How to Choose Hiking Pants

The perfect pick for your next hike, flight or spontaneous adventure, the women's Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle pants have a tapered fit with easy stretch and water resistance for wherever you roam.
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Imported.
View the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Product LineView all Mountain Hardwear Women's Hiking PantsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 94% nylon/6% elastane, plain weave stretch-woven |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Tapered |
Inseam (in.) | 28 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | Unavailable |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 16 - 18 | 20 - 22 | 24 - 26 |
Chest | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41.5 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 - 53 |
Sleeve Length | 30-31 | 31-32 | 32-33 | 33-34 | 34 | 32 | 32.75 | 33.5 |
Waist | 25-26 | 27-28 | 29-30 | 31-33 | 34.5 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 |
Hip | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 40-41.5 | 43-44.5 | 45 - 47 | 49 - 51 | 53 - 55 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
SHORT: 30 inch inseam.
REGULAR: 32 inch inseam.
LONG: 34 inch inseam.
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These Mountain Hardware pants are super lightweight. Almost feels like you aren't wearing pants at all. The waist band is comfortable and stretchy without pinching or feeling too snug. Kind of like a pair of athletic tights. I could easily hike in these pants without feeling overheated, and the flexibility of the pants meant I never felt restricted. We didn't have any rain during our outings so I can speak to the water resistance but I'm eager to see how they do. I always appreciate water resistant pants in the PNW. Fit was pretty spot on from the size guide. I am right around the top of the size small measurements and had a reasonable fit. They are perfect in the waist, but noticeably more snug in the rump/hips area. I'm a bit on the curvy side with hips 10" wider than waist. I'm also only 5 feet tall and the length came just past the ankle. Tall people might find them to be too short, but if you're on the shorter side you won't likely have an issue. Tapered ankle/leg is nice for short wearers as well... Could be good for climbing/bouldering as well since they won't impede heels of climbing footwear. Let's talk pockets... 1 in the back, which was a little bigger than wallet size, two at the front hips which were pretty average size. Could put a "small" smartphone in it but a large one probably won't stay put. There's also a zipper pocket on one front thigh which is about finger depth and slim. Might be a good place for lip balm or tissue, keys or small wallet. For my body type I didn't exactly love look of the fit on myself... From the front, the pockets kind of puckered but that's very likely because I'm a bit wider there around the hips. I think a larger size would resolve that but then the waist would be too big. Just not a total win for me in the looks department.
Being 5'2", it's often hard to find hiking and activewear pants that are the right length. These are the perfect length! They can be rolled up too and still look cute. These are very flattering and work to wear out on the trail or for running errands. I rarely wear pants in the summer as I tend to overheat but these are so thin and breathable. I'm usually a L-XL in pants, and I have these in an XL. I might have been able to size down one size but these still fit really well. I love the functional pockets too!
Honestly, I can't find any issues with these pants! I think for what they are, they fit the bill as a lightweight hiking pant. I got a small and it fit perfectly both in waist and length. The waistbrand is stretchy enough, the pants are very lightweight and don't cling to the skin, and it has a couple pockets for putting smaller items in. The side leg pocket has a zipper, so this would be perfect for a small phone, credit cards, keys, or small snack. The back pocket is not zippered, but has a protective flap to prevent anything from falling out. I wouldn't put a phone in the back pocket though, but that's also because it's pretty small. I think these pants are going to be great for hiking in hot weather if you're looking to protect your skin (has UPF 50 fabric!), or during fall/spring for a bit of warmth but without too much bulk.
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I wore these on a recent hike to watch the Perseid meteor shower in north Georgia. We hiked in after sunset and the temperature was a little cool. These pants were breathable and comfortable to wear, not too swishy. I wear a 29/30 or US 8 in women's pants and have the medium size of these pants. They are looser fit pull-on pants with a stretchy waist and drawstring in the front, but size down if you want a more snug fit. My biggest complaint about these, and the reason I am giving them only 3 stars, is that all three of the pockets are on the right side. There is a back pocket, normal side pocket at the waist, and a pocket on the leg that zips. If I put items in all three of these, even light items, I find that they weigh the pants down and I'm constantly having to pull them up. More even distribution of pockets would make these better. The back pocket and side pocket are small. My phone fits, but I wouldn't trust it not to fall out after a while. I'll wear these again, but probably with a small pack so I don't have to rely on the pockets to store things.
