Best Women’s Hiking Leggings of 2025

While hiking pants have come a long way since their inception, it’s no secret that many women still struggle to find a good all-around fit. Enter hiking leggings, which provide a nice dose of added support thanks to their snug fit and are made with comfortable and stretchy fabrics that move with you. These designs aren’t your standard athleisure fare—they’re built to stand up to the rigors of outdoor use with quality materials that hold up well both on and off the trail, along with functional storage for stashing the essentials. Below we break down the best women’s hiking leggings of 2025, from technical designs for peak-bagging and rock climbing to insulated options for cold-weather adventures. For more information, see our buying advice and comparison table below the picks, along with details about our testing process. And for a wider assortment of styles, check out our article on the best women’s hiking pants.
 

Our Team’s Women’s Hiking Legging Picks

• Best Overall Women’s Hiking Leggings: Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage
• Best Budget Hiking Leggings: Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise
• Best Lightweight Hiking Leggings: Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Tights
• Best Technical Hiking Leggings: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
• Best Cold-Weather Hiking Leggings: Arc’teryx Essent Warm High-Rise

Best Overall Women’s Hiking Leggings

1. Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage Leggings ($99)

Materials: 74% nylon, 26% Lycra
Weight: 8.3 oz.
Inseam: 25 in.
Pockets: 1 waistband, 2 drop-in thigh
What we like: Easy to move in, decently breathable, and not overly technical for wearing casually. 
What we don’t: No zippered storage or DWR coating; our pair has developed noticeable pilling along the seams.

Technically designed for climbing, Outdoor Research’s Ad-Vantage Leggings were quick to win us over during a week of hiking and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. The first thing that stood out was fit: The Ad-Vantage features a wide waistband that’s supportive but not restrictive, stays in place, and goes largely unnoticed underneath a pack hipbelt or climbing harness. Durability is another highlight thanks to overlays along the knees and sides of the hips, which do a great job fending off snags and tears. And with a healthy dose of stretch, the Ad-Vantage is very easy to move in—not too surprising since it's built for climbing—and comfortable to wear all day. 

While not particularly everyday-friendly, the Ad-Vantage Leggings don’t look out of place if you want to grab a bite to eat after a hike or run a few errands after hitting the climbing gym. The lack of zippered storage might be a dealbreaker for some, but we’ve found the drop-in pockets to be very secure. In fact, we’ve forgotten to take our phone out of our pocket while bouldering several times, and it’s never threatened to slip out. It’s worth noting that our pair has developed noticeable pilling along the seams, but that’s not too shabby given what we’ve put it through over the last few seasons. Finally, we wish OR had tacked on a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating for fending off light moisture, although the pants are surprisingly quick to dry. And this is telling: We still reach for the Ad-Vantage more frequently than any other leggings in our closet—even if they look a little worn. For $10 less, OR also offers the Vantage 7/8 Leggings, which are similarly built but without the abrasion-resistant overlays.
See the Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage
 

Best Budget Hiking Leggings

2. Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings ($99)

Materials: 88% polyester, 12% spandex
Inseam: 28 in. (also available in 26- and 31-in. inseams)
Pockets: 2 zippered thigh
What we like: Highly supportive, functional zippered storage, and often available at a discount.
What we don’t: Thick fabric is great for warmth but less so for breathability; fit was a little tight and restrictive in our usual size.

Right off the bat, we’ll note that the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings retail for the same price as the Ad-Vantage above, which at first glance doesn’t seem like a screaming deal. But diving a little deeper, you can almost always find multiple colorways available at a discount—at the time of publishing, we’re seeing options as low as just $20 on Amazon. It’s for this reason that the Trail Tight ranks so highly on our list, and performance far exceeds most of the off-brand competition that dominates the budget market. In testing, we came away impressed by the Trail Tight’s supportive, compression-like feel, along with the thoughtful storage layout that includes one large, zippered pocket at either thigh. Not to mention, the pants are available in four sizing options—including petite (26 in. inseam), regular (28 in.), tall (31 in.), and plus sizes up to 3X—to accommodate a wider range of body types.

