Not every kind of pants is best for hiking. Sure, you can throw on your favorite pair of jeans or khakis and make it up the trail. But it is much nicer to wear a pair of pants designed with the ideal characteristics for hiking.
The old saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” This holds, even for hiking pants. Even though we all want to be careful with our money, sometimes you need to invest a little bit to get good quality. It would be best to have some high-quality women’s hiking pants when you’re hiking.
So first, before we get into my picks for the top 5 highest quality women’s hiking pants, let’s talk briefly about the ideal qualities that great hiking pants need!
Ideal High-Quality Hiking Pants
First, you need pants that fit well. If the pants are too big or small, they’ll hinder your hiking ability. Pants that don’t fit well can cause chaffing, limited mobility, and discomfort. So, what makes hiking pants high quality? There are several things to look for besides the price! Let’s take a quick gander!
Fabric. The fabric of your pants matters! You’ll probably want a blend of sturdy and durable fabrics that breathe and dry quickly. Depending on your climate, you might want a little lighter or a little heavier fabric.
Water-repelling. Do the pants wick away dampness? Do they dry quickly if you get caught in a rainstorm or have to cross a creek?
Sun Protection. Most high-quality pants will have sun protection to keep you safe from harsh rays.
Durability. How well will the fabric hold up to heavy use? Will it rip if it gets caught on briars or thorns? Does it have reinforced knees?
Comfort. Your high-quality hiking pants need to feel comfortable when you wear them. If they don’t feel good on your body, they definitely won’t feel good while you’re hiking.
Pockets. How many pockets do you need? Do you like zip-closure pockets or hook-and-loop tape?
Closures. You want to look for pants with ankle closures to avoid ticks. Or you might want pants with an elastic waist or built-in belt to help you keep your pants up.
Price. More expensive isn’t always better. However, investing in high-quality hiking pants is never a waste of money—the pants on this list range from around $80 to $240.
Keep these characteristics in mind as you look through this list of high-quality women’s hiking pants. They will help you choose the best pants for your hiking needs—and of course, they’ll be excellent quality, too!
1. The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants – Women’s $80
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants for women rank high in popularity and quality. These pants are available in sizes XS through 1X and in grey, navy, and black.
These pants are made from FlashDry XD. They’re highly durable, abrasion—and snag-resistant, and dry quickly. They wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.
The Aphrodite pants have straight legs with shirring. They offer a stretch drawcord to adjust the waist, front, and right pockets.
The lightweight fabric is great for warm weather but can be layered over a base layer if you need extra warmth while hiking.
The Aphrodite pants are high quality, breathable, lightweight, and fit true to size.
Pros
Fit. The pants run true to size and have a drawcord to tighten the waist.
Breathability. These pants are lightweight and wick away moisture.
Durability. The pants are made to withstand heavy use.
Cons
Fit. The inseam is the same length in all sizes.
Climate. Pants do not have insulation.
Water-resistance. The pants are not waterproof.
Color. The pants are dark colors, which can be warm in the sun.
2. REI Co-op Trailmade Pants – Womens $69.95
Don’t let the low price fool you – the REI Co-op Trailmade Women’s Pants are high-quality hiking pants. They’re available in a wide size range, from 0 to 26, in petite and regular lengths. The pants are available in 4 colors: Blue, black, olive, and orange.
The Trailmade Pants for women are durable, abrasion, and tear-resistant. They have a light stretch in the fabric to make hiking more comfortable and plenty of storage in the pockets. They’re made with a lightweight nylon/spandex fabric that is quick-drying, breathable, and water—and stain-repellant.
The mid-rise pants have UPF 50+ to keep you safe from the sun. They have added durability at the back of the ankles. There is an internal drawcord, zip fly closure, belt loops, and a cord loop for your sunglasses or keys.
The leg openings have a bungee adjustment to accommodate different types of footwear.
Pros
Fit. The pants are available in various sizes, with stretch and drawcords to help you dial in your fit.
Sun Protection. UPF 50+.
Water Resistant. Coated with water-repellent coating.
Durable. The pants are intended to be snag-proof and protect you from briars.
Heavy-weight. These are well-suited for cooler hikes.
Cons
Fabric. It’s not a lightweight fabric.
Fit. Check the size charts carefully. It may run small.
3. Mountain Hardwear Women’s Standard Dynama/2 Ankle – $84.99
The Mountain Hardware Dynama Women’s Hiking Pants are ankle-length pants with 94% Nylon and 6% Elastane. They offer a water-repelling finish, anti-odor properties, and a stretch waistband for comfort. These pants are also high-quality because they have UPF50 sun protection.
The pants have two deep pockets and a zippered side pocket. The pants have a slim, short fit with enough stretch to hike and climb. The Dynama’2 pants are available in sizes XS through XL and your choice of 6 colors.
These pants have a feminine shape without too much bulk. They fit well and look good. The high ankles would make them more suitable for warmer weather hikes.
Pros
Sun Protection. UPF 50
Fabric. Durable and stretchy.
Water repellent. Treated with DWR.
Plenty of pockets.
Cons
Climate. Best for moderate temperatures.
Closures. No drawcord or ankle closures.
4. Keb Trousers Curved Women’s Hiking Pants $240.00
The Keb Women’s Hiking Trousers from FJALLRAVEN are a high-quality, worthwhile hiking investment. First, they are available in sizes 2 through 16 with three different inseam lengths. Second, they were designed with a curved fit to fit your body better. And they are designed to last a lifetime.
They are made with stretch fabric and zippered hip-to-knee ventilation. They have four pockets. The leg pockets have buttoned flaps and inside mesh.
One of the best parts about these pants is the knee openings for optional knee pads, buttoned straps around the ankles, boothooks, and loops for stirrups. The knees, rear, and pockets are reinforced.
The pants are made from 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton. You’ll also find polyamide, polyester, and elastane.
Pros
Breathable. Ventilation and mesh pockets provide extra breathability.
Water resistant.
Durable. Designed to last for a lifetime.
Fit. Fits true to size. The curved shape is more inclusive for women.
Cons
Price. These pants are an investment in quality.
5. Outdoor Afro+ REI Co-op Trail Pants – Women’s $99.95
The Outdoor Afro+ REI Co-op Trail Women’s Pants have a lot to offer for the price because they are a trendy and high-value pair of hiking pants. These pants were designed to fit various body sizes and shapes.
The pants are available in sizes 0 to 26 and are petite, regular, and tall. They are mid-rise pants with tapered legs.
The fabric is sturdy, lightweight, nylon and spandex, breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy. It is durable and abrasion-resistant. The pants have UPF 50+ sun protection and a water-repellent coating.
The waste is elastic and has a drawcord to adjust it. There are 7-inch zippers at the ankle to allow venting. There are plenty of zippered pockets with lots of storage.
Pros
Fit. Great for a variety of body types. Available in a wide variety of sizing.
Lightweight and durable.
Breathable.
Moisture wicking
Cons
Climate. Best for warm weather hiking.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a great pair of women’s hiking pants can be challenging. But these pants are so high-quality that they are worth the price. Remember to look for the characteristics that are the most meaningful to you as you hike. Think about what you need the most: pockets, stretch, a warm or cool climate, water repellant, durable fabric, or maybe all!