Up to 50% off past-season clothing at REI
Hiking requires clothing (most of the time, anyway…unless you’re into the whole naked hiking trend, in which case, power to ya). Often, the clothing required is pants. Like when it’s cold or trails are covered in brush that threatens to tear up your legs or when ticks abound. We don’t have to tell you why pants are often necessary when hitting the trail. But the perfect pair of hiking pants can be hard to find. So we put several pairs to the test (which are all PFAS-free) to see which sustainable hiking pants for women are the perfect combination of technical performance, trail style, and functionality.
Groundfeel Scale
Wonder what we mean when we call clothing sustainable? Read about how sustainability is a spectrum here. And if you’re looking for hiking pants for men, find them here.
The 7 Best Sustainable Hiking Pants for Women
Gnara Go There Pants
You know we’re obsessed with Gnara, so it should come as no surprise that these pants are at the top of our list. Not familiar yet? Allow us to enlighten you: they’re hiking pants for women with an extra zipper so you can pee outside with your pants ON! Yup, a hidden zipper that extends from below the usual fly between your legs all the way to the back waistband means you can go to the bathroom outdoors without exposing your entire lower half (potentially to a surprised group of Scouts…). Find our full review of the GoFly pants here.
These award-winning pants make the outdoors feel more welcoming and equitable for all, especially for those who squat to pee, and we’re obsessed. Also, because they’re comfy, look great, have tons of stretch, plenty of pockets, and all the features you want in hiking pants, including a drawstring in the waist, belt loops, bungees in the ankles, and zippers on the hand pockets. They’re on the thick side, so we prefer them for cool-weather adventures, but they’re our favorite hiking pants for fall and winter by far. AND they’re available in the widest range of sizes: 00-22.
How it’s sustainable: Ultra durable, made by a small brand, Inclusive product and sizing.
Sizes and Colors Available: 00-22, two colors.
Pros
- Stretchy
- Flattering
- Lots of pockets
- Several colors available
- Easy to pee outside
- Bungees in ankles plus snaps for rolling cuffs
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Thick fabric is less suitable for hot and humid environments
Helly Hansen Vinda Light Tur Pant
When it’s warm out, we’re probably in shorts. But if pants are absolutely called for, or if temps are in that weird mid-range when it’s not quite hot enough for shorts but a bit too warm for thick hiking pants, you better believe I’m reaching for the Vinda Light Tur Pants. The jogger-style pants are ultra lightweight, stretchy, breathable, have plenty of pockets, and are even water resistant. They’re our new favorite hiking pants for when it’s toasty but we still want to protect our legs from the sun. It did take us a minute to get used to the pockets, though: there’s only one back pocket and no front hand pockets, just two zippered leg pockets high on the thigh. But they were large enough for a phone (and plenty of other stuff) and snug enough against our legs that items inside didn’t bounce around while hiking.
What’s more, thanks to clever styling, seams, and stretch, they easily double as running pants, mountain biking pants, and gym pants (yes, I’ve done all those things in them). And you know we love a pant that offers extended functionality so we can own and travel with less.
How it’s sustainable: Made of recycled polyamide, Bluesign product.
Sizes and Colors Available: XS-XL, three colors.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Breathable
- One back pocket and large thigh pockets
- Stretchy
- Multi-functional
- Several colors available
Cons
- No hand pockets (front thigh zipper pockets instead)
- Fabric not as durable
Coalatree Trailhead Pants
It’s rare to find one pair of pants that transitions this seamlessly from trail to town without missing a beat. By which I mean they have all the technical chops of a hiking, biking or climbing pant (water resistance, stretch, durability) but also absolutely pass as casual pants when you want to wander downtown. We know because these have often been one of the only pants we’ve brought on travel adventures that see us hitting trails as often as exploring cobblestone streets. Yup, they’re that good (especially in the black color).
The Trailhead hiking pants aren’t available in specifically mens and women’s styles. Instead, there are two different fits available: slim and regular. We tried the slim. They’re slightly tapered, have an elastic waist with a drawstring, huge hand pockets, and look just as good with the ankles rolled as tied as loose. The interior is a soft brushed texture that feels nice and not clingy on cool days (they’re a bit stuffy for hot temps) and the exterior ripstop fabric is durable and ultra stretchy. I’m not exaggerating when I say these might be the perfect do-it-all pants for adventurous travelers.
How it’s sustainable: Antimicrobial so they don’t need washed as often and made of 88% nylon that’s Bluesign approved, plus they are made using waterless dye.
Sizes and Colors Available: XS-XXL, seven colors.
Pros
- Large pockets front and back
- Stretchy
- Water resistant
- Ankle ties
- Comfortable
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Thick material not as well suited for hot and humid climates
Mammut Tamaro Pant
We love a pant that can do it all, and frankly, the Mammut Tamaro pant is a perfect storm in the best way. During testing, we hiked in them, mountain biked in them, strolled around town in them, road tripped in them, and worked in the backyard in them. And they handled it all like a champ. These aren’t the super technical pants you might expect to see from a mountaineering brand like Mammut, but they’re plenty durable and still designed to throw down outdoors. They are 7/8 length, so are perfect for shorter folks or those who hate when their pants get in the way of the tops of their shoes or boots. Our favorite look is to roll the cuff once.