What’s not to like with the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings? First, the fit was slightly tight and restrictive in our usual size, especially around the waist, although some users report needing to size down. In other words, it’s a good idea to try the tights on in person or purchase from a retailer with a generous return policy. Second, while the thick construction is a boon on chilly mornings and evenings at camp, we’d opt for something lighter and airier (like the Patagonia Maipo below) in warm to hot conditions. Finally, the zipper pulls are small and hard to manipulate with cold or gloved hands. Gripes aside, the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings have held up well for us throughout multiple seasons of use and stand out as a solid value if you can score them for less than the full MSRP. 
See the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise
 

Best Lightweight Hiking Leggings

3. Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Tights ($99)

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
Weight: 5.3 oz.
Inseam: 25 in.
Pockets: 1 waistband
What we like: Soft, airy fabrics and great everyday appeal.
What we don’t: Lacking in storage and durability.

For summertime adventures, we turn to lightweight designs that keep air flowing, and Patagonia’s Maipo 7/8 Tights fit the bill nicely. Constructed with soft, quick-drying fabrics, the Maipo offers excellent breathability and a barely-there feel that lines up with the scant, 5.3-ounce weight. Mobility is also excellent, allowing us to high-step over deadfall, hop between boulders, and perform camp chores with ease. And the wide, high-rise waistband offers a nice dose of support while sliding seamlessly underneath a pack hipbelt. The cherry on top: The Maipo 7/8 Tights cross over well for wearing casually and are built with a strong sustainability slant (the nylon is sourced from recycled fishing nets).

We brought the Maipo 7/8 Tights on a backpacking trip in Chilean Patagonia and came away with mixed feelings regarding performance. On one hand, they were a great match for the temperatures we experienced, keeping us perfectly comfortable into the mid-80s Fahrenheit. They were also very quick to dry after a couple accidental dousings in high water crossings. However, in addition to lacking a spot to store our smartphone (there is a “Stash” version with improved storage available for $20 more), the Maipo is decidedly lacking in durability for off-trail adventures. To be fair, our trip involved a lot more bushwhacking than we were anticipating, and the Maipo emerged without any major holes, but there’s a noticeable amount of pilling along the seams and several snags along the lower legs from encounters with rogue branches and brush. In other words, the Maipo is a bit of a one-trick pony, but if summer-ready breathability is at the top of your priority list, it’s certainly worth considering.
See the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Tights
 

Best Technical Hiking Leggings

4. Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD ($175)

Materials: 70% polyester, 30% elastane (body); 62% polyamide, 16% aramid, 12% elastane, 10% polyester (reinforcements)
Weight: 9.3 oz.
Pockets: 1 zippered thigh, 1 drop-in thigh
What we like: Class-leading durability and great support.
What we don’t: Pricey, thick, and very technical in both look and feel.

The Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage Leggings above will get the job done for most hikers, but Fjallraven takes performance to the next level with their Abisko Trekking Tights HD. At a steep $175, these technical leggings don’t come cheap, but as we’ve come to expect from Fjallraven, they’re built with a clear focus on quality and a keen attention to detail. In terms of construction, you get great freedom of movement with a stretchy mix of materials, as well as reinforced panels on the knees and butt for guarding against sharp rocks and other abrasive surfaces. The result is a legging that’s purpose-built for the mountains and capable of withstanding serious use and abuse. In fact, the Abisko Trekking Tights have served as our go-to climbing pants for almost four full seasons—on rock ranging from unpolished granite to sharp limestone—with very little wear to show for it other than a small tear near one of the pockets from a swinging fall. 

Keep in mind that the Abisko Trekking Tights HD are overkill for on-trail objectives and wearing casually, and price is a deterring factor for many. The reinforced panels are nice, and we like the storage layout—one large pocket on the right leg and a smaller zippered pocket on the left, both of which are smartphone-friendly—but you’ll need to get out a lot to make the investment worth it. Additionally, the relatively thick and highly durable fabrics translate to subpar breathability in the heat. But overall quality and performance are top-notch, and the Abisko Trekking is also available in a few other versions, including the 7/8-length “Pro” ($150), cold-weather-ready Abisko Värm ($175), and standard Abisko ($120) without reinforcements.
See the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
 

Best Cold-Weather Hiking Leggings

5. Arc’teryx Essent Warm High-Rise Legging ($140)

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% elastane
Weight: 7.2 oz.
Inseam: 26 in.
Pockets: 2 drop-in thigh
What we like: Brushed backer is soft against the skin and adds a nice dose of warmth for cold-weather objectives.
What we don’t: Fit may pose issues for some; not the highest-quality Arc’teryx piece we’ve tested.

