We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Style Active + Loungewear The 10 Best Hiking Leggings of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Hit the trail with these comfortable, expert-approved picks. By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald is a seasoned travel writer with over 10 years of experience, most recently as the Africa travel expert for TripSavvy. She has explored more than 50 countries on six continents, is a qualified scuba instructor, passionate hiker and wildlife photographer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 22, 2024 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsOur Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya There are a few basic requirements for a great pair of hiking pants: moisture-wicking breathability (for when you work up a sweat), flexible stretch (for tackling scramble sections and inclines), and durability (because adventures are rarely easy on your clothes). Quality leggings that have been designed for an active lifestyle tick all of these boxes, making them one of our go-to choices when dressing for a comfortable and fulfilling day out on the trail. There are different options to suit various climates, tastes, and budgets. To help you find the best fit for you we collected the results of three different Travel + Leisure tests for women’s hiking pants, travel pants, and fleece-lined leggings. In total, we tested 84 pairs in the real world for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value. We also included some of our editors’ personal favorites before coming up with winners in categories ranging from best lightweight to best for cold weather. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights at REI ($90) Jump to Review Most Breathable: lululemon Wunder Train High-rise Tight with Pockets at Lululemon ($128) Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Lorna Jane Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings at Lornajane.com ($80) Jump to Review Best for Moderate Weather: Fjällräven Abisko Tights at REI ($120) Jump to Review Best for Warm Weather: Vuori Daily Pocket Legging at Vuoriclothing.com (See Price) Jump to Review Most Versatile: Lorna Jane Amy Phone Pocket Tech Ankle Biter Leggings at Lornajane.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Abercrombie & Fitch YPB StudioSoft Legging at Abercrombie.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Budget: Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review Best for Layering: Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-rise Leggings at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Everyday: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-Length Leggings at Gap.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights PHOTO: REI $90 at REI View on Karitraa.com Why We Love It Specially designed for hiking, these leggings stand out for their durable materials, comfortable fit, and functional pockets. What to Consider Sizes aren’t particularly inclusive, running to an XL only. Our team member who recommended these Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights has owned them for two years and finds herself reaching for them consistently when getting ready for a day on the trail. They’re made specially for hiking from a quick-drying, breathable blend of polyamide and elastane that also provides UPF 40+ protection from the sun’s harmful rays. We love their lightness and how soft they are considering that they’re meant for performance rather than casual lounging. The drawstring waistband is fully adjustable and stays in place without ever feeling too tight. Four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch combine to provide unparalleled freedom of movement. We find the level of compression supportive rather than restrictive and particularly appreciate hiking-specific features such as grippy, silicone-enhanced hems that won’t ride up and zippered leg openings that make for easy on-and-off over your trail shoes. We also love the zippered thigh pockets. They’re easily able to fit a cell phone, with zippers that afford complete peace of mind no matter how active you are. Available in a range of colors from tweed green to cedar pink, the leggings are conveniently machine washable. Best of all, their superior quality and durability is proven by the fact that they still look and feel brand new even after years of use. The Details: XS to XL | Polyamide, elastane | 4-way stretch | Drawstring waistband | 2 pockets | 40+ UPF Most Breathable lululemon Wunder Train High-rise Tight with Pockets PHOTO: lululemon $128 at Lululemon Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It Planning a hiking trip to a hot or humid destination? These leggings will keep you cool and comfortable in equal measure. What to Consider They’re one of the priciest options on this list. We tested the Lululemon Wunder Train High-rise Tights on a trip to Puerto Rico and never once overheated. They’re incredibly breathable, with cooling Everlux fabric that dries quickly to help prevent sweat marks. In fact, they’re super comfortable wherever your travels take you, whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or spending hours seated on a plane. The medium-support, four-way stretch fabric is of a high quality that resists pilling, seems impervious to spills, and feels buttery soft against the skin. The high-rise waistband features a secure interior drawcord (although we found the leggings stayed in place perfectly without it no matter how much we stretched). Those that like to hike hands-free will appreciate the abundance of pockets, including one hidden in the waistband and one on each thigh. All pockets are large enough for a phone; in fact, they’re so stretchy that we were able to fit a phone, headphones, our ID, and a plane ticket without any issues. Colors range from goes-with-anything black to more unusual espresso, grape, or hot heat (red), and more. The Details: 0 to 20 | Nylon, elastane | 4-way stretch | Drawstring waistband | 3 pockets Travel + Leisure / Taylor Mcintyre Travel + Leisure / Taylor Mcintyre Best for Cold Weather Lorna Jane Thermal Phone Pocket Tech Leggings PHOTO: Lorna Jane $80 at lornajane.