8 Best Hiking Leggings For Comfort & Durability On The Trail

The perfect pair of hiking leggings does exist, and they’re the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights. And oh hey: they’re available in both women’s and men’s styles!

The functionality of traditional hiking pants meshes with the comfort, mobility, and moisture-wicking properties of your favorite base layers to create the Abisko. All while looking super sleek to boot.

The stretch fabric is on point, a double-knitted polyester blend that feels lightweight enough for hot summer hikes but keeps you toasty during cooler seasons. Reinforced panels at the rear and knees also won me over, providing extra protection when on rough terrain or damp ground.

Something does feel slightly off with the seams and stitching. Which is disappointing considering the high price. But it’s a minor issue that doesn’t outweigh the many positives and overall performance. Rest assured: the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are the second skin you’ll want for tough trails and longer adventures.

Want technical, built-to-last hiking leggings without sacrificing comfort? Meet our most-durable pick —and a very close runner-up for best overall— the Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tight.

Featuring a quality (and recycled!) stretchy material that’s double-knit yet super breathable, these tights give you the freedom to move in whatever temps you encounter.  A gusseted crotch, flat seams, and a ribbed, wide waist only further add chafe-free mobility and comfort.

And are those reinforced panels at the knees and butt? You bet. They’re the extra protection you need to climb through brush, scramble down rocks or prepare hiking meals on damp ground without worry.

The downside? Patagonia’s products do come at an above-average price. But I’ve yet to doubt the quality of their products, and the Pack Out Hike Tights are no different. They’re near-perfect leggings for hikers that will aid your adventures for seasons to come.

If lots of pocket is what you crave in hiking leggings, look no further than the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo Tights.

Six sizeable, zippered pockets make these babies a clear-cut winner. Deep enough to stash a phone but designed so that they maintain a flattering fit, the pockets on the Headlands Cargo II Tights strike the perfect balance between style and function.

What’s more? The abrasion-resistant, nylon-blend material features sun protection and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. That makes the Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo Tights stand apart in the elements and suitable for all hiking seasons.

Unfortunately, you may have trouble finding certain sizes in certain color combos. But the fact that they’re on backorder often is, if anything, a testament to their performance! The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo Tights are bound to win you over with their versatility on and off the trail.

Looking for lightweight leggings that hold their own when trekking in cooler seasons? Smartwool’s Merino Sport Fleece Wind Tights will keep you cozy and nimble on cold hikes and in temperamental weather alike.

First off, the quality knit stretch fabric is a perfect blend of polyester and merino wool. That means you get the odor-controlling, thermo-regulating properties of merino coupled with the quick-dry, moisture resistance of synthetics. Tack on reinforced panels on the front to protect against wind and repel water, and you have the confidence to go forth in the most blustery of conditions. I found them comfortable even in below-freezing temps!

Do I wish the mid-rise waistband felt a bit more secure and sat higher on the waist? Yes, but that’s no deal breaker, especially since you can adjust with the inner drawstring. Overall, I think Smartwool has really hit the mark with these weatherproof Merino Sport Fleece Wind Tights. I wouldn’t hesitate venturing out with them for cold hikes and winter adventures!

Hiking frequently in hot summer conditions, but not a shorts person? The REI Co-Op Flash Hybrid Tights are the answer. They offer maximum breathability and moisture resistance, letting you chase trail miles while staying cool.

The magic is in the material blend. Durable softshell fabric panels at the front and back mix with a stretchy polyester-spandex fabric at the sides, waist and ankles. This allows for extra support in high-use areas, but light compression and quick-dry qualities in spots prone to sweating.

Would an extra pant pocket be nice? Sure. But if you’re heading out on a longer or more strenuous summer hike you’ll probably have a pack anyway, so fret not. For pushing limits during peak heat, the REI Co-Op Flash Hybrid Tights are winners in my  book.

Historically, the only quality pairs of leggings available for men have been in niche markets, like endurance cycling or skimo. Lucky for the fellas, Salomon has bridged the gap between a specialized performance option and regular cardio activities. Enter: the Men's Agile Long Tights.

Guys will appreciate the balance of targeted compression and ease of movement, thanks to a premium polyester blend that breathes well in warmer and cooler seasons alike. The woven panels toward the lower leg are also a nice perk, providing extra protection for more rugged hikes and activities.

Despite being a bit long for some frames, the Salomon Agile Long Tights are still one of the most well-designed form-fitting pants for active men out there. And they’re offered at a pretty decent price, too. I’d recommend them for trail runs, hiking and other high-output adventures any day.

Unlike many outdoor companies, Eddie Bauer’s design team has long catered to curvier bodies and a range of body measurements. They’re a brand to trust when it comes to inclusive sizing, which is why the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight is an easy pick for the best plus-size hiking legging.

The polyester-spandex fabric features the Eddie Bauer “FreeDry” moisture resistance technology, proving the tights keep you as dry as can be when cranking out trail miles. Built-in odor control helps keep smells at bay, too.

They’re not the most budget-conscious choice, sure. But perks like an array of color options, 50+ sun protection, and zippered pockets make the Eddie Bauer Trail Tights worth the extra bucks. They're comfortable leggings for larger sizes that really go the distance for all kinds of activities outdoors.

Quality leggings for hiking usually don’t come cheap, but Carhartt offers bang for your buck with their popular Women's Force Fitted Utility Leggings.

Just like the brand’s other utility pants, durability is supreme. Reinforcement panels at the knees add that extra fabric security when the trail miles get rugged, and the midweight material wards off snags and tears. All while keeping breathability and mobility at the forefront. 

Sadly for curvier bodies and plus sizes, Carhartt’s sizing tops out at an XL. But for average body measurements, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value for the price. Consensus is: the women’s Force Fitted Utility Legging is a workhorse you’ll love on tough trails and for everyday life.