6 Best Hiking Leggings for Women (Trail-tested by Pros)
Most of us grab a pair of leggings when hiking, but are your leggings up for the challenge of wicking sweat, not getting snagged on rocks or trees, and staying in place for multiple miles?
Well, you’re in luck because I’ve been hiking in leggings for 15 years as they’re my first choice of hiking pants for any trail run to difficult day-hike like The Enchantments.
After trying 50+ leggings and tights from different styles and brands, these are the best in comfort, quality, and style.
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Quick Picks for Hiking Leggings
Best hiking leggings overall: lululemon Wunder Train
↓ Jump to ReviewMost durable leggings: Athleta Headlands Hybrid Tight
↓ Jump to ReviewBest budget leggings: Gym People
↓ Jump to ReviewBest Winter leggings: Athleta Rainier
↓ Jump to Review
Hiking Legging FAQs —
Is it OK to wear leggings for hiking?
You can absolutely wear leggings for hiking so long as they can withstand a tree snag and are proven to be quick-drying. We recommend leggings for day hiking vs backpacking since they aren’t as durable or comfortable for multi-day wear.
What are hiking tights?
Hiking tights are similar to hiking leggings but are more compressing. Unlike normal tights, hiking tights can also be thicker in fabric and worn as pants (not just under them).
Best Leggings for Hiking
The best leggings for hiking are going to be slightly thicker to withstand a snag, but thin enough to easily wick sweat and feel next to skin like the lululemon Wunder Train Leggings.
lululemon Wunder Train Leggings
Best Hiking Leggings Overall
Pros —
Very quick-drying fabric
Withstand sitting on rocks
Leggings stay put entire hike
Deep pockets that don’t stretch out
Multiple length options
Cons —
May need to size up with pockets version
REVIEW: These are my favorite hiking leggings because they fit incredibly well and perform like a dream. lululemon’s high-end Everlux fabric is slightly thicker and can withstand snags from trees but they also dry very quickly so I’m not sitting in sweat.
I hiked all 17 miles of Big Pine Lakes in these leggings and the waist never rolled down nor did they ever feel too tight, sweaty, or loose over 8 hours of hiking.
I prefer the pocket version when hiking because the pockets are big enough for my phone to easily slide into and it doesn’t stretch out either.
Athleta Headlands Hybrid Tights
REVIEW: I cannot speak highly enough about these high-performing and incredibly flattering hiking tights!
The fabric on these tights is different than what you typically feel on leggings. It’s slightly thinner and more rigid, making it abrasion-resistant. The wide waistband is also very flattering and never feels too tight.
I can hike for miles in these tights as well without them stretching out. And I feel like I’m wearing more of a pant than a legging with these tights.
I don’t find myself using the pockets because of the placement and the tights being so thin, but that doesn’t stop me from wearing them all the time.
→ Read next: Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Outdoor Research Ad-Vantage Leggings
Best Leggings for Climbers
Pros —
Abrasion-resistant fabric on knees and hips
Leggings stay in place
Very comfortable for miles of wear
Drop-In Thigh Pockets
Cons —
too thick for summer use
no adjustable waistband
REVIEW: When you need a tight that can withstand snags from tree limbs or abrasions from sitting on a rock these tights from Outdoor Research our perfect for hikers and climbers alike.
The wide contoured waistband was the perfect amount of support that also allowed for ease of movement and breathability. The hem is also flattering on the legs and bum.
These leggings are reinforced at the knees and hip pockets with a specific print that can be a unique feeling at first but you’ll quickly get used to it as it still is stretchy and moves with you.
Arc’teryx Essent Leggings
REVIEW: Arc’teryx makes some of the best hiking clothes on the market and these Essent leggings are a very close comparison of the lululemon Wunder Trains.
The Arc’teryx leggings are abrasion-resistant and slightly thinner, which I prefer for trail running or summer hikes. They are constructed from Chira, a nylon and elastane interlock, that’s highly abrasion resistant, breathes, and has excellent stretch.
My only con is the newer versions (sold at REI) only come in black and 26” inseam, but if you’re taller you’ll want to buy from Amazon to get last year's model at 28” length.
Athleta Rainier Tights
Best Winter Hiking Leggings
Pros —
Abrasion-resistant fabric
Inside fleece is warm and excellent at wicking-sweat
Waist stays in place
DWR coated for light rain
Multiple length options
Cons —
pockets aren’t big
REVIEW: These will be your favorite women’s leggings for cold-weather runs, hikes, or rides.
The outside is cool to the touch, but the inside is a high-end compressed, fleece-type lining that keeps you warm without making you hot.
I like wearing these leggings for hiking or XC skiing in cold temps because they are warmer than normal leggings but they breathe incredibly well so sweat isn’t building up inside.
Additionally, the fabric is tough enough so it doesn’t snag on branches or rocks while I’m hiking which is a common concern for most leggings.
I’m 5’7 and the regular length is 27” inseam and hits just above my ankle (not great for cold weather sports) so I prefer the tall length at a 30” inseam.
→ Read next: 7 Best Hiking Pants for Women
The Gym People Leggings
Best Budget Hiking Leggings
Pros —
Very comfortable
Waist stays in place
Nice fabric thickness
Multiple color options
Cons —
stretch out after wearing
do not dry quickly
REVIEW: These leggings are the best pair of affordable hiking leggings you will find.
I’m not going to call these a dupe for lululemon or Athleta because they aren’t even close in my opinion, but I understand we can’t always spend $100+ on clothes.
With that said, if you plan to wear your leggings for light hiking these leggings by The Gym People are an awesome budget-friendly option!
I love the high waist and that the thickness of the material is just enough to hold you in but not make you sweat.
The material isn’t as breathable or quick-drying which is why I don’t recommend wearing them if you plan to sweat much.
These leggings come in some of the best colors I’ve ever seen and in multiple lengths. The side pockets are big enough for a cell phone too.
