19 Best Hiking Tights To Keep You Comfy On Your Hike
Looking for the best hiking tights to keep you comfy and warm during your hike?
As a fellow hiking enthusiast, I know that one of the most important clothes you have to consider to go hiking are your lower parts – legs!
Get it right and you have warm happy buns of steels, but get it wrong and you will get bad chafing and murderous intentions throughout your entire hike!
Wearing hiking tights allows you to have flexibility and mobility. What’s best is you can wear them on their own or as a base layer for extra protection and warmth.
DISCLOSURE
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My top recommendations are:
for their excellent durability, flexibility, water-resistance, and quick-drying features.
Best All-Around Hiking Leggings
Best Hiking Tights For Cold Conditions
- Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights
- Columbia Titan Peak Hiking Leggings
- Icebreaker Merino Comet Tights
- Icebreaker Merino Solace Leggings
- Salomon Comet Warm Tight
- Salomon Agile Warm Tight
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Legging
Best Hiking Tights For Wet Conditions
Best Hiking Tights For Hot/Tropical Conditions
- Eddie Bauer’s Trail Tight Leggings – High Rise
- Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights
- ExOfficio BugsAway Impervia Legging
- Smartwool PhD® Tight
- Patagonia Pack Out Tights
Best Budget-Friendly Hiking Tights
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Are Tights Good For Hiking?
The answer is yes, they are! Hiking tights are designed to avoid chafing on your thighs.
As hiking tights are shape hugging and snuggly, they are versatile and comfortable. They provide a lightweight feeling, as if you have nothing on!
Many brands have come out with specifically designed leggings for hiking.
They are usually water resistant, have reinforced knees and seats, and are made of special fabrics to withstand various hiking conditions.
Wearing hiking tights helps:
- Keep the right temperature for your legs
- Protect you from various trail elements like tall grass that could irritate your skin
- Provide a bit of pressure for extra leg muscle support
- Resist wind and ensure an unaffected stride
- Provide comfort, shape hugging, and lightweight properties
19 Best Hiking Tights
1. Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights
These hiking tights are made of 82% polyamide, 18% elastane, 62% polyamide, 16% aramid, 12% elastane, and 10% polyester.
The fabric is silky and provides you protection against bug bites and scrubs.
The fabric is also tear-resistant, breathable, and durable.
What We Like:
- 2 pockets – can fit a small map and a compass
- 4-way stretch
- A wide waist and an adjustable drawcord
- Reinforcements on knees and seats for protection and to repel water
- Quick-drying
- Suitable for year-round trekking adventures
What We Don’t Like
- Lack of good weather protection
2. Columbia Titan Peak Hiking Leggings
These hiking tights are made of 87% polyester and 13% elastane .
The fabric has Omni-Wick™ moisture management that keeps your skin dry by pulling sweat.
The fabric is also breathable, abrasion-resistant, and warm, which is perfect in winter.
What We Like:
- Zippered side pocket
- 4-way comfort stretch
- A wide waist and an adjustable drawcord
- Reinforcements on knees and seats
- Quick-drying
What We Don’t Like:
- Zippered pocket doesn’t stretch which could cause discomfort
3. Eddie Bauer’s Trail Tight Leggings – High Rise
This specially designed legging by Eddie Bauer is made of mostly polyester/spandex
These hiking tights are also engineered with FreeDry moisture wicking and odor control Polygiene technologies and UPF 50+ FreeShade sun protection.
This means no burns under hot weather!
The tights are also made with movement-specific stitching that won’t slide or slip, hence, very suitable for mild flat trails to steep ones.
What We Like:
- 3 zippered functional pockets
- Durable, lightweight, and breathable
- Supportive and stays in place
What We Don’t Like:
- The waist rolls down pretty quickly during vigorous movement
- The fabric might be a little rough for sensitive skin
4. Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights
Fjallraven came up with another pair of great tights for hiking which are the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Tights. These hiking tights are composed of 82% polyamide, 18% elastane, 70% polyamide, and 30% elastane.
