In this guide, I’ll break down how to choose the best insulated skirts for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and running.

I’ve got everything you need to know about insulated skirts including:

• Why would you want an insulated skirt? Why are puffer skirts great for winter sports?
• My picks for the Best insulated skirts in several categories: Which puffy skirts are best for cross-country skiing, budget shoppers, ultralight freaks, and more?
• How to choose an insulated skirt: What insulation type and features should you look for?

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Quick Picks

• Most comfortable insulated skirt: Smartwool Smartloft Pull-On Skirt
• Best down-insulated skirt: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Skirt
• Best insulated skirt for running and cross-country skiing: Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt
• Best budget insulated skirt: MoFiz Quilted Puffer Skirt

Why Should You Wear an Insulated Skirt?

The first time I saw an insulated skirt I laughed. They seemed like a frivolous item you’d wear for fashion reasons.

But then a few outdoor women in my life started raving about them. They said no matter what they wore, they often found that their butt and thighs got cold when they were skiing, snowshoeing, or winter running. And an insulated skirt solved that problem.

I was skeptical, but also hate having cold thighs so I got a puffy skirt. Having owned one for three winters now, I can honestly say I can’t imagine going without one. I love being able to slip on extra warmth when I’m cold, then take it off when I warm up.

You can layer an insulated skirt over ski pants, hiking pants, leggings, or even your base layer, so they work in lots of situations. Every time I wear my quilted puffer skirt, other women ask me about it, so I figured it was time to take the answers to all those questions and combine them into one article.

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking for over two decades. I also worked in an outdoor store for three years and wrote marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer for six yars. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew on my outdoor industry experience as well as my personal experience with trying out insulated skirts. But since I haven’t tried all of the skirts in this guide, I also talked to friends, asked the members of several large women’s outdoor Facebook groups, and read dozens of online reviews.

There are lots of puffer skirts out there, so it can be difficult to choose. Lots of insulated skirts are designed for fashion or city use. But in this article I’m going to focus on puffy skirts designed for winter sports, specifically downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, running, and hiking.

The skirts I chose are all made with outdoor-ready materials that are water-resistant, wind-resistant, and warm. They are also designed for movement with waistbands that stay in place and stretchy panels to allow for long strides. All of these insulated skirts are also easy to take on and off when the temperature changes.

My Picks for the Best Insulated Skirts

Most Comfortable Insulated Skirt: Smartwool Smartloft Pull-On Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Insulated wool front and back panels. Stretchy fleece side panels and waistband. Merino wool lining. Side pockets.

This pull-on style insulated skirt from Smartwool is my go-to warm layer. My favorite part is the stretchy fleece side panels. They move with me so well that I forget I’m wearing it!

The cozy merino wool lining is super soft and adds a bit of warmth too. It’s such a nice contrast from the slippery nylon fabric that most skirts use.

The quilted front and back panels use unique recycled wool insulation that holds its warmth even when wet. Compared to other skirts on this list, it has a moderate amount of insulation. However, the wool insulation isn’t the lightest or most compressible compared to down or even synthetic.

This skirt also has two deep side pockets that are big enough to hold my phone. The wide waistband is comfortable and has a drawstring adjustment.

Note: The older version of this skirt is called the Smartwool Smartloft 60 Skirt. The only thing that has changed is the name.

Check prices:

Best Down-Insulated Skirt: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Skirt

Warmth: High

Features: Insulated with 700-fill power down. Water-resistant fabric. Kangaroo handwarmer pocket

Mountain Hardwear’s StretchDown line of jackets, pants, and this skirt use an interesting stretchy fabric that has baffles woven right into it. That means that it doesn’t have tons of little stitch holes where down can escape and cold air can get in. The stretch aspect also makes it extra comfortable to wear when you’re moving.

The StretchDown Skirt uses 700 fill power RDS-certified down, which means that the down is traceable and meets animals welfare standards. It’s also fairly lightweight and compressible for the warmth.

This skirt is a pull-on style, which keeps the weight down. But it does have zippered handwarmer pockets on the sides and a zippered pocket on the back.

Check prices:

Best Insulated Skirt for Runners and Cross Country Skiers: Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Synthetic insulation. Stretchy side panels. Full-length 2-way side zip.

Swix is a Norwegian cross country ski brand, so they understand how to make clothes that work when you’re working hard. The Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt moves with you, even if you’re taking long strides.

It has stretchy jersey side panels for lots of range of motion. You can also open up the 2-way full-length zip on the side to give you more room to move. The elastic waist helps it stay in place and the inside of the waistband is a soft, brushed material.

The skirt uses Primaloft synthetic insulation that stays warm when wet, which is great for sweaty sports like nordic skiing and winter running. It uses a moderate amount of insulation since this skirt is designed to be worn during aerobic activities.

Check Prices:

Best Budget Insulated Skirt: MoFiz Quilted Puffer Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Synthetic insulation. Stretchy fleece side panels.

If you’re not sure if an insulated skirt is right for you, the budget-priced MoFiz Quilted Puffer skirt available on Amazon is a good way to try it out. It uses inexpensive synthetic insulation and has stretchy fleece side panels.

It also has a full zipper to make it easy to put on and take off. There are also two zippered side pockets. Honestly, this thing has a lot of features for such a low price.

I’ve tried other Amazon puffer skirts (the Baleaf one I have is discontinued now), and I think the biggest reason they are so inexpensive is that they use low quality synthetic insulation… and they don’t use very much of it.

That means the budget Amazon skirts aren’t as warm as others on this list. And it means they aren’t as compressible so they take up more room in your pack.

Check prices:

Best Plus-Size Insulated Skirt: Nothing!

In previous years I was able to recommend plus-size insulated skirt options. Unfortunately, I can’t find any plus-size skirts to recommend this year. Columbia used to make one (and in general, they are a great option for plus-size hiking gear), but they discontinued it!

I’ve scoured the internet, and I’m very unhappy to report that I can’t find anything to recommend. Some of the budget skirts on Amazon come in XXL… but if you look at the measurements, they are actually more like an XL since they are made in Asian and run small.

If you’ve got a plus-sized puffer skirt to recommend, please message me and let me know. I’d love to update this post to add an option!

