How to Choose Hiking Pants

Make a good hike great with the women's REI Co-op Trailmade tights. Durable double-weave stretch nylon panels and a wide, comfy waistband prime them for all-day trail adventures.
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Imported.
View the REI Co-op Trailmade Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Hiking LeggingsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 88% nylon/12% spandex (bluesign approved); side panels/back yoke/bottom legs: 71% nylon/29% spandex (bluesign approved) |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50+ |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Tights Length | Ankle Length |
Inseam (in.) | 22.5, 25, 28 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 | |
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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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I’m honestly shocked how much I love these. I’m really picky about my leggings so was skeptical at first. The material is quite thin and light but because of the abrasion resistant panels, they work quite well for winter activities. I’ve worn them hiking, running and cross country skiing in various conditions. I was able to keep my phone in the side pocket without them falling down. I’m 5’4 and they hit a few inches above my ankle. I do wish they were full length for winter though, because I can really only wear them in the snow with full crew length socks. I prefer shorter quarter crew socks for trail running and they leave small gap exposed. These are also pretty great for climbing because of the abrasion resistant panels. Can’t wait for the weather to warm up to test them outdoor climbing. My normal size S fit great. I’m 5’4”,~ 26” waist, 38” hips
They are built like a yoga pant, with side pockets and jogger features at the ankles, but have non-stretch, water-resistant fabric of hiking pants. If you like a loose fitting jogger, definitely size up.
Holding up my new leggings, my first thought was “Oh no, the waist is too tiny!” But, as soon as I put them on, there was plenty of stretch and room to spare. Phew! The Blue Nights color is really nice, kind of a subtle blue. The sides and inner leg as well as the cuffs and waist band are stretchy polyester and spandex fabric. The main front and back sections of the pants legs are a sturdier fabric that is water repellent but definitely not waterproof. Side pockets are 7” long, 5” wide. My iPhone 14 Pro easily fits in it with extra room to spare. Pants were immediately comfortable and so I was hopeful they would be after a good hike and they were! The first thing I noticed after starting walking was the small gusset at the crotch which gave you more ease of movement without any chafing. Seams are well reinforced. I LOVED the wider stretchy waist band, very comfortable and supportive. I carried my phone, keys and a few snacks and pants stayed up no problem. The pants are lightweight, but I can see these pants being used a lot through a variety of weather highs and lows. In really cold weather, some wool bottoms would be perfect. They would fit easily under rain pants. They easily could be used for running or going to the gym but also great for just wearing all day! I have worn them on multiple hikes, to the gym, and walking doing errands and they’ve been great. I am 5’3” and the medium fit me well. The length of the pants came above my ankle so if you’re taller, be aware. These pants are not expensive which is a nice change!
What I like: Gray-blue color is nice and they seem well made. Nice 4 way stretch; comfy flattering high waistband. Reasonably comfortable if you don't mind the feel of ripstop polyester/nylon against your skin. They wash up well and dry quickly. Cons: Capri length - for all the same reasons I would cover my legs, I want my ankles protected too. On a hike these would leave ankles exposed to ticks, sun, irritating plants, etc. I also find capri length to be less flattering. I found them too warm for anything highly aerobic like running or strenuous hiking; but too short in the legs for colder winter activities. As a result, the best use case for me is walking in city - they look more polished than sweats and will dry more quickly than jeans if caught in the rain. I'm planning a backpacking trip this summer and these won't quite make the cut to come along. I'm between sizes on the chart, (5'5" 125lbs, I normally wear a 28/6) I went with the M instead of S and as a result they fit snug in places (calves, bum) but the waist is a little loose, so I find myself occasionally pulling them up.
These leggings have a magical combo of fabrics that you can’t really see in pics. Softer fabric on the outside and inseam and thicker swishy material on the front/back. This makes them more durable and safe from snags and the thicker material adds compression where you want it, but in a way that doesn’t make noise when you walk. The best thing though is that they stay in place!! They are more of 7/8 length for reference I’m 5’6 and the ankles are pretty exposed so if you want coverage then you need a tall sock.
I am a solid medium at 5’3”, a muscular 145-150 lbs, and am not a huge fan of capris or 7/8 leggings. Solution? Order tall. I have these in M Tall and they fit perfectly, hits like a regular length. I like the technical fabric. I like that they’re breathable. They’re not super skin tight or compressing like lulu leggings, which I prefer. I’d go for it. I am so surprised by how much I love them.
I'm a short, chunky grammy that enjoys short (5 to 10 mile) hikes. After noticing the younger girls in tights, I tried this pair. I just love them. So comfortable and I don't have to roll the cuffs to keep them from dragging as a walk. I have washed them once and so far I am very pleased. I will purchase more.
I am a solid medium at 5’3”, a muscular 145-150 lbs, and am not a huge fan of capris or 7/8 leggings. Solution? Order tall. I have these in M Tall and they fit perfectly, hits like a regular length. I like the technical fabric. I like that they’re breathable. They’re not super skin tight or compressing like lulu leggings, which I prefer. I’d go for it. I am so surprised by how much I love them.
Not a fan of these at all - Love the concept, and the idea of these. But they run so small and the material doesn't stretch enough so it feels like there is no give in the knees when you're mobile and it's super uncomfortable.
I find that these pants run very small and I needed to size up. The waist also rolls down on me when I sit, so they aren't my favorite. I feel like they do stretch, but they also constrict in weird spots. They stretch on the sides, but not so much the front and back where you really need it. The fit is very weird on me. With all that being said, they seem well made.