If you are planning a thru-hike, you may want pants that dry quickly and can convert into shorts on hot days. Here you can receive answers to your questions about VAUDE or our products. Cons: The logo is prominent, and the color fades over time. Our zip off hiking pants are the compromise here: in a wink, they transform from long pants into hiking shorts. The barely there feel and super stretch of the fabric gave them a notchover the Arcteryx Creston pant($130),our runner-up in thiscategory. The bluesign(R) certificate ensures that our production processes conserve resources. As a result, these pants are incredibly versatile. Theyre made from Pranas Stretch Zion fabric, a nylon-spandex blend thats treated with a DWR finish to help fend off moisture and dirt. The pants should be light enough so you dont overheat when working hard, but they should also protect youif the weather turns south or yourehiking through rough terrain. Among us were several gear writers, a photographer, an actor, and a couple professional guides. The Guide Profeatures laser-cut seams that lay flat against your leg for a more streamlined look. Environmentally-friendly and fairly produced outdoor products. When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. Bight also added grommets at the cuff for do-it-yourself elastic-cord stirrups thatkeep the pants in place over your boot laces, which is great if, like me, you hate wearing gaiters. ), and whether you want a pairthatll convert into shorts or cross over into other sports. Perhaps the most difficult thing to assess is fit. If it werent for the prominent First Ascent logo on the thigh, which screams outdoors only, wed give these a ten out of ten for aesthetics. If you do a lot of traveling, climbing, or biking, you might want a pair that serves double duty. sign up for Outside+. This bio-based plastic keeps the carbon footprint small. The pants also roll up to the knee and secure with a snap closure, ideal forriver crossings, warm-weather days, and biking around town. Cons: They have no pockets, and the DWR needs to be reapplied over time. But there are a few objective measures that can help you narrow things down. Our long and short hiking pants for women are made from lightweight, environmentally friendly materials and all focus on the same thing: providing you with plenty of freedom of movement. A pair of protective, breathable, comfortable bottoms is foundational to any adventure kit. Those seeking a lightweight pant with features like belt loops and side pockets should look here, while those who prize simplicity and freedom of movement should turnto the Featherweight. A durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment means they shed rain as well as dirt and slop. or belt loops? The featurethat variesmost widely between pants ispockets, in particular thenumber, size, and placement of them. In the process, we logged close to a thousand miles on trails spanning the globe from South America to Asia. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you The ability to adjust the cuffs with a drawstring cinch is an added bonus for short hikers. This is especially true for women, since there are so many variables at play: leg length, hip width, thigh-muscle circumference, butt size. On the one hand, womens hiking pants come in a variety of cuts. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Instead, two unobtrusive zippered hand pockets offer enough storage for small essentials like lip balm while lying flat against the thigh for minimal bulk. We weathered storms and waded through knee-deep mud puddles in Patagonia, climbed through waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada, baked under the Jordanian sun, biked and hiked our way across the Mongolian steppe, and soaked up rainforest humidity in Peru. Fortunately, most companies have begun to give women a wider variety of options to suit preference and body type. The NeoShell Nukerdoes away with that annoyance. For this reason, the Guide Pro beat out our runner-up, the stylish Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants($80). As a comparison, we appreciated the hidden vent zips on the water-resistant Mammut Zinal pants($159), the runner-up in this category. Pros:They have an integrated waist adjustment, a minimalist aesthetic, and are extremely breathable while offering full-weather protection. Join Outside+ to get Outside magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Breathe the fresh air and enjoy nature: the best way to do this is on a hike. Cons:The ultralight fabric abradesmore readily. From a wet spring hike to Vernal Falls in Yosemite to a rainy outing in the UKs Lake District National Park, our testers were impressed with how quickly the pants dried out on the trail. But there are plenty of details that can change how a pair functions. Throw on a base layerfor alpine climbing or cold-weather hiking, and ditch it when the temperaturesclimb (we found themcomfortable up to around 65 degrees). Our womens hiking pants with Ecofinish are also water-resistant and do not contain any PFC. In place of the standard button fly and belt loops, Columbia