How to Choose an Insulated Skirt

Not all insulated skirts are created equal. Here’s a quick run-down on what to look for when you’re shopping for a puffer skirt.

Understand the Insulation

Synthetic insulation is made with polyester fibres that retain warmth when wet. It is less expensive than down, but it is also heavier and bulkier to achieve the same warmth as down. Some higher-end synthetic insulations like ThermoBall and Primaloft can mimic the properties of down, but they cost more.

Down insulation is made from the fluffy fibres found underneath the feathers of geese and ducks. Down is lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation, which means you can use less of it to achieve the same warmth. But down is much more expensive.

If you are purchasing a down garment, choose ones that are Responsible Down Certified for animal welfare.

Regular down is useless once it gets wet. Look for down skirts with water-resistant fabrics or hydrophobic treatments that protect the down from moisture.

Down is also available in different qualities, known as fill-power. The higher the number, the fluffier it is, and therefore, the warmer it is. The most premium skirts use 800 or 900 fill-power down.

Wool insulation is another option. It is made of loose wool fibres that retain warmth. It is heavier than down or synthetic, but it provides warmth when wet.

Estimate Warmth

It can be tough to tell how warm an insulated skirt will be. But some brands publish specs for their insulation, which can help.

For synthetic insulated skirts, 60g insulation provides moderate warmth, while 100g insulation provides lots of warmth.

For down skirts, it’s a bit more tricky. In general, skirts with higher fill-power down will be warmer. BUT you can also achieve a warm skirt by using lots of lower fill-power down.

Have a look at the product description and reviews. Some puffer skirts are designed to be worn while doing aerobic activities like cross-country skiing, so they don’t need to be super warm. Others are ideal for staying warm while walking or standing still.

Get a Good Fit

Skirts can be tough to fit since they have to fit both your waist and your thighs and stay in place while walking, running, or skiing. Look for puffer skirts with stretch panels and comfortable waistbands. Zippers you can open to create a slit and get more range of motion are also great.

Easy On-Off

The beauty of an insulated skirt is that it functions as part of your layering system. You want it to be easy to put on when you get cold and take off when you warm up.

For really easy on/off, consider a skirt with a zipper closure. That way you don’t have to take off your skis or snowshoes to get it on.

The only disadvantages to zippered skirts is that some people find that the top of the zipper is uncomfortable at the waist or the zipper opens up while they are moving.

I wear a pull-on Smartwool skirt that has stretchy side panels – I find it easy enough to step into with my boots on (although I do have to take my snowshoes off).

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know to find the best insulated skirts for snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, running, and hiking. If you have any questions or alternative recommendations, leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• 18 Best Hiking Leggings of 2022
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men

The post Best Insulated Skirts For Hiking and Snowshoeing in 2026 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Different conditions and preferences call for different hiking pants. In this guide, I’m just going to focus on regular hiking pants – you won’t find any waterproof hiking pants or winter hiking pants. And if you’re looking for hiking tights, check out my hiking leggings guide.

In this post, I have everything you need to know about women’s hiking pants, including:

• Details and reviews for 9 different pairs of women’s hiking pants
• Best women’s hiking pants in several categories including petite, tall, plus-size, high-rise, with big pockets, and lots more
• Hiking pants vs. hiking leggings – which is better?
• How to choose hiking pants – tips on fit, fabric, and features

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for over two decades and I’ve written two hiking guidebooks. I also worked at an outdoor store for three years and writing marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer for seven years. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew on my outdoor industry experience as well as my personal experience with hiking pants both on day hikes and backpacking trips.

But since hikers come in all shapes and sizes, I also asked other adventure travel writers, talked to friends, asked for reviews on Facebook and Instagram, and read dozens of online reviews.

I was tired of reading reviews of women’s hiking pants that were all written by slim, athletic women of average height. Those reviews aren’t that helpful to huge segments of the population!

There are lots of hiking pants out there, so it can be difficult to choose. In this post, I’m going to focus on pants with features and fabrics designed for hiking. For a run-down on how to choose hiking pants, skip to the bottom of this post.

You also won’t find any hiking leggings in this post. That’s because I have an entire guide to the best hiking leggings. If you’re curious about the pros and cons of hiking pants vs. hiking leggings, you can find that at the bottom of this post.

Best Women’s Hiking Pants: Quick Picks

Best Petite Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Tall Women’s Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Best Plus Size Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Elastic-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: The North Face Aphrodite 2.0

Best Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants That Roll-Up Into Capris: Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants With a Phone Pocket: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Women’s Jogger Hiking Pants: prAna Halle II Joggers

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Durable Women’s Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Trousers

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Splurge Women’s Hiking Pants: Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Petite Women’s Hiking Pants (More petite recommendations)

Best Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants (More zip-off convertible recommendations)

Also great for: Tall women, plus size women, curvy women

Pros: Elastic waist in back; petite and tall size options; lots of pockets

Cons: Some people preferred the older version without an elastic waist. Women with larger thighs say the convertible shorts zippers dig in.

Fabric: Stretchy and quick-drying nylon with a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50 sun protection

Features: Convertible to shorts; ankle zips; elastic waist with zippered fly and drawstring adjustment; lots of pockets

Fit: Mid-rise, straight leg

Sizes: 0-26 in petite, regular, and tall lengths

Heather Kasvinsky from This Noshtalgic Life says “The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants offer the perfect fit for shorter active curvy women such as myself. I’m middle-aged, 5′ 1″, with a 27” inseam. Size 2 petite fits me like a glove with no need to hem them! I recently wore my Sahara Convertible Pants while on a backpacking trip in McCarthy, Alaska. They were ideal to wear while hiking across the Root Glacier. The pants kept me comfortable and protected me from the fluctuating elements while allowing for agility and flexibility throughout the glacier camping trip.”

On Instagram, Amanda (@amanda.tuey) messaged me to say “I have big hips/thighs (size 10-14). I find pants generally are tight in my hips/thighs and loose in my waist. The Sahara Pants fit me well as they have adjustments in the waist and legs. I found the zipper in other convertible pants would dig in, but these don’t do that.”

The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants are my pick for the best petite women’s hiking pants as they get consistently good reviews amongst petite women. With a 28.5″ inseam and a rise adjusted for petite women’s shorter torsos, they provide the best fit.

