Women's Pants
Women's pants for hiking, travel and everyday wear, from lightweight quick-drying trousers to durable, stretchy styles for the trail. Our range features Patagonia, The North Face and Columbia, cut to fit comfortably at the waist and hips.
Look for stretch for freedom of movement, a waistband that sits comfortably under a pack's hip belt, zip pockets for your phone and a fabric that dries fast. Roll-up or adjustable cuffs let you tailor the length, and pairing your pants with good hiking footwear completes a trail-ready setup.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand with easy returns, or click and collect from our Grey Lynn store or Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about women's pants
How should women's hiking pants fit?
Hiking pants should sit comfortably at the waist without gaping at the back, with room through the hips, seat and thighs so you can step up onto a rock or squat without the fabric pulling. Knees should bend freely, and the length should sit around the top of your boot without dragging. A women's cut with a little stretch gives the most comfortable fit.
Do women's pants come in petite or long lengths?
Some women's pants are available in short, regular and long leg lengths, and others have adjustable or roll-up cuffs. Check the inseam on the product page, as it is the most reliable guide. If a style only comes in one length, roll-up cuffs or a simple hem can make it work if you are petite. Pants with an articulated knee keep the bend in the right place even when the leg is a little long, so they are more forgiving if you are between lengths.
What waistband is most comfortable with a pack hip belt?
A low-profile, flat waistband without bulky buttons, belt loops or seams where the hip belt sits is most comfortable, as it stops pressure points on long days. Elastic or partially elasticated waists with a drawcord are popular for hiking because they move with you. Avoid thick belts and rivets right under the hip belt. A yoga-style or contoured waistband that rises a little at the back also stops the gap that can appear when you bend or sit on a rock.
Which pants dry fastest after rain or a river crossing?
Lightweight synthetic pants, usually nylon or polyester with a little elastane, dry fastest, often within an hour or two of walking. A water-repellent finish helps them shed water in the first place. Cotton, denim and heavy canvas stay wet much longer and get cold, so avoid them for tramping. Thinner fabrics dry faster than thick, durable ones, so choose the lightest fabric that will still stand up to the scrub and rock on your usual tracks.
Can I wear hiking pants in summer?
Yes, and many experienced trampers do. Lightweight, breathable hiking pants protect your legs from sun, scrub and sandflies while staying cool, especially in light colours. Some have vents or roll-up legs for extra airflow. On hot, open tracks you might prefer shorts, but in the bush pants are often more comfortable. Long pants are also the easiest protection against sandflies and mosquitoes at dusk, which makes them worth carrying on most New Zealand tracks.
How do I hem or adjust the length of outdoor pants?
Many outdoor pants have roll-up cuffs with snaps or tabs, which is the easiest way to shorten them. For a permanent fix, a tailor can hem most styles, though avoid cutting off reinforced cuffs or adjustable drawcords. If a pair is only slightly long, the length usually sits fine over hiking boots. If you are petite, check for a short-leg option before buying, as it keeps knee articulation and pockets in proportion rather than just taking length off the hem.
Are joggers or cargo-style pants good for walking and travel?
Technical joggers and cargo pants made from stretch, quick-drying fabric are great for travel and easy walks: they are comfortable on long journeys, look relaxed in town and have plenty of pocket space. Cuffed ankles keep them clear of mud and wet grass. For rougher tracks or wet weather, a proper hiking pant with a more durable, water-repellent fabric protects better.