How to Choose Hiking Pants

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Prefer to hike in leggings but fear snags from sketchy trails? The women's REI Co-op Flash Hybrid Tights let you scramble in comfort, with their combo of soft stretch jersey and durable stretch nylon.
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View the REI Co-op Flash Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Hiking Leggings| Best Use | Bouldering Hiking |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Front and back: 88% nylon/12% spandex (bluesign approved); sides, waist and ankles: 85% polyester/15% spandex (bluesign approved) |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 50 |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Pants Rise | High |
| Tights Length | Ankle Length |
| Inseam (in.) | 25 inches |
| Number of Pockets | 2 |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Âľ 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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Amazing Tights! Very comfortable and perfect for us petite girls (I'm 5 1", 100 lbs and the XS fit great without feeling too constricting on the leg). They might feel a bit short if you are taller though. The deep pocket on the side was great. I usually kept my phone, lip balm and airpods in it and they always felt secure and yet within easy reach. Quick dry feature is also great. At one point during my last trek we had to wade through a freezing cold glacial stream and the tights got a bit wet near the hem. They were dry in less than 5 minutes after that! New favourites for hiking, will be buying more colours.
These pants do run small so plan accordingly. I read other reviews before buying and sized up- glad I did! The large was still a bit tight, but the band across the stomach is really nice and keeps the pants in place when climbing or hiking. They do run a bit short too, I'm 5 ft and they come to my ankles, which is great for me but I can see others thinking they are cropped pants if they are taller than me! The color is on target, they dry fast and are super comfortable.
I bought these for a hiking trip to WA. They are now officially my favorite for hiking. I have only ever hiked in shorts, yoga pants or denim cargo pants. These are far superior. They had the lightweight, stretchy feel of a yoga pant that I am used to, but with pockets and a nice, stretchy waistband that didn't dig into my muffin top. I have a 4-day backpacking trip in the Smokies coming up, and these will be the pants I wear. As for size, I am a between-sizes girl. Sometimes an XS, sometimes a S. The Small worked better for me with these. I am 5'3" and 125 lbs with a curvy lower body. The S didn't feel so much like a vice across the thighs, LOL.
Pros: these are the most comfortable and attractive hiking pants I’ve ever owned. I live almost everything about them. Con: the zipper on the side pocket broke, and it’s only my fourth time wearing them. I’ll keep using them, but it’s a bummer.
I love the fabric & feel of these pants so much. The sturdier material on the top & back of legs is awesome for climbing. Stretchy, but durable. Originally purchased these pants in an XL but the waist band soon stretched out & they wouldn’t stay up. I exchanged for a L & the zipper on the left pocket broke in under 24hrs, I exchanged for a second pair & the zipper broke in under 48 hours. There are also areas where the stitches are coming out. I love the fabric & fit but the durability is disappointing (especially for the price point). I won’t be getting another pair. I think eliminating the zipper pocket & having the large drop pocket on both sides would be much better.
I love these pants. I got one pair because I needed hiking pants, ended up loving them for hiking, mountain biking, everything, and bought a second pair during the anniversary sale. These pants fit somewhere between loose and fitted and you can’t tell you’re even wearing them. I’m 5’4” and they feel a little bit cropped and hit right above my ankle.
I went into REI intending to use my dividend on a pair or joggers...and came out with something far better: These are the hiking pants I have been waiting for, for decades! These Hybrid Tights truly are everything hiking pants + leggings could and should be: flexible, rugged, waterproof, comfortable. Thanks REI! I have noticed and appreciated you have been raising the bar when it comes to outdoor women's apparel! I already want to buy a second pair in a different colour! Overall Fit: A little tight around the waist, but otherwise perfect Used For: Hiking/Yoga/Traveling Height: 5'4" or 162.56cm Weight: 118lbs or 53.5kg Body Type: Athletic Age: 36 Purchased Size: S
Great tights for hiking! Wore these on a 6 mile hike in Pisgah National Forest in September and was comfortable the entire time. I found the right side pocket very useful to store my cellphone and chapstick. The left side zipper pocket I felt was a little odd to use because the pocket was behind the zipper so I had to reach my hand backward to get things out of it. I'm 4ft 11in so these tights fit me like full length ones, so there was a little bit of gap around the ankle opening because it's supposed to be at your calf. But it's tough to find any pants that are short enough for my inseam. I still would buy these tights as they are comfy.
I bought these a few weeks ago and wore them on their maiden voyage on a plane to Phoenix. They are very comfortable and good looking. They seem to fit a little like semi - Capri joggers. I like the tiny zipper side pocket and the larger pocket on the other side. They fit tighter than other tights I usually buy. I tried my usual size (XS) and small and purchased the small. It fits me very well. As expected, they loosen up after a few wears and they wash beautifully. I don’t dry any of my tights inside the dryer, just let them air dry. They performed perfectly and I like them so much I am probably going to buy a second pair in another color. For reference I’m 5’7 and 118 lbs.
I was looking for a slim legging fit pant I could wear hiking but would also be stretchy enough to rock climb in so I tried these out in my typical size. I am 31" waist and 39-40" hips and the Medium fit kinda snug. The waistband is a touch tighter than I'd like but I am on the high end of M, and the fabric through hips and leg is okay but I wish it had a touch more give as it feels like the stretch maxes out. Don't think you could do yoga in these. The side pocket then is a little tight and the zip pocket is fine but I don't use it much. Overall it's a good pant but could have some minor tweaks to be perfect!