The Sahara pants are also my pick for the best zip-off convertible women’s hiking pants. Reviewers found that the zippers didn’t dig in and were easy to use. They also liked the mid-length inseam on the shorts (6.75″ in petite, 7.5″ in regular; 8.5″ in tall).

Check prices:

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Best Tall Women’s Hiking Pants (More tall recommendations)

Also great for: Petite women, plus size women, curvy women, durability, zip-off convertible pants

Pros: Durability; available in tall sizes, great fit for curvy figures

Cons: Stretch-out on long trips (but tighten up after washing)

Fabric: Quick-drying, water-resistant nylon and spandex stretch woven with UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly with internal drawcord and brushed waistband, lots of pockets, drawcord hem

Fit: Standard fit with articulated knees

Sizes: 0-24 in short, regular, and tall lengths. There is also a convertible version.

Carrie from Trains, Planes and Tuktuks says “I hiked and backpacked over 1,200 miles last year – and almost every step I took, I wore Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi pants. They’re lightweight, insanely breathable, and dry literally within minutes. They’re my go-to pants for everything from backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to creek walks and bushwhacks to remote waterfalls. As a stubby-legged woman, the 4 short fits me perfectly – it’s the only pair of outdoor pants I own that doesn’t run too long. Plus the button/drawstring combo means I never have to wear a belt, even at the end of a 100-mile backpacking trip when I’ve dropped a few pounds.”

Lots of other women on Instagram and Facebook raved about how well these pants fit their curvy figures and accommodated people who have a small waist and bigger butt.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are my pick for the best tall women’s hiking pants because multiple women reached out to me on Instagram to recommend the Outdoor Research Ferrossi pants since they come in a 34″ inseam.

Check prices:

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants (More curvy recommendations)

Best High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants (More high-waist recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, plus size women, hiking pants with a phone pocket

Pros: Great fit for lots of body types, big pockets, often on sale

Cons: Stretches out over time

Fabric: Nylon with a bit of spandex for stretch, a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Two zippered cargo pockets are large enough to fit your phone

Fit: Curvy fit through hip and thigh. Regular version is mid-rise, but a high-rise version that sits at the natural waist is also available.

Sizes: 0-24 with some sizes available in petite and tall lengths.

Kiran Basra (@bkazra on Instagram) says: “Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro Pants are pretty good. I run warm so I appreciate how breathable and light they are. They also fit people with hips! Hip, hip, hooray! Expect the downside is they tend to stretch out, so now the waist is quite loose and I could use a belt.”

When I asked for recommendations on Instagram, lots of women messaged me to say how much they loved these pants. The through-line in their responses was how much they liked the fit – and the comments were about so many different body types since they have tall, petite, and plus sizes as well as a high-rise option.

I own the shorts version of these and like how they fit my curvy waist. I also love the big side pockets, which fit my phone.

The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are my pick for the best curvy women’s hiking pants. I can personally attest to their great fit for women who have big hips. And hundreds of reviewers agree.

Since they come in a dedicated high-waist version with great reviews, these are also my pick for the best high-waist women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

Best Elastic Waist Women’s Hiking Pants (More elastic waist recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, plus size women, curvy women, lightweight hiking pants

Pros: Comfortable waist, breathable fabric, great fit for curvy bodies

Cons: Tend to run long, even in short length

Fabric: Quick-drying nylon stretch with water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 40+ sun protection

Features: Rib knit elastic waist with drawcord, zippered pockets, drawcord adjustable cuffs

Fit: Standard fit, straight leg with articulated knees

Sizes: XXS-3XL in short and regular lengths

Jody Phifer from My Travel Obsession says “The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 pants are one of the most comfortable pairs of pants I own (including pajama pants). These pants dry super-fast and are thin enough to wear in warm, humid climates. This came in handy when we were hiking in the rain on Kauai! I have a small waist and bigger hips. These pants fit great because they have a drawstring to cinch up the waist & they are a little stretchy, so they will work for just about any body type. I also like the straight leg because they fit well over hiking boots.”

I agree with Jody – I also have a pair of TNF Aphrodite 2.0 Pants. They work well for my curvy, plus-sized figure. And since they don’t look that technical, I also love them as casual pants for travelling.

I think that the elastic waist on these is so comfortable, and lots of reviewers agree, which is why The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants are my pick for the best elastic waist women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

prAna Halle Pant II

Best Jogger Hiking Pants (More jogger recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, plus size women, curvy women, hiking pants that roll-up into capris

Pros: Comfortable, stretchy fabric, good fit for curvy women

Cons: Pockets are too small, inseam in regular and tall sizes runs short

Fabric: Nylon stretch with a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly with internal drawstring, lots of pockets, snaps to roll up into capri length

Fit: Mid-rise with a boot cut

Sizes: 00-22 in short, regular, and tall lengths. Also available in straight-leg and jogger cuts.

Chelsea from Adventures of Chels says: “As a 5’4 woman with an average body type, these pants fit me like a glove. They’re comfortable, made of quick dry material, and (my favorite part) can be rolled up at the bottom and secured with a snap to create capris pants. I packed these pants for a trip on the Trans Siberian Railway. They came in handy for hiking up dunes, riding on camels, and exploring rock formations in the Gobi Desert.”

Melissa on Instagram says: “I love these pants. I wear size 12 and have large hips. They have a bit of stretch so they are very comfortable, and that along with the articulated knees is great for hiking/scrambling. They are durable too – I still have my first pair from 2014. I also like that water beads off them.”

The prAna Halle II Pants are an all-around favourite for so many people. Lots of women also love the jogger version for a less technical-looking fit that translates well to travel or apres, which is why they are my pick for the best women’s jogger hiking pants.

Check Prices:

ArcTeryx Gamma LT Pants

Best Splurge Hiking Pants (More splurge recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, durability, hiking pants with a phone pocket

Pros: Great water resistance, stretch, and durability. Thigh pocket fits a phone.

