Whether you're trekking up snowcapped mountains or across Low Desert valleys, there are a number of qualities you'll want in any pair of hiking pants. The best hiking pants for women will offer superb durability, moisture management, and flexibility.
For durability, you need a tough fabric that's abrasion-resistant. You should be able to walk through thick foliage, snag trees, and muddy embankments without destroying your pants. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, and elastane are all reliable choices.
As for moisture management, your pants should keep you dry and comfortable all day.Look for fabrics that wick sweat and perspiration, like nylon, polyester, or spandex. You may also want to consider pants that are water-resistant or completely waterproof — especially if you'll be hiking in the rain or crossing creeks and riverbeds.
Lastly, to give you a wide range of motion, the material should include at least a hint of stretchy fabric, like spandex or elastane. Designs with two- or four-way stretch are also great, as this lets the fabric expand more easily.
Beyond these key factors, other things to consider include style and fit. Do you prefer a high waist or low waist? Boot cut or wide-leg? Also, you may want to consider a bonus feature like UPF sun protection (this is a metric that measures how much UV radiation can penetrate a particular fabric).
To help you find the right pair, I've rounded up six of the best hiking pants for women, which boast many of these important features.