used wide, flat elastic thatavoids the need for a belt altogether (and eliminates the muffin top that so often results from ill-fitting pants). Breathe the fresh air and enjoy nature: the best way to do this is on a hike. Castor oil-based polyamide is another resource-conserving alternative. This is particularly practical on long hikes, when you want to minimize your baggage, and also if the weather is extremely variable. A high stretch content and special pre-shaped knees ensure that your pants move when you do. Outdoors in nature is the best place to be and we want it to remain that way. Depending on the type of hike you enjoy, different materials are the right ones. These do-everything pants are not only great for hikingbut also for climbing, bike riding, lounging next toa campfire, and evenwandering aroundtown. Some of our VAUDE hiking pants for women are available in petite sizes. The slimness of the pant legsmeans theres noextra fabric in whichmud, rain, or snow mightpool. This is why our hiking pants for women are made from very environmentally friendly materials. Thats no problem. Our hiking pants for women have the rigorous VAUDE Green Shape sustainability label that stands for fair production conditions. But whether or not you need long hiking pants or hiking shorts usually depends on the weather or season. Some have large cargo pockets, some have small andslim pockets, and some forgo storage altogether in favor of a minimalist design. Cons: The pockets are shallow, and the waist runs loose. To be able to use VAUDE Belgium in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. Our testers wore them on multiple sweltering, muddy hikes to explorethe Incan ruins of Peru and were thankful that they dry in a flash. Our testers were all avid hikers, running the gamut of body shapes and sizestall, petite, lean, muscular, curvy. If youreheaded to cold, snowy, or particularly windy and rainy climes, youll want to consider soft-shell pants, which are more protective than simple DWR-treated nylon. With no pockets, the Nukercaters to minimalists. Whether or not hiking pants are right for your shape and your plans not only depends on the material. Here are some general things to consider. Even steep ascents or sections that require climbing are no problem with stretchy hiking pants. The North Dome is ideally suited for climbing, fair-weather hiking, or even travel and office life. The cut and fit are also important factors. In our online shop, you will find environmentally friendly hiking boots and hiking shoes. So we set out to find the best hiking pants for a variety of conditions and body types. VAUDE has environmentally friendly hiking pants with well-designed details for any hike from a slow-paced family hike in the summer to ambitious multi-day hikes with exposure to the elements. Farley Stretch Capri T-Zip III trousers womens. While crazy comfortable, the soft cotton-elastane fabric is not water-resistant and takes longer to dry. Womens hiking pants with legs could also be a solution if is isnt very warm or you want to protect your knees against the sun or scratches. Pros: Theyre lightweight, quick drying, and have an elastic waistband. Hip and cargo pockets can drastically alter the fit or aesthetics of hiking pants; while theyre useful for carrying such essentials as lip balm, money, or your phone, they can ruin a flattering, trim silhouette. Sideways rain, hail, snow, relentless wind, knee-deep mud: these pants can handle it all. Thankfully, a few brands let you choose from a variety of lengths. The Green Button government certification, which most of our womens hiking pants have, ensures high social and environmental production standards. As a rule, you want fabric thats highly breathable, quick drying, and water-resistant, as well as somethingthatsheds dirt easily. Womens hiking pants made from softshell fabric are ideal for cooler weather. Traditional waterproof-breathable fabrics require high temperature and humidity to actually allow moisture vapor to escape through the membrane. Over three months, six women and I tested more than30 pairs from 24brands. (Thoughwe wish the pocketswere deep enough to fit an iPhone.) In the pockets of your hiking pants, there is room for important things: an energy bar, smartphone or tissues can be safely stowed there. Hiking pants are an essential piece of any outdoor kit: theydefend your legs against weather, UV rays, andmanynatural hazards. We're here to help you find ones with the right features and fit. One feature that does make a difference isa low-profile elastic waist belt for hassle-free adjustment. With hiking pants for petites, you dont have to roll up the legs. They also come in multiple inseam lengths. But a good pair can be hard to find. And best of all, the soft-shell-like fabric is quiet. When youre shorter or taller than average, finding a pair of hiking pants that fitproperly can be difficult. Theyre also pricey. Another thing the Guide Pro gets right is pockets. Recycled materials are used in their production: from used tires by applying a mass balance approach, for example. If youre tall or short, look for