Leggings have the potential to become your new favorite pair of pants. They’re super comfortable to wear outdoors, especially in cooler conditions. They’re also flexible, so you can stretch and move freely whether you’re hiking, working out, or lounging.

We know how important clothing decisions are for hiking and backpacking. So we tracked down and tested the best leggings on the market to make it quick and easy to find a pair you’ll love.

Last updated: February 15, 2023

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite hiking leggings, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

A backpacker wearing an older version of the Patagonia Pack Out Crops in the Wind River Range

Annie almost always backpacks in leggings - on this trip she wore the Patagonia Pack Out Crops

What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Leggings?

PRICE - We tend to be willing to spend more on high-quality clothing that’s comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting – especially if it’s something we know we’ll wear frequently. But, you don’t have to spend a ton to get a great pair of leggings. We recommend a variety of options from budget to high-end.

Closeup of the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II Leggings in front of a craggy mountain

the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II is an excellent value For a durable hiking legging

WEIGHT/SEASON - Breathability is really important for summer hiking or strenuous activity any time of the year. Nobody likes to be hot and sweaty! That said, heavier leggings work great for fall/winter conditions and chilly, high-elevation trips. 

A backpacker in the Arc’teryx Essent High-Rise Leggings on the High Sierra Loop Trail

The Arc’teryx Essent High-RisE Leggings have an excellent balance of weight, breathability & durability

COMFORT - One of the main reasons to choose leggings over other types of hiking pants is that they’re often more comfortable. All of the leggings on this list are stretchy to allow for freedom of movement, but comfort is a bit different for everyone. Some people gravitate towards buttery soft fabrics, while others look for compression and support. For us, legging comfort is about a wide, flat waistband and a relaxed fit.

A hiker wearing the Athleta Elation 2 in 1 Leggings by a river

the Athleta Elation 2 in 1 are soft, lightweight & super comfortable from town to trail

POCKETS - Many leggings have side pockets on the outer thighs, which are super handy for keeping your phone close at hand. These pockets also work well for lip balm, keys, or other small items you need easy access to while hiking. Some leggings have more pockets, but we use them sparingly. Bulky objects tend to look and feel odd in form-fitting pants, but it’s nice to have options. On the trail, we prefer to use our backpack’s hipbelt pockets or a fanny pack for most of our small items.

Closeup of one of the zippered pockets on the Eddie Bauer Trail Tights

The pockets on the Eddie Bauer Trail Tights are zippered to keep small items secure

DURABILITY - One of the biggest downsides to typical leggings is their lack of durability compared to hiking pants. Soft, stretch fabrics can wear out quickly, and interlocked seams can easily fray with abrasion. Activewear designed for hiking has come a long way though. We’ve discovered several pairs of leggings that are significantly more durable than your average yoga pants, so they’ll last for many adventures. Some have reinforced panels in the seat and knee, so you can kneel or sit on natural surfaces without worry.

A hiker sitting on a downed log in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights have reinforced panels on the seat & knees for durability

INCLUSIVE SIZING - Everyone should have high-performance options that make them feel great and look great. After all, the outdoors is for everyone!

Best Hiking Leggings of 2023

BEST HIKING LEGGINGS OVERALL

MSRP: $119

WEIGHT (SIZE 6): 9 oz.

PROS: Durable, good value, excellent pockets, flattering, UPF 50+, inclusive sizing (Petite, Plus, Tall)

CONS: A bit warm for strenuous summer hikes, heavier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II quickly became our favorite hiking leggings because they’re incredibly flattering and super comfortable. They look more like normal pants than athletic wear with their sleek lines and plentiful zippered pockets. The fit is snug, but not overly constricting, and the comfy, wide waistband doesn’t cut in. The front side of these pants is a nylon blend material for durability and moisture resistance, while the backside is spandex for greater flex and breathability. The Headlands are perfect for cool-weather hiking, but we like them so much that we find ourselves wearing them pretty much everywhere.

MOST DURABLE LEGGINGS

MSRP: $129

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 11.7 oz.

