Instead were looking for body skimming pieces that wont feel like a culture shock after a month of living in our cosiest loungewear. Outdoor clothing brands like prAna, The North Face, and Patagonia all have the fit concept down quite well, and REI and Columbia have recently redesigned a number of their offerings to bring them in line with the competition. Moreover, their high-quality softshell fabric was stretchy enough to layer comfortably over thermal pants in the cold evenings and retained its shape through it all. I straighten my arms, inhale deeply, and steady my breathing. And due to the close fit, youll give up a fair amount of breathabilitythe Pack Out Hike Tights in particular are too thick to wear on hot days, and their heavyweight fabric is slow to dry. The two-way stretch allows easy movement, and the recycled nylon and spandex material dries quickly and wicks away sweat. ShopBaum Und Pferdgartenchecked cotton-blend pants at My Theresa, 139. Some of our favorite picks include the The North Face Aphrodite 2.0, Athleta Trekkie North Jogger, Vuori Ripstop, and aforementioned prAna Alana. This pant seems to provide a flattering fit for almost every body shape, and the high rise and cinchable waistband keep you covered while high-stepping over logs or bending over to pitch a tent. Available in sizes 0 to 24, the pants come in four different inseam lengths, ranging from petite to plus. These Eddie Bauer pants come in six dark colors that are naturally slimming and great for hiding dirt. The net result is a legging thats purpose-built for the mountains and capable of withstanding regular use and abuse. A bit like drinking eggnog for breakfast and an entire box of Quality Street as an afternoon snack on those in-between Christmas and New Years days, the novelty of not wearing real clothes has officially worn off. Its a similar story with their Alana Joggers, which boast a similar construction with their revamped (and more environmentally friendly) ReZion fabric. For those who value function over form, the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a true utility belt of a hiking pant. ", Best Curvy Fit: Eddie Bauer Womens Guide Pro Pants at Amazon, "Looks great on ladies with fuller hips and thighs. And if you want a superlight and breathable option, a trail running-specific model can do the trick (we've worn a range of styles from Salomon, Brooks, and Patagonia). The fit and feel are spot-on too, with high-quality materials and an elastic waistband that secures with a drawstring. All of the hiking pants on this list have at least one pocket, and most sport upwards of four or five. Category: CasualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5% elastaneWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Great styling, breathable, and cinchable ankles.What we dont: Limited storage and fabric isnt very durable. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 86% nylon, 14% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Great mobility by way of light and stretchy fabric and premium patterning.What we dont: Expensive and waistband doesnt cinch. Pants made of cotton and linen are more breathable; however, theyll also show wrinkles from a long day of sitting or touring. Channel your inner Great Gatsby with a pair of checked trousers. Arcteryx updated the Gamma LT for this season, and the newest version features a more streamlined waistbelt and redesigned pockets (two hand and one thigh, all with zippers). Category: Performance/casualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5% elastaneWaist: DrawcordWhat we like:A great combination of style and performance.What we dont: Fit and fabric quality dropped with the recent update. Also, a large bag might be inconvenient when you're on the go. land 1940s 1940 clothes farm woman outfits army We love Patagonias Quandary shorts, which come in two different inseam options (5 and 7) and have deep front pockets that even fit a large phone. Its also sold in a more durable (but still convertible) Guide model for $10 more.See the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible. 