It is well-ventilated and perfect for trailing in hot weather in various hiking conditions.
It is also a pair of durable hiking leggings with pockets.
What We Like:
- 3 functional pockets – 2 leg pockets, 1 back pocket
- 4-way stretch panel
- Sweat-wicking and ventilated
- Durable, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant
- Great for light climbing
- Allows ease of movement and mobility on the trails
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for cold weather
5. Arc’teryx Oriel
The Oriel leggings by Arc’teryx are made of 71% Nylon and 29% Elastane.
These hiking tights are opaque while being cool and breezy at the same time. They also reduce chafing.
These hiking tights are super lightweight but super durable. They also have a second skin fit that you will love.
What We Like:
- 2 functional thigh pockets
- Generous stretch fabric
- Anti-odour
- Abrasion-resistant
- Suitable for long hikes with unpredictable weather conditions
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for cold weather
6. Icebreaker Merino Comet Tights
These hiking leggings are made of 46% Nylon, 38% Merino Wool, 16% lycra for black. For other colours, these hiking tights are composed of 46% Polyester, 38% Merino Wool, and 16% lycra.
For winter, these are the perfect thermal hiking leggings.
These winter hiking leggings regulate temperature well, and can be worn on its own or as a heavyweight base layer.
What We Like:
- Updated design
- Adjustable internal drawcord
- Made of biodegradable material
- Long-lasting
What We Don’t Like:
- Only 1 zippered back pocket, which might not be sufficient to place all your necessities
- Could be unsuitable for rough hiking conditions
7. The North Face Perfect Core
This hiking legging is made of 89% SUPPLEX® Nylon and 11% Lycra® Black Spandex for solid black, 45% SUPPLEX® Nylon, 42% Polyester, and 13% Lycra® Black Spandex for dark heather, and 88% Polyester and 12% Spandex for prints.
Depending on your preference, you can choose different legging colours and patterns.
The North Face Perfect Core leggings live up to its name by supporting your core best, and let everything stay in place on a long hiking trip. These hiking tights are also thicker than other tights and resist tears.
What We Like:
- 1 hidden internal pocket
- Anti-roll down waistband
- Breathable, durable, and resistant
- Quick-drying and chafe-free movability
What We Don’t Like:
- Less mobility for climbing
- Not very flexible
8. ExOfficio BugsAway Impervia Legging
If you are looking for tights that can repel bugs, then these hiking tights are the best choice for you. This legging is made of 82% polyester and 18% elastane. It is treated with Insect Shield that binds permethrin to fibers of the fabric, and lasts through 70 washes.
With the technology to repel bugs like ants, flies, and ticks, this is probably the best hiking tights yet for hiking in tropical jungles.
The fabric is also engineered with UPF 50 to protect your skin against UV rays.
What We Like:
- Breathable, comfortable, and mobile
- Suitable for humid and warm hikes
- Moisture-wicking
- Can be worn as a base layer when hiking in cold conditions
- Hidden pocket on the waistband to keep your necessity secured
What We Don’t Like:
- The fabric eventually stretches out and becomes loose
- Might not be very suitable for rough terrains
9. Avia Activewear Performance Leggings
If you are on a very tight budget, and still want a good pair of womens hiking leggings, you can purchase the Avia Activewear Performance Leggings.
This legging is made of 86% Recycled Polyester and 14% Spandex for black and 41% Recycled Polyester, 41% Polyester, and 18% Spandex for gray.
These hiking tights have hidden internal drawcord and are high rise. This helps you keep your tummy in. They are also breathable and fit perfectly.
What We Like:
- 2 practical zippered pockets
- Best inexpensive tights for hiking
- Versatile, stylish, and comfortable
- Flexible and perform well in most conditions
What We Don’t Like:
- The waist might get tighter than usual, so consider to size up a little
10. Helly Hansen Rask Trail Tights
If you are in search of waterproof walking leggings, look no more, as the Helly Hansen Rask Trail Tights are the best for you. They are made of 96% Polyester and 4% Elastane.
