The Best Waterproof Women’s Hiking Pants – Mom Goes Camping | Reviews + Buyer’s Guide (2022)

With summer come the easy day trips and weekend getaways, but as my children got older and more independent, our hiking and camping trips became more frequent. Having a well-fitting pair of hiking pants and a good rain jacket was essential to keep us dry and comfortable. Let’s review the best waterproof women’s hiking pants below:

1.    Merrell Women’s All-Season Hiking Pants – $70.00

The “All Season” line from Merrell is just what you need in hiking pants. These women’s hiking pants come in several different colors and different weaves to provide you with a choice. The waistband is a tough material and has very good abrasion resistance. The material is water-resistant, and the crotch and hip seams are waterproof, too. These women’s hiking pants are made with a water-repellent membrane for the hood and a breathable mesh for the lower legs.

The seams are fastened with elastic. The “Vibram” outsole is also waterproof. The back pocket has a zippered pouch with an air filter, a rain jacket, a compass, and a flashlight. They are very lightweight, and even though they might be too lightweight for a snowshoe, they could be easily used as a light raincoat in light rain. They have “Micro Closure” at the waist to make them more comfortable on your hips. They are well-reviewed, with the main criticism that they are a bit too lightweight for hiking pants. These women’s hiking pants come in sizes ranging from an XL to a 2XL.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good abrasion resistance
• Waterproof zipper
• Extremely breathable and comfortable

Cons:

• Because the fabric is “wicking” it is more of a midweight for hiking

2.    Mountain Hardwear Women’s Wind Layer Pants – $149.00

Mountain Hardwear is one of my favorite hiking brands. The Waterproof Wind Layer Pant is a product that was created in an attempt to keep hikers dry in extreme weather conditions. The water repellent and windproof fabric along with the plush calf insoles and the breathable EVA midsole materials allow you to not only be more comfortable on the trail but also to walk in the rain or snow much more comfortably. The compression-molded ankle cuffs keep your feet in place. The length is a bit long, but overall, these women’s hiking pants will fit most women and are rather light in weight.

The compression-molded waistband has built-in cups, and the underarm gussets provide a nice fit. These women’s hiking pants are also made with “extreme warmth” in mind. These are made with a very moisture-wicking fabric, a micro-fiber breathable stretch fabric, a high stretch material for the mesh waistband, and the classic Wolverine zippers to boot. The DWR coating is also a nice touch. These are expensive for hiking pants but are lightweight, well made, and will work well for any extreme weather conditions.

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Durable, water-resistant, and windproof
• Microfiber breathable material
• Highly breathable mesh waistband and jacket
• A great value for the price

Cons:

• Although they come with a nice rain jacket, the hood doesn’t stay on very well

3.    Patagonia Women’s Terra Nova Pant – $149.00

Patagonia is the home of excellence in lightweight, yet durable materials. The Terra Nova Pant is a women’s waterproof trail pant that is perfect for all-day hiking. The pants are made of long-staple cotton, which has moisture-wicking, four-way stretch properties, but they don’t shrink as much as some of the other types of cotton.

The material is also very lightweight and will work well for the moderate or high-intensity hiking that most hikers do. The down fill is made with an elastic pocket for carrying the rain hood, lunch, or other small items and can be removed and added with a plastic snap. The pants are also equipped with front venting and ventilation in the back and seat. The cuffs are full length and even though they are not normally, these pants would fit most hiking boots.

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Very breathable
• Elastic pocket for rain hood
• Adjustable cuffs and waistband

Cons:

• Not as heavy-duty as some other hiking pants
• It May not be as durable or waterproof as higher-end models

4.    Columbia Women’s Overexpo Midweight Pant – $109.99 – $139.00

Columbia is one of my favorite brands for hiking. Their Overexpo Pant is great for both hiking and casual walking, but they also make a more rigorous, rock-climbing, mountain climbingandnr heavy-duty hiking pant as well. The Overexpo Midweight Pant is not only water-resistant but is also extremely breathable. It is also long-lasting and has built-in ventilation in the rear and pockets on the front to hold your gloves, scarves, or any small items. These are somewhat bulky, but they are durable enough that you should be able to use them hiking all day.

The solid colored and grey options come in sizes ranging from XS to XL. The five-pocket pair is available in eight sizes ranging from S – to XXL, and you have the choice of three-color combinations, including a light blue camouflage print, the light grey option pictured here, and the charcoal print shown at the top. They also have a model that comes with a mesh hood and two sizes of zippered chest pockets. All Columbia hiking pants come with a 100% waterproof membrane and a drawstring at the waist for added security. The Overexpo Pant also comes with a water-resistant liner with an elastic waistband for added comfort.