The rest of the design is equally well-executed, from the contrasting zipper pulls to the articulated knees and thoughtfully placed zip pockets at the back and sides. Todays offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. If youre planning a trip to colder climates and need some extra insulation, the pants are stretchy enough to wear over your base layers., Sizes: 0-24 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. Rainier, hiking Washingtons diverse landscapes Its still dark when Tosch Roy and his sister Zoe arrive at the Mt. Cotton is also not the best option for outdoor activities. Theyre even more essential in travel pants. Comfort is a strong suit as well, with integrated stretch and articulated knees that lend mobility for both trail and camp activities. In general, these versions have a similar fit, fabric blend, and pocket layout as their full-length counterparts. Regardless of style, our favorite models are mobile, breathable, and durable for activities from casual day hiking to backpacking and even bouldering. That said, while storage is more than adequate with six total pocketsfour of which have snap closuresthe lack of zippers means that valuables can fall out more easily, which is a real concern if youll be doing anything remotely technical. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and feature sets. These are the pants you want to wear if youll be moving around a lot and need the waistband to stay in place.. Enter the Dynama/2 Ankle Pants from Mountain Hardwear, which slots in as our favorite pick for warm days on the trail. Our overall favorite pick is the prAna Womens Halle Pants. ", Best Skinny Fit: prAna Womens Briann Pants at Amazon, "Looks just as great with heels as it does with hiking boots. However, from a quality standpoint, the REI still lacks the fit and finish of more premium models here: Weve found the zippers particularly difficult to operate, and the lightweight fabric has a tendency to form holes and pill. And thicker pants like the Arcteryx Gamma LT are great for shoulder seasons and light winter use. Bachelor parking lot, and blusterier than the weather forecast had predicted. Best of all, the pants feature Luxtreme fabricthe brand's signature, four-way stretch fabric that's sweat-wicking for a breathable and cool feel. ", Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants at Amazon, "The cuffed hem makes these joggers great for day to night. Zippered bottoms allow the pants to fit easily over your snow boots or hiking shoes, while an external waist adjustment system lets you alter the width by up to two inches.
Both pants offer good stretch and mobility, although the Quandarys internal drawcord allows for better fit customization than the Dynamas simple elasticized waist (on the other hand, its made of thin elastic and can be difficult to tighten). The plush, rib-knit waistband feels great underneath a harness or hipbelt (although the external drawstring can get in the way at times), and drawcords at each ankle give you the option of wearing the pant with a slight flare, cinched above your feet, or pulled up around your calves capri-style.
At $89, its $14 pricier than the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle above without enough to show for it. Available in five stylish colorspewter green, black, cream, espresso brown, and cobalt bluethese Everlane's the Easy Pants are great outside of travel, including for casual workwear, to run errands, or around the house. Weve also included a small handful of outliers on this list.
The Saturday Trail was a strong contender for our top budget pick, but the Savanna Trails won out for a few key reasons. ", Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Pants at Amazon, "The ideal solution for women who are traveling somewhere cold. We cant overstate how important it is to find a hiking pant that fits you well. Make sure the pants move with you and feel relaxed no matter how you move. The Keb does have generous hip-to-knee and calf zippers that allow you to open things up to get some airflow, but that can look a little awkward if youre not wearing a baselayer underneath. The pants are mid-rise, with traditional five-pocket styling. But if they fit you well, the Dynama/2 are a fun alternative to more traditional styles and a nice option for summer trail days.See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle. And while the partial-elastic waist fits us well, its not particularly versatilewe wish Arcteryx had added a way to cinch the waist tighter (a built-in belt, drawstring, etc.). For those who cant wait to get back into suits, this style can be worn with a coordinating blazer. Pants with elastic waistbands generally forgo the standard zippered fly and button closure, but theyve recently gained popularity for their comfort and good all-around fit. Like much of the competition, the Columbia sports built-in tabs to secure rolled-up legs and mesh-lined pockets for added venting. They have the comfort, stretch, and drawstring waistband of sweats but look slightly more elevated. Read more about us. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 82% nylon, 18% elastaneWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: The ultimate performance tight.What we dont: Pricey and a bit thick for hot weather. Because they are likely made of technical material, they wont take long to dry.
