris

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

I admire those who can hike in skirts and dresses. Not around here with our mosquitos and thorns! Even cropped pants mean I will come home with scratches on my calves and ankles.

Joy

Veteran

I would stay away from polyester and look for nylon fabric for summer. The best hiking pants I ever had were thrifted, nylon and straight leg with zippers at the bottom for getting over sneakers. For summer, you might also look for a neutral color that is not too dark like grey, tan or olive. I second full length for protection against insects and other trail hazards. If they are wide enough they will not be too warm.

Lynn

Veteran

I third the Eddie Bauer pants. LL Bean also has nice hiking pants.

Style Fan

Veteran

I wear joggers from Lululemon unless it is scorching. During the hottest months of the summer, I wear long cotton pants. We have to protect ourselves from mosquitos and other insects. I envy the forum members who are wearing shorts and skirts. I would if it was possible.
I notice many of the women here wear leggings when they are hiking. I don't because I feel too exposed but to each their own.

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Sanctuary Commander Camo Print Stretch Cotton Cargo Joggers

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

SF, I see a lot of women wearing leggings (the type I wear for running) for hiking, and I will do that only occasionally — mostly when I set out for a trail run that turns into a hike! But it’s not my preferred approach either.

Jules

Veteran

It might just be a matter of people using what they already own, rather than buying specific gear for the activity. Activewear leggings are available at lots of stores and price points, hiking pants are ‘gear’.

notsaf

Veteran

Thank you all so much for these fabulous suggestions! You're amazing. I'll start looking through these options and report back!

Anonymous

I wear my Athleta skorts in summer and leggings or joggers in colder weather. As long as they have pockets I'm good!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the Eddie Bauer ones, and I think LL Bean has something similar. I've picked up some at Duluth Trading that I really like. The rest are a few years old, from REI or Cabela's.

Anonymous

Patagonia makes a tight specifically for hiking - the Pack-Out Tight. It’s thicker and slightly less fitted than leggings. While I wouldn’t wear them in thick brush, they are more than sturdy enough to stand up to pine needles, tall grasses, etc. Several women I’ve hiked with have bought them after seeing mine in action.
As for actual pants, my fav is the Athleta Trekkie hiking pant, which is different than the jogger. The features I like them for are 1) stretchy waist without drawstring, 2) ample zippered pockets, 3) option to cinch the ankle or leave loose, 4) available in petite (and tall, too). I also prefer the slightly more substantial Trekkie fabric to the thinner nylon many makers use.

LaPed

Veteran

I totally understand why a lot of people hike in the leggings they'd otherwise use for gym/yoga/running. You already have them, they fit, they're comfy, they stay put. Their main drawback is durability. I have two pairs of heavier leggings designed specifically for trail use, one from Athleta and one from The North Face. They have reinforced nylon panels which really do seem to work, and zippered pockets for phone/keys/etc. I love that they don't flap around, drag in the mud, or get caught on things. I find them super flattering (seam placement!) and really great for daily trail runs. But their comfort range is pretty limited. Above 20°C, they're too hot, and below freezing they're not warm enough. They don't accommodate baselayers, dry too slowly for me to consider taking them on a multi-day trip, and are not easy to roll up for river crossings. I do love them, but wouldn't recommend them as all-purpose summer hiking pants. For cool-weather trail running or XC-skiing on warm days, they're perfect.

Gap Highline Hybrid Hike Tight

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Karie

(website)

Veteran

Just wanted to chime back in and say be sure to get gear specifically made for the season you’ll be hiking in. I hike in all seasons, and there is gear designed to keep you warm and dry in winter and cool and dry in summer, so keep that in mind when shopping. Moisture wicking fabric is an absolute must. Also think about other features like pockets - do you want pockets deep enough for your phone or will you just store it in your backpack? I like deep zippered pockets because I don’t want to have to stop, turn around and dig my phone out of my backpack to take a picture. Also think about the rise - I prefer a higher rise because I’m fairly certain no one wants to see my backside when I’m climbing up a rock scramble on the side of a mountain!
My favorite gear for any season has been Eddie Bauer, but I just ordered those North Face capris from LaPed’s Finds above. Those might be nice for summer hiking and even kayaking.

Staysfit

Veteran

I recommend Adventure Pants made by Clothing Arts. They have three inseam lengths and also come in several neutral shades. I purchased one pair and ended up liking them so much, I purchased two more in different colors. They are a year round go to for outdoor activity and travel. I also have some from Eddie Bauer, but prefer the pants from Clothing Arts. In cold weather I find it’s more important to wear warm layers on top than to wear thicker pants. These can handle a layer of thermals underneath, and they also can roll to become Capri length or shorter.

ShaneGood

Member

For spring/summer hikes, check out Columbia's Saturday Trail pants – lightweight, comfy, and with no pine needle magnets! Your hiking gear collection is impressive – practical meets stylish. However, if you are looking for more, check out this guide on hiking outfits. Good luck!