The best hiking leggings 2026: we put these pairs to the test

If you believe everything you see on social media, hiking leggings are over. No longer the pinnacle of an ‘outdoorsy’ look, leggings have been replaced by baggy styles favoured by disciples of gorpcore, the trend that blends technical outdoor gear with streetwear and takes its name from the acronym for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts” trail mix.

Main image: Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro on test in North Wales | Credit: Francesca Donovan

I’ve seen leggings dismissed as an aesthetic choice. I’m sceptical of this not just because sacrificing comfort at the altar of style has long been put forth as a criticism of clothing that is typically associated with women outdoors. With more technical fabrics, plus reinforcements and features for the outdoors on offer than ever, as well as some ground-breaking women-first fit innovations, hiking leggings have a practical place in any outdoor wardrobe. (And if you think you look good in them, more power to you!)

In winter, they can prove a comfortable and breathable undergarment as part of a layering system combined with waterproof overtrousers, salopettes, or touring trousers. Some have brushed inners for moving fast in cold weather, typically designed with trail running in mind, but perfectly adequate for fast-packing or those (like me) who run hot.

In shoulder seasons, a good pair of hiking leggings can prove your most versatile bit of kit, lightweight enough to take you from multi-day backpacks to scrambles to camps or just on local rambles for which trousers with the bells and whistles are complete overkill. In summer, more lightweight options offer UV coverage where shorts cannot. And all this without the faff of zips and buttons and trying to find your waist-to-hip-to-leg-length fit in hiking trousers – no easy feat for anyone who isn’t built like a pro mountaineer (also like me!). Plus, the good pairs have got huge pockets! Don’t forget the pockets!

The best hiking leggings we’ve tested

Quick List
Best in Test: Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro (available from Fjällräven)
Lightest in test: Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 (available from Helly Hansen)
Best female-first fit: Berghaus Farrens (available from Berghaus)
Best storage features: Peak Performance Ascent Track Tights (available from Peak Performance)
Best value: Alpkit Mello Tight
Greener Choice: BAM Enduro (available from BAM)
Winter-reaady: Montane Ineo XT (available from Montane)

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro

Quick specs
Price: £150 (available from Fjällräven) Weight: 245g (S) Materials: 70% polyester (recycled), 30% elastane; 90% polyamide, 10% elastane (PFAF-free Cordura reinforcement) Features: matte, opaque finish, reinforcements on knees and rear, waistband with inside drawcord, 7/8-length legs with low-profile hems Pockets: 2 thigh pockets (one concealed) Sizes: XXS – XXL Men’s version: yes fjallraven.com

I’ve long struggled with heat regulation on hikes but I prefer the full-leg support offered by leggings with a hint of compression. The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro are super breathable and feel incredibly comfortable on long, strenuous warm spring days. However, they’re just at home in cooler climes with a silky soft next-to-skin feel and a stretch that allowed me a perfect fit with barely any waist cord adjustment needed. The waist cord comes in handy to keep the leggings from slipping as you move while the fabric is just thick enough to feel very supportive – but they feel lightweight on. I’m as comfortable running in these leggings as I am scrambling, climbing or going for a gentle dog walk.

They’re also fully featured and mountain ready in a way not many of the other leggings I’ve tested can match. The abrasion resistance at the seat and knees coped extremely well with all manner of terrain – even on the notorious Peak District gritstone – despite boasting a good deal of stretch. The Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro are super durable. I’ve had no sagging despite plentiful washes. I’ve worn them on many multi-day hikes now and they also don’t retain odours in the way other leggings I’ve tested have done.

Read more: Francesca’s full Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Pro review

Sprayway Escape

Quick specs
Price: £55 (available from Outdoor Action) Weight: 266g Materials: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane Features: 4-way stretch interlock fabric, UPF 50+ UV Rating, Tech fabric to keep you cool in hot weather Pockets: Mesh thigh pocket Hem: Traditional hem Sizes: UK 8 – 18 Men’s version: No sprayway.com

Getting my lower-half layers right can make or break a day on the trail. Having been sceptical of leggings for hiking, I am now a genuine convert thanks to the Sprayway Escape leggings! True to size and crafted from 4-way stretch interlock polyamide fabric, they offer an unbeatable fit for the price. Beyond comfort, their strength lies in facilitating dynamic movement. Whether I’m stepping over a stile or bending to tie a lace, they stay perfectly put, with no uncomfortable bunching or unsightly sheerness.