Tack on a relaxed fit, ankle-length crop, and deep drop-in-style hand pockets, and you get a stylish pant that offers great breathability and mobility for hot-weather hikes, after-work boulder sessions, or just lounging. Choosing full-length pants gives you better protection from the sun and helps keep dirt and rocks from getting into your shoes. Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. Most softshell-style pantsare tough enough that we had few concerns brushing up against and squeezing between rocks and brush on the trail. If youre traveling and have only packed one or two pairs of all-purpose pants, you may need to wash them while youre away. The fabric combines 94 percent nylon with 4 percent elastane for unrestricted movement. Enter these chino-style pants from Everlane, one of the brand's best-selling products. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% spandexWaist: Elastic (partial)What we like: An affordable and functional pant for warm-weather hiking.What we dont: No built-in belt and thin fabric is prone to abrasion. In fact, one of our biggest gripes when it comes to womens outdoor clothing is the lack of functional storagewhile mens pants might have deep front or cargo pockets, womens pants generally feature shallow openings that cant even fit a modern smartphone. But if you use them a few times a year, go for a budget option. Finally, we found the elastic at the ankles to be a little snug and prone to riding up when taking big steps over boulder and other large trail obstacles. Look for pants made of comfortable, technical materials, such as nylon or Lycra. However, many hikers will be able to find a spot elsewhere (like in their pack or jacket pocket), and the combination of breathability, mobility, and good all-around fit makes the Freeflex a popular and well-rounded option.See the KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up. On the bright side, we would have no hesitations wearing the Alana while rock climbing, but its not all that supple or breathable and led to overheating even in moderate temperatures (up into the 60s Fahrenheit) in Patagonia. Sizes: 00-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. Colors range from Equinox Blue to Green Jasper. If these are going to be your new go-to travel and adventure pants, it might be worth getting a bit spendy. My body starts to Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant, See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights, Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pants ($109), See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant, Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Pant Picks, Back to Our Women's Hiking Pant Comparison Table. You can keep essentials like keys, and cards close at hand in one of two zippered cargo pockets. Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Style and performance in a light and breathable package.What we dont: Odd fit and no functional phone storage.
A traditionally styled, all-season hiking pant, the Patagonia Quandary checks all the important boxes in the performance category: It uses a tough but light fabric with a DWR coating, sports articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, and has a clean and unobtrusive look and feel. Finally, were disappointed that Patagonia skimped on functional storage, with drop-in front pockets that barely fit a hand (compared to the Dynamas very large hand pockets that easily swallow a phone) and only one zippered side pocket. One of our favorite designs in this category is The North Faces Aphrodite 2.0, which combines everyday style with a light and airy build thats wildly comfortable and quick-drying. For travel pants that will last more than a season, expect to pay around $100. Finally, we found the fit to be a bit odd with a noticeable amount of bagginess around our hips (we ended up having to go down a full size). The pants are available in sizes 00 to 22 with a short, regular, or tall inseam. But if the length works for you, the Lightweight Tech Pants are an impressively versatile design that can be worn just about anywhere.See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant. Category: CasualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5 % spandexWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: A hiking-specific jogger from one of the best in the business.What we dont: A little pricey and not as stretchy as the competition. As we saw with the Abisko Trekking Tights above, Fjallravens pants offer next-level performance for those with serious hiking objectives. But lets face it: Hiking pants arent particularly stylish, and finding the right fit can be difficult. Whether youre high-stepping over logs, bending over to pitch a tent, or slogging deep into the backcountry with a heavy pack, you need your pants to keep you covered without restricting movement. Category: Performance/casualMaterials: 100% polyesterWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Fashion meets function; high waist offers great coverage.What we dont: Expensive and not offered in tall sizes. And for a slightly cheaper softshell