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It These leggings are breathable enough for high-impact exercise while also keeping your legs warm on chilly days. What to Consider Because the fleece fabric is prone to pilling, the brand recommends using a garment bag or washing by hand. Available in black or galaxy (pale gray) with a flattering matte finish, the Amy Winter Thermal leggings from Lorna Jane are made from a nylon and elastane blend with a soft brushed fleece lining. The latter traps body heat to keep you noticeably warmer without adding much thickness. We loved that we were able to work out without overheating while also feeling protected from the cold when walking outside in 55-degree weather — making these leggings ideal for the stop-and-go nature of a day on the trail. The fit is deliberately firm and compressive. We found them a little tight going on but then loved how the leggings conformed to our body for a snug, second-skin fit that felt comfortable throughout. The high-rise waist provides support and extra, heat-retaining coverage, while four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch preserve full mobility. We also like that the leggings are opaque enough to barely show panty lines when worn with regular underwear and that the two drop-in phone pockets keep valuables securely in place even when exercising. The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, elastane | 4-way stretch | Elastic waistband | 2 pockets Travel + Leisure / Taylor Calta Travel + Leisure / Taylor Calta The 10 Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Moderate Weather Fjällräven Abisko Tights PHOTO: REI $120 at REI $150 at backcountry.com View on Fjallraven.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Design 4/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It Despite being made for hiking, these leggings are versatile enough to wear to the gym or during everyday life. What to Consider They’re best for taller women (our five-foot-five-inch team member had to roll up excess fabric at the ankles to stop them from wrinkling at the knees.) The Fjällräven Abisko Tights are designed with hiking in mind, with moisture-wicking fabric; an interior drawstring for a customized, reliable fit; and a ⅞ length that pairs well with hiking boots and socks. They’re good for the planet, too, with recycled polyester construction that’s free from perfluorochemicals (PFCs). We found them comfortably tight, with material that’s a little thicker than regular leggings for added durability, opacity, and support. It did require a little more effort to pull them on and to pull them up when they needed adjusting. Too thick for hot weather and not insulated enough for very cold weather, they’re the ideal choice for shoulder season adventures. We love the four-way stretch (which we tested while hiking, rock climbing, and attending Zumba class) and the secure leg pockets. These are protected by envelope closures that get rid of the need for bulky zips but can make getting things out a little finickity. Finally, these leggings look great with flattering seam placement, a matte finish, and some gorgeous colors including pomegranate red and indigo blue. The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | 4-way stretch | Drawstring waistband | 2 pockets Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya Travel + Leisure / Hildara Araya Best for Warm Weather Vuori Daily Pocket Legging PHOTO: Vuori View on Vuoriclothing.com Why We Love It These leggings are made from a lightweight, breathable fabric that impressed us with its durable opacity. What to Consider While we love the external drawcord waistband, it’s an aesthetic that may not be for everyone. The ⅞-length Vuori Daily Pocket Leggings feature a high-rise waistband with an external drawcord. We love this feature for the added security it provides when exercising and because it makes the leggings visually unique. It looks great with summer-ready crop tops, too. The BreatheInterlock fabric is meant for warm weather. It’s moisture-wicking, super breathable, and more cooling than any other pair of leggings we own. We love the buttery softness and the slightly compressive four-way stretch. Despite the leggings’ lightness, the fabric is thick and well made, leaving us with zero concerns about longevity or underwear showing through. Care instructions are simple enough to suit a busy outdoors lifestyle: just machine wash on cold and throw in the tumble dryer on a low setting. Finally, the leggings include two phone-size, drop-in side pockets and come in a range of colors from practical black to attractive clove (light brown) and iron (cyan blue). The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | 4-way stretch | Drawstring waistband | 2 pockets Most Versatile Lorna Jane Amy Phone Pocket Tech Ankle Biter Leggings PHOTO: Lorna Jane View on Lornajane.com Why We Love It Ticking boxes for performance, comfort, and style, these leggings have become our go-to on and off the trail. What to Consider The ankle-length fit could be a little short for taller women. The Lorna Jane Amy Phone Pocket Tech Ankle Biter leggings run true to size and are form-fitting without being too tight, offering the kind of unrestricted movement you need for comfortable hiking. The waistband never falls down while four-way stretch, a gusseted crotch, and moisture-wicking breathability round out the leggings’ athletic credentials. They’re also amazingly comfortable, with non-chafing flatlock seams and soft, brushed fabric that’s especially formulated for complete opacity. Built-in tummy control and contouring panels that enhance your curves make them a flattering choice, too, whether you’re exploring a new trail or wearing them out to coffee with your friends. We also love the drop-in side pockets for stowing your phone and other essentials. Our team member has owned her pair for over a year, and she finds herself packing them for every trip. Despite weekly washing, the leggings haven’t pilled and still feel as soft and thick as they did when they were brand new. Choose yours in black or titanium. The Details: XXS to XXL | Polyester, elastane | 4-way stretch | Elastic waistband | 2 pockets The 12 Best Hiking Shorts for Women of 2024 Best Lightweight Abercrombie & Fitch YPB StudioSoft Legging PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch View on Abercrombie.