Cons: Expensive, stretch out over time, slim cut is not for everyone

Fabric: nylon and spandex stretch woven softshell with a water-resistant DWR finish and a bit of wind resistance

Features: Zippered fly with integrated webbing waistbelt, zippered hand pocket, adjustable cuffs

Fit: Fitted and close to the body with a straight leg

Sizes: 00 to 16 in short, regular and tall lengths

Dinah from my Facebook group, Backpacking in BC says: “They feel so comfortable and are light and airy. I’m 5 ‘1” with big thighs, butt and calves, and I purchased the short length in size 8. Wore then backpacking the Juan de Fuca Trail and it was so muddy. They dried quickly and they didn’t seem to hold on to the mud. Love them so much I’m gonna get them in more colours! LOL”

A few other women on Instagram and Facebook praised the durable fabric and big zippered pocket that fits a phone.

Like all Arc’Teryx products, the Gamma LT Pants certainly aren’t cheap. But the durable fabric and impeccable design make them my pick for the best splurge women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants with a Phone Pocket (More pants with a phone pocket recommendations)

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants (More lightweight recommendations)

Also great for: plus size women, jogger hiking pants, elastic-waist hiking pants, high-waist hiking pants

Pros: Comfortable, elastic waistband; stretchy lightweight material; pocket holds a phone

Cons: Some reviewers feel they run big and are too baggy, others don’t like the low rise

Fabric: Stretchy nylon and spandex with a water-resistant DWR finish, anti-odor treatment, and UPF50 sun protection

Features: Wide and flat stretch waistband, lots of pockets

Fit: Standard fit with a mid-rise that is on the low side. Available in a straight leg version, a jogger version, an ankle version, and a high-waist version.

Sizes: XS-3X. The straight leg version is available in petite and tall lengths.

Kristen from Bearfoot Theory says: “The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants have been a staple of mine for hiking and backpacking trips for a few years now. They are lightweight and super comfortable due to the soft, wide waistband and loose fit. I’m curvy up top and have thinner legs so these are a bit baggier on me than they might be for others. They pack down small making them easy to bring along on any adventure. I also love that these pants have just the right amount of stretch for easy mobility but are also plenty durable. I most recently wore these on a 6-day backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park and they held up very well. Plus they have hand pockets, are UPF 50, and water-resistant.”

When I asked for women’s hiking pant recommendations on Instagram, a few people reached out to say how much they loved the Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants. Most mentioned how much they liked the smooth elastic waistband that is much more comfortable under a hip belt than a traditional zippered fly.

A few people also mentioned that the fabric was thin and breathable, so they felt cool. As well, they didn’t smell after a few days in the backcountry. That’s why they are my pick for the best lightweight women’s hiking pants. (Psst! Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking clothes.)

The big zippered pocket that fits a phone was also a big selling feature – so many women’s hiking pants have tiny pockets! The Mountain Hardwear Dynama2/Ankle Pants are my pick for the best women’s hiking pants with a phone pocket.

Check price: $85

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants That Roll-up Into Capris (More roll-up into capri recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, curvy women

Pros: Soft, comfortable fabric that dries quickly

Cons: Small pockets don’t fit a phone, some reviewers find the waist too low-rise

Fabric: stretchy and soft polyester with a water-resistant finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly, snap-closure cargo pockets, roll-up to convert to capris

Fit: Mid-rise at the front, contouring to a high rise at the back. Fitted through hip and thigh, relaxed lower leg

Sizes: 0-16 in 30″, 32″, and 34″ inseams

In my Backpacking in BC Facebook group, Naomi said “I recently bought a pair of Kuhl Freelex Roll-Up Pants. They are perfect for hiking and kayaking. I am 5’10” and I have a 34” inseam. I wear a size 8-10. Finding pants that are long enough but not oversized has been an issue my entire life.”

I also have the Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up pants and love how soft the fabric feels while also being durable. I also like how easy it is to roll these up into capris – which makes them my pick in that category.

Check prices:

Fjallraven Abisko Trail Trekking Trousers

Best Durable Women’s Hiking Pants (More durable recommendations)

Also good for: curvy women, splurge, petite

Pros: durable fabric that breathes, big pockets

Cons: heavy, expensive

Fabric: Stretchy nylon and elastane with Fjallraven’s super durable and water-resistant G-1000 polyester/cotton fabric in high-wear areas.

Features: Ventilation zippers from hips to knees; lots of pockets; adjustable cuffs with boot hooks

Fit: Mid-rise with higher cut in the back, tapered legs, technical cut

Sizes: 26″-37″ waist and 30″ or 32″ inseam

Hannah from That Adventurer says “As someone with a slightly bigger waist-thigh ratio, I often find it tricky to get pants that I can get past my thighs that aren’t super loose on my waist. The Fjällräven Abisko trekking pants have a stretchy fabric that’s both perfect for people with a bigger hip/thigh yet isn’t then too loose on the waist. Plus there a belt loops so you can add a belt if needed. With many years living in BC and more recently hiking in the Lofoten Islands in Norway and Scotland, the water resistance and windproof factors are very valuable to me and make them my favourite hiking pant over leggings for sure! Plus, there are large pockets (some with zips) which are great for snacks!”

Fjallraven’s gear all has traditional Scandinavian styling, which lasts a long time. That’s why the Abisko Trail pants are my picks for the most durable women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

Best Women’s Hiking Pants by Type

Best Petite Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara (28.5″ inseam)

More Petite Women’s Hiking Pants:

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (29″ inseam)
• prAna Halle II Pants (30″ inseam)
• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants (29″ inseam)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (29″ inseam)
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants (30″ inseam)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (30″ inseam)
• Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trousers (30″ inseam)

Best Tall Womens Hiking Pants

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (34″ inseam)

More tall women’s hiking pants:

• REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants (34″ inseam)
• prAna Halle II Pants (34″ inseam)
• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants (34″ inseam)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (35″ inseam)
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants (34″ inseam)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (34″ inseam)

Best Plus Size Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants (sizes 0-26)

More plus size women’s hiking pants:

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (sizes 0-24)
• prAna Halle II Pants (sizes 00-22)
• The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants (sizes XXS-3XL)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (sizes XS-3XL)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (sizes 0-24)

Best Curvy Womens Hiking Pants

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

More Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants:

• REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
• prAna Halle II Pants
• The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants
• Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers

Best High-Waist Womens Hiking Pants

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

More High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Elastic-Waist Womens Hiking Pants

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

More Elastic Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Zip-Off Convertible Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

More Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants

Best Womens Hiking Pants That Roll-Up Into Capris

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants

More women’s hiking pants that roll into capris:

• prAna Halle II Pants

Best Womens Hiking Pants With a Phone Pocket

Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Best women’s hiking pants with a phone pocket:

• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Womens Jogger Hiking Pants

prAna Halle II Joggers

More Women’s Jogger Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Best Lightweight Womens Hiking Pants

Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants: The North Face Aphrodite 2.0

Best Durable Womens Hiking Pants

Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers

More Durable Women’s Hiking Pants: Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Splurge Womens Hiking Pants

Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

More Splurge Women’s Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Trousers

Hiking Pants vs Hiking Leggings – What’s the Difference?

