Updated 09/01/2026

These are my favorite pants and leggings for hiking, with options from Mammut, REI, Prana, Kuhl, and Smartwool.

For warm weather, I prefer to wear full length pants or leggings made of lightweight fabric versus wearing shorts. They provide better protection from the sun and insects, which means I don’t need to apply sunscreen or insect repellent on my legs, and they protect from abrasions while on trail. On hot days, I wear loose fitting layers to allow for better air circulation to keep me cooler. As someone who is prone to heat exhaustion, tight fitting layers make me sweat more and can result in heat rashes.

For cold weather, I switch to heavier weight pants, either softshell pants for weather resistance, or heavyweight merino wool leggings for warmth and moisture wicking properties. When possible, I prefer to wear a single layer of pants versus adding base layer pants under regular hiking pants which can constrict movement. On rainy day hikes, I carry full-zip rain pants to wear over leggings when needed.

Leggings

Mammut Zinal Hybrid Tights

Mammut’s Zinal Hybrid tights are made for hiking, with robust fabrics that are quick drying and coated with a durable water repellent finish that’s PCF-free. The hybrid style features strategically zoned fabrics, two large pockets, and an adjustable waist with a drawstring. I prefer leggings that aren’t compression-style, which tend to cause skin rashes for me, so I appreciate that the Zinal tights aren’t too tight. I also like that the zoned areas are designed to provide abrasion resistant fabric in areas where it’s needed, and stretchier fabric where ease of movement is required.

• sizes available: XS-XL
• fabric: main material: 74% polyester, 26% spandex; inserts: 92% polyamide, 8% spandex

Craft Hypervent Running Tights

These lightweight tights from Craft feature ventilated panels that help release heat and keep you dry when hiking. Details include an interior drawcord, reflective elements, ankle zippers, and flatlock seams for comfort. The fit runs a bit small, so I recommend sizing up.

• sizes available: XS-XL
• fabric: recycled polyamide, elastane

Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Tights

These heavyweight tights from Smartwool are made with merino wool and feature windproof panels on the front. Details include an interior drawcord, reflective elements, ankle zippers, and flatlock seams for comfort. They’re my go-to for winter hiking — the thick wool provides soft, next-to-skin warmth without feeling scratchy, while still wicking moisture to help keep me dry.

• sizes available: XS-XL
• fabric: main: 47% polyester/38% merino wool/15% elastane; overlay panel: 85% nylon/15% elastane

Lightweight Hiking Pants

Prana Koen

The Prana Koen hiking pants are very lightweight and comfortable, featuring a soft rib-knit waistband with a drawstring and a slightly shirred style on the seams. They have two large zippered pockets on front for keeping valuables secure on trail, and no pockets on the back. I especially like these pants for hot weather hiking – the loose fit allows air to circulate to keep me cool while the lightweight fabric provides protection from the sun. These pants are so comfortable and stylish that I wear them in town as much as I do on trail.

• sizes available: XS-XXL
• fabric: 81% nylon/10% polyester/9% elastane

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants are a longtime favorite thanks to their lightweight, stretchy fabric and soft, wide waistband. They feature two front pockets, one back pocket, and an adjustable cinch at the hem. I own several colors and have been wearing these for hiking and backpacking for over ten years.

• sizes available: XXS – XL
• fabric: plain weave stretch woven 94% nylon, 6% elastane

Kuhl Trekr

The Trekr pants have a mid-rise, which is a nice change from pants that sit too low, and feature front pockets that are actually usable. These pants also have two back pockets with snap closures, and two zippered thigh pockets that hide another feature: the ability to cinch the sides to convert into capri pants. With a soft fabric feel, the Trekr pants are comfortable on trail or at home.

• sizes available: 0-16
• fabric: polyester, nylon

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Hiking Pants

The Kuhl Freeflex hiking pants feature lightweight fabric suitable for summer hiking and convert easily to capri pants with snaps on the sides. The fabric is soft and durable, while also featuring sun protection, quick drying, and moisture wicking properties. These pants include two front pockets, and two snap closure pockets on the back plus two cargo-style pockets on the sides.

• sizes available: 0-16
• fabric: polyester

Soft-Shell Hiking Pants

REI Activator

Made with a heavier soft-shell fabric, these stretchy hiking pants are wind and water resistant, perfect for hiking in cold weather. The Activator pants feature zipped hand pockets and back pockets, articulated knees, and are made using bluesign-approved materials. I wear these on shoulder season hikes and backpacking trips.

• sizes available: XS – XL
• fabric: 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex with DWR finish

Prana Halle

Prana’s Halle Pants  have a slim profile and don’t have that ‘hiking pant’ look, so they look great on the trail or in the city. They fit a bit lower on the waist that other pants, which works well when wearing a hip belt on a backpack. The fabric is abrasion resistant, has a water repellent finish, and is stretchy – perfect for easy movement on trail, rocks, or wherever you need to go. And in warmer weather, roll up the legs and use the included straps to snap them in place for capri length pants. Bonus: the durability is outstanding… mine show no signs of wear after multiple years of heavy use.

• sizes available: 00-22, inseam short 28″, regular 30″, tall 34″
• fabric: 95% recycled nylon/5% elastane

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