Guide to the Best Hiking Leggings for Men and Women

Hiking leggings aren’t just for yoga lovers and Instagram models. There are many brands that make leggings for hiking and other backcountry adventures. Hiking leggings are designed to be breathable, moisture-wicking, water-resistant, and super comfortable.

To help you pick the right pair of leggings for your next adventure, I filtered out all the gimmicky models and compiled a list of the best hiking leggings available.

My Top Picks:

For men: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

For women: North Face Winter Warm bottoms


Best Hiking Leggings for Women

Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings

Arc'teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 29% elastane / 71% nylon
  • Available colors: 3
  • Features: Two thigh pockets

Few brands craft apparel as flawlessly fitted and resiliently rugged as Arc’teryx. Their meticulously designed equipment comes at a premium cost but earns its lofty price tag through exceptional execution and longevity that is rarely rivaled. 

Take the streamlined Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings — as slender as a second skin yet tough as nails thanks to their nylon-elastane construction.

Despite the thin silhouette ideal for sweltering summer pursuits, the stretch-woven fabric shrugs off abrasion that would shred lesser tights to ribbons.

An unrestrictively smooth waistband eliminates bulk and bunching to remain sensationally comfortable whether scrambling up foreboding cliffs or simply striding neighborhood streets.

True to their straightforward moniker, the Essents serve as adaptable foundations ready to layer up for blustery exploits or pare down when the mercury rises.

Though premium-priced, they’re an excellent choice for female outdoor enthusiasts seeking genuinely reliable performance. 

Pros

  • Great for diverse activities
  • Technical outdoor functionality
  • Highly abrasion resistant
  • Very stretchy
  • Two thigh pockets

Cons

  • Expensive


Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings

Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 88% polyester / 12% spandex
  • Available colors: 21
  • Features: Angled side pockets, hidden waistband pocket

Whether we are talking about flat hikes or the steepest of climbs, these high-waist Eddie Bauer Trail Tight Leggings perform exceptionally well on any terrain.

Thanks to the Polygiene coating and FreeDry moisture-wicking polyester/spandex blend, the Eddie Bauer women’s hiking leggings won’t smell funky even after a multi-day hike.

They feature UPF 50+ sun protection as well. This makes them one of the best leggings for hiking in the summer.

The form-fitting design of these hiking thighs is particularly noteworthy. They remain close to the body and allow for greater freedom of movement at the same time.

I consider the hidden pocket to be a particularly nice touch, and the same goes for angled side pockets. They are big enough for storing a map, pocket knife, and some snacks.

Even though the Eddie Bauer Trail Tights are designed for the great outdoors, they are sleek enough to wear around town. For more Eddie Bauer products, check out my Eddie Bauer vs Patagonia comparison.

PROS:

  • Well-designed pockets
  • Anti-odor coating
  • UPF 50+ sun protection
  • Extremely flexible
  • Comfortable

CONS:

  • Pricey

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The North Face Winter Baselayer Tights 

The North Face Winter Baselayer Tights

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 92% Polyester / 8% Elastane
  • Available colors: 2
  • Features: Smooth locket seaming, internal drawcord 

The North Face Winter Baselayer Tights are likely the best hiking leggings for women. As their name suggests, you can count on them to keep you warm on cold hikes. But it’s still a good idea to wear extra layers when you’re going winter hiking.

The Winter Warm hiking leggings have a fleece lining that helps retain your body heat. Thanks to the fleece, these women’s hiking tights also offer a higher level of weather-resistance.

The smooth, flat locket seaming is a very nice touch. The wide waistband is very comfortable, and the internal drawcord ensures it stays up throughout your hike.

The Winter Baselayer Tights aren’t as form-fitting as thinner models, but they still compress in all the right places. 

PROS:

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Solid weather resistance
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Best women’s hiking leggings for colder weather
  • Comfortable

CONS:

  • Could be more stretchy


IUGA High Waist Leggings

IUGA High Waist Leggings

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 23% spandex / 77% polyester 
  • Available colors: 25
  • Features: Two side pockets, 4-way stretch material

Are you looking for a pair of quality women’s leggings while still seeking to save as much money as possible? Look no further than IUGA’s dexterously designed high-waisted offering.