Arc’teryx is no stranger to harsh conditions, so it comes as little surprise that they make a highly capable cold-weather companion in their Essent Warm High-Rise Legging. With a brushed backer lining the interior, the leggings have a very soft next-to-skin feel and are well suited for cool shoulder-season and mild winter conditions. You’ll still need to layer overtop if the temperature plummets, but we’ve found the Essent to be comfortable down to around freezing while exerting and on chilly spring and fall evenings at camp. We’ve even worn them as a baselayer for resort skiing. Overall support and comfort are excellent, and we found the fit to be spot-in in our usual size, with ample mobility for everything from winter running to mellow yoga sessions.

Arc’teryx pieces rarely come cheap, and the Essent Warm is on the pricier end at $140. To make matters worse, some users report premature fraying along the seams, although our pair is holding up pretty well after several months of testing (other than some pilling at the pockets). And as with most Arc’teryx designs, the Essent Warm runs on the more athletic side in terms of fit, especially at the waist. But no legging is perfect, and the Essent Warm’s combination of fleece-like comfort, modest warmth, and excellent mobility make it our favorite cold-weather option this season. For a couple others to consider that will save you some cash, check out Topo Designs’ StayWarm Trail Legging ($99) and Kühl’s Frost Softshell Tight ($119).
See the Arc’teryx Essent Warm High-Rise

Other Women’s Hiking Leggings We Love

6. Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights ($129)

Materials: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
Weight: 10.7 oz.
Inseam: 28 in.
Pockets: 2 drop-in thigh, 1 zippered thigh
What we like: Great comfort, storage, and durability in a sustainably built package.
What we don’t: Not particularly quick to dry or breathable enough for hot-weather hiking.

Patagonia dominates the hiking apparel market, and their Pack Out Hike Tights are a case in point. Like the Fjallraven Abisko above, the Pack Out Hike features reinforced panels at the knees and seat that add a nice dose of assurance when brushing up against rocks, trees, or pokey shrubs. The rear panel is also great when sitting down, providing a nice barrier against damp surfaces. The rest of the build is equally well executed, including a thoughtful storage layout, soft but durable materials that hold their shape over time, and a wide elastic waistband that stays in place and limits bunching and friction under a hipbelt. And as we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, the Pack Out Hike Tights score high marks in sustainability thanks to the use of recycled materials and a PFAS-free DWR coating that forgoes the use of harmful “forever chemicals.” 

The Pack Out Hike Tights were in the running for our top spot, but there are a couple reasons we rank the Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage higher. First is price, with the Patagonia tights coming in $30 more than the OR. The Pack Out Hike Tights are also thicker, which could be a pro or con depending on your intended use. For us, the leggings’ reduced breathability led to overheating on an unseasonably warm backpacking trip in Patagonia. They were also slow to dry after an accidental dousing during a river crossing. Finally, while we love the reinforcements, they do give the tights a decidedly technical look, especially in the lighter colorways. Still, the Pack Out Hike’s well-rounded build and nicely sorted feature set earn it a spot high on our list this season. And if you like the design but not the techy appearance, check out the standard Pack Out Tights ($119), which omit the wear-resistant panels.
See the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights

7. Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Tight ($85)

Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Inseam: 28 in.
Pockets: 1 zippered thigh
What we like: Great durability and weather resistance for technical objectives; one of the cheapest options here.
What we don’t: Limited “give” and not the most comfortable design.

Mountain Hardwear specializes in technical clothing and equipment for climbing and mountaineering, and their Chockstone Tight carries the torch. Featuring a double-weave softshell fabric, the Chockstone does a good job fending off abrasion and wind, making it just as capable while climbing as it is on the hike in. It also features UPF 50 sun protection and a water-repellent finish to protect against light moisture. Tack on a price tag of just $85, and the Chockstone stands out as a great value for such a mountain-ready design. 

