10 Best Leggings for Hiking
I’ll admit it. For the longest time, I believed leggings were for yoga studios only and they wouldn’t be comfortable on the trail. Boy, was I wrong. Now I realize just how comfortable leggings for hiking can be.
They’re so small and lightweight that they’re incredibly easy to pack. They’re also amazingly flexible, so they give you plenty of mobility. Plus, you can even wear them a base layer when you’re hiking in cold weather and then wear them on their own when you warm up.
Related: Important Tips You Need to Know About Hiking in Winter
If you’re interested in picking up some leggings to wear on your next hiking trip, you won’t be disappointed with these best leggings for hiking.
1. Patagonia Pack Out Tights
These stretchy, breathable, reinforced Patagonia Pack Out Tights are perfect for every type of hiking adventure you have in mind. The amazingly comfortable leggings offer outstanding range of motion so you can easily scramble, climb, and bend on the trail. They also have durable panels at the knees and bottom for added abrasion resistance.
The flat seams prevent chaffing, and the ribbed waistband cuts back on rubbing and helps the leggings stay in place while you’re hiking. To help you stay dry, the leggings have moisture-wicking fabric and a PFC-free water-repellent coating.
Related: Must-Know Tips for Staying Dry When Hiking in the Rain
You’ll also love the two drop-in pockets and the zippered security pocket on the side. Plus, since these leggings come from Patagonia, you know you’re helping out people and the planet since they’re made with recycled materials and they’re Fair Trade Certified sewn.
2. prAna Mariel Jegging
When prAna combines their incredible Stretch Zion performance fabric with the comfortable fit and sleek silhouette of a legging, you get these Mariel Jeggings.
Related: The Best Hiking Pants for Women
The leggings come with all the features you want, including quick-drying fabric with a PFC-free durable water-repellent finish, UPF 50+ protection, and abrasion-resistant fabric. The leggings also come with drop-in side panel pockets, front slash pockets, and back welt pockets.
Plus, you’ll appreciate that the leggings have a skinny fit that works perfectly with everything from your hiking boots on the trail to your flats when you’re around town.
Related: The Most Comfortable Hiking Boots for Women
3. Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings
These Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings are some of the best leggings for hiking ever made because they’re designed specifically for climbing and scrambling. They have movement-specific stitching that won’t slip or slide no matter how much you’re moving.
The FreeDry moisture-wicking fabric will help pull sweat away from your skin, and the polygiene odor control technology makes sure you stay fresh. Plus, the FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection ensures your skin stays safe even when the sun is beating down on you.
Related: How to Stay Cool When You’re Hiking in the Heat
4. Stio Glide Crop Tech Tight
If you’re looking for a great pair of crop leggings for hiking, check out these Stio Glide Crop Tech Tights. These leggings are a favorite among hikers because they’re made high-stretch Fortis fabric that not only actively wicks moisture away, but is also incredibly comfortable.
They’re also fitted with a high, wide waistband that helps the leggings stay put during strenuous hikes.
The hip pockets on the right and left sides can fit phones, keys, or cards. Plus, the functional back waist stow sleeve can hold anything from a headband to a pair of liner gloves.
Related: The Best Hiking Socks for Women
If you prefer a full-length version, be sure to check out these bestselling Glide High Rise Tech Tights. They include all of the same great features as the crop leggings except with a full-length cut.
5. Pang Wangle Bug Repellent Leggings
It seems like the second I step outside mosquitoes immediately swarm around me. If you deal with the same problem, you’ll love these Pang Wangle Bug Repellent Leggings.
These leggings are designed with EPA-approved odorless insect shield repellent technology that’s safe for everyone. This bug-repelling treatment provides effective and invisible protection from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, ants, and other bugs.
The lightweight fabric is engineered to be light enough for warm weather, yet durable enough to stand up to those long hikes.
For convenience, these leggings also feature a large waistband pocket that’s big enough to stash essentials like your smartphone, keys, money, credit cards, or passport.
Related: The Most Comfortable Hiking Backpack for Women
6. Arc’teryx Essent
When you need a pair of leggings that can stand up to some use and abuse, turn to these Arc’teryx Essent leggings. The leggings are made with a durable nylon knit that can withstand extended use against rock, which is great for any rock scrambling you have to do on the trail.
The high-rise waistband has a mesh lining that effectively wicks moisture away and helps the leggings stay in place. You’ll also appreciate the two side pockets that let you keep important items close at hand.
Related: Not Sure What to Bring on a Hike? This Packing Guide Can Help!
7. Columbia Titan Ultra Tight
The Columbia Titan Ultra Tight will keep you comfortable whether you’re running errands around town or tackling a major hike. The moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your body to help you stay comfortable.
The leggings feature 4-way comfort stretch fabric that makes every type of movement a breeze. They also come with a zip security pocket where you can stash cards, a key, or other important items. They even include a drawstring closure so you can ensure the best fit possible.
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8. Icebreaker Merino Comet Tights
If you’re looking for the ideal pair of leggings for those cold-weather hikes, you’ll love these Icebreaker Merino Comet Tights. The leggings are made with a technical blend of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra. Not only does this make them soft, stretchy, and highly breathable, but it also provides a little extra warmth.
Related: The Best Fall Hikes in the U.S.
The wide waistband includes an internal drawstring to help you get a secure fit, and the zippered back stash pocket securely holds your small essentials. While the contour waist and slim-fit design make these leggings perfect as a base layer, you can also wear them on their own.
Related: The Best Hiking Poles for Every Type of Hiker
9. The North Face McKinley Legging
The North Face is known for making durable and functional pieces that can stand up to a variety of outdoor activities, and these McKinley Leggings are no exception.
Related: The Best Women’s Winter Hiking Pants
The 4-inch high elastic waistband provides outstanding support and prevents your leggings from sliding. You’ll also enjoy excellent range of motion in these leggings.
The sweat-wicking fabric pulls moisture off your body to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. You’ll also appreciate that these leggings have thigh pockets that can hold your everyday essentials and a zippered pocket that can store your more valuable and important items.
Related: The Best Hikes in Tennessee With Breathtaking Views
10. Tuff Athletics High Rise Leggings
If you’re searching for an affordable pair of leggings that can still stand up to the rigors of the trail, check out these Tuff Athletics High Rise Leggings. The leggings offer the stretch and flexibility you need with a high waist design that helps keep them in place.
They also have built-in UPF 40+ sun protection to guard your skin and easy access side pockets that can store the on-the-go items you need.
The Best Leggings for Hiking
Leggings are an outstanding option for hiking clothes since they offer incredible flexibility and comfort. If you’re interested in getting a few pairs to wear on your next hiking trip, you can’t beat these best leggings for hiking.
More Helpful Hiking Tips
Did this guide on the best leggings for hikers help you out? Are you looking for even more excellent hiking tips? Then please be sure to check out some of our other popular posts:
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- The Best Vegetarian Backpacking Meals
- How to Easily Break in Hiking Boots
- 10 Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park You Have to Do