The ripstop organic cotton feels robust, but still somehow flexible and lightweight, the perfect thickness for warm to cool temps. There are two hand pockets and one zipper pocket on the thigh that’s large enough for a phone, snack bars, you name it. There’s no stretch to the fabric, but I found I didn’t miss it. I appreciated the built-in, highly adjustable webbing belt and honestly, am already thinking these may become my daily use pants just as often as my spring hiking pants. Bonus: no synthetics means I don’t have to worry about shedding microplastics in the wash.
How it’s sustainable: Made of organic cotton and hemp, a Bluesign product, Fair Wear certified.
Sizes and Colors Available: 2-16, two colors.
Pros
- Front pockets
- Relaxed fit
- Durable material
- Also perfect for everyday adventures
- Lightweight
- Available in several colors
Cons
- No back pockets
- Not technical apparel
- No stretch
Topo Designs Dirt Pants
Cotten gets a bad wrap in the outdoor industry. But if you read or watch what we have to say about hiking in cotton, you know it absolutely can have its place on the trail. Especially in dry climates (but not wet, snowy or humid temps) and short hikes or close-to-home adventures. And for those, we love the Topo Designs Dirt Pants with their elastic waistband and waist ties.
They’re durable, thick but not overbuilt, have all the pockets we need (two hand and two back pockets, including a third secure zipper back pocket), have ties in the cuffs and roll well so are easy to style, and are just as suitable for getting dinner in town as they are for day hikes. No, really. These are my go-to day-to-day pants AND I don’t think twice about taking them on quick hikes or when traveling. Which means this one pair of pants can do it all. And one item that has multiple purposes is always more sustainable than two items that each excel at one. They do run just a touch big, so keep that in mind if you’re between sizes.
How it’s sustainable: Made of organic cotton, Fair Trade certified, durable.
Sizes and Colors Available: XS-XL, seven colors.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Comfy elastic waist with a drawstring
- Relaxed fit
- Durable materials
- Ties on the ankle
Cons
- Not water repellant
- Doesn’t wick sweat
Patagonia Quandary Joggers
Sometimes we don’t mind if our hiking pants look like hiking pants. Especially if that’s because they have pockets galore like the Patagonia Quandary Joggers. Plus, we love a jogger silhouette. And pockets do abound: there are two hand pockets that are large and square enough for a phone, two smaller zipper pockets below those, and a semi-secure back pocket. Altogether there was room for snacks, a phone, and more, which we love. They fit a bit on the loose side, so if you’re between sizes you may want to size down.
What’s more, the material, which is made from recycled fishing nets, one of the ocean’s worst pollutants, feels durable but also light and flexible, not stiff and noisy. And the waistband? Wide and high and soft as butter! It also has a built-in tie to help keep them in place if you prefer your joggers on the loose side and need help keeping them in place. There’s a touch of stretch to the material, but not a ton. Fortunately, we didn’t miss it simply because of the looseness of the fit. That said, if you opt for a pair that fits a bit snugger, you could potentially experience some range of motion issues. The legs fit a bit loose in the calves and ankle for joggers, but we found a simple roll or two solved the problem (but they’re also easily tailored). All considered, we feel like we’re really rocking some trail style in these pants.
How it’s sustainable: 96% NetPlus postconsumer recycled nylon crafted from recycled fishing nets, Bluesign materials, Fair Trade certified, 1% For the Planet member.
Sizes and Colors Available: Sizes XS-XXL, four colors.
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- Comfy and soft elastic waistband
- Drawstring in waist
- HeiQ® Pure odor control
Cons
- Wide legs for joggers
Cotopaxi Losdos
If you love a little Gen Z style, these pants are for you. Complete with wide legs, the color blocking you’ve come to expect from Cotopaxi, and plenty of pockets, they bring serious style to the trail. But maybe the biggest selling point: these hiking pants zip off into hiking shorts. There are very few convertible hiking pants we think can pull that look off without coming across as dorky, but it seems that these can. Bungees at the ankles offer several ways to style them and there are pockets galore (two velcro back pockets, two front hand pockets, and a zippered thigh pocket). Though take note: during testing we found the hand pockets roomy enough to hold a phone but not terribly secure. And when we put a phone in the thigh pocket we found it too low to be easily accessible and heavy items just bounced against our legs while walking, so that pocket may be better suited for small, lightweight items.
The zippers felt a bit bulky at first, but we got used to them after a while. What’s more, zipping them on and off was made easier thanks to color-coded zippers so we knew at a glance which leg attached to which side. The fabric is light and loose, but didn’t feel as durable as other pants we tested, so these may be better suited for easy trails and trail-to-tavern wear than highly technical day hikes or backpacking. As for fit, like most Cotopaxi clothing, these pants run extra large. As in, our tester who often wears a medium found the XS to fit just right (they didn’t remotely fit me at 108lbs and 5’3″). So if you’re an extra small person, skip these. Everybody else, we recommend sizing down.
How it’s sustainable: Made of recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified, 1% For the Planet member, warranty program.
Sizes and Colors Available: XS-XL, three colors.
Pros
- Lots of pockets
- Versatile zip-off functionality
- Fun colors
- Comfy elastic waistband
Cons
- Will mostly appeal to Gen Z adventurers
- Runs big
Bottom Line: Sustainable Hiking Pants for Women
Which pair of women’s hiking pants are right for you will depend on you: what type of hiking you like to do, body shape and size, style preferences and more. But no matter what features and functionality appeals to you, we’re sure you’ll find your new favorite pair on this list. Did you? Or did we miss your favorite hiking pants? Let us know! Then hit the trail and wander on.
