Hikers should endeavor to have the best hiking leggings of 2023 to enjoy their adventure. While there are immeasurable options in the market, you need to understand what entails the best hiking leggings.
While there are other options for hiking clothes, leggings are gaining popularity, mainly because they are less bulky and hence will take up little space on the backpack. They are also stylish and ideal, especially for female hikers who need to look fashionable even on the trail.
When shopping for your next pair of hiking leggings, here are a few factors you must consider.
Features of the Best Hiking Leggings of 2023
Sweat Wicking
The best hiking leggings should keep you dry
The best hiking leggings of 2023 should wick sweat away from the body, or you risk suffering from skin chafing at the end of the day. It is critical that you remain dry throughout the day, even though you cannot prevent perspiration from happening.
We, therefore, recommend leggings made from a fabric with moisture-wicking capacity, which dries faster and maintains the body’s cool temperature despite the prevailing weather.
Remember you will sweat while hiking, irrespective of the weather, since your body generates heat from the constant movement.
Durability
Good quality hiking leggings last long
Durability must be first in line when considering the best hiking leggings of 2023. Your hiking leggings should be of better quality than yoga and jogging leggings. This is because of the harsh environment that waits on the trail.
The struggle to get through the rough terrain can easily leave your leggings tattered and ripped apart. If you are hiking on a predictable trail and are sure of the terrain, you can go for any pair of leggings, but adventurous hikers must invest in the best quality.
The best leggings should be abrasion-resistant and well-seamed, so they will not tear in the middle when jumping across a stream or climbing a steep rock.
Four-way Stretch and Recovery
Stretchy hiking leggings are flexible
Hiking leggings that stretch in all directions will give you the freedom to move around because of their flexibility. Four-way stretch and recovery leggings will return to their original size after being released from the stretched position.
Fabrics that fit this description include high-grade nylon/Lycra, Spandex, and heavy-weight Tactel, the most common athletic fabric.
The four-way stretch fabric gives you better movement and unmatched comfort. It is also super durable because it recovers to its original state after being stretched.
Since comfort is critical in hiking, especially if you will be out there for several days, get the best quality four-way stretch and recovery leggings, and you will not have to worry about your leggings tearing apart or overstretching and losing their fit.
Abrasion Resistance
Hiking in the wild requires good-quality leggings
The best quality and durable hiking leggings are made of abrasion-resistant material to survive the rough terrain on the trails. While you may need to update your closet once in a while, having to buy leggings each time you are headed out for hiking is not a viable idea.
The best leggings which are abrasion resistant will last you several trips. Sometimes, you might get a new pair because you want the latest model but not because the old leggings have entirely lost their appearance.
Water and Wind Resistant/Proof
A hiker with waterproof hiking leggings
You may not avoid getting in touch with water when hiking, whether in winter or other weather. You will need to cross streams, pass through mushy places, or even spill your water and drinks.
Leggings made from water-resistant fabric have a lower degree of keeping water out compared to waterproof materials. You can consider water-resistant leggings when going to a familiar trail where you are sure you will not interact with a water body.
A completely waterproof pair of leggings is ideal when hiking in winter or during the rainy season. They come at a higher price but also guarantee you dryness.
Breathability
Breathability is a crucial feature in hiking leggings
Breathability is another critical feature to consider in hiking leggings. A breathable fabric will not trap heat between the leggings and your body.
This means your body will remain cool since it will prevent overheating. Comfort is the most important thing on the trail since it determines whether the hiking experience will be positive or negative.
Overheating can easily make you tired and frustrated, but with suitable leggings, you will have an enjoyable experience.
Practical Features
The best hiking leggings have to be comfortable
The best hiking leggings of 2023 must have some practical features besides good quality, breathability, and other critical qualities. One of the most important features is pockets, and just as in hiking pants, leggings, too, need functional pockets.
While you need to have your phone at close range, you cannot hold it the entire way. The pockets should be secure so the phone, keys, and snacks will not fall off.
Leggings with zipped side pockets are the most preferred because the items stored on the sides will not interrupt your stroll. There is also no risk of crushing them when you accidentally fall.
