Best Women’s Hiking Leggings of 2023

JUMP TO: KUHL IMPULSE  |  LULULEMON TECH FLEECE  |  ATHLETA HEADLANDS HYBRID  |  FJALLRAVEN ABISKO TREKKING  |  SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT MERINO  |  KUHL WEEKENDR  |  PRANA TRANSFORM  |  PATAGONIA MAIPO  | BUYING ADVICE

Author: Juliet Kennedy | Updated: Feb 25, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Few apparel options combine comfort and function better than hiking leggings. They are lightweight, flexible, protective, super comfortable, and can be incredibly versatile. Technical hiking leggings are breathable enough to comfortably provide pant-length protection in summer, and can be a great base layer for frigid excursions in the depths of winter.

Leggings were once synonymous with less technical pursuits like yoga, but fortunately, outdoor brands have caught on. Many now produce innovative hiking leggings that combine the plush comfort of yoga pants with trail-ready features life tear resistant fabrics, water repellent finishes, and—yes—even pockets.

No matter the adventure you’re after, there is a hiking legging for you. Read to learn more about the ones we love the most.

If you love reading this review of the best women’s hiking leggings, then you'll likely love reading some of our other hiking and backpacking content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Choosing the hiking leggings that will best serve you, depends on what you want to do while wearing them. Will you be walking maintained trails or blazing your own through scraggly brush? Will you be glissading down icy slopes after bagging a snowy peak? Or will you be exploring a trail that leads to an epic waterfall?

To find the right hiking leggings for your adventures, you will need to assess their features and performance abilities. Our detailed buying advice section at the end of the article will help you do that.

 

Best Overall: KUHL IMPULSE TIGHTS

MATERIAL: FABRIC 1: 76% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 15% Spandex; FABRIC 2: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex; FABRIC 3: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex

POCKETS: 4

FIT: Form fitting, full length, mid-rise waist

PROS: Abrasion resistance, lightweight, UPF 50+, drawstring waist

CONS: Tough fabric that isn’t very soft

The Kuhl Impulse Tights are ideal for almost any hiking expedition. They are tough and durable enough for rugged adventures while simultaneously being lightweight and stretchy, granting you the freedom of unrestricted movement. These leggings will withstand branch snags on overgrown trails and traverses through jagged scree fields, while also having the breathability you need on sweltering sunny days.

The three-fabric design of the Kuhl Impulse Tights provide pant-like protection from water, abrasions, and UV rays. Perhaps as much pant as they are legging, they are perfect for more committing hikes in the backcountry, but as a result, the finish of the material isn’t as soft or smooth as some of the other choices in this list.

Tailored with a sleek and simple design, these full-length, fitted leggings are still stylish enough  to take you from the trail right into town without worrying about changing your outfit. They are thoughtfully constructed with a drawstring embedded in the waistband for fit adjustments. The two side pockets make tucking away a phone or map easy and accessible, while the two zippered back pockets give you peace of mind in securing your valuables as you explore.

MATERIAL: FABRIC 1: 91% Polyester, 9% Elastane; FABRIC 2: 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane

POCKETS: 3

FIT: Form fitting, full length, high-rise waist

PROS: Water repellant, wind resistant, brushed fleece

CONS: Too thick for summer hikes

Since we can’t always wait for the weather to be perfect to hit the trails, it’s nice to have gear that can withstand inclement weather. The Lululemon Tech Fleece High-Rise Running Tights are our favorite leggings when getting outside means braving the cold.

These tights are lined with a brushed fleece that is ultra soft against your skin. The outer layers are both water repellent and wind resistant, keeping you safe and dry when cold weather strikes. These hiking leggings are thick and cozy without sacrificing flexibility: they are constructed from Lycra with 4-way stretch so you can ascend steep trails without limiting your movement.

The Tech Fleece High-Rise Running Tights offer zippered cuffs to accommodate all types of footwear. They include a zippered thigh pocket to keep your valuables secure along with two slide-in pockets on the sides. The waistband has a continuous drawstring that won’t get lost in the wash and it effectively keeps the pants in place while exercising. Designed to keep you toasty in brisk conditions, these hiking leggings will most likely be too insulated for trekking in warmer weather.

