All the gear and no idea can get you so far, but when it comes to a successful hike, making sure your get up is comfortable and practical is paramount. Adapt Outdoors is kitted out with an impressive collection of womens hiking wear, and when comparing leggings vs. trousers for your adventure, we’re here to help you decide which is best.
There are various components to consider when you’re tossing up the pros and cons of leggings vs. trousers for a hike. The weather, the intensity of the hike, and your personal preference of how your clothes fit are key pillars of the decision making community. In this blog we’ll discuss how the above factors should influence your choice, and highlight some product options that won’t fail you on the mountain tops.
Choosing the Right Gear for Your Adventure
For most hobby hikers that take to the rocky British terrain only a handful of times a year, leggings tend to be the preferable option. They’re likely already folded in your athleisure wear drawer, however if you’re thinking of doubling up your yoga leggings for hiking gear, you may want to think again.
While leggings are undoubtedly a great option for your outdoor adventures, it’s important to make sure they’re durable as hiking leggings. Leggings used for indoor exercise can often be made of soft cotton, or thin skin-like materials. Where they might offer maximum comfort, in a hiking environment mixing with branches and mud they’ll offer little practicality.
For those that fall into the category of avid hikers taking up the sport throughout the year, you’ll face more adverse weather conditions, potentially taking more intense routes. Hiking trousers can be the perfect option to prepare you for more extreme terrains. The technology of modern day hiking trousers caters for both warm and cool environments, meaning as you hike, your trousers will help you to acclimatise to the changing conditions.
Weather Resistance: Which Option Performs Better?
Hiking Leggings
If you’re leaning towards leggings for hiking, one non-negotiable factor must be the weather resistance of the garment. Leggings with a quick drying fabric mean you’ll be able to tolerate any unpredictable showers. If you’re hiking in a climate with high winds, it’d be wise to consider leggings with wind blocking features or a degree of insulation in the lining.
A great example is Dare2b’s hiking leggings, the lightweight polyester makes for a soft touch whilst wicking away moisture and accelerating drying. The garment also repels odour causing bacteria helping you to remain fresh throughout your hike. Whilst resistance from wind and rain is crucial from your hiking gear, it’s important to have a degree of protection from the sun. The Dare2Be hiking leggings linked above have UV protection of UPF 50+, making them a great option for all weather conditions.
Hiking Trousers
Naturally, hiking trousers are able to offer more protection against extreme weather conditions like heavy downpours and snow. The thicker build in comparison to hiking leggings offers more durability when moving through challenging terrain. Think of hiking trousers as a more advanced option in comparison to leggings, they boast similar features but trousers are able to carry more technology to make them more adept to the outdoors.
Consider Dare2b’s diminish womens hiking trousers, kitted out with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and abrasion resistance fabric on the ankle and inner bindings, this is already a far more superior option for hikers looking to undergo more extreme conditions. With zip pockets for keeping belongings secure, scrim lined upper legs for added warmth and breathable, stretched fabric, these really are a hiking trouser for all weather formats. Therefore, if you’re looking to purchase something that you can rely on doing its job all year round, Adapt Outdoor’s hiking trousers selection may be your starting point.
Comfort and Fit – Which Offers Greater Flexibility?
Avoiding the almighty chafe, potentially the most important aspect of shopping for womens hiking trousers. And this is a hard outcome to determine before you’ve put the trousers to the test, cliffside.
Tight to the skin and an abundance of give, this might be the category where hiking leggings come out on top. Their figure hugging fit leaves little room for chafing, and the athletic stretch in the fabric means enhanced flexibility with no limit to your movement. Ronhill’s Tech Revive Stretch Tight hiking leggings are made from eco-conscious, breathable, moisture wicking fabric. Products like this one are great for dryer weather conditions, especially when you’re likely to be working up a sweat and need a garment that’s going to effectively regulate your temperature.
Which Is Right for You? Choosing Between Womens Hiking Leggings and Trousers
By now you’ll have an understanding of where hiking leggings have their strong points, and where hiking trousers sit on your list of preferences. If your hiking adventures consist of fairly low intensity and take place in the warmer seasons of the year, then hiking leggings are a great option. They’ll keep you cool while allowing maximum flexibility with their breathable nature, the perfect partner for a hobby hiker. Keela’s merino wool leggings are great for hikers favouring leggings but searching for that extra layer of warmth, the 200gsm Merino designed to keep you warm yet remain breathable.
If you’re keen to take to the mountains all year round and you need a garment that’s going to protect you against intense weather conditions, hiking trousers are your best bet. The durable nature of a hiking trouser means you won’t have to compromise on your gear come rain or shine. The Paramo Velez Adventure Trousers are made from highly breathable and directional Nikwax Analogy® fabric that blends with ventilation to deliver ultimate comfort. They provide great freedom of movement whilst adjusting your temperature through internal storm flaps making for a superb pair of hiking trousers.
Now you’ve digested our guide, you’ll have an idea which camp you’re sitting in. To browse our full range of hiking trousers, visit our dedicated womens walking trousers page, if you’re leaning towards leggings, see here. Adapt Outdoors is the go-to destination for any and all of your adventure kit, the expert gear all under one roof.