Despite their wallet-friendly price, IUGA High Waist Leggings are held in high regard by thousands of female outdoor enthusiasts due to the value they bring for the cost. 

Having taken these versatile leggings traversing across tangled woodland trails and winding coastal paths, a friend of mine personally attests to IUGA’s impressively robust construction punching far above its petite price class.

The opaque moisture-wicking fabric defies embarrassing transparency when stretching into a Downward Facing Dog. However, if you’re looking for a pair of hiking leggings – and you probably are – you will like how the model’s compressive stretch molds to the contours of your body like a second skin, allowing unencumbered movement mile after mile.

PROS:

  • Very affordable price
  • Good quality fabric
  • Supportive fit
  • Lots of fun color options
  • Thick fabric avoids see-through issues
  • Great introductory legging

CONS:

  • Pockets lack capacity for larger phones


Lululemon Swift Speed Hi-Rise Tights

Lululemon Swift Speed Hi-Rise Tights

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 69% Nylon / 31% Lycra
  • Available colors: 2
  • Features: Drop-in pocket, continuous drawcord

Pushing personal limits traversing rugged terrain is all but easy – but you can make it easier by investing a pair of quality leggings.

Lululemon Swift Speed Hi-Rise Tights are an excellent option: their compressive second skin construction hugs hip to heel. An exceptionally high waistband grips securely in place no matter how extreme the pace or incline, while its proprietary quick-dry fabric whisks perspiration away from the skin.

Built for no-excuses excellence, the Swift Speed’s low weight and strategic reflective elements make it a genuinely worthwhile investment. Meanwhile, the inclusive range of sizes ensures all bodies can bask in high performance with elegance.

Still, finding the snug fit may prove difficult for some ladies. Moreover, some may find the solitary stretch pocket inadequate for phablet storage or chafe-prone zipper bothersome when backpacking.

But once you get used to these tights, expect enhanced agility – especially if you pair these with one of the best women’s hiking shoes.

PROS:

  • High quality construction
  • Secure waistband
  • Compression for performance
  • Quick-drying fabric
  • Lightweight
  • Reflective details

CONS:

  • Only one small pocket


Helly Hansen Rask Tights

Helly Hansen Rask Tights

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 88% Polyester / 12% Elastane
  • Available colors: 3
  • Features: Zip pocket at hip

If you are going on a hike during shoulder season, you should choose the best water resistant hiking tights you can find. The Helly Hansen Rask Tights may be just that.

The DWR (durable water repellent) coating will keep you dry if you sit on wet grass by accident. The water will simply bead off the hiking leggings. For extra protection and mobility, the Rask Trail Tights feature stretch reinforcement panels on the knees and seat.

Since they are a bit on the thick side, they are also good leggings for hiking in windy conditions. And despite this thickness, the polyester/elastane blend is quite breathable and form-fitting. The 4-way stretch material also does a great job of wicking moisture.

The only problem with the Rask Thighs is how they look. The seat and knee reinforcement panels are grey, while everything else is black.

So, they highlight parts you may not want to draw attention to. If you want your hiking thighs to be stylish as much as they are functional, it’s best to look elsewhere.

PROS:

  • Extremely versatile
  • Durable
  • Very comfortable
  • Solid weather-resistance
  • Breathable

CONS:

  • The reinforcement panels look a bit silly

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Best Hiking Leggins For Men

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro

Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 70% polyester / 30% elastane
  • Available colors: 2
  • Features: Lots of pockets, reinforcements at knees and rear

I consider the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro as the best choice for those who are going for a more rugged look. These bottoms combine the functionality of hiking pants and the comfort of leggings.

Thanks to the high percentage of elastane, the Abisko tights offer an impressive level of flexibility. They also feature a gusset and reinforced knees. These patches improve weather resistance as well as durability.