MATERIAL: 91% Recycled Nylon, 9% Spandex

POCKETS: 6 zippered 

FIT: Fitted, ankle length, high-rise waist

PROS: UPF 50+, DWR finish, secure pockets

CONS: May feel bulky with pockets full

The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II Tights are built for long days on the trail, but not at the expense of style. These perform like hiking pants, yet you won’t be embarrassed to be seen wearing them off the trail, thanks to their streamlined designed and understated, earth-tone colorways. With an abundant supply of pockets (six!), we can all mercifully forget about cumbersome cargo hiking pants forever. We are now in the age of cargo tights, and we are here for it.

With ankle length cuffs, the Headlands tights can be worn with low socks and sneakers on warmer days or layered with tall socks and boots for colder hikes. They are equipped with an internal drawstring in the waistband to adjust where they rest on your hips.

Crafted with a combination of nylon and spandex, they will stretch and move with you while the weave of the fabric provides abrasion resistance to keep the material from catching and tearing. The fabric is treated with a durable water repellent finish (DWR) and includes UPF 50+ protection from the sun making them suitable for any activity. As a B Corporation with sustainability at their core, Athleta favors recycled and low-impact fabrics. The nylon in these tights is 100% recycled.

MATERIAL: FACE FABRIC: 71% Recycled Polyester, 29% Elastane; REINFORCEMENTS: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane

POCKETS: 2

FIT: Fitted, ⅞ length, high-rise waist

PROS: Double-knit fabric for abrasion resistance, reinforced knee and rear, sweat wicking

CONS: No zippered pockets

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tight Pros are made to go the distance. They are stout enough to withstand inevitable scuffs and scrapes, yet remain comfortable enough for wearing around the campfire after a day of hiking.

The intricate, double-knit polyester-nylon fabric is built for durability and abrasion resistance, and reinforced knees and rear will endure rigorous abuse from avid hikers. The ⅞ length legs and low-profile hems pair well with hiking boots, making these leggings among our favorites for backpacking.

Additional features include two side pockets with envelope closures for added security: they are deep enough to accommodate a phone, map, or other small hiking essentials. An adjustable drawstring within the waistband helps you secure the perfect fit, whether you’re wearing them with a fully loaded backpack on a week-long expedition or just out on a quick day hike.

MATERIAL: 51% Recycled Polyester, 36% Merino Wool, 13% Elastane

POCKETS: 0

FIT: Slim fit, full length, high-rise waist

PROS: Simple design for layering, wool blend for insulation, wide waistband

CONS: No pockets, no abrasion or water resistance, lay flat to dry

The Smartwool Intraknit™ Merino Leggings make for a versatile outdoor wardrobe staple. They can be worn on their own or beneath traditional hiking pants as a cozy base layer for added protection from the elements. These Smartwool hiking leggings are crafted with Intraknit™ technology for stretch, comfort, and warmth while also providing ventilation so they won’t feel stuffy when you break a sweat.

Merino wool is a naturally insulating fabric with moisture wicking, anti-static, and odor resistant properties. We love it for extended backcountry hiking trips, but wool requires a bit more care than some synthetic materials. Because it is prone to shrinkage, Smartwool leggings should be washed in cold water and dried flat instead of tumble drying. Hang drying can permanently stretch and deform merino garments, so avoid that as well. 

The fabric doesn’t have as much abrasion resistance as nylon-weaved leggings or a durable water repellent finish, so they work best as a base layer or for low key adventures where you aren’t planning on bushwacking or scrambling.

Best for Water Resistance: KUHL WEEKENDR TIGHTS

MATERIAL: FABRIC 1: 76% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 15% Spandex; FABRIC 2: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex

POCKETS: 4

FIT: Skinny fit, full length, mid-rise waist

PROS: Abrasion resistance, DWR finish, ventilation panels throughout

CONS: Not suited for cold weather

Fashionably designed with concealed zippered front pockets and chino back pockets, the Weekendr Tights are polished enough to wear to work and tenacious enough to forge creeks. Manufactured with proprietary blends of nylon, spandex, and polyester, these pants offer stretch and comfort in their solid construction.

Despite their refined and light-duty aesthetic, the Weekendr Tights in fact provide excellent protection from the elements. Their proprietary nylon and polyester fabrics are abrasion and water resistant. Ventilated, moisture-wicking mesh panels are incorporated throughout the pants to keep you cool and dry when working up a sweat.

In addition to the water wicking panels and sturdy material, the Weekendr hiking tights are coated with a durable water repellent finish to amplify their water resistance. Though they aren’t necessarily equipped for winter weather, the Weekendr Tights will keep you dry and looking good in warmer seasons.