pants that come withmultiple inseam-length options. In terms of features, everything about these pants is designed with simplicity and cleanlines in mind. Are you looking for the right boots? Built-in waist belts or drawstringsor elasticizedwaistbandscan all help you fine-tune fit. Slim-fit models are cut extra narrow to keep things from sliding. Case in point: one tester accidentally dumped an entire plate of hummus all over her lap in Jordan. That design approach extends to the waistband. Even when the temperature is low, they keep your legs warm. Put simply,its better at regulating your body temperature. We loved the Crestons lightweight fabric and minimalist lookbut found itslightly less stretchy. This is what gave the Halle an edge over our runner-up, theNorth Faces North Dome($90), which also comes in a variety of inseam lengths. Read more about our policy. something with abuilt-in, adjustable belt? Some can even serve double duty as acceptable business-casual wear (at leastin some offices). The seven-eighths-length side zips are useful for removing the pants over boots, but wed love to see two-way zippers instead, for more adjustable venting. You dont need much equipment, but a few basics like Would you like to receive our newsletter? Normally, locations with consistently variable weather, like the Pacific Northwest, require raingear that you constantly take on and off to avoid marinating yourself from the inside out. Womens hiking pants in petite sizes fit your shape optimally. Whether you are short or tall, petite or plus-size, you probably have a very specific list of criteriawhenyou look forpants. Hiking pants with a lining are worthwhile in the winter. Outdoors well on the way: functional hiking pants for women (This is especially keyin stretchy hiking pants, since fit can changefrom day to day, and evenhour to hour, when youre on the trail.) Pros: Theyre extremely stretchy,quick drying, and have an integrated waist adjustment. Our favorite in this category is the Halle Straight, which comes in inseams ranging from 28 to 36 inches. The models we tested are all marketed as hiking pants, but these days we expect a little more versatility from our apparel. Nearly everyone will be able to find a greatfit. The soft waistband adjusts to fit your waist and ensures that nothing pinches or rubs if you are hiking with a backpack. In the summer, on the contrary, it is important to wear hiking pants that are airy and breathable to prevent you from perspiring excessively, even on strenuous hike in the mountains. But Polartec claims that its NeoShell fabricallows a small amount of air through the membrane in order for your bodys heat and sweat to escape before its turned to vapor. To achieve a trim aesthetic, Columbia opted to forgo the cargo pockets that are so common on hiking pants. Farley Stretch Capri Zip-off T-Zip III Farley Stretch zip-off detachable trousers womens, Farley Stretch III outdoor trousers womens, Farley stretch capri trousers III womens, Farley Stretch T-Zip Zip-Off Pants Women's. Choosing the right pair starts with identifying how youre going to use them. Find out more about Green Shape. We ranged in age from 25 to 59 years old. VAUDE also values fair production conditions. Our only gripe: we would love to see the Featherweight available in different inseam lengths and more colors. At their most basic, pants are supposedto protect your legs. Youll also want to decide how stretchy you like your pants, what kind of waistband you prefer(elastic? Theyremade from Polartec NeoShell, an air-permeable fabric thats extremely breathable yet fully waterproof. But these pants didnt seize the top spot because of looks and performance alone: Eddie Bauer makes them in a crazy amount of sizes (0 to 24W) and inseam lengths (29 to 35 inches). However, the material should also be robust and resistant to greater strain. If you plan to hike in more temperate climes that see only occasional rainfall, these would make a fantasticalternative. For everyone who loves to wear leggings, robust hiking tights are the right choice. We loved the Ferrosis lightweight ripstop fabric and seven neutral color choices, but the 31-inch inseam came up short for our long-legged testers. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Find out more about sustainable materials. Pros: Theyre water- and dirt-resistant and come in many inseam lengths. This affordsall-day comfort, especially when wearing a heavy pack. It washed right out with a hotel-bathtub laundry session, and the pants were dry again soon after. Theyre made from a stretchy nylon-spandex fabric thats super lightweight, wont turn frumpy after days of continual wear, and offersUPF 50+ sun protection. You dont need much equipment, but a few basics like functional womens hiking pants should be included. These nylon-elastane pants are so featherythatwearing them feels like wearing nothing at allperfect for hot, humid weather, when you still want coverage and SPF 50+ protection without sweating uncontrollably. All of our testers agreed that one of the Halles best features is the adjustable drawcord, which helped avoid the dreaded waist gap.