Women's Hiking Pants & Tights

Women's-specific hiking pants and tights are cut for the female body — with a higher rise, more room through the hips and seat, shorter inseam options, and a waist that actually stays put under a pack hip belt. These aren't details you notice until you spend a full day on technical terrain in trousers that don't fit properly. Backwoods stocks women's hiking pants and tights for every condition and use case across New Zealand's diverse trail environments. Use the filters to narrow by type or feature.

Women's Hiking Pants

Stretch Hiking Pants

The most versatile legwear for three-season New Zealand tramping. Technical women's hiking pants use nylon or polyester fabrics blended with elastane for four-way stretch that moves with your body over uneven terrain — high steps over roots, deep stream crossings, long descents on loose scree. A DWR finish causes light rain to bead and roll off rather than soaking through, and most quality hiking pants dry rapidly after getting wet. For the Routeburn, Kepler, Abel Tasman, and the majority of New Zealand's Great Walks, a well-chosen pair of stretch hiking pants is the single most useful legwear you can pack.

Women's-specific features to look for: a higher waistband that sits comfortably under a pack hip belt without digging or rolling down; a cut that provides room through the hips and seat without excess fabric at the waist; and inseam length options suited to a range of heights — women's outdoor pants are typically available in short, regular, and long lengths.

Softshell Pants

For alpine and cold-weather use, women's softshell trousers combine the stretch and breathability of a softshell jacket in trouser form. They block wind effectively, handle light precipitation, and add meaningful insulation for exposed ridgelines, winter day hikes, and shoulder-season tramping where standard hiking pants are too cold but full waterproof shells are too stiff and warm for sustained active movement. The Mountain Equipment Chamois Women's Pant is a strong example of this style — built for technical alpine use with excellent stretch and wind resistance.

Waterproof Over-Trousers

Waterproof over-trousers are the rain defence for your lower half — worn over hiking pants or tights when sustained rain, wet vegetation, and inevitable stream crossings make getting soaked a certainty rather than a risk. For multi-day tramping on New Zealand's wetter routes — Milford, Kepler, Heaphy, the West Coast wilderness tracks — they're as essential as a waterproof jacket. Look for full-length leg zips that allow the pants to be pulled on over boots without unlacing, and a breathable membrane to prevent overheating during active use.

Women's Tights & Thermal Leggings

Active Hiking Tights

Women's hiking tights have become a staple legwear choice on New Zealand trails for good reason. A close-fitting stretch tight provides excellent freedom of movement, minimal fabric bulk, and effective moisture wicking across all-day effort levels. Worn alone in warm conditions or as a base layer under hiking pants or waterproof shells in cold and wet weather, tights are genuinely versatile across seasons. Look for a high waistband that sits securely under a loaded pack, flatlock seaming that prevents chafing on long days, and a four-way stretch fabric that won't restrict movement on technical terrain.

Fleece & Thermal Tights

Fleece-backed thermal tights — like the Mountain Equipment Jorasses Lite range — add insulated warmth to the close-fitting profile of a standard tight. The fleece interior traps warm air against the skin while the stretch outer fabric maintains full mobility. Ideal as the base layer under waterproof shell trousers for alpine tramping, ski touring, and winter backcountry use — and warm enough to wear standalone on cool mornings and cold camp evenings. The 3/4 length option sits above ski boots without bunching, while full-length tights provide complete coverage for the coldest conditions.

Fit & Sizing Considerations

Women's outdoor pants sizing varies more between brands than almost any other clothing category — waist-to-hip ratio, inseam length, and rise height all differ significantly. A few practical tips: always check brand-specific size guides before ordering; if you're between sizes, size up for pants and down for tights (tights rely on stretch to fit); and for pants worn under a heavy pack, try them on with a loaded hip belt to check the waistband doesn't dig or roll. Women's hiking pants with an adjustable waist — belt loops plus internal drawcord — offer the most flexibility across pack use and varied conditions.

Pair your legwear with a women's waterproof jacket for full lower and upper body protection, or browse our full women's outdoor clothing range. Also see women's shorts for warm-weather hiking.

Free shipping on orders over $100 throughout New Zealand.