Over the last few years, outdoorsy aesthetics have taken over. Gorpcore fashion, the rise of technical wear, and a growing love for the great outdoors have all played a part in making functional clothing a huge trend. And with that, the search for the best hiking leggings has never been bigger.
Wearing leggings for hiking tends to split opinions, you either swear by them or wouldn’t dream of leaving the house in anything other than a baggy hiking pant. But there’s a strong case for leggings on the trails. They’re comfortable, stylish, flattering, and versatile… not to mention, you probably already own a pair that can get the job done.
When it comes to choosing the right hiking leggings, key features like deep pockets, moisture-wicking fabrics, and a stay-put design are must-haves. But now that leggings are an official staple in outdoor fashion, how do we style them for the trails? Discover the best Gymshark leggings for hiking and how to wear them for peak practicality.
When Technical Meets Fashionable
Hiking gear has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why, especially when weather-proofing and comfort are hallmarks of the style. The rise of functional fashion, driven by the crunchy-loving gorpcore trend has made outdoor wear a style statement, both on and off the trails. And leggings? They’ve become a go-to choice for hikers who want comfort, flexibility, and a sleek, put-together look.
No longer just for gym sessions, leggings are now a hiking essential. They’re breathable, easy to move in, quick drying and help with chafing; and with so many designs featuring durable materials, and (most importantly) pockets, they’re more practical than ever. Plus, let’s be real, good leggings can make any outfit look effortlessly cool and can be a more stylish option for many women than hiking pants.
Let’s not forget the huge role social media has played in making hiking leggings a cool-girl staple. In the current hiking boom, influencers and outdoor lovers are showing off their trail fits, layering leggings with oversized fleeces, utility vests, and sleek Gore-Tex jackets, proving that adventure-ready outfits can be just as stylish as they are functional.
Gymshark’s Best Hiking Leggings With Pockets
We spoke to Gymshark’s Senior Womenswear Designer, Laura Browne on her recommendations for transitioning your gym leggings into the best leggings for hiking. First and foremost, she suggests “looking for leggings that are quick drying and comfortable” to keep you dry on your walk, whether that’s after a brief rain-shower or from sweat.
“When it comes to comfort, something many people don’t think about is seams. Go seamless where you can for ultimate comfort, or choose [flat-lock seams] that won’t irritate you on longer hikes”
Pockets are also a must-have for quick access to your phone/snacks when on the trail—Laura mentioned when asked about choosing the best leggings for hiking, noting that zipped pockets are a great addition to your leggings for keeping your valuables secure, giving you the peace of mind to roam free.
Another key feature she recommends looking out for is reflective details, “like the reflective strips on our Running Warmth Leggings to stay visible and safe if you’re out when the sun sets or early morning”.
With her designer insights in mind, we’ve rounded up the four best Gymshark leggings for hiking, ready for you to finally take that weekend trip to one of those many many hikes you’ve been saving on TikTok.
Love heavy lifting in the week and hitting the trails on the weekend? These leggings offer versatility for both activities with a smooth buttery finish, comfortable enough for long walks, squats, and stretching as you step up difficult terrain. Instead of a tight, ribbed waistband that can feel uncomfortable over an extended period of time, these leggings have breathable mesh in the waistband for a cooling effect. The best part? Two deep side pockets give you ample storage on the peaks, giving you easy access to your phone to capture photos of the scenic views.
Key Features:
Deep side pockets so your essentials don’t fall out
Sweat-wicking for quick drying when you get rained on
Sculpting design for support
Why You’ll Love Them: If you love the feel of yoga leggings with a sky-high waistband and buttery soft feel, then the Lifting Pocket Leggings are a solid pick for keeping you comfortable on your next hike. These leggings are available in a handful of lighter shades like - light blue, purple and light brown which are a great choice for warm-weather hikes as the color of your hiking leggings plays a big part in temperature regulation, and black leggings can be a bit much in the blaring sun.
Our Pocket Leggings are a great choice for hiking thanks to their comfortable stretchy fit, functional pockets and no-fuss design. When it comes to hiking long distances, you don’t want anything too compressive, and these leggings fit snugly, without cutting off circulation to the calves or hurting the tummy.
Key Features:
Multiple pockets for ultimate convenience
Versatile and stylish from the gym to the lakes
Comfy high-waisted fit for support and coverage
Why You’ll Love Them: Most hikers prioritize functionality as well as style, and these leggings are the perfect blend of both, especially when paired with hiking clothes like fleece pullovers and waterproof jackets. With multiple storage options, you can keep your valuables close, which is great for hikes when you want to keep the baggage to a minimum.
From 5K to 5 Peaks, there’s no challenge too tough with these leggings. Made for running, but perfect for slower paces, these hiking leggings get you from A to B with ease. They’re ultra high-rise with a flat waistband for a comfortable fit, and an adjustable drawcord to stop them going anywhere - one less thing to worry about on the trail, especially if you’ve got a fair distance to go.
Key Features:
Breathable and sweat-wicking fabric
Secure waistband that stays in place
Streamlined fit for easy movement
Why You’ll Love Them: These leggings might just have it all for hiking. Lightweight (easy to pack), sweat-wicking (keeps you dry and cool), zip pockets (storage), high-waisted and complete with a reflective logo for visibility? They offer both comfort and function for walking, keep you free from chafing and happen to look great doing so.