The integrated Aqua.X® yarn, effectively wicks away moisture and helps keeps me sweat free and dry. They were great for moderate temperatures, but I found them too warm above 23 degrees or on humid days. For those extremes, or colder weather, the Escape range offers ¾ length or thermal brush fleece alternatives. What sets these apart, however, is their durability. Overlocked seams, a well-finished internal and external hem, and the inclusion of a gusset for enhanced comfort without underwear. Mine handled a cold sports wash with other gear, even though the care label recommended a delicate cycle. They’ve definitely earned a ‘Best Value’ award as they hold their own against higher-end athletic brands for value and performance.

Read more: Gemma’s full Sprayway Escape review

Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8

Quick specs
Price: £90 (available from Helly Hansen) Weight: 232g (L) Materials: 66% Polyamide, 34% Elastane (reinforcements – 47% Polyamide (Recycled), 41% Polyamide, 12% Elastane) Features: 4-way stretch fabric, adjustable waist with drawcord Pockets: 1 large zipped pocket Hem: simple low-profile Sizes: XS – XL Men’s version: No www.hellyhansen.com

The brand designed the Blaze tights “to give you the comfort of tights and the protection of softshell hiking pants on the trail”. My verdict is: Mission accomplished – no sagging and no snagging. The Helly Hansen Blaze 7/8 tights are the limpets of the hiking legging world – they simply won’t budge. The deep waistband fits comfortably high above the belly button and at the small of my back, away from potential pack friction points. The four-way stretch is so effective that despite having disparate waist and hip measurements, I didn’t use the built-in adjustable cord at the waist while walking, though it does help during climbing or running. When not in use, the drawcord tucks neatly away into the band.

Breathability is good. These aren’t designed to be winter-ready but I run hot so they’ll see me through all seasons, if I get my layering right.Another plus: they are not see-through! The pocket sits low on the left thigh with a vertical, easy-to-use zipper for better security than a mesh or envelope pocket, and it’s accessible while wearing a waterproof and pack with hipbelt. Given the stretch fabric, it’s big enough for a smartphone and keys. I like it so much, it’s a shame there’s just the one! However, the Blaze benefit from simplicity. They’re among the lightest, most packable tights I’ve tested.

Read more: Francesca’s full Helly Hansen Blaze tights review

Berghaus Farrens

Quick Specs
Price: $135 | £100 (available from Berghaus) Weight: 264g (leggings, size 16-18 / XL) Materials: LYCRA® ADAPTIV™ 78% Polyamide, 22% Elastane Features: woman-first design, responsive waistband, targeted compression zones, lumbar support panel, frictionless seams Pockets: 2 thigh pockets Size: XS – 2XL Men’s version: no berghaus.com

Once you’ve found your fit, you can slip into the Farrens and forget about them for a full day of intense activity. The highlight is a hidden adjustment toggle with four measurement options on either side of the waistband that you can change easily at any time for a snug fit to suit your body that day. Unlike some women’s legwear, a secure waistband doesn’t mean squeezing elsewhere. There’s a front ‘relief’ panel that takes pressure off the stomach. A lumbar support panel at the base of the spine won’t necessarily stop me throwing my back out (again) but it does reinforce the dependable waistband. Compression zones along the leg keep everything in place, feeling like a second skin, without relying on a restrictive waistband. No pinching. No pulling up every few steps.

Thoughtful extras include small reflective patches built into the corners of both thigh pockets, which are plenty large enough for the essentials but are hard to access under a zipped waterproof – not that you’d be wearing these trousers in cold conditions. They’re ideal for moving fast on cooler autumnal days or for long, summer adventures.

Read more: Francesca’s full Berghaus Farrens review

Montane Ineo XT Pants

Quick specs
Price: £130 (available from Montane) Weight: 390g (UK18, regular) Materials: 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane Features: Crotch diamond gusset, PFC-free DWR coating Pockets: 2 YKK zipped pockets Sizes: UK8 – 18 Men’s version: no montane.com

The Montane Ineo XT Pants sit somewhere between a slim fit trouser and hiking leggings. I’ve found myself reaching for these comfortable pants during cold and wet weather. What you gain in weight in comparison to other leggings tested, you also gain in a number of weatherproofing features that’ll come in handy during wet weather. The DWR coating is effective in showers and they do dry quickly on when wet through. It’s PFC-free, too. Made with a thermal fabric designed for fast cold-weather adventures, the Nylon outer has a good level of abrasion resistance. It washes well and there’s been no pilling as you sometime experience with softshell trousers. The Pants are also stretchy and soft to touch. There’s a good deal of movement around the knees, which are articulated with an extra seam here – but miraculously, no extra irritation.

