6 Best Plus Size Hiking Pants for Curvy Women [2024 Guide]

Hiking is an incredible way to get fit, clear the mind, and be one with the great outdoors. But finding the right pants can be a bit challenging, especially for curvy gals.

Rummaging through endless racks of pants that just don’t seem to consider our unique shapes is straight up disappointing.

That’s why I’m here to share some wisdom and help you find the best plus size hiking pants on the market that I analyzed and tested in the field.

We’ll discuss what makes a pair of hiking pants truly stand out for plus size women. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to invest in your perfect pair!

6 Best Plus Size Hiking Pants

Best Overall: Outdoor Research Cirque Light Pants | Check Price (Up to 4X Size)

Best on Budget: The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants | Check Price (Up to 2X Size)

Best Comfort: Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants | Check Price (Up to 3X Size)

Best All-Weather Pants: REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants | Check Price (Up to 3X Size)

Best Convertible Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants | Check Price (Up to 3X Size)

Best Capri Pants: KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants | Check Price (Up to 3X Size)

Outdoor Research Cirque Light Pants

The Outdoor Research Cirque Light Pants are available in various sizes, including plus sizes (up to 4X). So, no matter your body type, you are sure to find a size that fits you perfectly!

They are specially designed for comfort, functionality and are perfect for plus size women. Made with abrasion-resistant and breathable fabric with movement mirroring stretch, these pants allow free movement while hiking.

The secure waist with embedded, adjustable belt is a unique feature, allowing you to customize the fit to your comfort and ensuring the pants stay fit during the entire duration of your activities.

The slim lower legs with zippers and expandable gussets ensure a tapered fit, allowing for easy adjustment, and ventilation.

One of the unique features found in these pants is the DuraPrint™ scuff guards, which are reinforcements that enhance durability and protect your pants against wear and tear in areas that often face high stress.

The pants have been designed with a gusseted crotch and articulated knees, which provide extra mobility and flexibility, for comfortable movement on the trails.

I’ve hiked in these pants in a variety of climates and terrains. I hiked the rocky trails of the Rocky Mountains wearing them and what impressed me most was the high level of comfort and the adaptability to different weather conditions.

I also appreciated the numerous pockets that came in handy for storing essentials. Definitely a plus for any hiking enthusiast!

One amazing feature that can’t go unnoticed is that these pants are lightweight and packable. Yes, you can easily fit them into your backpack or luggage for your outdoor adventures.

The only questionable thing about these pants is their durability as some hikers noticed they can wear out a bit quicker than some alternatives.

However, I haven’t noticed any sign of wear and tear after almost one year of using them.

Verdict

Finding the perfect pair of hiking pants can be a tough task, especially for plus size women. Well, your search ends here with Outdoor Research Cirque Light Pants.

What sets them apart is their adaptability. If you have curves, you’ll appreciate the adjustable waistband and gusseted crotch that offer a comfortable fit without restricting movement.

The Outdoor Research Cirque Light Pants are an excellent choice for plus size women seeking a comfortable, versatile, and durable hiking pant.

REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants

The REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants are available in Plus Sizes (up to 3X). The pants fit comfortably on the waist and provide enough room for free movement for any body type.

These pants are made of a water-resistant soft-shell fabric. So, they keep you dry in light rain and wind-resistant up to 35 mph.

The waistband is updated with partial elastic for comfort and the low-profile belt loops help you get the perfect fit.

The pants have articulated knees and a center gusset. You can easily move around, making it easy to navigate rocky terrains or steep inclines.

With zip hand pockets, zip thigh pocket, and back pockets, there’s plenty of space to keep your trail essentials safe.

The cuffs come with a drawcord adjustment so you can easily cinch them down over boots to keep out debris or roll them up when crossing streams.

Verdict

The REI Co-op Activator 3.0 Pants are another great choice, especially for plus-size hikers. They’re comfortable, durable, functional, and eco-friendly, making them a must-have for your hiking adventures.

The comfort and protection that these pants provide always make my hiking experience a pleasure. Even after repeated use and several wash cycles, the pants still hold up well.

REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants

The pants cater to all body sizes and shapes (up to 3X size). The first thing I noticed when I slipped into these pants was the comfortable fit.

The soft elastic back and internal drawcord at the waistband allow you to customize the fit to your comfort. The material is quick-drying, making it easy to wash while backpacking.

Also, the durable double-weave stretch nylon provided ease of movement, a trait all hikers desire. Walking through the woods in the middle of the day, I felt protected by the UPF 50+ sun protecting material.