Best for Sun Protection: PRANA TRANSFORM LEGGINGS

MATERIAL: 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane

POCKETS: 1

FIT: Fitted, full length, high-waist

PROS: UPF 50+, comfortable, moisture wicking

CONS: Thin material, only one pocket

The prAna Transform Leggings are your best bet for comfortable protection from prolonged sun exposure. They feature a robust UPF 50+ rating but are still breathable enough that you won’t feel trapped in a leg-shaped sauna in hot summer temps.

Featuring nylon and elastane fabrics, the waistband is fortified with double-layer panels for compression and shape retention with a covert pocket inside to conceal keys or cash. The flatlock seams decrease irritation from repetitive movement, while a Coolmax® reinforced gusset keeps you cool and dry on hot days.

The Transform Leggings are ethically crafted in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory. They are also approved as a Bluesign® product, a certification that aims to minimize or eliminate the negative effects of synthetic materials on human health and the environment.

Best for Sustainability: PATAGONIA WOMEN’S MAIPO ⅞ TIGHTS

MATERIAL: 81% recycled nylon, 19% spandex knit

POCKETS: 1

FIT: Fitted, ⅞ length, high-rise

PROS: Sustainably manufactured, soft material, odor control

CONS: Only one pocket with no closure

The Patagonia Women’s Maipo ⅞ Tights are crafted sustainably with the environment in mind. The majority of the material is sourced from discarded fishing nets collected in South American fishing communities. The fishing nets are then recycled into nylon fabric and integrated into the construction of these pants. 

The Maipo Tights were crafted for high performance activities, complemented with details focused on maximizing comfort. The spandex is enhanced with a fabric softener for a smooth, moisture wicking finish, as well as an odor control coating to keep the garment fresh. The seams feature flatlock stitching, intended to prevent chafing, and the waistband fabric is folded over, creating a seamless top edge for added comfort. There is a single concealed slip pocket in the back, but be aware that it does not have a secure closure, so you may not want to use it for storing valuables.

If sustainability plays an important role in your gear purchases, it is hard to go wrong with Patagonia. These tights are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn and through their 1% for the Planet campaign, Patagonia donates 1% of all sales to environmental conservation organizations globally.

 

BUYING ADVICE FOR WOMEN’S HIKING LEGGINGS

When deciding which hiking leggings are best suited for you, it can help to think about the types of adventures you enjoy and the conditions you typically hike in. Are you looking for something light and comfy for casual summer hiking? Or do you need leggings with the durability and performance needed for longer backpacking trips?

Knowing the answers will help you assess the fabrics, fit, and features to look for in a pair of hiking leggings.

 

Fabrics

NYLON: A synthetic material that is strong, lightweight, and mold/mildew resistant. It is easy to care for, dries quickly, and is more abrasion resistant than polyester. It is also slightly more expensive.

POLYESTER: Polyester is another synthetic fabric often used in hiking leggings. It is warmer than nylon and dries slightly faster. One potential drawback is that polyester absorbs odors from perspiration more than nylon. This is why it is usually used as an outer fabric or blended with odor resistant materials like nylon or merino wool.

COTTON: Cotton is a natural material. It feels soft on the skin, is very breathable, and is naturally odor resistant. It also absorbs and retains moisture, meaning it dries very slowly. Cotton is generally avoided when it comes to technical outdoor clothing though some brands blend cotton with synthetic materials to decrease drying time while still offering the benefits of a natural material.

ELASTANE: Elastane (often marketed under the brand names Spandex and Lycra) is a stretchy material found in a good deal of outdoor clothing. A higher percentage of elastane makes for a stretchier garment that combines shape retention with maximum freedom of movement. By allowing for a full range of motion, elastane is a key material in almost all climbing, yoga, and hiking leggings.

Fit

LENGTH: Depending on your height, hiking leggings will hit your lower leg and ankle at different points. The typical lengths offered in women’s hiking leggings are full, ⅞, and capri. Full length leggings will typically sit at your ankle bone while the cuffs of the ⅞ length will hit a few inches above your ankle. Capri-style leggings generally stop a few inches below the knee.

SILHOUETTE: Hiking leggings are usually form fitting, but there are other silhouette options available for those of you who don’t want the compression of form fitted tights. There are loose fitting leggings that offer a straight-leg flowy fit, there are also flared leggings that are fitted through the legs and wider at the ankles. You can also find jogger-style leggings that offer a loose fit that tapers to fitted ankle cuffs.

