How to Choose Hiking Pants

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Converting from pants to capris in a jiffy, the women's KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up pants with 32 in. inseam feature plentiful stretch, sun-stopping protection and sweat-wicking performance.
Shop newer versionImported.
View the KUHL Freeflex Product LineView all KUHL Women's Hiking PantsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Fabric | 152 g 50% polyester/50% new polyester |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Side Cargo Pockets | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Relaxed |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 32 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | Unavailable |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | ||||||||||||
Bust | 32 - 33 | 34 - 35 | 36 - 37 | 38 - 40 | 41 - 43 | 46 | 48 | 50 | ||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | ||||||||||||
Waist | 25 - 26 | 27 - 28 | 29 - 30 | 31.5 - 33 | 34.5 - 36 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31.5 | 33 | 34.5 | 36 | 41 | 43 |
Hip | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41.5 - 43 | 44.5 - 46 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 52 | 54 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Comfortable hicking pants for hot/warm/cool conditions. I liked being able to roll up at the ankles when it was hot. They fit nicely and are stylish. The light gray color also looks good and pairs nicely with any top. Could ever wear them out somewhere. The only downside is the size of the pockets. I wish the side pockets were a little bigger. I was able to squeeze my cellphone into it, but I don't have a big case and it was tight to snap the pocket shut. If you have a bulky case, it won't fit. I ended up also buying other designs of freeflex pants from kuhl, all of which are comfortable and have some type of adjustment at the ankles. Dash pants have a bigger pocket for a cellphone, but it does not close. Pluses and minuses everywhere.
I have a hard time finding pants that are comfortable and have room for a base layer without being bulky or making my lower half look bigger than it is. I have wider hips and thighs and a small waist so anything besides leggings are a challenge. These are flattering, stretchy, and have Kuhl's nice adjustable waist. The material isn't super heavy, so I don't feel weighed down or restricted with a base layer, but they're thick enough to block the wind. I haven't worn them in warm weather so I'm not sure how breathable they are. If you've never bought Kuhl's-know their sizing might be off from your usual. I'm typically an 8 but wear 12s in Kuhl.
I was a bit hesitant to pay so much for a pair of pants that I'd likely trash in a short period of time but these looked good and fit well when I tried them on. I'm happy to say that I'm very pleased with my purchase. Not only are these holding up to my crawling over down logs and walking through brush and weeds, they are not showing any sign of wear yet. I love all of the pockets and use the ones on my legs for my phone and compass. The snap closure at the waist is easy to open but it hasn't popped open yet (I use the draw cord, too). The fabric is soft and stretchy so it is easy to move around but it doesn't pill with backpack or field vest rubbing. I'd buy these again.
These are the pants that you buy and don't take off for 2 weeks, and you wonder what you wore before you bought them. I bought 1 pair just to make sure that I wasn't imagining how awesome they seemed to fit me in the store. Washed them, wore them and yes, they are that wonderful. Bought a second pair and my buy a third. Love the pockets. I like to keep gear on me. Breathable. Stretchy but they wear and look like real pants. I can wear them out on the town, out to a casual restaurant, but go for a hike and do yard work in them. I'm 5'7" 135 lbs. Curvy. 10 regular is a perfect fit. I wear an 8 in some pants. But with Kuhl I'm a 10.
I wanted hiking pants with snaps or a zipper for holding my cell phone while I hiked. The last thing I wanted was my cell phone sliding out of my pocket and skittering down a mountain. Bought these. Tried them on. Feel really nice on (although I bought a size larger than normal). HOWEVER, my cell phone (not an overly large one - a Pixel 4 with a normal sized Otterbox Case) fits in the pockets but then the pocket won't snap. This is true for all 4 snapped pockets. Really? Why can't women's clothing manufacturers get pockets right? I realize you can't make a pocket that will fit all sized electronic gadgets - but really this is "so close" but just doesn't work.
These are NEAR PERFECT pants in many ways, but ONE TEENY TINY DETAIL SPOILS THE SHOW. If you are prepared to replace the snap closure found at the waistband before you start to wear the pants, or if you are cool with doing up your pants in public multiple times a day, these would be a good buy. If not, try a different product. GREAT things about these Kuhl pants: *fit *fabric *available in tall/long inseam (yay!) *color selection (rainstorm is gorgeous) MAJOR FLAW with these pants: *as mentioned in other reviews since I made this purchase, the specialty "snap" closure just doesn't work. With any twist, turn, or bend of the torso, the snap pops open...not cool & not caused by a too tight fit.
These pants are the most comfortable pants I've ever owned. I have two pairs and would wear them every day of the week if I could. They stretch when you need but keep their shape all day. These are great traveling pants as they are lightweight, dry quickly and don't need to be ironed. I have a curvy shape and often have trouble finding pants that fit both in the waist and the thigh, but these fit perfectly. These pants are as comfortable as sweats, but look so much better. If I could give an award for the most comfortable pants, these would win it. I almost never write reviews, but I want everyone to know about these great pants.
I really wanted to like these pants. I like the idea of lightweight pants that can easily roll up. Tried the size 0, 2, and 4. None of the sizes fit quite right, the inseam is so short & they are not "mid-rise" as labeled. These are truly low-rise type pants. For me, low-rise are not practical for hiking as they always require pulling up and are just not very comfortable. Maybe that is why all of the sizes simultaneously felt too big & too small. They were also really unflattering on me. This would be a good choice if you really want a low-rise/super low-rise pant.
I’m 5’1” 180lbs and got size 14. They’re quite loose and I need the drawstring BUT I haven’t experienced any snap issues yet since they’re spacious. Pants are about 6in too long so I keep them rolled which puts them about 1.5in above my ankle while standing. Most importantly though they’re SO SO SO comfortable!!!!! Stretchy and light and seem to have a cooling effect to some degree on hot days. I bought mine to wear for work as a park ranger and they’re perfect to stay in all day. The Sea Pine color is a bit misleading in the photo. The color is more medium grey with hint of blue/green in some lights.
In my endless search for women’s hiking pants with good pockets, I gave these KUHL Freeflex pants a try. I scoured through the reviews and saw positive comments about the quality of the pockets on these pants. I was hopeful. The pants arrived and they fit great. They are very comfortable and seem to be great quality. I gave the cargo pockets the phone test and alas, these do not fit my phone any better than the pants I have already. If they don’t fit my phone, they also won’t fit the other essentials I like to carry on my person while backpacking. If I wasn’t in search of usable pockets, I would have kept them as they really were comfortable and nice pants but…. I returned them. Bottom line, nothing against KUHL at all and if you’re not pocket picky, give them a try.