What To Look For
The most important thing to remember when looking for a good pair of hiking pants is proper fit. Your pants need to be comfortable enough to allow you to bend your knees comfortably. The material should be moisture-wicking, wind and water resistant, lightweight and breathable. Hard-wearing nylon is a great material for hiking pants.
Common Pitfalls
It is important to remember that hiking pants are only suitable for three seasons. During extreme winter hiking conditions, you need to make use of a three-layer system--one layer of thermal inner wear, an insulation layer and a outer layer. Be sure to buy hiking pants that are loose enough to allow for these additional layers, so that you can use your hiking pants year-round.
Also keep in mind that hiking pants should be hardy enough to resist chafing, scraping and skin irritation.
Where To Buy
Columbia, The North Face and Mountain Hardwear are good brands that have exclusive women's hiking pants. Outdoor stores like REI carry these brands and offers a wide selection. Online retailers like Back Country, Cabelas and Sierra Trading Post also offer good deals and have a variety of brands.
Cost
Most good-quality women's hiking pants range from $50 to $65. The women's Columbia Sportswear Challenger Convertible Pants costs $50 and are a great multiuse option. Make use of online retailers like Amazon and Pricegrabber to compare prices. Take into consideration shipping and return fees when making an online purchase.
Comparison Shopping
Zip-off convertible hiking pants are very convenient options for changing weather conditions. These cost around the same as regular hiking pants, but are have the advantage of being adaptable to different climates and conditions. Hard-wearing nylon is a quality material that costs slightly more than other pant materials, but is worth the difference in price.
Accessories
If you like to carry items with you while hiking, look for pants that have deep, comfortable pockets. Avoid too many zips as they add unnecessary weight, and be sure your pockets are not so shallow that they cause you to lose items. Opt for in-built belts to reduce weight.
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