These pants have an amazing feature that I love – their legs can easily be zipped off to convert into shorts. This is a blessing when the weather switches from chilly mornings to scorching afternoons.

The durable water repellent (DWR) finish prevents moisture absorption and also resists stains, perfect for those random drizzles or muddy trails.

With 6 spacious pockets at the right places, you can carry your essentials without the feeling of bulkiness.

After testing these pants on varied terrains (including creeks!) in locations like Washington, Arizona, and Nevada, I can vouch for their exceptional performance.

However, I must point out they are not the most breathable hiking pants available and they can trap some sweat in hot weather.

Verdict

With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 185 reviews, I am not alone in my high praise for these pants.

If you’re a plus-size woman who gets excited by the call of the wild, these pants should top your hiking gear list.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants can accommodate a wide range of body types (up to 3X size).

They come in a pull-on design that many hikers, me included, love. Forget about zipping and snapping! You just pull them up, and you are good to go. This feature is really useful, especially during those chilly morning hikes when your fingers are too frozen to deal with complicated closures.

They have proven ideal for all sorts of terrain, offering the needed flexibility plus size women require. The ankle length is just perfect, leaving out the worry of the bottoms dragging on muddy trails.

The waistband is another feature you’ll love as it is wide and soft. You can hike all day long without feeling pinched or restricted and it is elasticated – adjusting to your body as it bends and moves.

The lightweight fabric is worth noting, too. It’s light, airy, and stretchy and it doesn’t rub or stick to your skin, even when you are sweating.

It wicks away moisture quite well (although not as good as some alternatives), leaving you dry and comfortable.

They have low-profile pockets. You can carry the bare essentials without adding unnecessary bulk to your silhouette.

Verdict

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pull-On Ankle Pants are a great example of high-quality and comfortable hiking pants. Their blend of mobility, comfort, and practical features make them an ideal choice for plus size women who love hiking in comfort.

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants are available in various sizes that cater to every body type. With sizes up to 2X, these pants are specifically designed to provide comfort and style to plus size women.

The pants feature a wide, rib-knit waistband that doesn’t dig into your skin, ensuring that you stay comfortable throughout your journey. The waistband is also fully adjustable, leaving no room for discomfort.

The North Face has emphasized much on the overall fit and feel of the pants. The pants come with a standard fit, which gives you enough room to move around comfortably without feeling too tight or too loose.

The Aphrodite 2.0 Pants are carefully crafted with FlashDry-XD™ technology. This technology ensures that your pants dry up quickly after getting wet, a great feature when you’re hiking in damp locations or in unpredictable weather.

The pants also have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. If it starts to sprinkle while you’re on your hiking trail, you don’t have to worry about getting drenched.

Have you ever hiked with items falling out of your pockets? It’s quite annoying! The Aphrodite 2.0 Pants solved this issue. These pants come with deep hand pockets and a hidden zip pocket on the right leg. You can now hike with your phone, keys, and other small items without fearing losing them.

Verdict

The adjustable waistband and the standard fit ensured that I didn’t have to constantly adjust my pants while navigating through the rocky terrains of the Smoky Mountains.

The FlashDry™ technology really stood out when I had to cross a small stream and my pants got wet. They dried up pretty quickly and I was able to continue my hike without any discomfort.

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants offers everything a plus size woman needs in hiking pants. Comfort, stylish design, quick drying, and ample pocket space, all these features make these pants a decent addition to your hiking outfit.

KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants

The KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants are lightweight, stretchy, and able to handle the rigors of the trail while keeping you comfortable and stylish.

The pants are made from a luxuriously soft, ultra-light fabric that stretches with your movements.

You don’t need to worry about these pants losing their shape. They bounce back to their original form after every stretch, ensuring a great fit throughout your hike.

What makes these pants exceptional for plus size women, is their mid-rise at the front and high-rise at the back design.

This offers a comfortable and flattering fit around the waist up to size 16. They are slightly fitted through the hip and thigh, and have a relaxed leg opening of 15.5″, offering plenty of room for movement.

The KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants live up to their name. You can roll up the legs and secure them with a snap when you want to convert them to a capri length. This is particularly handy if you’re hiking in areas where temperatures can fluctuate.

These pants are quick-drying and moisture-wicking, which is crucial when you’re working up a sweat on the trail.

Additionally, these pants have a PFC-free water-resistant finish, helping to protect you from light rain or morning dew.

To protect you from UV rays, the pants offer maximum UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s an added bonus that can help to safeguard your skin on sun-intensive hikes.

Another great feature of these pants are their six total pockets. We all know women’s pants are notorious for their lack of practical pocket size. Not these pants.