design with a roomier fit, see Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant. Our biggest gripe with the Sabria is its limited storage, which includes just two thigh pockets that close with flaps rather than zippers. silk baseball cap wear summer teenage pink flower buyhathats caps But for only $60 and often found on sale, the Saturday Trail is an adventure-ready option at a great price.See the Columbia Saturday Trail. ShopAlkesandre Akhalkatsishviliwide-leg trousers at FarFetch, 228, ShopTopshopstriped wide leg trousers, 45, ShopESCVDOhigh-rise cotton wide-leg trousers at Matches Fashion, 198. The comfortable pants are bootcut with a regular fit and come in sizes XXS to 2XL. Finally, while storage is better than average, theres no spot for securely stowing a smartphone (it only fits in the non-zippered hand pockets). Softshell pants are ideal for alpine conditions, wet weather, and bushwhacking, but they will feel overkill in the summer heat. Plus-sizes are available for curvier ladies., Neutral tones that work for all occasions, Mid-rise waist isn't great for intense activities. Made from a light, breathable Stretch Zion fabric (97 percent nylon, 3 percent Spandex), the prAna Halle Pants make for an exceptionally comfortable travel companionespecially on long plane journeys. And despite the trim fit, you get a good amount of mobility by way of the gusseted crotch, articulated patterning, and stretchy fabric. We wore the Alana while traveling from the U.S. to Argentina and on subsequent day hikes in Patagonia, and it was quick to impress. Paperbag trousers are so effortlessly easy to wear that youll find yourself reaching for them instead of your go-to jeans. Women know the struggles in choosing hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. versions available. and the Arcteryx Sabria (6.7 oz.). Casual pants are designed for non-technical outdoor use, often featuring thinner or less durable fabrics (sometimes even cotton), fewer pockets, and often less coverage (ankle-length designs like the prAna Alana are increasingly popular). These are our first choice for serious hiking: Theyre breathable, generally water-resistant, durable enough to put up a fight against sharp rocks and plants, and offer great coverage and freedom of movement. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. while the Alroy checks in at 7.9 oz.). But in our opinion, there are real benefits to these features, and they do add a major boost in comfort on the trail. How thick the material is will play a big role in a hiking pants best uses. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of the stretchiest hiking pants available (86 percent nylon and 14 percent spandex), while the legging options here (like the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights) allow great mobility as well. In terms of downsides, you do pay a bit of a premium for the styling, and some taller users might find the pants run noticeably short. Whether your outdoor activities involve hiking, biking, camping, or anything with tons of action, Athleta's Trekkie jogger pants are a winner. On our list above, we feature one style of convertible pant, the REI Co-op Sahara, and a few models that are offered in convertible variations (the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Quandary,and Columbia Saturday Trail, for example). So with all that praise, why is the Alroy ranked so low on our list? Whether youre looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka Arcteryx makes some of our favorite hardshells on the market, and their SV offerings are purpose-built for the harshest of conditions. To ensure a good fit, prAna offers three different inseam lengths: short, regular, and tall. There generally are extra costs associated with the greater complexity in construction, so day hikers sticking to well-maintained trails with flatter grades or those on a budget can probably go without them. Why not add a pair of, Reminding us of our school summer dresses, these striped trousers feel like the perfect pair for the season. How do you know if theyll be comfortable? Use the leg hem cinches to achieve a tighter closure around the top of your boot to prevent dirt or insects from finding their way inside. When the time comes, well be wearing these in office with, The appeal of a drawstring waist cannot be denied and thankfully this chic beige style is sophisticated enough that no will guess how comfortable it really is.
The good news for those that want to pick up a pair of shorts or capris is that many of our favorite pants are offered in these styles. If you plan to carry a pair of pants on a backpacking trip or want a particularly lightweight feel that will keep you moving quickly, some of our favorites include the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 (4.1 oz.) The adjustable hem works for a range of heights or even activities. That is, until you get too hot, and zip them off at the knee to create shorts with a 10-inch inseam. We liked the slimmer profile and more flattering shape of the outgoing pants, but some women found them too snug, especially in the thighs.
