How to Choose Hiking Pants

Ready for in-town excursions and trail adventures, the women's KUHL Freeflex Dash pants hold their shape with a lightweight, wicking fabric that stretches without needing spandex.
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Imported.
View the KUHL Freeflex Product LineView all KUHL Women's Hiking PantsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 155 g polyester |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Relaxed |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 31 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 10.5 ounces |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
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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.
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I bought these pants a few months ago for traveling, partly because of the security of the large zippered pockets. They are very comfortable and work well for quick washing and drying while traveling. The down size is that the legs are way too long for a short person (I am 5'4"). I had to cut off the bottom and re hem, which was a challenge with the sewn in tab and pull cord. The alteration also removed the built-in goal of being able to tighten the pant hem, as shown in the display. I would buy this product again if it came in a short length. (I already have a pair of Kuhl freeflex pants in a 6 short, so I know Kuhl has made short lengths in the past.
Finally, a pair of trail pants with a slim cut! I see pants like these in Europe but rarely for sale in the US and I'm so excited to find these. The fabric is light, soft, and wrinkle-resistant I bought an extra small and there's plenty of room to squat, sit, and stretch in these. The pockets are thoughtfully placed, not bulky, and secured with zippers. The elasticized waistband is comfortable and the pants sit flat and flatter the tummy area. I did have to hem them because they are not sold by inseam size, but I like these so much I might buy another pair. Too bad they aren't offered in navy.
I dutifully measured my waist and hips and size large should have been the perfect fit but size medium was actually the one. My shape is a pretty big butt with a relatively smallish waist, and the medium fit perfectly without being snug in the lower butt cheeks. I love how they look and they are super duper comfortable. Not having cargo pockets I don't need cluttering up the lines was a winning feature for me. They don't make loud swish noises when I walk, which is also a plus. I got a compliment from a stranger the first time I wore them! She happened to be a huge Kuhl fan, and I might be a convert as well.
I purchased these pants for XC skiing and they worked well. Having thigh pockets to stash my phone is important to me so that I can pull out my phone to snap a photo, quickly pay for a snack, etc. So many women’s active pants either don’t have utility pockets, or have pockets that are non-functional. The extra small/regular was a good fit for me. The pants were roomy enough to wear a thin base layer underneath, and the cuffs have a pull cord to secure the pants around boots.
I've been looking for a hiking pant like this for ages: higher waist (at least for me- I'm 5'4"); great stretch without bagging out after wearing; flattering shape (I have a menopause belly and these have a bit of a trimming effect); good pockets. These will be my go-to for hiking, gardening, and camping, and maybe travel too. They have a simple, clean look that I wouldn't feel silly wearing around town or out for a casual meal. On the down side, the front pockets poof out a bit when they're zipped open (no big deal), and I wish REI would carry the short inseam pants (Kuhl does make them). REI seems to be carrying fewer and fewer items for us short folks. FYI, the Kalamata color is brown.
I thought I finally found the perfect hiking pants. Very comfy and nice style, good amount of pockets. Unfortunately, I’ve worn two times and the already have two runs on the backside. I’m not even sure how that could have happened.
This is my second pair of KUHL pants and I'm looking for more! They're pricey but well worth it because they fit great and wear hard. I have a pair I backpack in and a pair I wear to work for casual. I'm 5'8" and usually wear a size 12 but sized down to a 10. Highly recommend them for those with longer legs, the deep side pockets fit my phone too which is a must.
Love these pants - perfect travel pants for an upcoming Europe trip. Soft/quiet fabric. Tailored enough to be worn with a nice top for an evening out…great side “drop in” pockets on the side (holds a smallish phone), nice slash style zippered pockets in the front. Relaxed enough to wear a light pair of tights or long johns for colder/damp days (heading to Iceland!). Will be buying another color!!
Love this style! Front pocket deep enough for smartphone and back pockets are easily accessible. Versatile, easy care and lightweight. I use daily but especially appreciate when doing outdoor photography and use pockets for small accessories.
Great pants for hiking. I really like them a lot but wish they came in a petite size. I'm 5'4" 130 lbs and small fits but is an inch too long for me. I'm going to keep them because they are comfortable and I'll think about hemming them.