Pros:

• Extremely breathable
• Water-resistant
• Highly breathable, even during a rain shower
• Three color choices

Cons:

• Although very breathable, these pants aren’t made to be worn when it’s cold, snowy, or windy
• The Mesh hood doesn’t stay on well

5.    Wolverine Women’s X-Terra Long Trail Pant – $94.99

Wolverine is an outdoor apparel brand known for making some of the best-loved gear in the history of outdoor gear. They are also one of the most affordable hiking and climbing apparel brands that also make great hiking pants. Their X-Terra long trail pants have a fairly breathable construction that allows for relative dryness throughout the day. However, they are not great for cold and windy conditions, which are probably the most common weather conditions in the Northeast. The pants come in one size and are available in several different colors, including light blue, gray, khaki, olive green, black, burgundy and charcoal.

The pant is also not made to be fully waterproof, but it does have a shell that is built into the pant, which is also useful for keeping you warm in the cold. The pant is not quite as long or as tall as other models on this list, so they will work best for shorter hikers. Wolverine also makes a line of pants that are designed to be super durable for hiking and climbing that is a bit more durable and water-resistant. Their Rover Pant has great waterproof material, which is highly breathable and is made to be durable enough for rock climbing. The pants come in a very large range of sizes, so it’s really easy to find a fit that works for you. They come with a universal zippered chest pocket and reflective details.

Wolverine also has a very unique way of making pants. Their pants are usually created by deconstructing a pair of jeans into the pieces you need for each step of the process. This is especially helpful for their popular X-Terra pants, as each piece can be adjusted to fit your exact body shape and therefore ensure the fit is perfect. Wolverine’s pants are a must-have for anyone who wants to hike and climb in comfort and style for a reasonable price.

Pros:

• Lots of colors to choose from
• Lots of sizes available
• Excellent design for climbing and hiking

Cons:

• Not the best in cold or snowy weather conditions
• Not built to be completely waterproof

6.    Columbia Women’s Back Country Pant – $92.99 – $129.99

Columbia’s long trail pant has a similar construction as the style above, but this pair comes with more features, such as a zip fly and an elastic waistband. The waistband also comes with a fastener to ensure it stays in place. Although these aren’t waterproof, they are both breathable and have a mesh back panel for added ventilation. The long pant is only one size, but it’s available in a range of different colors including navy, black, olive green, brown, and khaki.

The style above is still a highly popular hiking pant, as it comes with a lot of great features for not too much money. One thing that sets this version apart from the other hiking pants on this list is that it comes with reflective strips around the legs, which are perfect for hiking at night. The Pant comes with a hook and loop closure for your outer pant waistband and a zippered chest pocket for valuables.

Pros:

• Pants are fairly durable
• Has reflective strips on the legs and a zippered chest pocket
• Great for rock climbing

Cons:

• Only one size is available
• Not a good option for cold and wet weather conditions

7.    Therm-A-Rest Half Lot – $40.19 – $129.99

If you prefer a more subtle look, the Half Lot pants from Therm-A-Rest are a great option. These pants are fairly lightweight and have waterproof material on the sides of the legs. Because the leg material is quite thin, the pant is flexible but also more packable than most hiking pants on this list. The front of the pant has a quick-release button for carrying and loosening the pants, so you don’t need to remove the belt to get to your hydration pack or camera gear, and you can also use this same button to tighten the pant around your waist.

The two back pockets have a zip-top closure and a small pocket to store your car keys, money, or other valuables. There is also an internal mesh panel and two buttons that allow you to adjust the length of the pant around your waist. The pant comes in six different color combinations. If you are going to be taking longer trips or going to some colder climates, you may want to consider some lighter, more packable pants. The Half Lot pants offer a nice selection of these, with a few options including khaki, black, blue, gray, and white.

Pros:

• Lightweight and packable
• Removable front zipper pocket for storage and carry
• Great price

Cons:

• Not made for extreme temperatures or conditions
• Limited color options

8.    Timberland Women’s 100% Waterproof Mountain Descent Pant – $66.99 – $125.99

A comfortable pair of pants is the most important gear you can have when on a hiking trip, so the Timberland 100% waterproof mountain descent pant is sure to be a great buy. These pants have a thick, water-repellent fabric that is both durable and breathable. They are also extremely comfortable and have a drawcord design that will keep the pant in place.

The pair is available in three colors – Dark Slate, Dark Black, and Black/White – and they are available in one size. The pant has a reflective strip on the outside of the legs to provide more visibility when hiking at night or when it is wet.

Pros:

• They are water-resistant and have a waterproof treatment on the outside
• The pant comes in three different colors
• Multiple colors and sizes are available

Cons:

• Not as breathable as some other styles
• Some reviewers noted that the crotch length is a bit short

Conclusion

Hiking pants are a necessity when you are looking for a pair of hiking pants for every season. There are so many different styles of hiking pants on the market, so it can be difficult to decide what is right for you. Here is our list of the best hiking pants of 2022 to give you a start. If you’re looking to add a pair of pants to your hiking gear, then these are a great place to start.

We hope that you find these options useful and that they help you on your next hiking trip. Happy hiking!