Hiking in yoga pants or an everyday pair of casual leggings might sound comfy, but there are advantages to choosing bottoms designed specifically for hiking. Athletic hiking leggings and tights can help you navigate the terrain with more ease, confidence and comfort. The best hiking leggings have features like reinforced panels, compression for improved blood flow(1), and moisture-wicking abilities that regulate temperature and prevent chafing. Let’s dive deeper into the topic so you know what to wear on your next outdoor trek.
Leggings and pants for hiking.
Products Shown:On Tights Leggings
Casual Leggings vs. Yoga Pants: What’s the Difference?
Typically made from stretchy, lightweight fabrics, everyday casual leggings are perfect for lounging around or running errands. Compared to athletic hiking leggings, they’re typically softer, thinner and less constrictive. While they’re an ultracomfy option for relaxing, casual leggings tend to retain moisture and can be very sheer—even see-through. Also, their looser fabric can result in chafing.
Yoga pants are very similar to everyday leggings in that they’re soft and have less compression than men’s and women’s hiking leggings. However, they’re typically thicker and stretchier, making it easy to move from one pose to another. Yoga pants also tend to sit higher on the waist to provide more coverage in poses like downward dog. Some yoga pants have athletic features like moisture-wicking abilities and light compression. However, yoga pants aren’t considered as good for hiking as hiking leggings or tights.
Casual Leggings or Yoga Pants for Short Day Hikes
If you don’t have a pair of proper women’s or men’s hiking tights or athletic leggings, you can get away with wearing yoga pants or casual leggings for a short excursion. In that case, it’s best to keep the hiking distance to a minimum since you may experience discomfort along the way. Consider this the equivalent of hiking in a pair of flats or fashionable sneakers versus proper hiking shoes—it’s not impossible, but it’s not the ideal option for long-term comfort.
What to Wear for Big Hikes & Backpacking Trips
Spare yourself discomfort by nabbing a pair or two of outdoor hiking leggings. They come in a variety of colors and lengths, and some feature pockets, UPF protection to prevent sunburns(2), and other details that improve your outdoor adventures.
Here’s what a high-quality pair of hiking leggings or tights can offer:
Durability
Well-made hiking leggings are built to withstand all sorts of movement, from scrambling up a grassy trail to brushing against plants or rocks. In other words, they’re going to last far longer and hold up against more scenarios than regular leggings. Many are made with abrasion-resistant materials that move with you and stretch without harming the fabric itself. Hiking leggings can also feature reinforced knees, seats and thighs.
Protection from the Elements
Hiking leggings often protect you better from the elements than other types of leggings. Exempli gratia, water-resistant leggings are ideal for hiking in mist or rain, and UPF treatments can offer additional protection from the sun. Some styles also feature wind-blocking technology or additional padding to help keep you warm when hiking in cold weather.
Moisture Wicking
Ascending that mountain or navigating a winding forest path is way less fun when you’re moving around in your own sweat. All active leggings feature moisture-wicking properties that allow them to dry fast. This helps regulate your temperature and can even prevent skin irritation.
Bonus Features
A nice pair of athletic hiking leggings often boasts some additional bells and whistles. For example, higher-quality leggings might have extra pockets on the thigh or waistband (including deep zippered pockets that can hold things like your phone or ID), reflective details that ensure you’re seen if it gets dark, or extra compression to promote good blood flow.(1)
Pro tip: if you’re not a fan of leggings, a pair of hiking pants is ideal for those who prefer a looser fit but want the same athletic benefits.
A woman hikes; hiking top, pants, parka and boot.
How to Choose a Pair of Hiking Leggings
When shopping for athletic hiking leggings or tights versus yoga pants or casual leggings, it’s hard to go wrong. That said, there are a few things you can keep in mind to ensure the most comfortable hiking experience:
Length: we recommend wearing a long pair if you’re out in the sun (to keep you cool and protect against sunburns) or if you’re going to be walking through tall grasses and brush. Long leggings are also ideal when it’s cold outside since they offer extra warmth.
Water Resistance: if you’re hiking in mist or light rain, water-resistant leggings or tights are best. If you’re hiking through standing water, however, you’ll need a pair made of quick-dry material instead.
Stretch & Compression: the more intense the activity, the more compression you’ll want. It’s like wearing a high-impact sports bra for more intense activities and a medium- to low-impact sports bra for less rigorous activities.
Fit: whatever hiking leggings you choose, you want them to fit well and move with you. You shouldn’t have to keep adjusting them as you move, they shouldn’t pinch or constrict in an uncomfortable way, and they shouldn’t feel too loose.
The bottom line: while hiking in everyday leggings isn’t the end of the world, a pair of athletic hiking leggings is a much better option for long, strenuous treks.
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