The rest of the design is equally well-executed, from the contrasting zipper pulls to the articulated knees and thoughtfully placed zip pockets at the back and sides. Todays offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking isdearest to our hearts. If youre planning a trip to colder climates and need some extra insulation, the pants are stretchy enough to wear over your base layers., Sizes: 0-24 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. Rainier, hiking Washingtons diverse landscapes Its still dark when Tosch Roy and his sister Zoe arrive at the Mt. Cotton is also not the best option for outdoor activities. Theyre even more essential in travel pants. Comfort is a strong suit as well, with integrated stretch and articulated knees that lend mobility for both trail and camp activities. In general, these versions have a similar fit, fabric blend, and pocket layout as their full-length counterparts. Regardless of style, our favorite models are mobile, breathable, and durable for activities from casual day hiking to backpacking and even bouldering. That said, while storage is more than adequate with six total pocketsfour of which have snap closuresthe lack of zippers means that valuables can fall out more easily, which is a real concern if youll be doing anything remotely technical. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and feature sets. These are the pants you want to wear if youll be moving around a lot and need the waistband to stay in place.. Enter the Dynama/2 Ankle Pants from Mountain Hardwear, which slots in as our favorite pick for warm days on the trail. Our overall favorite pick is the prAna Womens Halle Pants. ", Best Skinny Fit: prAna Womens Briann Pants at Amazon, "Looks just as great with heels as it does with hiking boots. However, from a quality standpoint, the REI still lacks the fit and finish of more premium models here: Weve found the zippers particularly difficult to operate, and the lightweight fabric has a tendency to form holes and pill. And thicker pants like the Arcteryx Gamma LT are great for shoulder seasons and light winter use. Bachelor parking lot, and blusterier than the weather forecast had predicted. Best of all, the pants feature Luxtreme fabricthe brand's signature, four-way stretch fabric that's sweat-wicking for a breathable and cool feel. ", Best Budget: AJISAI Women's Joggers Pants at Amazon, "The cuffed hem makes these joggers great for day to night. Zippered bottoms allow the pants to fit easily over your snow boots or hiking shoes, while an external waist adjustment system lets you alter the width by up to two inches. Both pants offer good stretch and mobility, although the Quandarys internal drawcord allows for better fit customization than the Dynamas simple elasticized waist (on the other hand, its made of thin elastic and can be difficult to tighten). The plush, rib-knit waistband feels great underneath a harness or hipbelt (although the external drawstring can get in the way at times), and drawcords at each ankle give you the option of wearing the pant with a slight flare, cinched above your feet, or pulled up around your calves capri-style.
At $89, its $14 pricier than the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle above without enough to show for it. Available in five stylish colorspewter green, black, cream, espresso brown, and cobalt bluethese Everlane's the Easy Pants are great outside of travel, including for casual workwear, to run errands, or around the house. Weve also included a small handful of outliers on this list. The Saturday Trail was a strong contender for our top budget pick, but the Savanna Trails won out for a few key reasons. ", Best for Cold Weather: Outdoor Ventures Pants at Amazon, "The ideal solution for women who are traveling somewhere cold. We cant overstate how important it is to find a hiking pant that fits you well. Make sure the pants move with you and feel relaxed no matter how you move. The Keb does have generous hip-to-knee and calf zippers that allow you to open things up to get some airflow, but that can look a little awkward if youre not wearing a baselayer underneath. The pants are mid-rise, with traditional five-pocket styling. But if they fit you well, the Dynama/2 are a fun alternative to more traditional styles and a nice option for summer trail days.See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle. And while the partial-elastic waist fits us well, its not particularly versatilewe wish Arcteryx had added a way to cinch the waist tighter (a built-in belt, drawstring, etc.). For those who cant wait to get back into suits, this style can be worn with a coordinating blazer. Pants with elastic waistbands generally forgo the standard zippered fly and button closure, but theyve recently gained popularity for their comfort and good all-around fit. Like much of the competition, the Columbia sports built-in tabs to secure rolled-up legs and mesh-lined pockets for added venting. They have the comfort, stretch, and drawstring waistband of sweats but look slightly more elevated. Read more about us. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 82% nylon, 18% elastaneWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: The ultimate performance tight.What we dont: Pricey and a bit thick for hot weather. Because they are likely made of technical material, they wont take long to dry.