The Abisko tights don’t have a DWR coating, but they are so slim that I was able to easily fit them under a pair of rain pants. They are also quite breathable and offer decent protection from the wind at the same time.

Another thing I liked is their feature-set: these tights feature a zippered left-thigh pocket, a side thigh pocket with a flap, and two zippered hand pockets. There’s also a women’s version of this model.

PROS:

  • Four convenient pockets
  • Stylish
  • Super flexible
  • Very breathable
  • Reinforcement patches

CONS:

  • Expensive


Salomon Agile Long Tights

Salomon Agile Long Tights

Specifications:

  • Fabric: 84% polyester / 16% elastane
  • Available colors: 1
  • Extra features: Zippered back pocket, moisture-removing ActiveDry fabric

True to their name, the Salomon Agile Long Tights are among the best warm leggings for men, and among the best hiking leggings overall. Even though they are designed for trail running in freezing temperatures, I quickly realized they make for great hiking tights on cold spring and fall days. If you are into winter hiking, they serve as an excellent base layer as well.

The articulated knees provided me with excellent mobility on all types of terrain. The high-quality polyester/spandex blend makes them exceptionally soft and stretchy. They also never pinched when I was moving or sitting, thanks to their wide waistband.

I found that they’re great for summer hikes as well. They are thicker in cold prone spots, but light in the lower legs – when things get hot, you can rest assured they will breathe well.

PROS:

  • Warm
  • Breathable & moisture-wicking
  • Knee articulation
  • Super soft and stretchy
  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • The back pocket is somewhat hard to reach

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Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Tights

Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Tights

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 15% elastane / 38% merino wool / 47% polyester 
  • Available colors: 1
  • Features: Drop-in side pocket, rear zip pocket

When it comes to weather resistance, the Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Tights are likely the best leggings for hiking.

Featuring both fleece and DWR coating, they offer excellent protection from wind and rain. These performance bottoms are almost as good as a pair of rain pants – I was able to wear them on their own in certain scenarios. 

The unique blend of merino, polyester, and elastane makes these tights exceptionally warm and durable. The brushed merino lining felt super soft against my skin, with its moisture-wicking capability removing all the sweat on a spring day hike. 

Moreover, I didn’t have to worry about chafing thanks to the flat-sewn seams. If you happen to lose some weight on your adventure, you can count on the adjustable waist cord to hold the bottoms in place.

PROS:

  • Very warm
  • Best men’s tights for rain and wind
  • Exceptionally comfortable lining
  • Very flexible
  • Easy-to-adjust waist cord

CONS:

  • Could be more breathable 

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Under Armour ColdGear Tights

Under Armour ColdGear Tights

 

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 13% elastane / 87% polyester
  • Available colors: 13
  • Features: Drop-in Strength Pocket, sweat-wicking 

The next tights on my list come from a famous outerwear brand – Under Armour. Let’s get the most important advantage out of the way first: the Under Armour ColdGear Tights are genuinely affordable. 

Another thing I really liked about this model is its dual-layer construction. The exterior of these tights is smooth and fast-drying. The interior is brushed, comfortable, and very warm. 

As most other leggings in this roundup, the ColdGear Tights can also move in every direction thanks to their 3-way stretch construction. 

Finally, the model is very breathable, too – strategic ventilation is ensured by the presence of stretch-mesh gusset and inseam panels. There’s a single pocket on the right side for quick & easy storage of small essentials. 

Pros

  • Very affordable 
  • Smooth interior 
  • Fast-drying exterior
  • A pair of stretchy tights 
  • Breathable 

Cons

  • The sizing runs small


2XU Core Compression Tights

2XU Core Compression Tights

Specifications: 

  • Fabric: 72% nylon/28% Lycra
  • Available colors: 5
  • Features: Drawstring waistband

The 2XU Core Compression Tights are an excellent choice for high-output hikes. These performance bottoms are designed to improve blood circulation and stabilize muscles. Like most other compression pants, they’re great for all outdoor activities – I enjoyed hiking in them. 