It's not all good news with the Chockstone, however. First, the fabric doesn’t offer much “give” and has a stiffer feel as a result. The tights are also limited on storage with just a single zippered pocket at the right thigh, and the black panels at the hips, ankles, and inside of each leg put them squarely in the performance category. In other words, like the Abisko and Pack Out Hike Tights above, the Chockstone wouldn’t be our first choice for wearing casually. And we’d be remiss not to touch on fit, which we found to be spot-on in most areas but with an excess amount of fabric at the rear. Finally, the interior lacks the seamless comfort of alternatives like the Patagonia Maipo above, with some users reporting noticeable chafing and discomfort along the inner legs (we didn't experience these issues). But if you can try them on before you buy and don't mind sacrificing some comfort in the name of savings, the Chockstone leggings still have a lot going for them.
See the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Tight

8. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Leggings ($110)

Materials: 74% nylon, 26% Lycra (waistband and front of legs); 86% nylon, 14% spandex (back of legs)
Weight: 8.8 oz.
Pockets: 2 drop-in thigh, 1 zippered hip, 1 waistband
UPF: 50+
What we like: Ferrosi fabric is highly durable and wind-resistant.
What we don’t: Prohibitively small ankle openings and waistband; not a standout in comfort.

The second Outdoor Research design to make our list this season is the Ferrosi Hybrid, which offers a step up in performance compared to the top-ranked Ad-Vantage. For around $10 more, the Ferrosi Hybrid uses a “mapped” construction that helps balance conflicting priorities: The front of the legs features OR’s knit Vantage fabric that’s breathable, quick to dry, and boasts UPF 50+ protection for long days in the sun; the back of the legs is made with OR’s well-loved Ferrosi fabric, which we’ve found tough enough to cut the wind and shed light rain but still decently breathable for heart-pumping activities like hiking and climbing. Rounding out the design are overlays at the ankles to guard against snags and tears, along with a very well-sorted storage layout that makes it easy to divvy up the essentials.

However, the Ferrosi Hybrid Leggings do have some drawbacks, the most notable of which is fit. Specifically, we found the openings at the ankle to be prohibitively small, requiring a good amount of force to pull over our feet. It’s worth noting that our tester has high arches, which is likely a contributing factor, but we haven’t experienced this issue with any other leggings. The waistband is also pretty tight and stiff, although the advantage is excellent support (once you get the pants over your hips, that is). Finally, the Ferrosi fabric at the back of the legs is relatively lacking in stretch, which detracts from overall comfort but is nice when sitting down on damp surfaces. These complaints are enough to push the Ferrosi Hybrid Leggings down in our rankings, but we’re often willing to deal with the trade-offs for technical objectives that involve bushwhacking, scrambling, or even multi-pitch climbing. 
See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid

9. Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 Hiking Tights ($120)

Materials: 66% polyamide, 34% elastane (body); 88% polyamide, 12% elastane (reinforcements)
Weight: 8.5 oz.
Pockets: 1 zippered thigh
What we like: A well-rounded technical design with excellent stretch and a drawcord for adjusting fit at the waist.
What we don’t: Fewer pockets than Patagonia’s Pack Out Hike Tights above. 

Bearing a strong resemblance to Patagonia’s Pack Out Hike Tights above, Helly Hansen’s Blaze 7/8 is another quality option for those undeterred by the techy appearance. Like the Pack Out Hike, the Blaze features softshell panels protecting the lower legs and butt—great for inspiring confidence when navigating through dense brush or scrambling over boulders and scree to the summit. We also like that the Blaze features a drawcord at the waist, making it one of just a couple designs here (along with the Athleta Headlands below) to offer fit adjustability. Rounding out the design, you get a whopping 34% elastane (the reinforced panels are less stretchy with just 12%) that translates to excellent all-around mobility, along with a zippered pocket at the left hip that’s big enough to swallow a smartphone.

Why did we rank the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights above the Helly Hansen Blaze? The biggest reason was storage: The Patagonia pants feature three pockets compared to the Blaze’s one, including two drop-in pockets and a single zippered pocket. They’re also offered in a wider colorway selection and hold up slightly better over the long term, in our experience. But the Blaze does win out in several areas, including stretch (the Patagonia tights have just 13% elastane), weight (by around 2 oz.), and price ($9). In other words, while the lack of storage will be a dealbreaker for some, we consider the Blaze to be very well rounded overall. For a step down in price, we also like Helly Hansen’s Roam Trail Leggings ($75), which are less technical but more everyday-friendly than the Blaze.
See the Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 Hiking Tights

10. Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging ($119)

Materials: 75% polyester, 25% Lycra
Inseam: 28 in. (also available in 26- and 31-in. inseams)
Pockets: 2 zippered hand, 2 zippered thigh, 2 zippered back 
UPF: 40+
What we like: Tons of secure storage and offered in multiple inseam lengths.
What we don’t: Noticeably bulkier-feeling than most options here.