Hiking in the colder-months? We’ve got the leggings for you, with soft brushed lining on the inside to keep you warm, these thick leggings are perfect for winter trails. These are one of our best leggings for hiking as they’re packed full of features to make your hike a little easier, like zipped pockets, reflective logos and an internal pockets for secure storage of any small items like keys, lip balm etc.
Key Features:
Brushed inner lining for insulation during cold-weather hikes
Reflective details for low-light conditions
Adjustable waistband and zipped pockets for a secure fit
Why You’ll Love Them: Cold-temperatures shouldn’t stop you from hitting the trails. These leggings offer the warmth and comfort you need for winter hikes while maintaining a sleek, flattering look. Who says you can’t feel stylish while hiking?
How To Style Hiking Leggings
Leggings for hiking aren’t just practical, they can be a whole fashion statement. The styling opportunities for leggings have skyrocketed as outdoorsy aesthetics have become trendy, and balancing style and function has never been so easy. Grab a chunky fleece, good pair of walking boots, and a sleek waterproof jacket and you’re all styled up for the peaks. Whether you’re trailing around a mountain range or heading for an easy-weekend hike, here’s how to style your leggings for comfort and adventure.
Styling Tips
Layer Up
Layering is key when hiking, and leggings make the perfect base for outfits that adapt to changing conditions. Since they are thin, leggings can be worn all year round. For the warmer months, pair them with sports bras, breathable tank tops, and sweat-wicking shirts. Throw on an oversized sweatshirt for a relaxed, athleisure look, or layer up with a fleece or thermal base layer when the temperature drops.
Another great thing about hiking leggings… they layer seamless under waterproof shell trousers, so you can stay protected from the rain without the bulk.
Functional Footwear
Your choice of footwear can really make or break a hike. Ever seen someone hiking in regular sneakers? That shouldn’t be you. Hiking footwear is designed for grip, stability and comfort. Pair your leggings with hiking hiking boots for rugged trails and long hikes, or trail sneakers for more forgiving terrain or short walks. A little styling tip? Let chunky walking socks peel out of your boots for a cute and cozy touch to a practical style.
Gorp-savvy Accessories
Hiking outfits aren’t just about function anymore… they’re a whole aesthetic. Caps, sporty polarised sunglasses, and utilitarian crossbody bags with lots of pockets add a stylish, yet practical finish to your leggings outfit. A lightweight, water-resistant backpack is another cool addition to a hiking look, offering practical storage for snacks, sunscreen and extra layers.
Leggings Hiking Outfit Ideas
The right hiking outfit can take your hikes from a walk around the park to a summit climb, as long as you keep the weather and terrain in mind. Stay comfortable and stylish come wind, sun, or snow with these three leggings hiking outfits that’ll have you covered.
Windproof Leggings Outfit
For breezy hikes, choose windproof or water-resistant pairings to block out the chill. Layer a lightweight windbreaker over a long-sleeve moisture-wicking top and trail boots for an outfit that keeps you protected from the elements without overheating.
Warm-Weather Leggings Outfit
When it’s hot outside, breathability is everything. opt for lightweight, sweat-wicking leggings and pair them with a loose tank top or just wear your sports bra for maximum airflow. Lightweight walking shoes and a cap will help keep you cool while offering protection from the sun.
Cold-Weather Leggings Outfit
Winter-hiking outfits call for fleece, everywhere. Choose a fleece or sherpa fullover, fleece-lined leggings and sweat-wicking long-sleeve baselayer to trap the heat in. Don’t forget waterproof hiking boots for snowy or icy conditions!
FAQ
What leggings are good for hiking?
The best hiking leggings are durable, moisture-wicking, and designed for movement. Look for high-waisted fits for extra support, deep pockets for storage, lightweight leggings for summer, and thicker leggings for winter. Seamless leggings can offer extra protection, and mesh panels and detailing on leggings provide more airflow.
Is it better to hike in leggings or hiking pants?
It depends on your priorities. Hiking pants offer more protection against rough terrain and unpredictable weather, but they can feel stiff or bulky. Leggings, on the other hand, offer flexibility, breathability, and all-day comfort. If you’re sticking to well-maintained trails or moderate hikes, leggings are a great choice.
Another thing to consider is that hiking pants are great but can be pricey and often too specialized for everyday wear. Leggings, on the other hand, can transition from the trails to the gym, cycling, or even just running errands.
Can you climb a mountain in leggings?
Yes, but it depends on the mountain and the leggings you choose. For casual or moderate hikes, high-quality leggings with moisture-wicking, compression, and durable fabrics can handle the challenge. However, for more technical or extreme climbs, we wouldn’t recommend wearing gym leggings.
Many hikers love the freedom of movement and lightweight feel of leggings over traditional hiking pants, especially on well-marked trails. Just make sure your leggings have enough durability and support to keep up with the terrain!
Final Thoughts
Hiking leggings have officially cemented their place in outdoor fashion, offering the perfect blend of comfort, function, and style. Whether you're heading out for a short nature walk or a challenging mountain trail, the right pair of leggings can keep you feeling supported and looking great. With thoughtful layering, smart accessories, and a solid footwear choice, you can create a hiking outfit that’s as practical as it is stylish. So, grab your favorite leggings, hit the trails, and embrace the outdoors in comfort and confidence!
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