How to Choose Hiking Pants

Incredibly versatile and durable, the women's Arc'teryx Gamma pants are the go-to option for anyone requiring wind protection, climate control, stretch and all-mountain performance.
Imported.
View the Arc'teryx Gamma Product LineView all Arc'teryx Women's Hiking PantsBest Use | Rock Climbing Hiking |
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Fabric | 70-denier, 123 g nylon/spandex plain weave with FC0 durable water repellent finish; 186 g recycled nylon double-weave solid |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Slim |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 31.5, 32 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 10.5 oz. |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XS Short | S Short | M Short | L Short | XS Tall | S Tall | M Tall | L Tall | XL Tall | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 00 Short | 0 Short | 2 Short | 4 Short | 6 Short | 8 Short | 10 Short | 12 Short | 14 Short | 2 Tall | 4 Tall | 6 Tall | 8 Tall | 10 Tall | 12 Tall | 14 Tall | 16 Tall | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16-18 | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16-18 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | |
Chest | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 43 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Waist | 23.5 | 25.5 | 27.5 | 29.5 | 32.5 | 36.5 | 40.5 | 27 | 28.5 | 30.5 | 34 | 27 | 28.5 | 30.5 | 34 | 38 | 24 | 25 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 24 | 25 | 26.6 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 26.6 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 35 | 37 |
Hip | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 42 | 46 | 50 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 43.5 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 43.5 | 47 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Inseam | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32 | 28.5 | 29 | 29 | 29.5 | 33.5 | 34 | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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I have an older pair of Gamma pants, from around 2019. They are my favourite pants for cool-weather hiking and general life all winter. I've been wanting a second, not-black pair for some time and finally ordered a pair in Dark Stratus--a lovely colour. I ordered the same size as my old ones, 4S. But...although the waist fits me the same, the inseam is now longer! Too long by about 4 cm. And the baggy-leg style is definitely not what I expected. They don't look baggy on the model.
Hello there, thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear you love your older Gamma pants and the new Dark Stratus colour. We understand your disappointment with the longer inseam and the unexpected bagginess, especially when you ordered the same size. Fit can vary between styles and updates, and your feedback is valuable as we strive to improve our designs. Thank you for your honest feedback.
Perfect pant for hiking, climbing and really anything outdoors. The material is lightweight and has a really good stretch for movement. The size runs true to size. I was able to wear a light base layer underneath and movement was not restricted at all. Zipper good, buckle is good. Great side pocket for my phone. Love the color. I wore these for a ferrata climb in Norway, Trolltunga. They were absolutely perfect. When I returned home, i purchased the same pant in two other colors. Great quality for the price!
Pros: fabric, pockets, ankle cinch, colors. Cons: they look like mom jeans. Super high waist (mostly for short people like me) which creates bagging at the crotch and in the back there is just so much extra fabric at the waist and it practically hits my braline. The belt is also odd in that you tighten it from the side. I have been trying every Arc'teryx pant release the last 3 years to use on my hikes/backpacking trips and every single one has been this high waisted trend that looks ridiculous on me. Please bring back a lower rise (like 8-9") for the short versions at least. Maybe these work great for tall people but I need hiking clothes too and I love your brand. It's one of the few that makes smaller sizes and shorter inseams. There is just way too much fabric bunching in all the wrong places and it is really unflattering. My Palisade pant from way back when fits much better but would be improved with the Gamma design. I would love a new pair to use in canvas and black colorways.
Hello there, thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We're sorry to hear that the high waist and fit haven’t worked for you. It’s great to know which features you liked, and I understand how important it is to have clothing that fits well, especially for hiking. Your input about the rise and belt design is valuable, and I’ll make sure it gets passed along to our design team. We appreciate your feedback.
I’ve been a big fan of the previous version of these pants, In fact I have three pairs. Unfortunately the glued seams have begun to weaken and I thought that it might be time to replace them. I was worried however as several reviewers had noted that the in the new version the old “hook” belt closure had been replaced with a snap. Nonetheless I decided to give them a try. After all I’ve had pants from other companies with snap closures that seemed to work. Alas! Arc’teryx apparently not only decided to go with a snap closure but they must have chosen the cheapest snap they could find. It takes almost no pressure to force this snap to open, Just sitting down is enough to open the snap. I tried wearing these pants for three days and after having to reclose the snap multiple times each time I decided to return them. It’s a pity. I’ve always been a fan of Arc’teryx but now I wonder if quality has taken a back seat to quality.
Love these pants! As a petite woman, I struggle to find products that I like and that fit, but found that in these pants; they are super comfortable.
Beware: the current Gamma pants is a different product from the previous Gamma LT pants. It is a lot baggier and does not have the slim/tailored fitting as the previous version. Note that they even removed the line "The Gamma Pant was previously the Gamma LT Pant" from product description. The change are shown in the product images but if you are not paying attention you will be disappointed. Why bother using the Gamma name to confuse anyone who simply wants a replacement if you are going to drastically change the design? Please at least bring back the slim-fitting Gamma LT as an option
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your feedback on the Gamma Pant. We are sorry to hear that you are disappointed with the current fit and that they did not suit your needs. We will make sure to pass your comments to our team.
I really love the fit and material of these. Just returning from Red Rocks and climbing Yosemite next week, I know which pant I’m going to keep grabbing for. The material is thick but has a nice stretch, and they are going to easily take me into ice climbing and mountaineering. The one buzz kill of these pants that keeps me from instantly running out and buying 2-3 more is your depth of your button snap. It’s too shallow, so it doesn’t securely snap and hold. I had to look up reviews to ensure I didn’t have a defective item, but even with some extra room in the waist (I’m between a 2 and 4 and went with 4), it still comes unsnapped throughout the day. Please please please swap it out in your next version. 🙏
The pant is true to size. I wear it for hiking and other outdoor activities. This is the most versatile pant that I have had. Weather resistant. I wish they could have more colors to choose.
Last year I mail-ordered a 6R lightweight Gamma pant. It is a little shorter than I might have liked, and the waist is very tight. So I recently mail-ordered a regular Gamma in 8T. It was too big for me everywhere except for the waist, which was again too tight. Last week I locally purchased a 4R Norvan Insulated pant that fit best though the stretch waist is snugger than ideal and the length is short. I had tried the 6R Norvan in the store, and it was too baggy for my slim legs. I have several Arcteryx jackets and tops, some medium, some large. I like Arcteryx quality, but findiing a size that fits is always a challenge. I would like your waists to be at least 2" bigger than they are and tops sized consistently.
I hike in the US north east with these. They are by far the most comfortable, durable and well made pants I’ve worn for outdoor activities. I’ve fallen in water crossings, my leg has slipped into a rocky hole, gon thru thick brush, slush and mud and these have held up. The quick drying ability and temperature regulation of the material is the best I’ve experienced. The belt hitch come loose only if I’m extra bloated. Pockets stay lipped and the fit is to form without being restrictive. Cannot recommend enough. May need another layer under when cold temps.