The fabric of these hiking tights is lightweight and functional, specifically with the stretch reinforcement panels on the knees and seat that are durable.
What We Like:
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Moisture-wicking
- Suitable for hiking, trekking, climbing, camping, and mountaineering
- Perfect as base layer in winter
What We Don’t Like:
- Only 1 pocket on the hip – could cause discomfort when sitting down
- Not high-waisted, so it can’t help you pull your tummy in
- Slimmer through the thighs and knees – could cause tear in vigorous movement
11. Smartwool PhD® Tight
Looking for warm leggings for hiking? The Smartwool PhD® Tight is made of 44% Nylon, 36% Merino Wool, and 20% Elastane. This is one of the best winter walking leggings as Merino wool works perfectly to regulate temperature and manage moisture.
These hiking tights also perform the best on their own without a layer-up.
What We Like:
- 2 pockets – zippered back and thigh pockets
- Warm and comfortable during winter
- Adjustable drawcord at the waist
- Antimicrobial
What We Don’t Like:
- Less quick-drying ability
12. Icebreaker Merino Solace Leggings
Another thermal walking leggings is the Icebreaker Merino Solace Leggings. They are made of 97% Merino Wool and 3% Elastane.
The fabric of these hiking tights is comfortable without causing itchiness. It is best worn as a base layer to keep the heat during winter.
What We Like:
- Breathable and resistant to odor
- Made of renewable and recyclable sources
- Very lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- No pockets to place your small necessities
13. Salomon Comet Warm Tight
These hiking tights are made of 79% nylon and 21% elastane. These walking tights are comfortable and can be worn as a base layer in cold climates.
The design is ergonomic, hence, they are suitable for running and hiking.
What We Like:
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Quick-drying
- Provides free movement
What We Don’t Like:
- No pockets
- The tight isn’t true to size, hence, size up for better fit
14. Patagonia Pack Out Tights
Perfect for increased mobility in the wild, these hiking tights are great for day hiking. It is made of 87% polyester and 13% spandex double-knit mossed jersey.
They have tailored seams that fit and help to snug your legs well.
What We Like:
- 1 zippered side pocket
- Stretchy and provides mobility and comfort
- Durable and breathable
- Moisture-wicking and versatile
- Unfussy and streamlined
What We Don’t Like:
- If not sized correctly, it could roll down and uncomfortable for hiking
- Have to size down for best fit
15. Mountain Hardwear Chockstone Rock Tight
These hiking tights by the Mountain Hardwear are the best especially for climbing. They are made of 100% recycled nylon.
With the flexible CORDURA® fabric in crucial areas, these hiking tights provide immense mobility and flexibility.
What We Like:
- 1 zippered pocket on right thigh
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Abrasion-resistant
- Basic design
What We Don’t Like:
- The material gets ‘furry’ or pilled after several uses
- More suitable as walking tights
16. Salomon Agile Warm Tight
If you are into trail running, then the Salomon Agile Warm Tight should be your top choice. It is made of 77% nylon and 23% elastane at the back and 84% polyester and 21% elastane at the bottom.
The fabric of these warm walking leggings is soft to the skin and the wide waistband won’t pinch your skin.
What We Like:
- 1 zippered back pocket to secure your belongings
- Easy stretch brushed knit fabric
- Flat seams that minimize chafing
- Quick-drying
- Zippered ankles
- Suitable for cold trail hikes and runs
What We Don’t Like:
- Not warm enough for winter hikes
- Lower waistband
17. Kuhl’s Weekndr Tights
These hiking tights womens by Kuhl’s are perfect for summer hikes. They are made of nylon, polyester, and spandex, but with different percentage for each fabric:
- TUFFLITE™ 76% Nylon, 9% Polyester, and 15% Spandex
- RIPSTOP AIR™ 96% Polyester, and 4% Spandex
- (Waistband) 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex
These hiking tights have water-resistant finish, are form hugging, and versatile.