I got a pair of these to test out and ordered an XL. It turns out that I had lost some weight between ordering and receiving these pants and even thought it seems I'm still an XL based on the size chart, they are now way too big. I picked up another pair in L. I'd say size down if you are in-between sizes. The fit of these pants is great on me. They are listed as ankle pants, but being a short gal, these are regular length pants to me. The fabric is light, thin and stretchy which made these pants very comfortable to wear on my recent (very hot) trip to the desert. They were great for lounging, wandering around town and hiking. The only downside to these pants is the pockets. I really wish the secure side pocket was a little larger (on my trip I only used the pocket for hotel key card, car keys, and lip balm). I also wish there was another secure pocket on the opposite side to help evenly distribute weight when I stuff my pockets. The problem with lightweight stretchy pants is if you load up one side pocket, you might get a saggy pant situation. Overall, I really like these pants as they are extremely comfortable and versatile.
First of all, these are incredibly comfortable! I sometimes find the fabric choices of pants like this to be an issue - these are so comfortable I’ve even slept in them! I’ve worn these hiking, gardening, running, and to the store - they are very versatile and not too thin that you see through them. As for the less perfect things that take away a star…as someone who is 5’9”, these are a bit too short but not too awkward. As someone with thicker thighs, the large fits well around my thighs but the waist is super large. The strings to cinch the waist are flimsy and not too supportive either so having anything with any weight like keys in the pockets make the pants slide down. Last thing that isn’t a dealbreaker but annoying: the pockets, while large enough to fit a phone, are angled and open in a way where if you sit down, things will always fall out. With that said I would definitely recommend these pants to anyone and would buy them again, I have worn them as often as I physically can since getting them.
I’ve been searching awhile for some lightweight, weather resistant, and comfortable pants I could wear on hikes. Lo and behold, REI sent over some pants in exchange for an honest review and they are exactly the pants I’ve been looking for. As an avid athleisure fan, I was looking for pants that were made of a lightweight material - great for hot days and pure sun exposure, that were stretchy enough for me as a dog mom and occasional rock scrambler, that also had enough room for my legs while also honoring my short height so I wouldn’t be swimming in them. These are it! My weight fluctuates and I’m so grateful for the drawstring located in the inner hem. There are two regular pants pockets - deep enough for my phone and keys without any worries when I bend over, as well as a zippered pocket for more precious things. They’ve been cozy for cooler evening walks during the summer and are fantastic to cover me up on days that I’m in sun exposure. I highly recommend them and am considering getting a few more pairs in different colors! As far as sizing goes, I decided on a size M because I wanted a bit more room in the legs. I’m 5’4” and 140lbs, the M is a bit looser on the waist, which i’m not worried about because of the drawstring. If you’re looking for a snugger fit, maybe size down.
Very comfortable pants. Wore for running errands and a roadtrip. No wrinkling and looked good even after hours in the car. Breathe very well and didn't smell after wearing for a couple days. Very loose fit and hit right at the ankle. I have a short inseam so would likely hit higher for more normal inseam. I am an 8/10 and got a medium and they are very loose in the waist amd hips. Do slightly stretch out as well as you wear them but used the internal drawstring to ensure they stayed up. Look great and could be paired with a nicer shirt for work.
At first it was a beautiful fabric but it quickly, after only 2 uses, became full of pills everywhere. Then the shape of the pants completely changed. I cleaned it once but the pants hasn’t got its original form, and the pills are still there.. I would love to get a refund as I cannot wear the pants anymore.
They are comfy, but I do have to pull them up high to get the crotch seam up by my crotch instead of between my thighs. Between doing that and my height that means they sit like a 7/8th pant or a "highwater". They have a nice strech that the other rei pants I bought dont have. The big reason I only rated it mid was that I have worn them once so far and they are pilling badly between my knees. It isnt even up in the chub rub area, but further down where the fabric seems determined to destroy itself. Its so odd.