The bottoms are made from 2XU’s proprietary PWX fabric. It contains a high percentage of Lycra, which makes these tights among the most flexible and most comfortable models on the market.

The 2XU bottoms also feature a Polygiene coating. It offers excellent protection against bacteria and odors.

The wide waistband has a covered elastic that did a great job at keeping the bottoms snug around my hips. You can rest assured they will stay in place throughout your whole hike.

Finally, this particular model is quite light, and it also comes with a UPF 50+ rating, so it’s best worn in the summer.

PROS:

  • Excellent compression
  • Snug and cozy waistband
  • UPF 50+ rating
  • Exceptionally flexible
  • Durable

CONS:

  • Expensive

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How to Choose the Best Leggings for Hiking

Fabrics

You should never wear cotton leggings on the trail. In fact, you should avoid cotton clothing altogether when you are hiking.

Whether you are hiking in hot or cold weather, sweat is inevitable. Cotton gets saturated with sweat very quickly, and it takes ages for it to evaporate – something I learned the hard way. 

As you can imagine, wearing cotton on the trail in the summer is uncomfortable. Wearing cotton leggings in colder weather may seem okay, but it isn’t. When the weather is particularly cold, sweating puts you at a greater risk of hypothermia.

Cotton traps every drop of sweat. When cotton gets wet, it loses its insulating abilities and rapidly saps away our body heat. So, leggings made from cotton don’t even make a decent base layer.

If you want to get a pair of leggings for hiking, choose a model that’s made from one of the following fabrics:

Polyester

Polyester is an extremely hydrophobic fabric. It is the most widely used synthetic fabric in leggings. On top of doing a great job of wicking away moisture, polyester is quite durable. Polyester can be quite breathable as well; it mostly depends on the knit and yarn sizes.

While it’s more affordable, polyester generally doesn’t retain heat as well as natural fabrics. It also found it less stretchy than the other synthetic fabrics.

Nylon

Nylon wicks away moisture just as well as polyester. It also dries very quickly. However, nylon is more stretchy and more durable than polyester. Nylon is also better at retaining heat, but it generally lacks breathability.

Spandex

Also known as Lycra or elastane, spandex is a synthetic stretch fabric commonly found in the best hiking leggings. It is super flexible, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Spandex is also durable, lightweight, and highly breathable.

Most high-quality hiking leggings made from synthetic fabrics usually feature a polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex blend.

Merino Wool

If you want a pair of warm leggings for hiking, you may want to go for a model made from merino wool. In my experience, wool does a great job of regulating body temperature. So, this fabric feels cool when the weather is hot and warm when it’s cold. Read Icebreaker vs Smartwool.

On top of being a great substitute for traditional hiking pants in the summer, fall, and spring, wool leggings make the best base layer in winter. Like synthetic fabrics, wool has great moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.

Wool leggings don’t retain funky smells like those made from synthetic fabrics. This material is generally softer and more comfortable than nylon and polyester. However, wool isn’t as durable as synthetic fabrics.

Comfort and Mobility

When it comes to hiking leggings, comfort is paramount. After all, their comfiness is the biggest advantage they have over hiking pants. The average pair of hiking leggings is made from stretch fabric that allows for greater freedom of movement.

Unlike traditional hiking pants, the best hiking leggings are designed to move with you as you hike and form-fit to your legs. For good or bad, they should fit your body shape. So that they won’t slip off when you’re hiking, choose hiking leggings that have flattering high-rise waistbands.

Even though top-shelf hiking pants allow for greater freedom of movement, they are still very thick and heavily-featured. After a few hours of hiking, I found that even the most comfortable trekking pants start to feel restrictive.

But, keep in mind, hiking leggings are not the same as regular leggings. They are designed to be more weather-resistant and abrasion-resistant than everyday leggings. The best hiking leggings sacrifice some level of comfort.

