Hiking pants vs. leggings, which one is right for your next hiking trip? If you are wondering about something similar to this question, this article is for you!
Top Rated Good Budget Hiking Pants and Hiking Leggings for the money
Hiking Pants vs. Leggings: Comparison Table
Modern hikers often wonder about choosing hiking pants vs. leggings. “Which one is better?” The answer largely depends on preference. However, knowing the difference between the two is better than nothing.
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Hiking Pants vs. Leggings: What Is the Difference?
Hiking Pants vs. Leggings are better for a specific purpose, which I will discuss further in the following sections.
1. Hiking Leggings
When considering leggings for hiking, ensure your chosen model has the following essential qualities.
Pockets and Storage
The pouches and zippers are not typically as large as regular hiking pants, but various hiking leggings still come with pockets.
They can be unique extra features that enable you to store small stuff and items while trekking or hiking without digging them out of the backpack.
Comfort
Regarding comfort, hiking leggings should feature flexible, and soft elastane to keep them stretchy.
Moreover, the waistband of hiking leggings would be thicker than regular yoga leggings, so they do not slide down while hiking and trekking.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, hiking leggings that more securely fit and deliver a snugger are usually more comfortable when you are hiking.
Sun Protection
Depending on the time of year and where you are hiking, sun protection can be one of the essential factors that you need as a hiker.
Some hiking leggings are made with UPF 50 fabric that protects your skin from the sunlight.
If you plan to be in the sun a lot, we recommend finding hiking leggings with sun protection features.
Weather Resistance
If you are doing yoga or lounging inside the gym, it is unnecessary to think about rain, wind, or other weather elements.
On the flip side, if you are hiking (outside), you will need to put on hiking leggings made from quick-drying fabric that can withstand some degree of rain and moisture.
If you’re living in a windy climate, it is worth considering hiking leggings with wind-blocking options.
Moisture Management
If you sweat a lot when you are hiking, your chosen leggings need to be able to wick moisture and transfer it to the outside of the leggings.
Also, they should be odor resistant, so all of your perspiration does not collect and start smelling funky.
It is wise to look for leggings made from polyester and other moisture-wicking, lightweight fabrics and consider models with antimicrobial treatments to keep odor under control.
Durability
Hiking leggings are often more challenging than regular yoga ones.
The great options typically feature more densely woven fabric, enabling you to lean against rocks, walk through brambles, and sit on stumps without snagging and tearing your leggings.
Abrasion resistance is critical, so aim for options that are constructed with durable, tough fabric.
2. Hiking Pants
The qualities you should look for in hiking pants include the ones you should look for in hiking leggings, including sun protection, moisture management, durability, and comfort.’
However, they also have an additional couple of vital differences.
Extra Storage and Pockets
Hiking leggings typically feature one small pocket or two, while hiking pants tend to deliver more numerous and larger pockets, often five or more, with deeper pouches that can hold larger items.
Hiking pants are more versatile and available in various styles than hiking leggings, delivering varieties such as convertible options and cargo pants that can be used as pants or shorts.
Extra Weather Resistance
In addition to the essential moisture management that you can find with hiking leggings, pants often feature extra water repelling features such as DWR (durable water repellent) coatings or Omni-Shield that make them perform better in wet or rainy climates.
Extra Durability
Pants tend to be a little thicker and more abrasion-resistant than hiking leggings. Some models even feature unique reinforcement panels that reduce wear and tear in the high-impact zone.
Final Verdict: What Type Is Best for You?
Generally, hiking pants have the same expected characteristics as hiking leggings. They are just exaggerated versions, which tend to make them better for more technical hikes and longer treks.
Hiking leggings and pants have numerous similarities, but each has its own pros, depending on the kind of hiking you are performing.
Hiking pants tend to be better for more extended trips, backpacking trips, and particularly multi-day journeys where you are in the woods for a couple of days.
They are also typically preferable for more technical hikes where you need additional storage and pockets and abrasion resistance on the trail.
Similarly, you should also rely on the climate before making a decision.
Hiking leggings will work well in milder climates, while trips in rainier regions or locations with more extreme elements will require the additional weather resistance that hiking pants provide.
Another choice to consider is hiking pants with elastane that makes them feel stretchy, delivering the comfort of leggings and the added durability of pants.
In other words, it is the perfect combination of the best of both sides.
Remember that your decision still largely depends on your personal preference. If you are a person who likes hiking leggings better, you will lose some additional features available in hiking pants.
Every hiker is different, so you should embrace your style and comfort to make the best decision for you.
FAQ
Below here is common questions and answers related to Hiking Pants vs. Leggings.
Is It Better to Hike in Pants or Leggings?
Hiking pants overall still outperform as they offer much more protection than leggings, and they will not wear and tear easily.
Also, if you are hiking through areas with lots of insects, hiking pants will be your best bet as they will prevent bugs from coming into contact with you through your leggings.
Leggings might breathe better than pants and prevent chafing anywhere.
Is It Ok to Wear Leggings to Hike?
The short answer is Yes. Whether you plan on running, hiking, or working out, hiking leggings can be perfect as they are form-fitting, not too tight, and are made from materials that allow your skin to breathe while you exercise or hike.
What Pants Should I Wear on a Hike?
Long pants will protect you from insects, cold, and vegetation.
So even if you think wearing shorts is good enough, consider the type of environment you are heading into. Is there a high scrub?
You might get scratched. Is it swampy? There could be snakes and insects.
Regarding fabric, you will want something quick-drying and durable. Unless you are heading into the snow, you should favor lightweight material. Synthetics such as nylon or polyester will work well, and you should never opt for jeans.
Can You Wear Gym Leggings for Hiking?
You can absolutely wear gym leggings while hiking, but we don’t recommend doing so. Instead, opt for hiking leggings or pants.
Should Hiking Pants Be Tight?
Your chosen hiking pants should be loose enough not to restrict movement but not too loose that they just hang from your legs without touching you.
You might want to practice jogging around the store where you buy hiking pants to ensure you can comfortably run.
Should Hiking Pants Be Longer?
Your hiking pants should be long enough so that they cover the top of your boot but not so long that you walk on them.
If your pants are too short, they can become caught in the back of your hiking boots or shoes when you walk.
What Are Color Hiking Pants Best?
We prefer tan, beige, white, or light-colored garments for hiking in the heat.
Meanwhile, we favor black or different dark colors for hiking in higher altitudes and colder seasons.