If secure storage is at the top of your priority list, look no further than the Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging. With a whopping six zippered pockets distributed evenly between the two sides, the Headlands make it incredibly easy to stash valuables, snacks, and other necessities while eliminating the concern of items falling out when scrambling or high-stepping over obstacles on the trail. The polyester/Lycra construction is also extremely durable and abrasion-resistant—enough so that the leggings emerged unscathed after backpacking for multiple days through very pokey, overgrown brush in Chilean Patagonia (we struggled to stay on the trail due to the thickness of the vegetation). And like the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight above, the Headlands is offered in petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths, which we appreciate for maximizing fit.

Unfortunately, we came away with one major gripe in testing: The Headlands feels noticeably bulky, even with all the pockets empty. The zippers are large and relatively clunky, the fabric is thick and not particularly soft, and the waistband is fairly stiff and unflattering. As a result, the Athleta has more of a hiking pant-like look and feel than most alternatives here. This may not be a downside for you, but if you’re after the highly mobile, unrestricted feel that leggings are known for, we recommend looking elsewhere.
See the Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise

Women’s Hiking Legging Comparison Table

About Our Testing Process

Ladies, we get it: Finding a flattering pair of hiking pants can be a challenge, which is why some of our female editors prefer leggings for all but the most technical of adventures. Managing editor Sarah Nelson kicked off this guide in 2025 with 10 designs ranging from lightweight to winter-ready. Based in Reno, Nevada, but often on the road throughout the Mountain West, Sarah has always loved the supportive fit and movement-mirroring stretch that leggings offer. From southern Patagonia to the Pacific Northwest, Sarah has personally hiked, backpacked, and climbed in most of the tights above, evaluating everything from fit and breathability to long-term durability.

When we test hiking leggings, we consider everything from on-trail performance to how the materials are sourced. We also consider factors like cost, available sizes, and colorway options, as we know those are deciding factors for many women. Rest assured: All of the picks above have been thoroughly vetted by our team, with many still going strong after multiple seasons of use both on and off the trail. And since the market is constantly changing, we’ll be sure to keep this list fresh by testing new and noteworthy designs as they become available.
 

Women’s Hiking Legging Buying Advice

• Hiking Legging Materials
• Comfort
• Storage: Pockets
• Legging Length
• Weight
• Thickness and Durability
• Weather Resistance
• UPF Ratings
• Sizing and Fit
• Sustainability
• Leggings vs. Hiking Pants

Hiking Legging Materials

Hiking leggings are typically made out of mostly polyester or nylon, with a healthy amount of built-in stretch via spandex, elastane, or Lycra. A higher percentage of spandex will result in a stretchier feel, as well as improved mobility for high-stepping over obstacles on the trail or performing camp chores. For reference, the top-ranked Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage boasts a whopping 26% Lycra, making it one of the stretchiest options on our list, while the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings feature just 12%. This translates to a noticeable step down in mobility, although leggings inherently offer better freedom of movement than most hiking pants. In the end, only you can decide how much “give” you prefer in your leggings, but we’ve hiked, climbed, and backpacked in most of the options above (including the Trail Tight) and experienced very minimal restriction to movement.
 

Comfort

Several factors contribute to a legging’s comfort, including the width and stretchiness of the waistband, construction and material quality, and the seamlessness of the interior (to name a few). Starting with waistband design, we love wide and supportive designs—like what you get with the OR Ad-Vantage and Patagonia Maipo 7/8—that go largely unnoticed underneath a pack hipbelt or climbing harness. At the other end of the spectrum, OR’s Ferrosi Hybrid and Athetla’s Headlands both have relatively stiff, tight waistbands that make them difficult to pull on over our hips.
 

