How to Pick the Best Women's Leggings for a Hike
Buying Guide
The best women's hiking leggings by Nike start with All Conditions Gear (ACG), which features sweat-wicking, sun-protective tights built for the trail.
The best hiking leggings by Nike come from All Conditions Gear (ACG), Nike's outdoor collection, with trail-built tights that block sun, wick sweat and hold up to all-day adventures.
From there, consider your conditions. For example, Nike Therma-FIT leggings can be a good option when temperatures drop, thanks to their heat-trapping properties.
Consider this guide your fit check before hitting the trail.
Quick Takeaways
- ACG makes Nike's most trail-ready hiking leggings, with sun protection and sweat-wicking fabric.
- For cold days, Nike Therma-FIT leggings trap heat and layer under snow trousers.
- Look for pockets, high waistbands and abrasion-resistant fabric in a hiking legging.
- Pair leggings with sweat-wicking layers, trail socks and grippy shoes for a complete hiking outfit.
What Is ACG?
ACG, short for "All Conditions Gear", is Nike's outdoor collection, designed, tested and made for outdoor use. From trail footwear to hiking leggings, ACG pieces are built to handle changing weather and rugged terrain, making them the natural starting point for your hiking kit. You can explore the full collection here.
The Best Nike Women's Hiking Leggings
1. ACG Women's Dri-FIT High-Waisted 7/8 Trail-Running Leggings
If the excursion is scheduled to last all day, a pair of ACG Dri-FIT leggings may be a top contender.
These ACG Dri-FIT leggings feature a tight, customisable fit with an adjustable drawstring and sweat-wicking Nike Dri-FIT fabric to keep you dry and comfortable. They're designed for maximum preparation, offering eight versatile pockets—including a zip-back phone pocket and five waistband mesh pockets—to securely store your essentials.
Not to mention, they're made from recycled bottles, so you can feel good about buying a pair of leggings with a lower impact on the environment. You can pick from black or mustard yellow colourways.
2. ACG Wildsee LeggingsAnother great option from the ACG line, the ACG Wildsee Leggings are both soft and stretchy, the perfect combination for maximum comfort. They can be worn on their own or as a base layer if the weather calls for extra padding.
3. Nike One Therma-FIT LeggingsWhen 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.
4. ACG 'Wolf Grid' Therma-FIT Trousers
If you want a slightly looser fit that helps you stay warm, the ACG Wolf Grid trousers offer just that. Their breathable fleece helps wick moisture and keep you outside during a cold-weather hike.
(Related: The Best Winter Hiking Gear by Nike)
How to Build a Hiking Outfit Around Leggings
To build the perfect hiking outfit, start with hiking leggings as your base, then layer for conditions: a sweat-wicking top and long-sleeve sun layer for warm days or a Therma-FIT layer and packable shell when it's cold.
Finish with cushioned trail socks that cover the ankle and a pair of trail-ready hiking shoes with grippy traction. Pockets do the work of a small bag. Stash your phone, keys and snacks in zip pockets so you can keep your hands free.
FAQ
Are leggings good for hiking?
Yes, leggings are a good option for hiking. Nike women's hiking leggings demonstrate that pairs 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 with features like pockets and zips, meaning there are plenty of options for your adventure.
What do you wear with leggings on a hike?
Depending on weather conditions, you might consider a sweat-wicking top and/or a long-sleeve sun layer for warm days or a packable shell for colder days. A good pair of socks that are cushioned and sweat-wicking is key, and comfortable shoes with grippy traction are also a must.
Should hiking leggings have pockets?
It's absolutely helpful for your leggings to have pockets so you can stash small essentials — like your phone, wallet, keys and gels—and have easy access to them without having to dig through a large hiking backpack to find them. However, it all comes down to personal preference whether or not you want to hike in leggings that have pockets.
Can you hike in running leggings?
You want to make sure your running leggings are made from materials tough enough to withstand more rugged terrain than your typical jog around your neighbourhood might present.
For instance, if you fall on jagged rocks or accidentally brush past a low-hanging tree branch, you wouldn't want a pair of thin running leggings to end up with a hole. You also want to make sure your usual running leggings have features you might want for a hike, like pockets or a specific length.