Leggings that have a higher percentage of spandex tend to be more comfortable. But beware of pocket-friendly hiking leggings that are suspiciously super stretchy. The best hiking leggings command a higher price.

Low-quality leggings usually become see-thru when stretched. To keep your privates private, it’s best to spend a touch more money on quality leggings.

Breathability

If you want to get a pair of leggings for hiking in the summer, make sure they are breathable. In my experience, the more spandex there is in the leggings, the more breathable they are.

Hiking leggings made from a spandex/polyester blend tend to have the highest level of breathability.

If breathability is your main concern, the best hiking leggings for you are the ones that have a relaxed fit. Thin and lightweight leggings also do a better job of promoting airflow.

Gusseted Crotch

Higher-quality leggings usually feature a gusseted crotch. A gusset is simply a piece of sewn-in material that prevents the seams from converging in the crotch.

I found that leggings that have a gusseted crotch tend to be more comfortable and allow for greater freedom of movement. The gusset also increases the durability of the leggings as it reduces the stress on the seams.

Flat Sewn Seams

The best leggings for hiking have seams that are sewn against the legging fabric. Unlike plain seams, flat sewn seams help minimize skin irritation and chafing around the waist, angles, and up the legs.

Articulated Knees

The best hiking leggings usually feature extra fabric around the knees. This is also called knee articulation. Compared to the standard hiking legging design, leggings with articulated knees allow greater movement freedom.

Zipper Cuffs and Pockets

Even though many people wear leggings because of their minimalist design – like I do – some hiking leggings and thighs come with extra features.

For instance, some leggings have zippered cuffs – these always made it easier for me to put the leggings on and off. Other models feature a thigh or side pocket that allows you to store your ID, keys, and other essentials.

Weather-Resistance

Even the best hiking leggings lag behind hiking pants when it comes to weather resistance. But some models can hold up pretty well against the elements.

If you don’t want your leggings to be one of those ever-wet items, go for a model that is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This is the same coating that makes rain pants and jackets water-resistant.

There are hiking leggings that are specifically designed for cold weather. These may feature a fleece-lining that makes them warmer and more weather-resistant (check out my article on the best fleece jackets).

They will keep you warm for a couple of hours at a time if you are hiking in early spring or late fall. But if it is really cold, or if you are out for the whole day, it’s best to wear them as a base layer under proper hiking pants.

Durability

No pair of leggings is as durable as a pair of hiking pants. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should avoid wearing leggings when you are hiking in an alpine environment or doing a multi-day trip.

If you want to get a pair of leggings that can take a beating, look for a model that has reinforcements in high contact areas (knees and seat). I found that the most durable leggings are the ones made from heavy-duty nylon. The thicker the fabric, the more durable the hiking leggings.

FAQ

Can I Hike in Yoga Pants?

No. Even though yoga pants are great for some athletic activities, make sure to get leggings that are made specifically for hiking, trail running, rock climbing, or other outdoor activities.

Many yoga pants are made from a cotton blend. Moreover, most yoga pants are designed for indoor use only. Some yoga pants may be okay for short day hikes, but only the ones that are made from non-cotton fabrics.

Why Wear Hiking Leggings Instead of Hiking Pants?

Hiking pants are great for bushwhacking and blazing through particularly rough trails. But, if you are going on a short and easy hike, hiking pants are overkill. As your adventure progresses, hiking pants start to feel heavier, stiffer, and more restrictive.

Hiking pants are designed to be functional and durable above everything else, and they are the best option for demanding hikes.

But if your hike doesn’t require you to sacrifice comfort, hiking leggings are the best choice. The form-fitting design of leggings allows for greater freedom of movement and helps minimize fatigue.

Is It Better To Hike in Shorts or Leggings?

While it mostly comes down to your personal preferences, the hiking leggings do undoubtedly have some advantages over shorts. For instance, leggings offer better protection against bugs.

Like shorts, leggings promote airflow and help you stay cool. But, when the temperature drops in the evening, they will keep you warmer than a pair of hiking shorts would.

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