Materials also matter, with a few of the softest options we tested being the Patagonia Maipo, Arc’teryx Essent Warm, and Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights. On the flip side, the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone’s double-weave softshell fabric is relatively lacking in “give” and has a noticeably stiffer feel than the aforementioned tights, and the same goes for Athleta’s Headlands, which is reminiscent of a hiking pant. Finally, details like seam location matter. For instance, some users report chafing and discomfort along the inner legs due to protruding seams in the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone. While we haven’t experienced this issue, it’s nevertheless worth doing your research—and ideally trying several pants on—before making a final decision. To help, we did our best to call out our comfort-related experiences in the product blurbs above.
 

Storage: Pockets

Trail-ready storage is a hallmark of hiking leggings, with technical offerings often boasting an assortment of both zippered and non-zippered pockets. One clear standout above is the Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging, which features a whopping six zippered pockets that make it easy to divvy up essentials like a phone, snacks, car keys, and more. Other designs that feature functional zippered storage include the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid Leggings, and Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings. While less secure than zippered pockets, drop-in pockets are more common and nice for stashing non-valuable items like lip balm or an energy bar. Finally, many leggings feature a small stash built into the waistband for storing a gel or car key, although it’s important to be aware that items can fall out due to the lack of closure. And a final note: Overloading your pant pockets can lead to sagging, so we often prefer to stash heavier items like our phone in our jacket pocket instead.
 

Legging Length

Most of the leggings above extend down to the ankle joint, resulting in very little skin exposed when wearing no-show socks. 7/8-length designs like the Patagonia Maipo, Helly Hansen Blaze, and Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid ride a little higher, so you’ll need to choose your hiking socks accordingly. For hiking and backpacking, we prefer to have no gaps in coverage in order to maximize protection against brush and bugs, so we often pair our leggings with quarter-height or even crew socks that overlap the bottom of our pants. It’s largely a matter of personal preference, but we’ll leave you with this: We once left less than half an inch of skin exposed while backpacking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and came away with a ring of mosquito bites around our ankle.
 

Weight

Unlike other types of outdoor gear, for most hikers, the exact weight of their pants isn’t a top consideration (after all, you're not usually carrying them on your back). And with hiking leggings, the spread is pretty narrow: For reference, the lightest option on our list above is the Patagonia Maipo 7/8, which checks in at just 5.3 ounces, while the heaviest is the Patagonia Pack Out Hike, which is listed at 10.7 ounces. In testing the two leggings side by side, the difference in breathability was far more noticeable than the difference in heft and bulk. Most designs fall somewhere in the middle, with the sweet spot being around 8 to 9 ounces. In the end, we consider weight to be a helpful indicator of performance characteristics like breathability and durability (more weight typically translates to thicker fabrics), but it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. And importantly, most leggings are lighter than traditional hiking pants, which can easily exceed a pound.
 

Thickness and Durability

How thick the material is will play a big role in a hiking legging’s best uses. As we touched on, weight can be a good indicator: From our list above, options like the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 excel in hot temperatures with their thin, breathable fabrics, while heavier designs like the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights are better suited for mild to cool weather. Three-season versatility was a key factor in choosing our favorites, so most of the tights above fall into this category. For cold-weather uses like winter running or low-output activities in the shoulder seasons, we turn to purpose-built options like the Arc’teryx Essent Warm High-Rise Legging, which features a brushed backer for next-to-skin comfort and a modest dose of warmth.
 

Beyond temperature considerations, thickness often correlates with durability and tear resistance. Sticking with the comparison above, our pair of Patagonia Maipo Tights was quick to develop pilling and snags after backpacking on overgrown trails in Patagonia, while the Pack Out Hike Tights have lasted us multiple seasons of hiking, backpacking, and climbing with virtually no wear to show for it. It’s also worth noting that reinforcements can go a long way in beefing up high-wear areas, as seen in designs like the Pack Out Hike, Helly Hansen Blaze, Fjallraven Abisko Tights HD, and Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hybrid. While less robust, the top-ranked OR Ad-Vantage Leggings also feature reinforcements in the form of overlays along the knees and hips. Before making a decision, be sure to consider your objectives, preferred terrain, and whether or not you need the added reassurance of thick fabrics and reinforced panels.
 

