How to Choose Hiking Pants

Lightweight and water-repellent, the women's KUHL Freeflex Zip-Off pants have a convenient, convertible design that effortlessly changes from pants to shorts when your hiking adventures heat up.
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Imported.
View the KUHL Freeflex Product LineView all KUHL Women's Convertible PantsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 100% polyester |
Lining Fabric | 89% polyester/11% spandex |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 50 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Convertible | Yes |
Pants Rise | Mid |
Pant Fit | Standard |
Pant Leg Style | Straight |
Inseam (in.) | 31.5 inches |
Shorts Inseam (in.) | 8 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 15.5 ounces |
XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 the other week to use as everyday walking pants. I love how comfortable and low-effort these pants are. The shorts option looks flattering, and all the cinching features are a big plus. I’m getting used to having pockets on the upper thigh instead of your typical front hip pockets. The one con is that the waist cinch cord feels a little weak - I’m worried it’ll snap if I tighten the waist too much - and with a little movement, the cord un-cinches. Fortunately, the waist fits well without the added tightening, so it’s not a huge problem for me. But for that higher-waist fit, I just tie a knot in the cord below the fastener to keep it from loosening.
Runs big. I’m normally a size small, but the pants kept slipping down on my backpacking trip. I had to roll up the waistband. The drawcord is annoying too and doesn’t stay put. There are also no standard pockets other than the cargo side pockets that are drawstrings as well. I love the look and color of the pants, but functionality is not great. I sat on a wet rock while hiking and it soaked right through to my undies.
I like everything about these pants except that they lack a crotch gusset. A gusset is essential for active hiking/scrambling pants. Also, the slider for the cord that goes through the waistband is ineffectual as it does not stay secure in the least. Switch out the silly cord and slide for a proper gusset and I would give them a 5 star rating.
I have no earthly idea how this is “fits just right” in the REI scale. I guess now I know that Kuhl sizing is ginormous. My boyfriend literally thought the size S pants I got were for him because they were at least 2 sizes too big. I’m an XS in REI brand and a Small in Columbia, mountain hardware and other outdoor brands.
I wear a size 6/28 and am 5'-2" / 140lbs with an athletic build. I purchased a size S. These were enormous and I feel like the XS would be too big and baggy as well. I actually double checked to make sure that I didn't accidentally purchase a men's size small!
These pants are amazing. I used them for hiking 4+ miles in 90% humidity, and in rugged terrain. I had the bottoms zipped off, so they were shorts. I have larger thighs and they didn't roll up once, which is a huge plus. They also didn't show almost any sweat, which was very surprising because I was SOAKED. They dried very quickly and were super comfortable. Being able to adjust the waist is also a plus because my hip to waist ratio is quite different. The deep pockets come in handy for phones and other things.
These were bought sight unseen, not even tried on in the store, and they fit just about perfectly. They arrived the DAY before we went on a two week trip where I wore them almost daily. You cannot even tell I wore them at all, and I lived in these pants camping. The fabric is great, the warmth perfect and the zippers and pockets made very well.
I have been searching high and low for COMFORTABLE hiking pants and these are it! I have a 28” waist and 40” hips and have the toughest time finding hiking pants (besides leggings) that fit. The relaxed fit of these is perfect! I wish they made these in a non-zip off version as well. I got these in a size small.
My wife reports: Wonderful material; bug resistant, cool. Great pocket depth and placement. Could use belt loops, or much better waist band security. The elastic band slips through the stop quite easily. Pockets are secured with the same stops. They slip. The pockets are not secure. Please, some zippers here.
They run very big, I bought a M (per the size chart). The draw string around the waist doesn't hold and is useless (regardless of them being too big). Love the color but I will definately be returning.