Hiking pants vs. yoga pants: which should you choose for your hiking trip? Are you wondering about this? Let’s find the answer by comparing the two.
Top Rated Best Budget Yoga Pants
Top Rated Best Budget Hiking Pants
Comparison Table: Hiking Pants vs. Yoga Pants
| Yoga Pants | Hiking Pants | |
| Characteristics |
|
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| Best For | Day hikes, milder climate, less technical trails. | Multi-day hikes, tougher and wetter climates, and more technical trails |
Differences Of Hiking Pants vs. Yoga Pants
#1. Yoga Pants
Comfort
Regarding comfort, yoga pants are usually soft and flexible, which keeps them stretchy. Moreover, the waistband of these yoga pants should be thicker than regular yoga pants so they won’t slide down while hiking.
Durability
The yoga pants you plan to wear for hiking should be tougher than regular yoga tights.
The best options have more densely woven fabric, enabling you to lean against rocks, walk through brambles, and sit on stumps without snagging and tearing.
Storage and Pockets
Pouches and zippers of yoga pants are usually not large. But they are still great bonus features, letting you carry small items while hiking.
Sun Protection
Sun protection might be essential depending on when and where you’re hiking.
Some yoga pants are from UPF 50 fabric, such as Omni-Shade, guarding the skin of hikers from the sun.
If you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun, you must opt for models with excellent sun protection.
Weather Resistance
When you walk around inside the gym, it is not necessary to think about rain, wind, or any other weather element.
But when hiking, your yoga pants should be made of quick-drying fabric that can deal with moisture and rain to some extent.
We recommend considering pants with wind-blocking features if you plan to hike in a windy climate.
Moisture Management
If you are a person who sweats a lot, your chosen yoga pants should absorb moisture well and push it out.
In addition, they also need to have excellent odor resistance so that residual sweat does not cause unpleasant odors.
You should look for pants made from polyester or another lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. Also, you can’t go wrong with options featuring antimicrobial odor control treatments.
#2. Hiking Pants
The qualities that hiking pants should possess include those of the proper yoga pants, including comfort, durability, sun protection, and moisture management.
In addition, they have the following properties that make them different:
Extra Pockets for Storage
Yoga pants usually have one small pocket or two, while hiking pants deliver more and more oversized pockets, generally at least five pockets.
The pockets of hiking pants are also usually deeper to fit larger items.
Extra weather resistance
Besides the basic moisture management that yoga pants have, hiking pants typically have extra water-repelling features like DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings and Omni-Shield, making them perform better in wet climates and rain.
Extra durability
Compared to yoga pants, hiking pants are usually a bit thicker, making them more wear-resistant.
Some models feature unique reinforcement panels, helping to reduce wear and tear in high-impact zones.
Versatility
Hiking pants are available in more styles, including variations such as cargo pants and convertible options that you can wear as pants or shorts.
Hiking pants cover most of the benefits of yoga pants. But they exaggerate these benefits, making them more suitable for longer treks and technical hikes.
Hiking Pants vs. Yoga Pants: Which One Should You Choose?
Hiking pants and yoga pants have many similarities because hiking pants exaggerate nearly all the benefits of yoga pants.
Yet, each has its own strengths, depending on the type of hiking you’re doing.
Hiking pants are usually ideal for longer adventures, especially multi-day hiking trips and backpacking journeys where you stay in the woods for a few days.
Also, they are generally suitable for more technical hikes, which require better wear resistance and more pockets for storage.
On the other hand, climate can also significantly influence your choices.
For example, hiking leggings are excellent for milder climates, whereas trips in rainier regions or locations with more extreme elements require the additional weather resistance that hiking pants provide.
Your decision may also come down to personal preference. If you favor yoga pants, you must sacrifice some of the extra features that hiking pants possess.
Everybody is different, so just rely on your personal style and comfort to make the most suitable decision.
FAQs
Can I Wear Yoga Pants for Hiking?
It is possible to wear yoga pants for hiking (but leave your cotton yoga pants at home). But it is essential to choose something suitable for your hiking trip.
Many girls want yoga pants that can work in many situations, from practicing yoga at the gym to hiking in the mountains.
Is It Better to Hike in Pants or Leggings?
Leggings typically perform well on shorter hiking trips on well-groomed trails and in pleasant conditions, while hiking pants are great for technical hikes and multi-day backpacking trips since moisture-wicking and durability properties are essential.
What Pants Should I Wear Hiking?
You should choose pants made from durable, quick-drying fabrics, such as nylon and spandex if you expect any drop in temperature or heavy vegetation along your trail.
These pants will protect your legs from many hazards, such as allergenic plants and insects, and keep you warmer when the temperature drops.
Some hikers prefer zip-off pants as they don’t want to choose between shorts and pants. Quick-drying fabrics are the key here.
How Many Pairs of Hiking Pants Should You Carry?
It will depend on the duration of your hike.
For a short trip, a pair of hiking pants are enough. If you’re planning on hiking for a longer period, you’ll need to carry more hiking pants.
What Are Color Hiking Pants Best?
We prefer tan, beige, white, or other light-colored garments for hiking in the heat. Also, black or other dark colors would be ideal for higher altitudes or colder seasons.
Are Hiking Pants Better Than Jeans?
You should not wear jeans while hiking. You will be much better off putting on a pair of hiking pants as they are lighter and more comfortable.
Why Do Hikers Wear Bright Colors?
Bright colors are popular because they help hunters in the area see you and recognize that you are not an animal.
Also, bright colors will help when you get lost as they allow your loved one or rescue team to spot you with ease.
What Is the Problem With Yoga Pants?
The stretchy material can be too tight and limit movement, which negatively affects health.
They may also prevent your sweat glands from properly draining, leading to folliculitis, intertrigo, or tinea cruris.
Should Yoga Pants Be Tight or Loose?
These pants should fit snugly on both your waist and hips, but not so tight that you feel restricted. They also should not be too loose as they may interfere with your natural movement.
What Should You Bring for Day Hiking?
Here are the items that should be on your hiking checklist:
- Plenty of water.
- Plenty of food.
- First-aid kit.
- Hiking backpack.
- Knife or multi-tool.
- Hiking shoes or boots.
- Weather-appropriate clothing.
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