Perfect Fit
A hiker in winter wearing fitting leggings
Your hiking leggings should fit right – not too big or small. A bigger fit will be uncomfortable and might even slip out along the way. Your hands will be preoccupied as you try to keep them from falling.
On the other hand, small-fitting leggings will make you feel squished throughout the day. Your body will not have breathing space, and you also risk chafing.
The stretchy leggings can be deceiving, but you only need to get the right size for your body as per the label. That way, you are assured of comfort as you enjoy your adventure.
Price
A hiker relaxing along the way
You will find hiking leggings at different prices, in some cases because of the difference in quality. The high-end ones are perceived to be better quality, but you do not need to go overboard with your budget.
Hiking can be an expensive affair; hence you need proper budgeting. If you are on a tight budget, go for the affordable pair, which might not tick most boxes but will be practical.
You could, however, plan to invest in good quality hiking leggings over time since this will be cheaper in the long run as you will not need to replace them often.
Versatile
The best hiking leggings can also be used for working out and yoga
Since you do not hike daily, you need to consider hiking leggings that you can use in other activities such as yoga, jogging, and sports. Keeping your leggings until the next hike might not be a good idea since they may run out of style, or your body might change.
You should ensure that the hiking leggings are not too specific to hiking but can also fit into other uses around your daily activities.
Product Reviews
The Gym People Thick High Waist Hiking Leggings
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets, Tummy Control Workout Running Yoga Leggings for Women
This hiking legging is one of the most highly rated hiking leggings that double up as yoga leggings. The quality is the best, made from a mix of 88% Polyamide and 12% Spandex. All sizes are available, ranging from extra small to 3X large, and you also have more than thirty colors to choose from. The fitting is regular. Hence you can pick as per your standard body size.
CRZ Yoga Thermal Fleece Hiking Leggings
CRZ YOGA Thermal Fleece Lined Leggings Women 28'' - Winter Warm Workout Hiking Pants High Waisted Yoga Tights Full Length
These hiking leggings are made from lightweight fleece fabric that combines 87% Polyamide and 13% Spandex. You have the option of choosing from fifteen dark colors that make it ideal for hiking because dirt will not show. They are suitable for hiking in winter because of the thermal fleece.
FULLSOFT 3 Pack Leggings for Women
FULLSOFT 3 Pack Leggings for Women Non See Through-Workout High Waisted Tummy Control Running Yoga Pants
These leggings are the most popular in the Fullsoft brand because of their fantastic quality and design. They are designed to offer comfort when hiking, jogging, or even doing yoga. The fabric is a mix of 92% Polyester and 8% Spandex, making them less delicate and can be machine washed.
Stelle Women’s Capri Hiking Leggings
Stelle Women's Capri Yoga Pants with Pockets Essential High Waisted Legging for Workout
Stelle Women’s Capri Hiking leggings are the best for workouts and hiking because they are light and hold on to the body well. The leggings are made up of 87% Nylon and 13% Spandex, making them strong, durable, and still breathable enough to maintain air circulation on the body.
Will it Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings
Willit Women's Fleece Lined Leggings Water Resistant Thermal Winter Pants Hiking Yoga Running Tights High Waisted
These leggings are the real deal when it comes to hiking leggings. They are considered one of the best for winter because they come with fleece lining, are water resistant, and have thermal insulation. They are made with your comfort in mind and to ensure your hiking adventure is not interrupted by cold weather.
Conclusion
You can find many leggings that fit the category of the best hiking leggings of 2023, but you can never go wrong with our suggestions. Hiking leggings are gaining more popularity because they are more convenient, especially for long-term hikers, compared to pants. They are less bulky and still serve the purpose.
If you are still undecided on what to go with, we recommend Will it Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings since it ticks most of the boxes and costs around $33. This pair of leggings will keep you warm even on the coldest night you spend in the jungle, and as long as you follow the wash instructions, you will wear it for a considerable period.
Show us appreciation by liking, sharing, and leaving a word in the comment section. You could also subscribe to get notified of new content.