For a long time, most running or workout leggings weren’t durable enough for hiking, so hikers had to wear pants. However, that changed a few years ago.

Now, you can buy leggings specifically designed for hiking with durable fabrics and a fit designed for the trail. Some of them even have great pockets. Check out my hiking leggings guide for all the details.

Whether you choose to hike in pants or leggings comes down to personal preference for fit and features. Here’s a brief look at hiking pants vs. leggings

How To Choose Hiking Pants

Not all hiking pants are created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop for hiking pants.

Fit

Fit is the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing hiking pants. If your pants are falling down or rubbing you in a weird way, you won’t have a good hike. On a multi-day trip, this can slow you down or cause painful chafing and rashes.

Read reviews and look for hiking pants designed for your body type. Many brands make pants in petite and tall lengths, as well as plus sizes. Some also have both a curvy and straight fit.

Expect to try on a few pairs of hiking pants before you find the perfect ones. Go to a good outdoor store with a wide selection. Or order a bunch to try on at home.

When you try on hiking pants, be sure to walk around in them and see how they feel. Do some squats and lunges. And try climbing up onto a bench or chair. You want to make sure they are comfortable doing all sorts of movements.

Fabric

Most hiking pants are made of woven nylon or polyester with spandex or elastane for stretch. The stretch means that the pants move well as you hike or scramble. But too much spandex can mean that the pants get saggy and stretch out between washes.

Nylon and polyester are durable, moisture-wicking and fairly breathable. However, more durable pants are usually thicker, which means they will be less breathable.

Hiking pants usually have a DWR finish applied to add water resistance. This means that splashes of water will bead up and run off and that they dry quickly. It doesn’t mean they will keep you dry in a rain storm – you need waterproof rain pants for that.

Some hiking pants have an additional odor-resistant treatment. On their own, nylon and especially polyester can hold on to smells. This can be a problem on backpacking trips. (Have stinky pants? Read my guide to getting smells out of hiking clothing.)

Most hiking pants provide good sun protection due to the durable fabric. Some brands chose to have their pants certified to get a UPF sun protection rating. But even unrated pants should offer good sun protection.

Waistband

The most important place that hiking pants should fit is your waist. Make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose. And make sure that the rise works for you – some people and body types find that a high rise or low rise works better for them.

There are two main types of waistbands – elastic and adjustable. Elastic waists sit flat under your hip belt and don’t have any buttons, zippers, buckles, or drawstrings to chafe. However, pants with elastic waists often come in small-medium-large-etc. sizes rather than numerical sizes, which means it can be harder to find the right fit.

An adjustable waist is helpful for a precise fit. It is especially useful on multi-day hikes where your pants might stretch out with multiple wears between washes. Most hiking pants have a standard zippered fly and belt loops.

However, many pants also add an internal drawstring so you can cinch them without a belt. A few hiking pants have a built-in belt or even a hook and ladder adjustment system.

Pockets

Like most women’s pants, women’s hiking pants often have terrible and tiny pockets. If you have been hiking awhile, you likely have a system for where you carry things and have an idea of what kind of pockets you are looking for.

I typically don’t carry much in my hiking pants pockets since not much fits in there! I want to make sure I have enough room for lip balm, and that’s it. My phone and snacks go in the hip belt pockets in my backpack to hold my phone and snacks.

Read reviews of pockets carefully and bring the things you want to store in them with you when you try on the pants. Be sure to walk, bend, and stretch to see if the pockets actually work when you’re moving. Sometimes stuff falls out or the fit is too tight.

Do You Want Convertible Pants?

Hiking pants often come in a convertible version with zip-off legs. And some hiking pants have buttons, snaps, or tabs to roll them up into capris. Whether you will like or use these features comes down to fit and personal preference.

Zip-off pants are great if you don’t want to carry both shorts and pants on the same trip. However, the zip off aspect can be hard to get right. For some women, the length of the zip-off shorts is too short or too long for what they prefer.

As well, sometimes the zippers can chafe or rub your thighs. I’ve never found a pair of women’s zip-off hiking pants that work for me!

A feature that lets you roll or cinch up the pants into capris can be a nice feature. But you can roll up any pants and they usually stay put – you don’t need the added fastener to keep them there.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post helped you find some hiking pants for women that will work for your body, whether it is petite, tall, plus-size, or curvy. If you have questions or other hiking pants to recommend, leave them in the comments.

MORE WOMEN’S GEAR POSTS:

• 19 Best Hiking Leggings
• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period

The post Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’m a plus size hiker and it’s a struggle to find things that fit me. In this article, I’ll give you the low down on where to find women’s plus size hiking clothes in sizes up to size 22 and 3X. It includes a list of the best plus size hiking clothing brands and tips on where to buy them.

While there are a few niche and cottage brands, unfortunately they seem to crop up and then go out of business regularly – it’s a tough industry. While I encourage you to support niche brands, especially in the plus size space, in this post, I’m going to focus on brands that are widely available.

Hey there: Some of the brands mentioned in this article sent me clothing to try. You will find only my honest opinion below. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

What Sizes are Plus Size?

In general, sizes larger than size 12 are considered plus size in the outdoor industry. Some brands may carry up to a size 16. Traditionally, most hiking clothing companies have not made apparel in size 18 or larger.

