Looking for the best women’s hiking pants that aren’t leggings? Here are the best hiking pants for women for longer hiking treks, winter hiking, and hiking in hot weather.

Why trust this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy, and this blog was written by me, the person! I’ve got five years experience as a sea kayaking guide, as well as years of experience hiking, backpacking, and writing gear reviews. All of this gear is gear I have owned, and all of these reviews are my honest opinions of the gear. Find me on Instagram to connect, or join the Hello Stranger Newsletter community to get real, gritty adventure stories, trip and trail reports, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Best Women’s Hiking Pants that Aren’t Leggings:

While I occasionally wear leggings hiking, on longer hikes and backpacking trips I find them uncomfortable. Leggings can lend to easy chaffing, and when they’re wet they’re wet right on your skin. In addition, leggings don’t actually offer much protection from thorns and underbrush and can be impractical on longer hiking trips.

Here are the best hiking pants for women that are not leggings:

1) Kuhl Freeflex Rollup: Best Women’s Hiking Pants for Versatility

Looking for the most flattering hiking pant on the market? Kuhl’s Freeflex Roll up was gifted to me last winter at a time I was really struggling to love my body. I work summers a wilderness sea kayaking guide and am usually in good shape for this time period. However In the winters I work remote and I often fluctuate at least two pant sizes between seasons.

Pictured: Kuhl’s Freeflex Roll up paired with a handknit sweater and Oboz Bridger Mids

I got the Freeflex Rollups in a size eight and was a little worried they would be too small and unflattering. They were the first pair of pants I had put on in months that didn’t make me want to burst into tears. At first, I wore them as an outer layer winter hiking. Then when the summer hit and I lost weight, I wore them to work sea kayak guiding. I was able to adjust the waistband so that they fit okay in both seasons despite size fluctuation.

These pants are literally the best hiking pants on the market and I would recommend them before any other pair of pants. They look great and don’t show dirt easily. While most hiking pants look very granola, these walk the perfect line between being a hiking pant while also looking nice enough to wear out. 10/10.

2) Fjallraven Keb Curved Trouser: Hiking Pants for Cooler Weather

Fjallravens Keb Curved Trouser is another great choice for a heavier women’s hiking pant. While this pant is great for shoulder season or winter hikes, but likely to be too heavy for hiking in the summer in warmer climates.

Pictured: Fjallravens Keb Curved Trouser, Danner Arctic Winter Hiking Boots, and Stio Pinion Pullover

The Fjallraven Kebs are designed specifically to hold up on long treks, for backcountry field work, and heavy use. They are the best hiking pant on the market for rugged hikes in cooler climates.

3) Eddie Bauer Ripstop: Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants

Eddie Bauer’s Ripstop pants are a good budget-friendly hiking pant. I used these pants on a 70-day sea kayaking trip and have very few complaints. While both the Kuhl and Fjallraven pants are more flattering, and hold up longer, the Eddie Bauer Ripstops hold their own for the price.

Pictured: Eddie Bauer’s Ripstop pants while expedition camping in British Columbia

By the end of 70 days of continuous backcountry use, the pants were permanently stained with several small tears. That being said, they are light-weight, quick drying and extremely comfortable. Personally, for the price you can’t beat the Ripstops. In addition, they’re perfect for hot weather hiking trips, and a great choice for anyone who is hard on their gear.

For a full list of outdoor gear I use for sea kayak guiding and expeditions, click here.

4) Stio Turpin Fleece Pant

If you’re looking for a cozy and warm winter hiking pant option, Stio’s Turpin fleece pant is a great option. I personally love fleece for winter hiking and layer a pair of leggings or long underwear underneath for additional warmth. The fleece is a great choice for warmth because it is loose fitting and easy to brush snow off of. Even if they get wet with snowmelt, the wet won’t be touching your skin.

My perfered winter hiking layering system is a pair of wool long underwear, fleece pants, and my Fjallraven Kebs on the outside as a shell. This is particularly good for hikes with temperatures well below zero. Perhaps obviously, while the Fleece pants are great for winter hiking, they are not a good choice for summer or warmer-weather hikes.

ready to hit the road this season? check out this detailed guide to planning your solo female road trip!

Love reading about the best women’s hiking pants that aren’t leggings? Check out these articles for more gear & beginner guides to the outdoors written by an overnight wilderness sea kayaking guide:

• Check out the best camping tents for beginners on a budget
• Learn what to wear and how to layer for fall kayaking
• Check out everything you need to know to plan your first overnight kayaking trip

Share Best Women’s Hiking Pants that AREN’T Leggings on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook: