How to Choose Hiking Pants

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The REI Co-op women's Activator V2 soft-shell pants offer 4-way stretch and lightweight, breathable weather protection—everything a pair of pants needs to be a star on the trail.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 63% nylon/26% polyester/11% spandex (bluesign® approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Windproof | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 35.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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These pants are ALMOST perfect. I love that they are tall, and even though the belt is a little ugly, it's not terrible and it does help cinch the waist in. And I really appreciate the tall sizing. BUT. These pants have a seam right above the knee. And it's not a flat seam. It chafes against my legs with the slightest movement. It's sewn in a way that I don't see how I could make it better even if I ironed it or tacked it down somehow. Can't imagine wearing for a miles-long hike. What a really unfortunate update for these pants, because other than that, I love them. But it's a deal-breaker. It looks like the old version (out of stock) did not have this seam.
I'm a wildlife tech, and these pairs of pants are great for what I need to do! They're great in the chilly and warm temps (I wear a base layer when it's really cold), and I have no issue squatting or hopping over barbed wire fences in them. The seem just above the knee doesn't bother me at all, I never notice it. I also really like the belt feature, nice to make them fit just right. Pockets are also good, I need lots of pockets when I'm out in the field and they serve me very well. The back pockets have a zipper on them, nice for small things and making sure you don't lose them. I find it odd that the pocket on the side goes to the back of the leg, but it doesn't bother me and fits my small note pad in there perfectly. Also easy to clean dirt and mud off of.
Totally agree with the previous poster - seam sits just above the knee and is very noticeable (trouser legs are a little on the slim fit side), particularly on the back of the knee. Otherwise a good fit so this is a shame as I could see this causing serious discomfort if worn for an extended time - returned for this reason.
I’m 6ft. tall with long legs and often struggle to find pants long enough for me - especially at REI. When I saw that the tall size was 35.5” inseam, I jumped on it. I haven’t hiked or climbed in these pants yet, but the moment I tried them on I immediately ordered another pair. I foresee wearing these for my outdoor job and for recreation. I’d love to see REI put out more pants for us tall gals!
I ordered these because of their length - 35.5. inches! And they are long enough on me, which never happens. I can't quite figure out how to best use these pants. So far wearing them with medium weight long underwear has worked best. I which they were insulated. They have a fabulous stretch to them so I feel so free when I hike in them. The waist is a bit big. The adjustable belt is a good idea, but I think I would prefer an internal drawstring. The waist comes up too high. I would prefer a mid-rise pant. The seams in the articulated knees only are noticeable when you do not wear another layer underneath. Mostly I am using them for hiking in the 40's but with long underwear underneath. I personally like the straight design but I can see why curvy women might not. Great color!
Just returned from 10 days in Denali NP where there are no trails and bushwhacking is the name of the game. These pants held up like champs. Through waist-high bushes and brush, my legs were protected and comfortable. I was also inititally distracted by the knee seams (definitely a weird design choice); but after wearing these pants for a short time, it was quickly forgotten. These pans move easily with your body without riding up or sliding down. 10/10.
I really wanted to love those pants, but sadly the fit is very narrow. Being tall doesn't mean we don't have curves, and as long as these pants are, the waist and hips are very tight.
I love these pants (ordering a 3rd pair right now)! I've been wearing the regular and tall lengths for more than 6 months and have had no problem with knee seems on either. I do a lot of crouching, bending, and stooping in my job and I never have an uncomfortable moment.
I LOVE these pants. I'm tall, 5'9", and these pants are a great length. The waistband sits at my waist so my pants aren't sliding down all the time. I have two pairs and I'm going to order more before they aren't available anymore.
These pants seem great comfort wise, and I think they would function great on the trail. Unfortunately the sizing is just bizarre. I consistently wear a 12 in most any other pant. I ordered a 14 to allow room for layering. I can’t even button them with nothing else underneath. If you decide to order these, go a few sizes up. I am a a more curvy body type, but even with that these are crazy small.