However, a few companies now recognize that plus sizes make up a huge part of the clothing market. From what I’ve read, nearly 70% of American women wear a size 14 or larger so it makes sense that outdoor brands are beginning to offer clothing in extended sizes. This is in part because of the work of plus size outdoor activists like Mirna Valerio, Fat Girls Hiking, and Unlikely Hikers.

I want to be clear that I recognize that as a size 16 to 18, I still hold a lot of privilege in the plus size community. Many companies make hiking clothes in my size. The fit and style may sometimes suck, but at least my size is offered.

Active Wear Isn’t Designed for Hiking

In this article, I’m going to focus mainly on brands and companies that make plus size women’s clothing designed specifically for hiking. There are lots of places to source plus size activewear, from big box stores like Walmart and Old Navy to niche small businesses.

Thankfully, it’s much less challenging (although still not easy) to find plus size leggings and quick dry tops, mostly designed for working out or yoga.

Active wear pieces work fine for casual hikes, but they will rip on sharp rocks or pointy branches. And for all-weather hiking you will need base layers, a waterproof rainjacket and warm layers made of fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. And it’s MUCH more difficult to find those in plus sizes.

So that’s what I’m going to focus on here: a list of brands that make quality women’s plus size hiking clothes and info on where to find them.

Just a quick note: I recognize that hiking clothing can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be! Check out my tips for saving money on hiking gear.

The Best Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothing Brands

REI

In 2017, REI committed to offering more sizes in an effort to fit more women. Since then, they have had a dedicated plus size section on their site that usually includes over 1000 items of clothing from lots of different brands in sizes up to 26/5XL.

They also offer over 100 plus size items in their own REI Co-op brand including everything from hiking pants to rain jackets to quick dry shirts to base layers in sizes up to 5XL

For the full selection, you’ll have to shop online, but some of their larger stores do have a good plus size selection. Every time I’m in Seattle, I go to the giant downtown REI store. I’ve found great plus size hiking shorts there, as well as long-sleeved trekking shirts.

MEC

If you’re in Canada, MEC is probably your best bet for women’s plus size hiking clothing. They have been quietly expanding their assortment from a few different brands.

They used to just carry up to a size 14 or XL in most things, but in the last few years they’ve added a LOT of styles in size 16, 18 and XXL and a few up to size 4XL. However, most things over size 16 are online only. They’ve also started to offer a bigger size range in their house MEC brand.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research launched a huge extended size collection in 2021 with input from plus size outdoor influencers including Sam Ortiz and Kaila Walton. And unlike some brands that started offering plus size and then scaled back production, OR has kept making plus sizes every year since then.

Their range is available up to size 3X and up to 24W. They are also committed to charging the same price for all sizes, which is great.

They make all kinds of technical clothing in plus sizes, including the popular Echo sun hoodie – one of my favourite sun hoodies.

prAna

prAna used to make quite a few plus size styles, but in the last few years they have scaled back their extended size collection.

I’ve been a fan of their Halle pants for hiking for years. They used to stop at size 16 but now they are available up to size 22 as well! Find them on my list of the best women’s hiking pants.

Patagonia

After years of offering a pretty small range of sizes, Patagonia has quietly launched an extended size collection with sizes up 3XL. I have the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody, which I wear as a sun shirt – the fit is great.

Smartwool

If you’re looking for cozy warm base layers, Smartwool makes awesome ones made of moisture-wicking and antimicrobial merino wool. They offer plus sizes in a few of their styles up to size 3XL.

Their patterns are really cute too! I love my snowflake-patterned long underwear! I also love their merino wool hiking tops.

Columbia

Columbia is a great source for women’s plus size hiking clothes with over 200 items in their collection! S

Columbia has everything from rain jackets to snow pants to hiking shirts in extended sizes. Compared to some other brands, their clothing is pretty reasonably priced too.

The North Face

The North Face has an extended size range that includes jackets, tops, and pants in sizes up to 3X.

I have their Aphrodite Motion 2.0 Capris. They are meant for hiking, but I love them for travel too since they look a bit more like casual pants. They are stretchy and they breathe really well. I wore them a LOT during my trip to Australia. They are on my list of the best women’s hiking pants.

Helly Hansen

Scandinavian sailing brand Helly Hansen also makes great hiking clothing. They have a plus size collection that includes rain jackets, base layers, fleece, and ski clothing. I have the Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleee. It’s a great basic.

Eddie Bauer

While Eddie Bauer makes lots of great casual clothing, they also have a huge selection of plus sized hiking clothing. So far I’ve tried their Trail Tight leggings, Guide Pro shorts, and the MicroTherm down jacket and love them all.

Athleta

Athleta is The Gap’s athletic apparel brand. They have a huge selection of clothing available up to size 3X. They make lots of work out clothing, but they also make great hiking pants and fleeces.

My favourite winter hiking tights are their Altitude Stash Tights are my favourite. (They made my list of the best hiking leggings.)

The Best Plus Size Hiking Gear Brands

Gregory

Gregory has been making backpacks since 1977. A few years ago they a launched a series of plus size backpacks. They have shoulder straps and hipbelts that are designed to fit bigger bodies. The packs also have lots of adjustability since people’s bodies come in lots of different proportions. The plus size collection includes both day packs and backpacking packs.

Osprey

Osprey also makes a handful of plus size packs as part of their extended size collection. They offer a few day packs, backpacking packs, and waist packs with lots of adjustability, longer straps, and repositioned pockets.

Marmot

While they aren’t labelled as plus-size, Marmot makes lots of plus-size-friendly sleeping bags. Just look for their sleeping bags available in “wide” sizes – they have a few extra inches around the hips and shoulders to fit bigger bodies.

REI

In addition to making lots of plus size clothes, REI also makes plus size sleeping bags. Their popular Magma sleeping bags, along with a few other models, come in wide sizes that will fit most plus size people.

Plus Size Sleeping Pads

While you won’t find them labelled as plus-size, many brands make plus-size-friendly sleeping pads. Look for pads labelled as wide or long. In general, look for pads that are over 22″ wide.

A few brands to consider are NEMO, Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and Sea to Summit. I love my long and wide Sea to Summit Ether Light XT pad.

Final Thoughts

So there’s my list of the best places to find plus size hiking clothes for women. I hope you find it helpful. If you have a women’s plus size hiking clothes brand to recommend, please tell me in the comments. I’d love to add more resources to this list!

