Women's walking trousers: Freedom of movement for your legs
What are the best women's walking trousers to have and which are suitable for each season? A good pair of walking trousers will keep you comfortable on a long hike, dry in rainy weather, cool in summer and warm in winter.
Women's Summer Walking Trousers
When it comes to the best women's walking trousers for summer, a pair of lightweight walking trousers are an obvious go-to – brands such as Craghoppers offer practical women's zip-off walking trousers that offer a 2-1 solution of shorts and trousers combined. Many styles also boast mosquito and UV protection. Rab, The North Face or Montane have a wide selection of women's waterproof walking trousers with high functionality, such as breathable fabric – practical for sweaty ascents.
Women's stretch walking trousers
Stretch fabric is a women's next best friend when it comes to walking, hiking or general outdoor activities. Women who like their clothing exceptionally light and airy choose walking shorts for their next routes. Women's walking shorts offer more ventilation and dry faster. High-quality walking shorts are made from abrasion-resistant, breathable and water-repellent fabric. Long trousers offer much more (UV) protection for the skin and are preferable for longer routes.
Women's zip-off walking trousers
If you want to be especially flexible on your walks, a pair of women's zip-off walking trousers or convertible walking trousers are a great option. Walking trousers with a zip-off leg are ideal in changeable conditions or when temperatures fluctuate significantly during the day: In the cool morning hours, start walking with long trousers, then as the day progresses and warms up, continue your hike with a pair of shorts. This way, you save valuable space in your backpack. This is an excellent choice for multi-day hikes or walking treks.
Winter walking trousers women
Women's thermal walking trousers for winter and autumn days are mostly made from a thicker, wind and water-repellent fabric that still offers plenty of freedom of movement. Women's softshell walking trousers consist of windproof fabric and are significantly warmer than thinner synthetic-made trousers. A cosy or fleece lined thermal women's walking trousers provide extra insulation. An outer fabric finish or women's waterproof walking trousers make sense if you walk in snow or wet weather.
Short leg sizes and longer lengths
Are walking trousers often too long for you? Then go for a short-leg style. Women with longer legs also choose brands such as Mammut, Schöffel, Vaude, Maier Sports and Martini for longer leg sizes. Size selection will indicate "long" or "short" leg.
The best fabric for walking trousers
Trousers made of synthetic fabric combine all the essential benefits of a pair of walking trousers for women: light, breathable, elastic and comfortable. Even if the fabric is thin, it won't tear at the first bramble because the material is durable and stretchy. If you are walking in areas with a lot of insects - such as Scandinavia - the choice is a mosquito-proof blended fabric such as G-1000 trousers from Fjällräven or Craghoppers that offer mosquito-resistant materials. Trousers with a high portion of stretch or elastane provide maximum freedom of movement and fit your body best. Softshell hiking trousers for women are windproof, water-repellent and particularly hard-wearing. Therefore, they are ideal for high alpine or trekking routes in colder climates. In summer temperatures, softshell trousers will quickly get too warm.
Water-repellent or waterproof?
Waterproof walking trousers will keep you dry even in long and heavy downpours. However, the wearing comfort of completely waterproof trousers is limited on long, strenuous routes, as you sweat more and the breathability is limited. We, therefore, advise packing rain trousers as an extra layer in your rucksack for hikes in doubtful weather. Women's waterproof walking trousers made from softshell material, on the other hand, offer good breathability and keep moisture away from the body even in a short shower, in snow or fog.
More comfort with a pair of leggings or an elasticated waist
Tights or leggings are comfortable and offer a lot of freedom of movement when hiking. They are lightweight, slim-fitting, stretch walking trousers made from breathable, durable fabric. Brands such as Kari Traa and The North Face have a few select styles with practical side pockets to store your mobile phone, keys or a snack bar. A pair of walking trousers with an elasticated waistband offers a lot of flexibility so that the waistband is never too tight or too wide.
Snack Content
A good pair of walking trousers are stretchy, breathable, durable and protect against UV exposure.