I'm going to state the obvious and say what most of us probably already know: there are no magical Sisterhood-of-the-Traveling-Pants pants. Considering hip-to-thigh ratios, pocket depth, style preferences, and the environments you'll where them in, there are just too many variables for one-size-fits-all outdoor gear. he same goes for boots, backpacks for hiking, etc. But if you're going to spend time on the trail, you still need a pair of hiking pants. So I'm here to help.
With that in mind, I tested 11 pairs of women's hiking pants by big industry players and trusted cottage brands alike, in varying fits, materials, and styles, and with different end-uses in mind to get a well-rounded survey-like sense of what options women have when hitting the trail. The “best” women’s pants can fall anywhere along a very wide spectrum, and ultimately, there is no pair that truly does it all, which means choices are essential, and that’s how it should be.
How I Tested These Hiking Pants
I live in Maine, where hiking is a pastime and trails are never far away. I did all my wear testing four months postpartum, fresh out of the so-called fourth trimester, which meant comfort, fit, and function were non-negotiables. And, dear reader, I’d be lying if I said I did not take into account the look of said pants. Especially now in my Mom Era, I appreciate clothing (and outdoor gear in general) that has considered the finer points of style and design—a well-placed pocket here, a nice pleat there—alongside durable materials with plenty of stretch, because comfort is important too. A good pair of women's hiking pants should be both good looking and hardwearing. At Field Mag, where we live happily at the intersection of good design and the great outdoors, these two things must always be true.