READ NEXT: MORE ADVICE FOR FEMALE HIKERS

• Which Women’s Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying? (and which can you buy unisex?)
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• 18 Best Hiking Leggings

The post Where to Find Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes and Gear appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve got everything you need to know about underwear for hiking including:

• What is the best hiking underwear for women? Broken down into all-around, merino, seamless, and budget categories
• What is the best hiking underwear for men? Broken down into all-around, pouch, merino, and budget categories
• How to choose hiking underwear: What fabrics, features, and fit should you look for?

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Picks

Best All-Around Women’s Hiking Underwear: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Best Seamless Women’s Hiking Underwear: Patagonia Active

Best Merino Wool Women’s Hiking Underwear: Branwyn Essential

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Underwear: Under Armour Pure Stretch

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear Without a Pouch: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear With a Pouch: Saxx Kinetic HD

Best Merino Wool Men’s Hiking Underwear: Icebreaker Anatomica

Best Budget Men’s Hiking Underwear: New Balance Mesh

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking for two decades. I’ve also spent three years working in an outdoor store and six years writing marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer. I wrote website descriptions and gear guides for thousands of different products. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew upon my outdoor industry experience and my personal experience with trying lots of different types of underwear for hiking. But I also talked to friends, asked the members of my 12,000-member strong Backpacking in BC Facebook group, and read dozens of online reviews. The result is a comprehensive look at the best hiking underwear out there for every person.

Best Hiking Underwear for Women

Best All-Around Women’s Hiking Underwear: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Price: $15-24

Styles: bikini brief, hipster, boy short

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% elastane mesh is breathable and lightweight.

Features: Anti-odor treatment, flatlock seams, flat waistband.

Weight: 30g (bikini briefs)

I had heard a lot of positive reviews about the Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh hiking panties but for some reason, I didn’t try them until last year. I was worried that since they aren’t seamless, they might chafe. So far, I’ve worn the bikini brief version on three backpacking trips and lots of day hikes. They are super comfortable, stay in place, don’t absorb sweat, and dry really fast. They also seem very breathable, thanks to the mesh fabric. Also no chafing!

They start to pill a little bit over time, but they seem to be moderately durable anyway. I accidentally washed them with my ankle brace and the velcro from it got caught on them. That section looks a bit scuffed, but otherwise, they survived fine.

After a few years of fairly heavy wear, I’ve also noticed that the elastic waist band and leg edging is getting a bit saggy as the elastic stretches out. But that’s to be expected with elastic – it breaks down.

They are also fairly reasonably priced for technical underwear, and I know I’ll be picking up a few more pairs. And great news for plus-sized women: they come in sizes XS to 3XL.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best Seamless Women’s Hiking Underwear: Patagonia Active

Price: $29

Styles: briefs or hipster

Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% spandex is soft, lightweight, and stretchy

Features: Totally seamless construction, anti-odor treatment

Weight: 33g (briefs)

Patagonia’s Active Hipsters have been my go-to hiking underwear for years. I love that they are completely seamless so they don’t chafe or rub. They are also really soft. Over time, I’ve also found them really durable: I have some pairs that are nearly ten years old! The only downside with these is that they are frequently out of stock.

They have a wide waistband that doesn’t move and they provide a fair amount of rear coverage. However, if you like a higher rise cut, you may want to go with the briefs since the hipsters sit pretty low.

Where to buy: Patagonia | Patagonia Canada

Best Merino Wool Women’s Hiking Underwear: Branwyn Essential

Price: $38

Styles: Thong, bikini, or hipster

Fabric: 81% merino wool, 12% nylon, 7% elastane doesn’t itch. The merino wool wicks sweat while the nylon adds durability and stretch.

Features: Naturally odor-resistant thanks to merino wool

Weight: Not available.

If you’ve followed my content, you know that I don’t really love merino wool since it absorbs more water than synthetics. Read my guide to whether Merino wool is worth it for more thoughts.

BUT… these Brandwyn Essential underwear pleasantly surprised me. I’ve worn them for a whole season and so far they haven’t chafed me or felt too damp. In fact, I liked them so much that they made my list of my favourite gear of 2024.

My other main beef with merino is that it isn’t very durable, but my Branwyn underwear has held up really well so far – no tiny mystery holes like I’ve gotten with other merino underwear. I think the secret with these is the fabric. It’s a bit thicker than most other merino underwear that I’ve tried, which adds to the durability.

I also really love the fit on these. Most hiking underwear tends to be fairly low-waisted, but these are a bit higher, which feels more comfortable for me.

Where to buy: Branwyn

Another good merino option: I previously recommended the Icebreaker Merino Siren in the merino hiking underwear category. They are still great, but I like the Branwyns more.

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Underwear: Under Armour Pure Stretch

Price: $20-30 for a pack of three

Styles: Hipster or thong

Fabric: 68%nylon, 32% elastane fabric with a cotton gusset is soft, stretchy, and very thin

Features: Laser-cut edges mean no seams at waistband or leg openings, anti-microbial odor-resistant treatment

Weight: 20g

For the price, the nearly seamless Under Armor Pure Stretch panties are great for hiking. They dry super-quickly and feel like you’re wearing nothing. However, the fit is a bit hit-or-miss. I find that the hipster style is a bit cheeky and doesn’t have great coverage – they give we a wedgie sometimes.

They are also a bit more low-rise than I’d like. From reviews I’ve read and my experience, it seems like curvier women may want to size up. I also don’t love the cotton gusset as it absorbs water and isn’t that comfortable.

But if you do like the fit of these Under Armour hiking underwear, they are a great budget option. Tons of online reviewers (and members of the Backpacking in BC Facebook group) love them.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best Hiking Underwear for Men

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear Without a Pouch: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Price: $13-26

Styles: Brief or boxer brief

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% elastane mesh is breathable and lightweight

Features: Anti-odor treatment, flatlock seams, wide waistband.

Weight: 40g (boxer briefs)

When I was researching the best hiking boxers for men, these Exofficio underwear just kept coming up in recommendations. They are made of the same fabric as the women’s version which means they wick sweat and dry quickly. Reviewers say they fit snugly and don’t ride up or bunch. They are also really breathable so you won’t overheat.