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Design 5/5 Why We Love It These leggings offer the luxurious look and feel of high-end brands at a much more reasonable price. What to Consider The lighter color we tested showed sweat during a workout and would likely do so on more strenuous hikes, too. The ultra high-rise, ⅞-length Abercrombie YPB StudioSoft Leggings are made from a new, lightweight fabric that has been especially developed for soft supportiveness. We found that they offered noticeable compression without being at all uncomfortable, even around the double-layer waistband. The latter helps to smooth and sculpt while also concealing a pocket perfect for storing cards and keys. V-shaped seam detailing around the rear adds to the leggings’ flattering effect. We love how well they stay in place even when stretching, lunging, and running — and that the level of stretch remains consistent. We found them breathable, and we never overheated, although the lighter color we tested did show some sweat. Ordering them in onyx (black) would likely solve this problem. The leggings are easy to maintain. Just throw them in the washing machine on cold and tumble dry on low. After frequent use and multiple washes, there were no obvious signs of wear and tear. The Details: XXS to XXL | Nylon, elastane | Elastic waistband | 1 pocket Travel + Leisure / Sophia DeVito Best Budget Baleaf Fleece-Lined Leggings PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon Why We Love It These leggings are thick enough to keep you warm in winter while also offering reliable opacity. What to Consider They’re meant for cold weather of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Retailing for roughly 3.5 times less than our overall winner, the Baleaf Fleece-lined Leggings are a worthy pick for cold-weather hikers on a budget. They’re amazingly thick and soft, and fully opaque — to the point that our team member that tested these, who wouldn’t normally wear leggings in place of pants, felt completely confident wearing these out and about with a cropped jacket. And although they’re meant for chilly climates, they’re breathable and moisture wicking for when you work up a sweat. The high-rise waistband offers extra support and shaping, while interlocked seams minimize chafing and a gusseted crotch affords excellent flexibility. We found that the leggings fit well around the waist and in the rear, although it’s worth noting that they were very long, even on our team member’s five-foot-nine frame. We were able to fit keys and cards in the hidden waistband pocket. After multiple washes, the leggings were still in good shape except for a few loose threads around the seams and one minor patch of pilling where our team member sat on a rough surface during a hike. The Details: XS to 3X | Polyester and spandex | Elastic waistband | 1 pocket (also available with 3 pockets) Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Best for Layering Eddie Bauer Crossover Winter Trail Adventure High-rise Leggings PHOTO: Eddie Bauer View on Amazon View on Eddiebauer.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 4.8/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Why We Love It With a cozy fleece lining and integrated odor control, these leggings can be worn on their own or as a base layer depending on the weather. What to Consider If you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing down. These polyester and spandex leggings from Eddie Bauer look more fashionable than one might expect from built-for-purpose athleticwear. The quality of the material is evident, and we feel confident they’ll last for years to come. We love the premium brushed fleece lining, which feels very soft and surprisingly warm even when we were walking in 45-degree weather. The leggings would be ideal for layering under ski pants in winter but also offer moisture-wicking odor control for use in warmer weather. When we performed squats in front of a mirror, the leggings were completely opaque. We even felt confident enough to pair them with a cropped sweater. The power mesh waistband features a drawcord for a precise, adjustable fit, while four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch afford excellent freedom of movement. Need somewhere to stash your trail snacks? These leggings offer two drop-in cargo pockets and a zippered vertical pocket. You can throw the leggings in a cold wash and tumble dry on low, while colors range from black to dark berry. The Details: XS to XXL | Polyester, spandex | 4-way stretch | Drawstring waistband | 3 pockets The 11 Best Women’s Hiking Backpacks of 2024 Best Everyday Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8-Length Leggings PHOTO: Old Navy View on Gap.com View on Gap.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Fit 5/5 Durability 5/5 Hold 4/5 Why We Love It Comfortable for virtually every activity and season, these leggings are also affordable enough to buy in several colors. What to Consider We suggest sizing up for the most comfortable fit. Designed to hit just above the ankle, the Old Navy High-waisted PowerSoft leggings combine polyester and spandex for a soft, lightly compressive stretch that’s perfect for active wear. We have several pairs and practically live in them, choosing them for everything from gym sessions to movie marathons. We’ve also worn them for many national park hiking trips and have found them to be super versatile for everything from 15-mile hikes in cold weather to shorter outings in 80-degree weather. They’re both warm when it’s cold and breathable when it’s hot. The fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly (although lighter colors do tend to show sweat). We particularly love how well they stay in place whether you’re tackling a rock scramble or