Finding a comfortable pair of trekking pants can be a struggle, yet it’s essential when heading on any Himalayan trek. Navigating the Himalayan terrain requires not only physical stamina but the right choice of gear. Uncomfortable clothing can ruin your experience.
Packing the right pair of trekking pants is crucial to enjoy to the fullest on a Himalayan trek. The trail traverses dense forest, icy cold streams, undulated paths and rugged terrain. Navigating these trails demands comfortable clothing. Good trekking pants with breathable fabric and adequate mobility ensure comfort throughout your Himalayan adventure.
With a multitude of options available in the market, here is what you should prioritize when purchasing trekking pants.
Here is a quick guide on the best trekking pants for women and how to choose the right pair.
Let’s delve into the world of trekking pants and get that perfect pair for your next Himalayan trek.
Important factors to consider while choosing the trekking pants
Before buying trekking pants, consider these important factors to bring home the most comfortable pair. We have listed some of the important tips to remember while buying trekking pants for women.
1. Material of Trekking Pants for Women
Trekking pants are typically made of synthetic fabrics like – polyamide, nylon, and spandex. These fabrics ensure breathability and water resistance and are stretchable to move around. Choosing the right material depends on your preference.
Trekking pants made primarily of polyester are breathable, water resistant and dry quickly but these pants are less stretchable than the ones made of nylon as a primary material. Hiking pants that use nylon as base fabric have better durability.
Another material used is spandex. These products ensure better stretchability.
2. Mobility
A perfect pair of trekking pants with adequate mobility and comfort enhances your trekking experience. When traversing an undulated terrain, it is important that your trekking clothing provides the required mobility.
If your trekking pants lack mobility, you will be uncomfortable while on the move and continue adjusting them. This distraction will hinder your pace and you will miss out on the beauty of the trail. For mobility, choose trekking pants made of stretchable fabrics with the right fit. This is where selecting the right material becomes crucial.
While checking the mobility of trekking pants, try squatting comfortably without feeling tightness around the crotch. A right fit gives you enough room and mobility. Also, try to bring your knee up to your chest with ease. In case of discomfort while squatting or bringing your knees up, drop the pants and look for another pair.
A perfect fit ensures elasticity around your hips, knees and crotch, especially when navigating difficult terrains and steep slopes.
3. Comfort and Fit
The comfort of your pants depends on their mobility. Adequate mobility of your trekking pants ensures comfort on the trek.
How do you check comfort level and ensure the right fit?
A comfortable pair of trekking pants glide you through all kinds of terrain and accommodate your body parts with ease. The fabric is breathable and doesn’t cling, and the waistband feels right – not too tight or loose. Ensures comfortable mobility on the trek and while engaging in campsite activities.
To ensure the comfort of your pants, go for the right length and fitting. Witnessing trekkers pulling their pants is a common sight on the trail. The right fit allows you to navigate the challenging trail easily without any disruptions.
4. Weather Resistance
When buying hiking pants, look for options that withstand unpredictable weather conditions. Trekking in the mountains comes with varying weather situations. Look for water-repellent and windproof trekking pants to stay dry and comfortable if rain is in the forecast. Another important feature to watch out for is how quickly the pants dry when exposed to wet weather. You also want to ensure the moisture-wicking. Pants made of certain fabrics wick moisture easily. These pants have small pores to wick sweat away from the legs to the outer surface to evaporate moisture.
5. Accessibility
A good pair of trekking pants comes with easily accessible and functional pockets. While the trekking pants available in the market come with front and back pockets, look for pants with zippered pockets.
Another important factor to check while selecting the trek pants is the depth of the pocket. Many women who trek with us gripe about the lack of functional pockets in women’s trekking pants. Trekking pants for women are equipped with back and thigh pockets.
While a zippered pocket is also common in select trekking pants, however, what is amiss is functional pockets that fit your smartphone and secure it with a zip. Therefore when shopping for trekking pants, remember to assess the zippered pocket’s depth by testing it with your phone. Doing so will save you from tumbling your phone or other valuables while hiking.
6. Versatility
If you go to any outdoor gear shops, a range of products in one category alone confuses you. With the growing demand, there is no dearth of designs in the market. So, when selecting trekking or hiking pants, check for versatile designs.
Convertible trekking pants are a hit on treks off late. You can easily remove the lower part and convert it into shorts. Above all, these designs are convenient while crossing rivers or hiking in hot summer weather. Another design to consider is roll-up pants. These pants come with a button or draw cord that helps you roll up your pants up to the knee and secure the cuffs.
Best Trekking Pants for women available in India
Here is a quick list of the best trekking pants for women in India. OWLS team have used a few of them in moderate to difficult treks. These trekking pants can be bought online or from offline stores.
- Women’s Mountain Trekking 2-in-1 Zip-Off Trousers MT100 – grey
- Women Trekking Trousers MT500 Mint Green
- Manali All Weather Women Trekking Pants by Gokyo
- Women’s Mountain Walking Trousers – MH500 – Black
- Women Trekking 2-in-1 Zip-Off Trousers MT500 Blue
- K2 Cold Weather Trekking & Outdoor Pants In Wine – Women
- Sahyadri Ultralight Womens Rock Climbing & Trekking Pants – Women
How much should you spend on Trekking Pants?
The amount you spend on your trekking pants depends on the terrain you will explore. A comfortable pair of trekking pants starts somewhere between Rs 1500 to Rs. 2200. You will find a budget buy priced at Rs 1000. But you will compromise on a few factors, such as fewer pockets, stretchability and comfort.
One of the most comfortable pairs I have witnessed many trekkers use is the Forclaz MT100 by Decathlon. I have personally worn these pants on easy-to-moderate treks, and they offer maximum comfort and mobility. The pant is priced at Rs 2299, however, don’t miss an opportunity to grab this one at a lower price whenever you come across a sale on the website.
Consider increasing your budget if you are going for long expeditions. Go for insulated trekking pants if you are going for multiple-day treks in extreme weather conditions.
Decathlon trekking pants are the most common pants used by trekkers who frequent the Himalayan treks. We also recommend new upcoming brands like Gokyo which offers a range of trekking pants for women for all weather conditions.
If you are a seasoned trekker and have discovered a perfect pair of trekking pants, do share your list with fellow trekking enthusiasts.