These men’s underwear are available in both briefs and boxer briefs. And the boxer briefs are available in 3″, 6″, and 9″ inseams so you can choose the amount of leg coverage you like. With thousands of positive reviews online, it’s easy to say these are the most popular men’s hiking and adventure travel underwear.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear With a Pouch: Saxx Kinetic HD

Price: $35

Style: boxer brief, long leg boxer brief

Fabric: 85% nylon, 15% elastane is stretchy, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying

Features: Anatomical pouch supports the package and prevents chafing, flatlock seams are soft on skin, nine-panel construction creates an ergonomic fit, odor-resistant fabric, anti-roll waistband

Weight: 72g

Pretty much every guy I asked about hiking underwear recommended the Saxx Kinetic (including a bunch in my Backpacking in BC Facebook group). Saxx is the first company to offer under with a game-changing pouch that keeps the package separate from the legs. They are based in my hometown of Vancouver too!

The men I talked to raved about the pouch and the comfortable, quick-drying fabric. Most of my male hiking friends switched to these years ago and said they can never go back to regular underwear. Most people love the regular boxer briefs that have a 5″ inseam, but if you want more coverage, they also come in a long leg version with an 8″ inseam.

Where to buy: Amazon | MEC | Saxx USA | Saxx Canada

Best Merino Wool Men’s Hiking Underwear: Icebreaker Anatomica

Price: $45-60

Style: brief, boxer brief, long boxer brief

Fabric: 83% merino wool, 12% nylon, 5% elastane is soft, stretchy, and doesn’t itch. The merino wool wicks sweat while the nylon adds durability and stretch.

Features: Naturally odor-resistant thanks to merino wool, contoured pouch, flatlock seams

Weight: 80g (boxers)

Lots of people love merino wool underwear since it is really stink-resistant. Merino wool also wicks sweat and is soft on the skin. If you look up reviews of merino wool men’s hiking underwear, you’ll find lots of people complaining that they get small holes on the inner thighs from rubbing against pants.

However, that doesn’t happen as fast with these Icebreaker ones since they have nylon and elastane blended in with the merino for increased durability. (Read my thoughts on Merino wool in my Is Merino Wool Worth it? post.)

If you want merino wool boxers for hiking, you’ll love these Icebreaker Anatomic underwear. The boxer briefs are available with or without a fly and they come in briefs too.

Where to buy: Amazon | MEC | Icebreaker USA | Icebreaker Canada

Best Budget Men’s Hiking Underwear: New Balance Mesh

Price: $19 for a pack of three

Style: boxer brief

Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% spandex mesh is soft and lightweight

Features: Wide elastic waistband, supportive pouch, flat locked stitching, available either with or without a fly

Weight: not available

If you’re looking for some basic and inexpensive men’s hiking underwear, these New Balance boxer briefs fit the bill. They are fairly lightweight and wick moisture. The flatlock stitching and wide waistband reduces chafe. Hundreds of online reviewers and a few members of the Backpacking in BC Facebook group raved about them.

Where to buy: Amazon

How to Choose Hiking Underwear

When I first started hiking, I didn’t think I needed to worry about what underwear to wear. But then things got hot, sweaty, and…. uncomfortable. I learned that for me (and for lots of other people), underwear choice can make or break a hike. So what should you look for when shopping for hiking underwear?

Which Fabric is Best?

Cotton underwear is great for everyday use. It’s soft and comfortable. But it absorbs water and dries really slowly. When you’re hiking, cotton is a great recipe for rubbing, chafing, and being generally uncomfortable.

The best fabrics for hiking underwear are synthetics (nylon or polyester) or merino wool since they wick sweat and dry quickly. You may also see underwear for hiking made of rayon or Tencel. Both of those fabrics are incredibly soft, but unfortunately, that means they aren’t that durable and may not stand up to inner thigh rubbing.

To ensure a good fit, look for hiking underwear with stretch. That means that the fabric should have some elastane. (It’s also sold under the brand names Spandex and Lycra.)

Moisture-Wicking

Hiking is sweaty, so choose underwear that is moisture-wicking to move wetness away from your body. Avoid cotton which absorbs water. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are great at wicking moisture. Merino wool also wicks well.

Quick-Drying

The last thing you want is to sit around in a pair of wet underwear. That makes quick-drying fabrics key, especially for backpacking underwear. Nylon and polyester dry the fastest.

Merino wool wicks moisture but holds some of it in the core of the fibres. That means it doesn’t dry quite as quickly as synthetics, but as a bonus, it will keep you cooler in hot weather.

A Comfortable Fit

You want to make sure your underwear isn’t moving around while you are hiking. Choose hiking underwear that fit well. You want them to stay in place, but you don’t want them to be too tight. You also don’t want them to be too loose because then they will bunch up and rub. Keep in mind that in order to wick sweat, the fabric needs to be in contact with your skin.

Prevents Chafing

Seams, tags, waistbands… they can all dig in, get wet, and then chafe your skin until it’s red and angry. Close your eyes and run the underwear through your fingers before you wear it. Really FEEL it. Look for hiking underwear with no tags and with comfortable flat waistbands. Seamless underwear or ones with flatlock seams will also prevent chafing.

Durable

Hiking underwear isn’t cheap, so you want to choose a pair that won’t fall apart. Super-thin material is appealing since it’s lightweight, but it may also fall apart faster. Merino wool is also MUCH less abrasion-resistant than synthetics so it can develop holes easily.

Odor Resistant

Butts and crotches get smelly, especially on multi-day trips. Some synthetic underwear for hiking often comes with antimicrobial treatments that reduce odors. But they do wear off over time. Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial.

Got stinky hiking underwear? Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking clothing.

A Style You Like

Hiking underwear comes in many different styles. For men, you can choose between briefs, boxers, and boxer briefs. Women’s underwear for hiking is available in seemingly endless cuts from tiny thongs to full-cut boyshorts and everything in between.

Choose a style that is most comfortable for you. If you find that you experience inner-thigh chafing, opt for boxer brief or boy short styles that provide some protection in that area.

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know to find the best hiking underwear. If you have questions or alternative recommendations, leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• 18 Best Hiking Leggings
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers

The post Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.