What We Like:
- 4 pockets – 2 zippered front pockets, 2 Chino style back pockets
- Protects skin from burns as the fabric has 50 UPF
- Breathable
- Water resistant
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- A little bit difficult to put on, but gets better once worn
18. Columbia Luminary Legging
This pair of leggings is made of 86% polyester and 14% elastane jersey. It stretches well and is durable.
These hiking tights are abrasion-resistant and can repel water and stains.
What We Like:
- Adjustable waist drawcord
- 2 pockets – 1 cargo pocket, 1 hidden pocket that is easily accessible
- Protects skin from burns as the fabric is built with 50 UPF
What We Don’t Like:
- Need to size carefully, or it will super tight between thighs
- Might be too long for petit wearers
19. Baleaf Fleece-Lined Legging
This fleece lined walking legging by Baleaf is made of 87% Polyester and 13% Spandex. The fleece lining provides extra comfort and warmth.
The fabric of these hiking tights also wicks moisture and is breathable.
What We Like:
- 3 pockets – 2 zippered back pockets, 1 hidden pocket
- Keep tummy in
- Provides gentle compression
- Suitable for hiking in cold places
- 7 different colour choices
- Suitable as a base layer
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t really repel water
- Thin – not suitable for winter
What Are Hiking Tights And Why Do You Need One?
Hiking tights are a piece of clothing usually made of spandex worn for hiking or vigorous outdoor activities.
Hiking tights are also multi-functional and flattering due to its versatility. If you are keen on prioritizing comfort during a mild or an adventurous hike, opting to wear tights is a wise decision.
Even if you’re not hiking, you can still wear tights on a daily basis.
Trust me, it is a good investment which can provide you comfort and you can even wear it at home or going out for some grocery shopping! That’s how versatile hiking tights are.
5 Benefits Of Wearing Hiking Tights
Hiking tights are great to show off your figure. In addition, they are also great due to the following features.
- Lightweight and very comfortable
- Versatile – Nicely fit and flattering
- Support leg muscles during hiking either on flat or steep surface
- Prevent thigh chafing
- Flexible and offer maximum mobility and movability
5 Things To Look For In Good Hiking Tights
When searching for the best hiking leggings, you have to consider several specifications based on the hiking conditions. Here are some tips that you can follow to grab the best tights for your trail adventures.
Material
Most tights or leggings are made of spandex or lycra fabric.
This type of fabric stretches well while giving reinforcement to support your muscles. However, different brands have also engineered other materials for extra stretchability or durability.
Some tights are designed with nylon, cotton, and polyester for comfort.
Engineered fabric mixes are based on different needs and situations which you should be aware of before purchasing good hiking tights.
Suitability
First, think of where you will be hiking. Is it a cold or a hot area? Will the treks or trails be mild or rough? There are different types of tights for different conditions. This is to ensure you get the best experience ever.
Stretchability/ Durability
This is very important especially when the trek gets steeper. You need to climb and stretchability without tearing should be a feature that must be considered.
Durability is also important. Besides, no one wants to hike in an easily torn pair of tights. Durability also includes abrasion-proof which could lead to tearing. When your skin is exposed, you could get irritation or injuries.
Pockets To Put All Your Essentials
I don’t think you are comfortable reaching to your backpack just to get a hold of your phone, right? Hence, walking leggings with pockets should come in handy. Especially when you want to put your necessities like ID card or cash or phone.
A pocket ensures that all those items are secured well and reachable.
Coverage
Coverage depends on your preference and hiking conditions.
If you prefer to wear high socks to protect your ankle, then you can opt for above-the-ankle tights. If not, you can purchase tights that cover your ankle.
Coverage helps avoid skin abrasion and irritation caused by elements like tall grass. But, if you have no sensitive skin and like your ankle to be free, you can wear slightly high tights.
Conclusion
In short, consider the suitability of the conditions before purchasing any womens walking leggings for hiking.
If not, you might end up wasting your money on impractical tights.
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