To help you find the perfect pair of hiking pants, we researched more than 60 pairs and picked the top 10 for our side-by-side tests. We included a range of styles, including ones that convert into capris or shorts, ones designed with trail running in mind, and ones so comfortable you’ll want to sleep in them. We specifically evaluated each pair on how comfortable and mobile they were, and how useful their features were. Then we put all of our results together here to help you select your next pair. Whether you’re planning a long thru-hike or short summer day hikes, we have you covered.
1. Marmot Lobo’s Convertible Pant
For the third year running, the Women’s Marmot Lobo’s Convertible Pant stood out as the best pair of hiking pants in our review. Comfortable, breathable, water resistant – they are the full package. The have a feminine fit and colorful details to add a little style to an otherwise fairly plain clothing line, and the stretchy material moves with you. They dry fast, which is key on long backpacking trips, and they convert easily to Bermuda-length shorts. They are a go-to pair for both day hikes with a solid weather forecast and long trips in variable conditions. The mid-rise waist has a fleece-lined band for extra comfort, and it felt comfortable under a backpack with a hipbelt. This pair is functional, versatile, and can be used for a variety of applications, from water sports to travel.
2. Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch
The Women’s Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch combine affordability with high performance. Our experts loved their comfortable material and flattering, tapered fit, as well as their articulated knees, which gave us good mobility. These pants are breathable and will resist a light rain. They are UPF 50+ rated, and they roll up and secure to a crop length. Best of all, they cost $20-30 less than other pairs in this review. Columbia also makes a convertible version, the Saturday II, which convert to shorts with a 10-inch inseam.
3. Mountain Hardwear Dynama
If you’ve been looking for a cozy pair of technical pants that you can hike a trail in, scramble up a boulder, stretch out on a yoga mat, and still look put together enough to stop by the grocery store on the way home, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama is the pair for you. The material on the Dynama is buttery soft and very stretchy, and we loved doing just about everything in them. They are breathable as well, thanks to the thin material, but that also makes them more of a warm weather pant than a cool weather one. Best of all, Mountain Hardwear makes a whole line of clothing in this amazing fabric, including short and capris, a skirt, and an ankle pant.
4. The North Face Hybrid Hiker Tights
Sometimes you just don’t feel like wearing a hiking pant. Maybe it’s a colder day, maybe you’ll be running part of the way, maybe you can’t stand the swish swish of nylon rubbing against nylon. Enter the Hybrid Hiker Tights from The North Face. These tights are meant for moving fast on the trail in cooler weather. While they are moisture-wicking and breathable, they’re still a little warm for a hot summer day. But for cooler days, trail runs, or anytime where you feel like wearing leggings instead of pants, our Top Pick for Trail Running is the perfect choice.
5. Prana Halle
While zip-off pants are more versatile, the pesky leg zipper can impede mobility and feel uncomfortable. Enter the Women’s Prana Halle. Our Top Pick for Mobility matches your every move, no matter the terrain or sport. Designed with climbers in mind, they climb and hike well, and they are stylish enough for casual wear. The relaxed fit and articulated knees allow a wide range of movement, and the mid-rise waistline relieves the worry of revealing your backside when bending over or climbing. They are breathable, and the option to roll them up and secure the leg helps on warmer days.
Souce: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/clothing-womens/best-hiking-pants-women