How to Pick the Best Women's Leggings for a Hike

Nike women's hiking leggings demonstrate that trousers created for walking and wandering can be technical without sacrificing comfort or an opportunity to show off your personal style. Nike leggings come in a variety of materials, fits and lengths—meaning there are plenty of options.

Consider this guide your fit check before hitting the trail.

The leggings in the Nike Go collection are at your service, whether you want to scale up mountains or coast across flat land. Made from Nike Dri-FIT fabric, these hiking leggings are engineered to pull sweat away from your body, helping you stay dry while on the move.

If you're looking for capri-length hiking leggings, check out the Nike Go firm-support high-waisted capri leggings, available in standard and plus sizes. Stopping just below the knee, this cropped option exposes the lower leg—a solid pick for a slightly warm adventure.

Stash essentials (think: gels, small snacks, a whistle and your phone) in one of the six pockets this pair of leggings boasts. These include two seamless side pockets, three drop-in pockets along the waist and one zip option on the upper thigh.

When temperatures are as brisk as can be, shimmy into a pair of Nike One Therma-FIT leggings. Described as a double-brushed microfibre fleece, Nike Therma-FIT fabric is designed to trap heat against the skin as it simultaneously shields it from cold breezes.

Two factors inform your selection: the temperature and your pace. With their seamless design, the Nike Therma-FIT One women's mid-rise leggings make an optimal base layer under cargo or snow trousers. Meanwhile, the multiple mesh and zip pocket options on the Nike Pro Therma-FIT women's mid-rise pocket leggings make them a strong choice for days where the weather is a bit more tame.

(Related: The Best Winter Hiking Gear by Nike)

If the excursion is scheduled to last all day, a pair of Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV leggings may be a top contender. These adventure-friendly leggings work double duty, safeguarding you from the sun's rays as well as the sweat it may pull out of you.

Indeed, the Nike ACG Dri-FIT ADV leggings have UVA and UVB protection built right into their design and shield from the sun in the areas they cover. Furthermore, the recycled yarn used to make up these bottoms helps wick moisture away from your frame, preventing you from overheating on sunny summer days. You can also pick from print or solid leggings.

(Related: The 8 Best Nike Sneakers to Wear on a Hike)

If your upcoming hike or trail run occurs in between seasons, consider reaching for a pair of Nike Epic Luxe leggings. Optimal for spring and autumn hikes, the Nike Epic Luxe leggings are a lightweight option that can comfortably stretch with each stride.

For early morning or late evening hikes, try the Nike Dri-FIT ADV Epic Luxe women's running leggings with pockets that feature reflective-design taping and side seams. Some pairs have up to four pockets, which can hold anything from fuel to keys and phone.

Words by Gabrielle Kassel