Tack on a relaxed fit, ankle-length crop, and deep drop-in-style hand pockets, and you get a stylish pant that offers great breathability and mobility for hot-weather hikes, after-work boulder sessions, or just lounging. Choosing full-length pants gives you better protection from the sun and helps keep dirt and rocks from getting into your shoes. Above all, travel pants should be comfortable. Most softshell-style pantsare tough enough that we had few concerns brushing up against and squeezing between rocks and brush on the trail. If youre traveling and have only packed one or two pairs of all-purpose pants, you may need to wash them while youre away. The fabric combines 94 percent nylon with 4 percent elastane for unrestricted movement. Enter these chino-style pants from Everlane, one of the brand's best-selling products. Category: PerformanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% spandexWaist: Elastic (partial)What we like: An affordable and functional pant for warm-weather hiking.What we dont: No built-in belt and thin fabric is prone to abrasion. In fact, one of our biggest gripes when it comes to womens outdoor clothing is the lack of functional storagewhile mens pants might have deep front or cargo pockets, womens pants generally feature shallow openings that cant even fit a modern smartphone. But if you use them a few times a year, go for a budget option. Finally, we found the elastic at the ankles to be a little snug and prone to riding up when taking big steps over boulder and other large trail obstacles. Look for pants made of comfortable, technical materials, such as nylon or Lycra. However, many hikers will be able to find a spot elsewhere (like in their pack or jacket pocket), and the combination of breathability, mobility, and good all-around fit makes the Freeflex a popular and well-rounded option.See the KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up. On the bright side, we would have no hesitations wearing the Alana while rock climbing, but its not all that supple or breathable and led to overheating even in moderate temperatures (up into the 60s Fahrenheit) in Patagonia. Sizes: 00-16 | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine washable. Colors range from Equinox Blue to Green Jasper. If these are going to be your new go-to travel and adventure pants, it might be worth getting a bit spendy. My body starts to Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant, See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights, Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pants ($109), See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant, Back to Our Top Women's Hiking Pant Picks, Back to Our Women's Hiking Pant Comparison Table. You can keep essentials like keys, and cards close at hand in one of two zippered cargo pockets. Category: Casual/performanceMaterials: 94% nylon, 6% elastaneWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Style and performance in a light and breathable package.What we dont: Odd fit and no functional phone storage.
A traditionally styled, all-season hiking pant, the Patagonia Quandary checks all the important boxes in the performance category: It uses a tough but light fabric with a DWR coating, sports articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, and has a clean and unobtrusive look and feel. Finally, were disappointed that Patagonia skimped on functional storage, with drop-in front pockets that barely fit a hand (compared to the Dynamas very large hand pockets that easily swallow a phone) and only one zippered side pocket. One of our favorite designs in this category is The North Faces Aphrodite 2.0, which combines everyday style with a light and airy build thats wildly comfortable and quick-drying. For travel pants that will last more than a season, expect to pay around $100. Finally, we found the fit to be a bit odd with a noticeable amount of bagginess around our hips (we ended up having to go down a full size). The pants are available in sizes 00 to 22 with a short, regular, or tall inseam. But if the length works for you, the Lightweight Tech Pants are an impressively versatile design that can be worn just about anywhere.See the Topo Designs Lightweight Tech Pant. Category: CasualMaterials: 95% nylon, 5 % spandexWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: A hiking-specific jogger from one of the best in the business.What we dont: A little pricey and not as stretchy as the competition. As we saw with the Abisko Trekking Tights above, Fjallravens pants offer next-level performance for those with serious hiking objectives. But lets face it: Hiking pants arent particularly stylish, and finding the right fit can be difficult. Whether youre high-stepping over logs, bending over to pitch a tent, or slogging deep into the backcountry with a heavy pack, you need your pants to keep you covered without restricting movement. Category: Performance/casualMaterials: 100% polyesterWaist: Elastic/drawcordWhat we like: Fashion meets function; high waist offers great coverage.What we dont: Expensive and not offered in tall sizes. And for a slightly cheaper