The pockets are ideal for storing small essentials like a cellphone (although not a bulky one), trail map or snack bar. They have hidden snap closure on the back and thigh pockets to safely secure your items.

Verdict

These pants are versatile and adaptable enough to take on the sometimes unpredictable elements of a hike. They are more than just a hiking pant as they are suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities and everyday wear.

If you’re a plus size woman looking for a reliable, comfortable and stylish pair of hiking pants, I highly recommend giving the KUHL Freeflex Roll-Up Pants a try. I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their superior fit and versatility!

Understanding the Needs of Plus Size Hikers

Hiking is a fantastic activity that promotes both physical health and mental wellbeing. But for plus-size women, finding the right gear can sometimes be a challenge.

Let’s take a closer look at the challenges that plus-size women may encounter when selecting perfect hiking pants.

The Challenge of Sizing, Fit, and Comfort

Sizing is often the first hurdle. It’s no secret that many outdoor brands don’t cater adequately to plus sizes.

You’ve probably experienced this frustration before – browsing through an array of hiking pants only to find that they stop at size 14…

Fortunately, more and more companies are now recognizing the need for inclusive sizing options.

The fit of the pants is another crucial factor. For us curvy gals, a pair of pants that fits well in the waist might be too tight around the hips or thighs. And a larger size that fits your hips might sag at the waist.

Finding that perfect balance between a snug fit and enough room to move freely can be tricky.

And let’s not forget about comfort. When you’re out there on the trail, the last thing you want is chafed skin or pants that pinch and bind. The material of the pants plays a critical role here. Look for fabrics that are soft, breathable, and have a bit of stretch to them.

The Importance of Inclusive Sizing Options

Inclusive sizing isn’t just about having larger sizes available. It’s about acknowledging and accommodating diverse body shapes and sizes. “One size fits all” doesn’t apply in the real world, and it certainly doesn’t work on the hiking trail.]

Here’s what you should look for:

• Wide Range of Sizes: Brands that offer a wide range of sizes are more likely to have something that fits you well. Don’t settle for pants that are too tight or too loose.

• Different Length Options: Not all plus-size women are the same height. Having different length options ensures that your pants won’t be too long or too short.

• Adjustable Features: Look for pants with adjustable waistbands and drawstring cuffs. These features allow you to customize the fit of your pants to your body shape.

Key Features to Look for in Hiking Pants for Plus Size Women

For plus size women, finding the perfect pair can be a bit more challenging. Here, we’ll discuss the key features to look for when shopping for plus size hiking pants.

Size Range and Fit

The first thing to consider is the size range and fit. Not all brands cater to diverse body shapes and sizes, but it’s essential that you find one that does.

Opt for brands that offer inclusive size ranges, including extended sizes. This ensures that you’ll find pants that truly fit your unique body shape.

Also, look for adjustable features. An adjustable waistband or drawstring cuffs can make a world of difference in terms of fit and comfort. These features allow you to tailor the pants to your body, ensuring they’re neither too tight nor too loose.

Comfort and Mobility

You need pants that move with you, not against you. Look for stretchable fabrics that allow for freedom of movement.

Other features to consider include gusseted crotches and articulated knees. A gusseted crotch reduces tension around the crotch area, preventing discomfort and enhancing durability.

Articulated knees, on the other hand, provide extra space when bending your knees, making climbing steep trails easier.

Durability

Hiking can be demanding, and the last thing you want is your pants giving out midway through a hike. That’s why durability is a must.

Look for pants made from durable materials and reinforced seams that can withstand the rigors of hiking trails and outdoor environments.

Moisture-Wicking and Breathability

Hiking can be a sweaty affair, especially on those hot summer days. Pants with moisture-wicking and breathability features are a lifesaver.

Moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry throughout your hike. Breathable designs, on the other hand, allow for airflow, keeping you cool during your activity.

Functionality

Lastly, consider the functionality of the pants. Features such as pockets, adjustable waistbands, and convertible designs can (and will) improve your hiking experience.

Pockets provide storage for essentials like your phone or trail map.

Convertible designs give you the option of turning your pants into shorts, which can be handy on particularly warm days.

Conclusion

Comfort, fit, and performance are the three pillars when selecting plus size hiking pants. You need pants that feel good when you wear them, fit just right, and can withstand the rigors of your outdoor adventures.

Finding the perfect pair of hiking pants is a personal journey. It’s about exploring your options, understanding your needs, and making a choice that suits you.

With the increasing awareness for inclusive sizing options, plus-size women now have more choices than ever before. So get out there, hit the trails, and enjoy the great outdoors in pants that are perfect for you!