PROS: Comfortable, reinforced panels on knees and seat for added durability, excellent pockets

CONS: Expensive, two-tone look isn’t for everyone, a bit warm for strenuous summer hikes, heavier than some

BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights offer an excellent range of motion for tackling tough trails without sacrificing durability, so you can be wild and carefree. They’re made with a stretchy blend of polyester-spandex fabric so they’re comfortable and light. But they’re sturdier than your typical legging due to the DWR-coated nylon-spandex panels on the seat and knees. That means you can take a knee to tie your shoe or sit on a wet log to watch that waterfall - no problem! The Pack Out Hikes are similar to the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights below, but they cost quite a bit less and have a more forgiving fit for curvier bodies. We’re also big fans of the Pack Outs without the reinforced panels, though they aren’t quite as durable. 

BEST BUDGET LEGGINGS

MSRP: $28

WEIGHT (SIZE M): 7.6 oz.

PROS: Very affordable, good quality for the price, supportive, lots of colors

CONS: Not quite as durable as some, pockets are a bit small for a phone

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t want to spend a lot but still want decent quality? Check out the IUGA High Waist Leggings. We gave this affordable Amazon favorite a try and we were pleasantly surprised by how well they kept up with the more expensive competition. The fabric is thick enough that these pants aren’t see-through when you bend down, and they’ll undoubtedly last for many hiking seasons. If you wear leggings a lot, the IUGAs are cheap enough that you can get several pairs in different colors for the same price as a single pair of premium leggings. They’re also a great introductory option if you’ve never worn leggings and want to give them a try without breaking the bank.

LEGGINGS WITH A BUILT-IN SKIRT

MSRP: $98

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 7.4 oz.

PROS: Super soft, exceptionally comfortable, breathable, skirt for extra coverage, UPF 50+, inclusive sizing

CONS: No pockets, limited colors

BOTTOM LINE: If you want to wear your leggings everywhere but you have reservations about baring it all in form-fitting pants, check out the Athleta Elation 2 in 1. They have a lightweight mini skirt sewn into the waistband for a little extra coverage, so you can rock them year-round without feeling exposed. On top of that, they’re some of the comfiest leggings we’ve ever worn. The fabric is incredibly soft and breathable. Plus, these tights only have light compression, so you won’t be eager to peel them off at the end of the day like a tight sports bra. We reach for the fashionable and functional Elation Leggings when it’s likely that a hike or yoga session will end with errands or a trip to the pub. 

BEST VALUE LEGGINGS

MSRP: $90 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 9.5 oz.

PROS: Excellent value, flattering fit, inclusive sizing, lots of colors

CONS: Slower to dry than some, pockets aren’t big enough for a phone, mid-rise waistband can slide down, heavier than some

BOTTOM LINE: We strongly suggest the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight if you’re on the hunt for an affordable pair of leggings with pockets for hiking. They’re cute, pretty durable, and they’re treated to resist odors so you can wash them less often. We wish the side pockets were a little larger so they could fit a phone in them, but it’s not a huge deal - we usually have a jacket or backpack pocket that works better anyway. The pockets have zippers to keep small stuff secure. Some reviewers say that the waist can fall down since it isn’t as tight-fitting as some. But we haven’t had that issue, and we find the more relaxed waistline to be comfortable for everyday wear and hiking. The Trail Tights are already a great deal at full price, but they can often be found on sale.

LIGHT & BREATHABLE LEGGINGS

MSRP: $120

WEIGHT (SIZE 6): 4.8 oz.

PROS: Super stretchy, lightweight, breathable, abrasion resistant, quick-drying

CONS: Expensive

BOTTOM LINE: Arc’teryx products tend to be a little expensive, but we find that their clothing is often worth the cost for the dialed-in fit and exceptional quality. Everything we’ve ever owned from this brand has lasted a long time, and the Essent High-Rise Leggings are no exception. These high-performance tights are thin, so they feel cool and breathable even on a hot summer hike. And the nylon-lycra blend makes them extremely stretchy, quick drying, and highly resistant to runs and tears. We also really like that the waistband is smooth and remains comfortable even while sitting. As the name implies, the Essents are meant to be a versatile essential in your wardrobe. These streamlined leggings play the part perfectly whether you’re bagging high mountain peaks or just walking the dog.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPRESSION LEGGINGS

MSRP: $128

WEIGHT (SIZE 6): 6.4 oz.

