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Hikers (like runners, cyclists, swimmers, and more) come in all different shapes and sizes. Hiking is a hobby and a passion that attracts people of all ages, fitness levels, and experiences, drawing them in with the chance to enjoy exercise in the great outdoors.
Clothing plays a major role in any hiking experience, regardless of the hiker’s body type and size. Curvy girls need hiking pants for curvy figures. Fit is just as important as keeping skin protected from both sunburn and insects, staying cool when it is hot, warm when it is cold, and also staying comfortable during long periods of physical activity.
Ask any hiker who has ever set out for a long hike in an ill-fitting pair of hiking boots just how important comfort is on the trail! Trousers worn on the trail are also of the utmost importance as a poorly designed pair can leave you with chafed skin or shivering in a rainstorm.
Thankfully, the hiking gear industry now embraces the fact that there are lots of different body types hitting the trails, so now there are some great options for those of us with a curvy or hourglass figure.
What to Look for in Hiking Pants for Curvy Figures
A High Waist
A higher waistband is a must when searching for hiking pants for curvy figures. Thankfully, many designers are now keeping this in mind and this type of design is also more flattering and more comfortable for a curvy figure. You should have no trouble finding hiking pants designed this way.
Durable and Stretchy Water-Resistant Material
While you certainly want durable gear out on the hiking trail, it shouldn’t be so thick or rigid that it does not move with you. The materials used in the construction of the hiking pants should stand up to wear and tear, stretch as needed for comfort, and (this one is especially important!) repel water. You might even find it helpful to search online for “rain pants,” a term that is sometimes interchangeable with hiking pants.
UV Protection
While hiking as a hobby can be great for your overall wellbeing, it is well documented that a lack of sun protection can be detrimental to your health. Whether that overexposure results in a minor inconvenience like the pain of a sunburn or a major challenge like skin cancer, it must be a consideration for all hikers. Adding both quality sunscreen and UV protective gear should be part of every hiker’s routine. All of the outdoor clothing you wear while hiking should be made of materials that offer some UV protection.
Articulated Knees
Pants that curve at the knee are designed to allow freedom of movement and are favored not only by hikers but skiers, cyclists, and other outdoor athletes as well.
Accessory Pockets
The perfect hiking pants will have well-placed pockets for accessories such as your phone, keys, or a multitool. Preferably these pockets will have zippers to keep your items secure, especially in the case of a fall or if you are also cycling in addition to hiking.
Convertibility
While seeking out the best hiking pants for curvy figures, do not forget one of the most innovative elements in hiking gear: convertible pants! These are pants with a zip-off leg that allow hikers to “convert” from pants to shorts as weather conditions change. Convertible pants offer greater value as they provide options for year-round hiking.
Customer Reviews
Finally, take a look at customer reviews before purchasing hiking pants. There is no better way to find out if the pants live up to the manufacturer’s claims and hype. Experienced hikers will weigh in on everything from the comfort level to the quality and durability of the material and whether it stands up to wet conditions.
Hiking Pants for Curvy Figures: 7 of Our Favorites
1. Arc’teryx Gamma LT Pant
The Gamma pant is lightweight and versatile, and we especially love the fact that it comes in short, regular, and tall sizes, from 0 up to 12. The color choices are also a big plus, with four shades to choose from in this well-designed pair of hiking pants. They are stretchy enough to accommodate curvy figures, and they have a gusseted crotch for ease of movement and fabric that repels water to keep you dry on the trail.
Two hip pockets and a thigh pocket are sized perfectly to carry along a phone, wallet, and other small items. The only drawback of the Gamma pant is that it does not offer UV protection. Otherwise, we still rate it highly among the best hiking pants for curvy figures.
2. Coalatree Trailhead Pants
We love Coalatree’s commitment to sustainable practices and the fact that they make a great pair of hiking pants at an affordable price point. The Trailhead pants are offered in both slim and regular fit, with the regular fit being a better match for curvy figures (and sizing goes up to XXL).