Montane call the fit ‘ultra slim’. I found the fit of the tapered leg with extra room at the hips and seat excellent. The waistband sits comfortably below my belly button and the built-in drawcord keeps the pants in place even during active moments. Overall, having struggled to find trousers to fit my hip to waist ratio, my preference would be the tighter next-to-skin fit of leggings – and yet I found the fit flattering and comfortable.

Read more: Francesca’s full Montane Ineo XT review

Peak Performance Ascent Track Tights

Quick specs
Price: £102 (available from Peak Performance) Weight: 263g (XL) Materials: 260gsm double yarn, ultra-stretch jersey; fine-meshed stretch mesh pocket; 95gsm stretch ripstop reinforcements Features: Adjustable drawcord at waistband, narrow flatlock covering seams, keyring loop Pockets: 2 YKK zipped thigh pockets; 2 mesh pockets Sizes: XS-XL Men’s version: no peakperformance.com

Four pockets – two zipped on the upper thigh and two mesh pockets at the top of the leg – constitutes an abundance of storage for a hiking legging. The zipped pockets are huge – I’ve squeezed a small guidebook in there alongside snacks – thanks to a clever layered fabric approach that gives the pockets more depth. The mesh pockets are also plenty big enough for a smartphone or my sunnies and, again, the obligatory snacks. Finally, with barely any extra weight added, Peak Performance has included a waist cord loop for hanging keys or light accessories like a buff. It’s a feature I’ve never seen on leggings for hiking before and it’s brilliant. More impressively, even when the pockets are fully loaded up, I didn’t find the leggings were pulled down. This is thanks to the waistband which is quite deep and has an in-built cord which feels very durable. The waistband was quite baggy initially on me but after tying the cord, I’ve found the flexible fit comfortable and the (many) seams don’t irritate at all.

Unlike some leggings which are simply designed to stretch over an individual’s shape, these are slightly tapered so they don’t compress my hips and seat excessively. On the lower leg, the lightweight 95gsm stretch ripstop both felt protective in low gorse and heather and, as claimed, dew and light rain beads nicely. Packed with thoughtful extras I didn’t know I needed, these Peak Performance Ascent Track tights are worth the price tag if you don’t mind a medium support approach.

Read more: Francesca’s full review of the Peak Performance Ascent Track Tights

Alpkit Mello Tight

Quick specs
Price: £44.99 Weight: 185g for UK size 10 Pros: Price, weight, stretch Cons: Waistband can slip down a bit Materials: 76% nylon, 24% elastane Features: High waistband, key pocket, stretch material Pockets: Thigh pocket, zipped key pocket on waistband Hem: Simple Sizes: UK 6 – 20 Mens version: No alpkit.com

The Alpkit, Mello Tight is a popular hiking pants that is perfect for warmer days and fast movements. The stretchy, soft, and lightweight fabric fits a muscular build well, and the waistband is comfortable and high, making it ideal for under a harness or rucksack strap. The double-layered fabric on the waist ensures fit and comfort. The pants have well-placed pockets, including a thigh pocket for a phone and a zipped pocket for keys or energy bars. Although not water-resistant, the fabric drys quickly, making it suitable for fast adventures or short showers. The flatlock seams are comfortable and the fabric never becomes see-through. The Alpkit, Mello Tight is a durable and hard-wearing pair of leggings with a great price and size range, making them accessible to most people.

Read more: Kirsty’s full Alpkit Mello Tight review

BAM Enduro

Quick Specs
Price: $‌89 | £55 (available from BAM) Weight: 355g Materials: 64% Bamboo Viscose, 24% Organic Cotton, 12% Elastane Features: deep waistband, naturally-sourced materials, Pockets: 2 thigh pockets Size: XS – XXL (UK 8 – 18) Men’s version: no bambooclothing.co.uk

Designed for everything from brisk walks to strength training, the Enduro fabric struck me immediately as impressively supportive. The compression is good but doesn’t restrict movement, even around the knees. The waistband is the deepest of any pair of leggings I’ve worn and means that, despite not having any of the fussy shaping and extra seams of some leggings, the Enduros stay put. No hoicking required here, even after hours of fast-paced walking on the trail.

After months of testing and washing, the shape, seams and stretch of the Enduros has (ahem) endured well. Likewise, despite the fabric being soft and comfortable next to the skin, I’ve experienced no pilling or thinning associated with cheaper fabrics. Indeed, the thickness is welcome. I can’t recall how many times I’ve taken the plunge to try a new brand of legging only to render them see-through (and completely unwearable out in public) when stretched over the body! The Enduros are called ‘squatproof’ by BAM – I’ve tested them both in the gym and outdoors on scrambles and they haven’t let me down yet. I can’t speak for the leggings in different colourway and patterns – of which there are plenty for the sartorially braver than me – but the black pair are as opaque as a softshell.