Weather Resistance

Most hiking leggings shed light rain pretty well thanks to a DWR coating that prompts droplets to bead up and roll off the exterior rather than soak through. If and when they eventually get wet, drying time isn’t too shabby, either—particularly for thin designs like the Patagonia Maipo. For this reason, we’re rarely hesitant to wear leggings on the trail unless prolonged, extended moisture is in the forecast. For many, the bigger issue will be wind resistance, with most tights offering little in the way of protection against strong gusts. OR’s Ferrosi fabric is one standout (featured at the back of their Ferrosi Hybrid Leggings), and we also found the Mountain Hardwear Chockstone and Athleta Headlands pretty good at fending off wind due to their thicker fabrics (although the trade-off is reduced breathability). In the end, we typically opt for beefier hiking pants on alpine objectives and summit pushes, but most leggings will get the job done in mild to moderate moisture and wind.
 

UPF Ratings

Many hiking leggings have a UPF rating, which gives an estimate of how much UV radiation the fabric allows to pass through. A UPF rating of 50 means that just 1/50th (or 2%) of the available UV rays are able to make their way to the other side of the fabric, while a UPF rating of 30 denotes that 1/30th of rays will pass through. For reference, a UPF of 15 is the lowest possible rating, and 50+ is the highest (of note: UPF 30 is the minimum rating that qualifies for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s official recommendation). And of course, if you’re wearing more than one layer, you get more sun protection. We have yet to meet anyone who’s been burned through a pair of leggings, but if your priority is maximizing sun protection, it’s worth aiming for the higher numbers. And a final note: Darker fabrics generally offer better protection than lighter designs, so be sure to take colorway selection into account if it’s a concern.
 

Sizing and Fit

Nailing the right fit can be challenging, but the good news is that leggings are a little easier to dial in than standard hiking pants due to the generous amount of built-in stretch. In general, we look for a snug but not restrictive fit and supportive waistbands that stay in place throughout the day. To accommodate a wider range of body types, we appreciate when leggings are offered in multiple inseam lengths, and a couple designs that fit this bill include the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight High-Rise Leggings (sold in petite, regular, and tall inseams, as well as plus sizes up to 3X) and Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging (available in petite, regular, and tall inseams). Finally, a couple models above—namely, the Helly Hansen Blaze and Athleta Headlands—feature an internal drawcord for cinching the waist. We did our best to call out sizing and fit discrepancies in the product descriptions above, but we always recommend trying on before you buy.
 

Sustainability

We appreciate when companies go the extra mile toward creating more sustainably built products, and the most common practice in the hiking legging world is the use of recycled fabrics. Many of the picks above are made with at least some recycled content, including designs like the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD (70% recycled polyester) and Athleta Headlands Hybrid High Rise Cargo Legging (75% recycled polyester). Patagonia takes things a step further with their Maipo 7/8 Tights, which utilize nylon sourced from recycled fishing nets. Other measures to look out for include certification to the Fair Trade standard, bluesign-approved materials, and PFAS-free DWR coatings that forgo the use of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (the Pack Out Hike Tights check all three boxes). The good news: Most of the companies above have started incorporating at least some of these practices into production.
 

Leggings vs. Hiking Pants

The choice to wear leggings or pants is a largely personal one, but there are a few considerations that may sway your decision. First, tights are generally less durable and more prone to snags and pilling than traditional hiking pants, especially if your hiking objectives often involve bushwhacking or scrambling. While many feature DWR coatings for fending off light moisture, we’ve also found leggings to be less weather-resistant compared to hiking pants, especially when it comes to fending off strong winds. And due to the close fit, you can expect to give up a fair amount of breathability with leggings, although lightweight designs like the Patagonia Maipo are airy enough that we’ve managed to stay comfortable into the 80s Fahrenheit. Finally, leggings generally offer less storage than hiking pants, although there are plenty of technical options that make it easy to stash essentials like a phone, car keys, and snacks. 
 

Leggings’ biggest advantage over hiking pants is their unparalleled mobility, which is a result of their snug fit and generous use of spandex or elastane. We also like their wide, closure-free waistbands that go largely unnoticed underneath a pack hipbelt or climbing harness (hiking pants’ buttons, drawcords, and other hardware can lead to discomfort). In the end, we often tailor our pant choice to the specific objective and expected conditions, so it’s worth having more than one option in your closet. For a full breakdown of our favorite pant options—including a mix of traditional pants, joggers, and leggings—see our article on the best women’s hiking pants.
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