softshell design with a roomier fit, see Mountain Hardwears Chockstone Alpine Pant. Our biggest gripe with the Sabria is its limited storage, which includes just two thigh pockets that close with flaps rather than zippers. silk baseball cap wear summer teenage pink flower buyhathats caps But for only $60 and often found on sale, the Saturday Trail is an adventure-ready option at a great price.See the Columbia Saturday Trail. ShopAlkesandre Akhalkatsishviliwide-leg trousers at FarFetch, 228, ShopTopshopstriped wide leg trousers, 45, ShopESCVDOhigh-rise cotton wide-leg trousers at Matches Fashion, 198. The comfortable pants are bootcut with a regular fit and come in sizes XXS to 2XL. Finally, while storage is better than average, theres no spot for securely stowing a smartphone (it only fits in the non-zippered hand pockets). Softshell pants are ideal for alpine conditions, wet weather, and bushwhacking, but they will feel overkill in the summer heat. Plus-sizes are available for curvier ladies., Neutral tones that work for all occasions, Mid-rise waist isn't great for intense activities. Made from a light, breathable Stretch Zion fabric (97 percent nylon, 3 percent Spandex), the prAna Halle Pants make for an exceptionally comfortable travel companionespecially on long plane journeys. And despite the trim fit, you get a good amount of mobility by way of the gusseted crotch, articulated patterning, and stretchy fabric. We wore the Alana while traveling from the U.S. to Argentina and on subsequent day hikes in Patagonia, and it was quick to impress. Paperbag trousers are so effortlessly easy to wear that youll find yourself reaching for them instead of your go-to jeans. Women know the struggles in choosing hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. versions available. and the Arcteryx Sabria (6.7 oz.). Casual pants are designed for non-technical outdoor use, often featuring thinner or less durable fabrics (sometimes even cotton), fewer pockets, and often less coverage (ankle-length designs like the prAna Alana are increasingly popular). These are our first choice for serious hiking: Theyre breathable, generally water-resistant, durable enough to put up a fight against sharp rocks and plants, and offer great coverage and freedom of movement. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. while the Alroy checks in at 7.9 oz.). But in our opinion, there are real benefits to these features, and they do add a major boost in comfort on the trail. How thick the material is will play a big role in a hiking pants best uses. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi is one of the stretchiest hiking pants available (86 percent nylon and 14 percent spandex), while the legging options here (like the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights) allow great mobility as well. In terms of downsides, you do pay a bit of a premium for the styling, and some taller users might find the pants run noticeably short. Whether your outdoor activities involve hiking, biking, camping, or anything with tons of action, Athleta's Trekkie jogger pants are a winner. On our list above, we feature one style of convertible pant, the REI Co-op Sahara, and a few models that are offered in convertible variations (the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Quandary,and Columbia Saturday Trail, for example). So with all that praise, why is the Alroy ranked so low on our list? Whether youre looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka Arcteryx makes some of our favorite hardshells on the market, and their SV offerings are purpose-built for the harshest of conditions. To ensure a good fit, prAna offers three different inseam lengths: short, regular, and tall. There generally are extra costs associated with the greater complexity in construction, so day hikers sticking to well-maintained trails with flatter grades or those on a budget can probably go without them. Why not add a pair of, Reminding us of our school summer dresses, these striped trousers feel like the perfect pair for the season. How do you know if theyll be comfortable? Use the leg hem cinches to achieve a tighter closure around the top of your boot to prevent dirt or insects from finding their way inside. When the time comes, well be wearing these in office with, The appeal of a drawstring waist cannot be denied and thankfully this chic beige style is sophisticated enough that no will guess how comfortable it really is.
The good news for those that want to pick up a pair of shorts or capris is that many of our favorite pants are offered in these styles. If you plan to carry a pair of pants on a backpacking trip or want a particularly lightweight feel that will keep you moving quickly, some of our favorites include the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 (4.1 oz.) The adjustable hem works for a range of heights or even activities. That is, until you get too hot, and zip them off at the knee to create shorts with a 10-inch inseam. We liked the slimmer profile and more flattering shape of the outgoing pants, but some women found them too snug, especially in the thighs.