PROS: High quality construction, secure waistband, compression for performance, quick-drying, inclusive sizing, lightweight, reflective details for visibility

CONS: Expensive, tedious to put on due to compression, only one small pocket, back pocket zipper could get uncomfortable under a backpack

BOTTOM LINE: We pull out the lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Leggings when we’re ready to kick some serious butt on a trail run. They have an extra-high waist that stays up securely, as well as plenty of compression to keep your blood flowing, so your heart doesn’t have to work quite as hard. These supportive pants can also help boost your confidence by keeping jiggles to a minimum during high-impact workouts. The tight fit makes them a little tedious to put on, but once you’re in them you’ll feel like a hiking superhero! If you’re serious about your workouts and want to look and feel great, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Swift Speeds.

REINFORCED TECHNICAL LEGGINGS

MSRP: $175

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 7.4 oz.

PROS: Reinforced panels for greater durability, excellent pockets, compression for performance

CONS: Very expensive, a bit warm for strenuous summer hikes, two-tone look isn’t for everyone, waistband zipper can be uncomfortable under a hipbelt

BOTTOM LINE: The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights have a strange way of making you feel ready for anything when you put them on. They have quite a bit of compression for a supportive feel and plenty of pockets to keep you well equipped. The Abiskos are reinforced with Cordura panels on the knees and backside so they’re extra durable for hikers who are tough on gear. Don’t get us wrong, the stretchy material can still get snagged if you bushwhack. But they’ll give you the confidence to pop a squat on a log or criss-cross in the dirt anytime, anywhere. The Abiskos are expensive, so they’re best for people who are sure they’ll put them to hard use. You can also spend a little less and get the Abiskos without reinforcement patches if you aren’t a fan of the two-tone look.

HIGH-QUALITY & VERSATILE LEGGING

MSRP: $99

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 5.9 oz.

PROS: Flattering fit, lightweight, comfortable, UPF 50+

CONS: A bit basic for the price

BOTTOM LINE: What you’ll notice first about the prAna Electa II is how soft they feel and how stylish they are. These leggings have a flattering high waist, sleek lines, and double-flapped pockets that are great for keeping your phone screen or sunglasses scratch-free. The Electas have medium compression for a great balance of support and comfort, so they’re equally suited to the trail, a workout class, or lounging on the couch on a Saturday morning. You could spend less for a similar-looking cheap legging, but the Electas feel luxurious and are bound to last a lot longer.

BASIC LIGHTWEIGHT LEGGINGS

MSRP: $70 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT (SIZE S): 5.9 oz.

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, comfortable, soft, breathable, inclusive sizing, lots of colors

CONS: Not as durable as others, not supportive for high-impact sports

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Take Your Time Leggings are extra comfortable with their ultra-high waist, thin breathable material, and relaxed compression. They’re pretty basic compared to some of the sporty workout leggings on the market, but their simplicity makes them versatile. Because they’re plain looking, the Take Your Times are great for layering and work well for all kinds of activities indoors and out. And they’re affordable, so you might be able to pick up a couple of pairs instead of just one. 

BEST FLEECE-LINED LEGGINGS

MSRP: $32

WEIGHT (SIZE M): 7.6 oz.

PROS: Affordable, warm & comfy for fall & winter conditions

CONS: Too warm for vigorous exercise

BOTTOM LINE: We wear leggings the most during the chilly fall and winter months since they fit like a second skin and tend to keep us warmer than traditional hiking pants. When temperatures really dip, fleece-lined leggings, like these from IUGA, are where it’s at. These lightly insulated leggings provide a boost of warmth for bitter cold hikes and snowshoeing adventures. Plus, they layer well with tall boots, long shirts, and dresses to suit a whole range of outfits for everyday life. Of the hoards of cheap fleece-lined leggings on the market, we chose the IUGAs because they have great pockets, a flattering fit, and are good quality for the price.

Leggings are great for camping because they perform well for hiking, but are also comfy enough to relax in

Honorable Mentions

The following leggings didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these pairs might be perfect for you:

Critical Leggings Considerations

LEGGINGS VS. HIKING PANTS - Leggings tend to be a bit warmer and less breathable than other hiking pants, so we usually reserve them for hiking in the cooler months of fall, winter, and early spring. Check out our list of the Best Women’s Hiking Pants if you’re looking for something with a more relaxed fit that you can roll up. Hiking pants made with nylon dry the quickest and are usually lighter and airier for hot summer conditions.