WAIST: Women’s hiking leggings are offered in a few different waist heights. Most commonly, you will find high-rise options that provide compression and structure in the waistbands. There are also mid-rise options that sit below the natural waist and low-rise options that sit at the hips. Choosing the right pants for you will depend on where you prefer the waistline to sit on your body. There are many styles that have drawstring cords within the waistbands for fit adjustments and to keep them in place as you move.

Additional Features

SUN PROTECTION: In general, leggings are not as thick or protective as traditional hiking pants, but most still provide adequate sun protection. Some leggings, like the Prana Transform Legging come with a lab-tested UPF rating to indicate their ability to block harmful ultraviolet rays. UPF 50+ is a common level of protection in outdoor apparel and blocks 98% of sun rays. Many garments don’t have an official UPF rating, but darker colors, denser weaves, and synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are your best bets for leggings with more sun protection.

DWR FINISH: Durable water repellent (DWR) finishes are added to fabrics to prevent water from soaking into the garment. The finish increases the surface tension on the material, forcing moisture to bead up and easily roll off the apparel, rather than be absorbed into the fabric. Hiking leggings treated with DWR will see the performance of the DWR finish degrade over time, but you can reapply the DWR using spray-on or wash-in treatments.

ABRASION RESISTANCE: Some fabrics are more abrasion resistant than others, better able to withstand repetitive friction and minimize tearing. Hiking leggings aim to incorporate larger proportions of abrasion resistant fabrics like nylon and wool. Nontechnical leggings usually favor polyester and high levels of elastane to maximize comfort and material, but these fabrics don’t hold up as well for hiking overgrown trails, scrambling over jagged stones, or sitting on log benches around a campfire.

ODOR CONTROL: Depending on the materials used in outdoor clothing, they will either absorb odors or resist them. Natural materials like cotton, wool, and bamboo innately resist odors while synthetic materials can sometimes trap smells within the fibers. Some brands offer enhanced odor control with the addition of antimicrobial finishes on their textiles.

POCKETS: Almost all dedicated hiking leggings feature at least one pocket. Some only have simple slip pockets, some have secure zippered pockets, and some, like the Kuhl Impulse Tights, have a combination of both  But because of the sleek design of most hiking leggings, fully utilizing the more pocket-happy pairs may feel cumbersome, and the waistband of the pants can begin to slip under the weight of heavier items.

SUSTAINABILITY: If you factor sustainability into your outdoor gear purchases, there are a few things to consider when looking for new hiking leggings. First, look at materials: recycled fabrics and natural fibers like merino wool typically have a lower environmental footprint. Second, think about durability: the most sustainable apparel is often the stuff that lasts for many years. 

Our top sustainable leggings pick, the Patagonia Women’s Maipo ⅞ Tights, checks both of these boxes. They creatively repurpose recycled nylon and the brand has a well-earned reputation for excellent durability and build quality.

However, always do your own research and be aware of greenwashing. Many companies advertise empty environmentally friendly claims and it can be hard to differentiate between unsubstantiated greenwashing and the companies that truly make an effort to offset their impact. Patagonia is an industry leader, backing up their claims with transparent policies and legitimate reporting on their environmental impact, but they remain an outlier. Keep an eye out for trustworthy certifications and internal impact reporting that backs up the marketing-speak.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What are the best leggings to hike in? The best hiking leggings will have a few additional features that make them better for the trail than nontechnical leggings. They will usually have pockets, UPF protection, and durable materials more suitable for outdoor adventures.

Can I wear yoga pants hiking? You absolutely can, just be aware of their limitations. Yoga pants are thinners and typically containing more elastane than dedicating hiking leggings. They are great for more casual outings, but lack the durability, warmth, and weather resistance that you would want on longer hikes.

What fabric is best for hiking leggings? This depends on your preferences, but most hiking leggings contain some combination or nylon, polyester, elastane (Spandex and Lycra), and occasionally merino wool. More nylon adds durability, polyester adds weather resistance, elastane adds stretch and comfort, and merino wool adds warmth and odor resistance.

Are hiking leggings warm enough for winter hiking? Most hiking leggings, on their own, won’t be enough for winter temperatures. But you can wear them as a base layer or invest in insulated winter leggings, like the Lululemon Tech Fleece High-Rise Running Tights.

MORE INFORMATION

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