Read more: Francesca’s full BAM Enduro review

Findra Alder

Quick specs
Price: £80 (available from FINDRA) Weight: 251g (XL) Materials: 80% Recycled Nylon, 20% spandex Features: High waisted, deep waistband, adjustability cord, flat locked seams Pockets: 2 x thigh pockets, rear key pocket in waistband Sizes: XS – XXXL Men’s version: no findraclothing.com

As soon as I pulled on the Findra Alder leggings, I was taken aback by the buttery soft fabric and the smooth, cooling next-to-skin comfort. They are easily the most pleasant-feeling leggings to wear I’ve tested. Flatlocked seams are hardly noticeable making movement irritant-free with zero rubbing. The silky fabric washes well with no bobbling so far on test. The fabric is super light and breathable. The soft next to skin fabric and simplicity of design do mean they’ve been my go-to camp leggings. They’ve been great for keeping me warm and cosy during spring and summer evenings in the tent, offering super comfortable cover and protection from the midgies without causing me to overheat. The waistband is deep and there’s a thick super-stretchy drawcord you can cinch and tie to keep in place. This works really well and feels more durable than others thanks to the bouncy chord. The stretch gives an individualised fit which worked well for me, despite my waist-to-hip ratio.

Storage is practical and low-profile, with two large and easy-access thigh pockets for a smartphone or essentials. There’s also a discreet key pocket built into the rear waistband – this is also big enough for my phone and keeps is secure during more rigorous activity.

Read more: Francesca’s full Findra Alder review

How we test

Francesca is between a size 16 and 18. She tested the Farrens over four months on late-summer, autumn and early-winter walks and minor scrambles across the Peak District, Eryri, and the Lake District, as well as in the gym and at her local climbing wall. She also took these leggings on multi-day hikes on Glyndwr’s Way and Raad ny Foillan. Francesca is 5’7 and has a small waist relative to large thighs (usually taking between a UK16 and 18, depending on brand) and runs hot.

Gemma is 5’10” and a curvy UK size 16 with an athletic build. She tested these trousers in spring and summer in Northumberland, the Malvern Hills, Derbyshire and Cambridgeshire. 

Kirsty is between a size 8 and 10, depending on the brand’s sizing, and always a short leg if there’s an option available. The leggings were tested mountaineering, hillwalking and climbing.

All weights are from the testers’ own digital scales. 

How to choose hiking leggings

Fit

The most important aspect of well-fitting hiking leggings can be found at the waistband. Deep, high-waisted bands tend to offer the most security – preventing slippage – and support as well as protection from backpacks that might rub after long days on the hill. Some might include drawcords in the waistband. There are innovations being made in the fit of hiking leggings – read our Berghaus Farrens review for more details – but generally speaking, you’ll have a couple of leg length options to choose from (ensure these are a suitable length for your chosen hiking socks and boots or shoes) as well as your pick of clothing size. Check the brand’s sizing guide.

Materials

Freedom of movement is key to a comfortable pair of leggings built for the outdoors. Most will have a percentage elastane content to offer stretch. Due to the second-skin fit of leggings, it’s also essential that your leggings are breathable or you’ll be prone to overheating. As sweat dries, it can leave you feeling clammy and chilly, so it’s best to find a material that suits the weather conditions and will keep you cool as you move. Look for lightweight moisture-wicking merino wool, bamboo, or polyester blends.

Weatherproofing

It’s rare to find genuinely stretchy material fit for leggings that can also be classed as genuinely water resistant. Some models, however, might be treated with a DWR coating fit for light shower resistance. As with all outdoor kit, look for fabric that is quick drying.

Durability

Some leggings designed specifically for outdoor use are reinforced with high-abrasion fabrics at the seat and knees. With normal wear and tear, seams can prove weak spots so you may find seamless leggings more durable and long-lasting.

Pockets

Look for pockets that are low enough on the leg to be accessible while wearing a waterproof. Stretch mesh pockets might not be the most weatherproof but provide optimal space for the essentials – smartphone, keys, snacks. Zips add security for valuables. Some leggings designed for moving fast and light will also have a zipped pocket snugly wrapped into the waistband at your lower back.

Additional features

If you’re often out after dark, reflective patches can be useful for visibility.