traversing up a steep incline. And if you end up sliding down on your butt? The durable material is unlikely to tear. Two phone-shaped pockets come in handy for snapping photos on the go, and with three inseam lengths and a rainbow of colors to choose from, there’s a pair for every size and style. The Details: XS to 4X | Polyester, spandex | Elastic waistband | 2 pockets Our Testing Process Products were chosen according to the results of three different T+L tests: one for women’s hiking pants, one for travel pants, and one for fleece-lined leggings. We tested 84 pairs in total and also considered a few “editor’s picks” — leggings that our experts personally own and love. Our team members wore the leggings at least two outdoor excursions and for everyday activities ranging from gym sessions to running errands. A minimum of three two-hour wears was required. We evaluated fit, the quality and feel of the materials, comfort, stretch, pocket functionality, and whether the leggings remained fully opaque during a squat test. We also washed and dried each pair according to the manufacturer’s instructions to see how well they held up. All pairs were scored on a scale from one to five for fit, comfort, quality, durability, design, and value. Testing is ongoing for a period of six months, and we will update this article as we continue to test new leggings or if our findings should change after long-term use. Tips for Buying Hiking Leggings Think about weather conditions Choose leggings intended for your typical hiking climate. For example, if you live somewhere hot and humid or are heading there on vacation, you’ll want to prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly to keep you comfortable and prevent sweat stains. Some lightweight leggings are specifically treated for odor control, making them ideal for hot-weather hikes or repeated use on a multi-day hiking trip. Cold-weather leggings are typically made from the same base materials as warm weather ones (i.e., polyester or nylon) but with the added insulation of a brushed fleece lining designed to trap body heat. Some are water-resistant for extra protection against inclement weather and the chill caused by wearing wet clothes. For extreme conditions, look for leggings that you can wear as a layer underneath waterproof ski pants. Look for helpful features Probably the most helpful feature a pair of leggings can have is a pocket (or two or three). These can range from a hidden pocket in the waistband that’s just big enough for your keys and cards to full-size cargo pockets on the thighs. Consider the importance of being able to store larger items (like your phone for easy access to your camera or a mapping app while hiking) versus the importance of a streamlined, pocket-free silhouette. Other useful features to look out for include a UPF rating for sun protection in hot countries and the ability to machine wash and dry the leggings when they get dirty. Make sure they’re comfortable Comfort is key, especially in a pair of leggings intended for the trail rather than for fashion purposes. Look for soft, breathable fabrics that feel good against the skin. Four-way stretch and a gusseted crotch provide full freedom of movement for steep inclines, scrambles, and descents, while flatlock seams minimize the risk of chafing after hours on the move. Comfort is also dependent on a good fit, so consult size charts and customer reviews carefully to see whether the leggings run true to size. You want some compression for shaping and support, but you should never feel restricted, especially around the waistband. Frequently Asked Questions Are leggings good for hiking? Which pants are best for hiking is really a matter of personal preference, with options ranging from lightweight cargo pants with plenty of pockets to convertible pants that transform into shorts in a matter of seconds. As long as your pants are breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable with plenty of stretch they should be suitable for hiking. Leggings — especially those made by trusted outdoor and athleisure brands — tick all of these boxes and are therefore a popular choice for many hikers. Leggings tend to be more versatile for everyday wear as well. What is the most breathable material for leggings? Leggings designed for athletic activities like hiking are typically made from either nylon or polyester with a percentage of elastane for increased stretch. That’s because both of these materials offer just the right blend of breathable, lightweight durability. Polyester is generally considered to be the most breathable option. It also wicks moisture more effectively, making it the preferred choice for high temperatures. How do you layer leggings for hiking? You can wear leggings on their own in warm weather or used as a layer on colder days. They are the ideal base layer, especially if they’re made of moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying polyester. Don another pair of insulated leggings or a pair of regular hiking pants on top for warmth. On rainy days, make sure your top layer is water-resistant (for short hikes in light rain) or waterproof (for extended hikes in heavy rain). Why Trust Travel + Leisure Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel and outdoor adventure gear for more than 10 years. Based in Scotland, she loves to hike and spends her spare time exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Highlands. Some of the products listed in this article were chosen according to the results of real-life tests carried out by the T+L team while others are personal editor favorites that editors own and love. The 12 Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Jackie Cucco Jackie Cucco Jackie Cucco is a Commerce Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and writes travel-related product reviews based on in-depth product testing. She previously worked as a travel agent, has a Master’s degree in journalism, and has over six years of experience creating gift guides and writing about various products. She has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends. learn more