The four-way stretch fabric (made from recycled materials!) is exactly what curvy figures need out on the trail, and that fabric is also incredibly durable and water repellant. In a true innovative spirit, the Coalatree Trailhead pants are also designed to fold up into one pocket, turning them into a small travel pillow.
Detailed waist, thigh, and inseam measurements available on their online size guide makes it easy to find your best fit. One drawback for shorter hikers is the fact that these pants are often too long for a petite frame.
3. Columbia Saturday Trail II Stretch Convertible Pant
A trusted name in outdoor gear for more than 80 years, Columbia makes some of the best hiking pants for men, women, and kids of all ages and body types. We love their Columbia Saturday Trail II Stretch Convertible pants for curvy bodies (or any bodies for that matter!)
These pants offer the convertible option to change into shorts, and they also come in sizes from 2 up to 24. A fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, water repellency, and comfort stretch means these pants check all of our boxes. Articulated knees and a zip-closure security pocket mean these pants are ready for any kind of hike, whether it’s a leisurely afternoon adventure or you are planning to spend many days out on the trail.
4. Eddie Bauer First Ascent Guide Pro Pants
These pants get high marks for sizing options for curvy figures: they come in both tall and plus sizes (up to 16) and are made with the same quality and attention to detail customers have come to expect from Eddie Bauer, a trusted brand in outdoor wear.
Seven color choices are available in the stretchy Guide Pro Pants, which offer UPF 50+ sun protection. The cargo pockets have a zip closure, and the design ensures they are roomy enough through the hips and thighs for curvy figures. Since these are one of the more affordable options on our best hiking pants for curvy figures list, you might decide to order them in several different colors!
5. Kuhl Freeflex Move
A relaxed fit option makes these stretchy hiking pants from Kuhl a reliable choice for hikers with curves, and they look great to boot! Three inseam choices offer a personalized fit, and the eight color choices are another reason why we love Kuhl.
The wide pull-on waistband makes these extremely comfortable and they also offer the benefit of UPF 50+ sun protection. They are lightweight, quick-drying, and best suited for summer hiking in warmer temperatures. Kuhl designed these pants in mind for the woman who heads straight from the yoga studio to a hike, and you can rely on them to be comfortable no matter what adventure you are seeking.
6. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pant
Available in sizes from 0 to 24 (S/R/L/W) there is a Ferrosi pant to fit absolutely any female hiker’s body. While they are incredibly stretchy and comfortable on the go, they are also amazingly durable and abrasion-resistant as well as water and wind-resistant. A UPF 50+ rating, articulated knees, and numerous secure pockets make them one of the best options in hiking gear today.
7. Patagonia Skyline Traveler Pants
The durable water repellent finish and UPF 40 protection on these pants make them a favorite Patagonia offering for hikers, and the sizing from 0 to 18 makes them a versatile choice for many body types. The adjustable waistband ensures maximum comfort and the five-pocket styling ensures you have a place to store all of your small items in these high-quality hiking pants.
These Patagonia hiking pants are lightweight, stretchy, and durable and available in 28” or 30” inseam.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Pants for Curvy Figures
While it may be tempting to throw on your favorite stretchy leggings and take to the trails, your favorite hiking pants will offer important features many leggings do not. A pair of leggings may be fine for an easy, impromptu hike over coffee with a friend, but for longer planned hikes it is best to go with one of the hiking pant options we have outlined above.
Be sure to spend some time in your hiking pants to test out the comfort level before hitting the trail; you want to make sure the fit is loose enough to avoid chafing but fitted enough to keep you protected and warm. Check the retailer’s shipping and return policy when you order, and if they have free shipping and returns you might consider ordering a few different sizes to try on and compare.
Hiking is an appealing form of fitness to those who do not want to be bound by gym memberships and class times (not to mention the price tags that go along with those memberships!) With some basic gear and the air in your lungs, you can find a way to hike almost anywhere! Hiking offers a healthy way to “disconnect,” leaving screen time and deadlines behind in exchange for unwinding and finding serenity in nature.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
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Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API