LENGTH - ⅞ leggings (our favorite) stop just above the ankle bone. They pair easily with various types of socks and footwear and can easily be dressed up or down. Full-length leggings are just a tad longer than ⅞ and work well with most outfits. They give the illusion of longer legs on petite women and are great for cold conditions. Knee-length or capri leggings cut off just below your knees for greater flexibility and breathability.

Closeup of a backpacker wearing the IUGA Fleece Lined in front of Mt. Hood

The IUGA Fleece Lined Tights are warm, comfy & make great sleepwear on chilly, shoulder-season backpacking trips

RISE - Like other pants, leggings come in a couple of different rise varieties - with the two most popular options being mid-rise (starting just below the belly button) or high-rise (which start at or even slightly above the belly button). High-waisted leggings can be really comfortable, and they tend to slip down less since they sit above the hip. Many people like them, but some folks may not find them as flattering. If you have a little extra fluff in the lower belly area, you may love the support of high-waisted leggings. If you don’t want to draw attention to your waist, mid-rise is probably your best bet.

FIT - Leggings are meant to be form-fitting and should be snug in the thighs, butt, and calves. That said, they shouldn’t be too tight or feel uncomfortable. It can be a challenge to find a size that fits perfectly since people come in all shapes and sizes. Most leggings have a good amount of stretch to them, but some aren’t as forgiving in the waist area as others. It’s important to know your weight, height, and body measurements when looking at the size chart before ordering online. If you’re between sizes and really want to make sure your leggings don’t slip down or sag in the crotch and butt, you may want to size down. If you’re more concerned with comfort and really want to avoid camel toe or being squeezed at the waist, you may want to consider sizing up.

Closeup of the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II leggings

The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II fit tightly in the thighs, butt & calves, but feel fairly relaxed at the waist

COMPRESSION - Compression leggings (also referred to as shaper/sculpting) are popular for highly intense cardio activities like running. They’re tighter than regular leggings, and are thought to help improve athletic performance by increasing blood flow to the heart, preventing shin splints, and helping leg muscles recover more quickly. If you have a curvier silhouette, sculpting leggings can also smooth out areas so you can feel more confident and secure in your body. Athleisure leggings have some compression but not as much. They’re ideal for lounging, walking, or practicing yoga. Both types of leggings work well for hiking, but we tend to prefer those with a slightly more relaxed fit because they’re more comfortable for a variety of activities.

MATERIAL - Because we’re constantly exposed to moisture while we hike via sweat, rain, snow, and water crossings, it’s really important that our clothing dries as quickly as possible. Almost all leggings are made with synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon. They make the leggings stretchy and allow for a close, second-skin fit. The downside to synthetics is that they tend to hold odors more than natural fibers (like wool) do. If you prefer wool, you might want to take a look at baselayer bottoms instead. Fabrics, like cotton, hold moisture against the skin and can cause serious problems for hikers including hypothermia, chafing, blisters, and rashes. Needless to say, it’s best to avoid materials like that altogether. 

Closeup of a hiker kneeling in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights have a fair amount of compression & are better suited for slender waists

WASHING - Leggings are prone to smelling a bit crotch-y. If you’ve noticed this, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Almost all leggings are made with some form of polyester, which is non-absorbent. That means it works great for wicking sweat, but the water repellent properties also make it hard to wash. Adding a small amount of natural bacteria killer, like vinegar or tea tree oil, to your wash cycle will help break down any build up on the fibers. You can also do a pre-wash treatment with a paste made with baking soda for stubborn smells – just make sure to fade-test it on an inconspicuous area first. You should also avoid using fabric softener on performance fabrics because it will clog the fibers and cause smells to build up more over time.

GET AWAY WITH WASHING LESS - Another piece of advice – never toss sweaty or wet leggings in your dirty clothes hamper. Instead, give them a quick wash in the shower or sink with a tiny bit of hand soap after your workout and hang them to air dry. After that, you can put them in your hamper or wear them again.

A trail runner wearing the REI Take Your Time Leggings

The REI Take Your Time Leggings are lightweight, breathable & super versatile

Need More Gear Advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

 

A hiker summiting a mountain in a pair of crop leggings

Leggings are great for cooler seasons or hiking at high elevation since

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

 
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About the Author
About the Author

Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of America’s longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.