The 14 Best Tactical Hiking Pants Under $100

As a frequent traveler, restaurant critic, food writer, and avid hiker of 15 years who needs to jump from one European city to another, I always pack a solid rotation of leggings to throw on. But when my travels take me on long treks through the Swiss Alps, I need something more durable to keep me protected and secure — though that usually means lots of bulk, which is not easy to pack or seamlessly mix into my trip wardrobe. 

Luckily, hiking leggings have come a long way as outdoor brands like The North Face, Fjallraven, and Columbia have put their innovative technologies towards perfecting these lightweight bottoms and their counterparts. The result? All-weather, tear-resistant, waterproof, and moisture-wicking hiking pants that are still functional, comfortable, and easy to move in. 

Remember: successful treks begin with the right gear, so keep scrolling to explore the 14 best tactical hiking pants, leggings, and tights that skip the bulk and maximize performance and comfort. They won’t get in the way of your hikes and trail runs, and they’re all $100 or less.  

Fjallraven Abisko Short Tights 

The Abisko Trail Tights are one of my favorite items for long and short hikes in the fall, but they are a little pricey at $150. To stick under the $100, I recommend the brand’s Short Tights, which are $90 and are equally durable. They are well-fitted and very comfortable with their moisture-wicking fabric, but what I love most is that they’re cropped, which means that you can get some sun on your calves — something I value a lot during the transitional weather months when the sun comes out sporadically in the mountains.

Outdoor Voices Snacks 7/8 Leggings

In my opinion, these could be one of the best hiking tights out there because, unlike other leggings, they have several pockets and plenty of nifty little perks that help you store items like trail mix, dog treats, and even hotel room cards. Apart from their secret pockets, the leggings’ fabric is very sleek and the added compression makes them very comfortable when you’re hiking up hilly mountains. 

Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Tights

When temps dip, I reach for my Ridge Merino merino wool base layer bottoms to fight the chill on the trails. Their lightweight design makes them comfy to wear under my hiking pants (or ski pants) and they don’t bunch at my ankles or rub against my boots. If you’re looking for merino wool leggings that you can wear on their own, the Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Tights at Amazon have extra heft and shape to them, and they’re nearly $20 cheaper. 

Arc’teryx Rho Base Layer Bottoms

Here, the soft and lightweight material makes the Rho Base Layer Bottoms a great pair to wear during more strenuous hikes, but buyers love the leggings for the mirror-stitch seam, which doesn’t cause irritation or chafing when you’re on the move. The ankle-length leggings are great if you wear both boots or trail running shoes, but the best part is the zippered pocket on the right thigh for your phone or tissues. 

Topo Designs StayWarm Trail Leggings

A fast-drying fabric that quickly evaporates rainwater and sweat makes the StayWarm Leggings a great find. Along with the comfortable material, the leggings’ built-in UPF 50 fabric filters harsh UV rays, and the high-rise pullover waistband means they will stay in place during a hike or run. 

Kuhl Ayla Tights

Trail-tough, the Ayla tights are durable because of the soft-shell fabric and wide, soft-knit waistband that doesn’t restrict your stomach area as other leggings do. The leg panels stretch out very well because of the Powermesh-lined material, and there is a zippered thigh pocket and internal waistband, too.

Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Tights

Patagonia is known for quality hiking apparel, and these tights don’t disappoint. The fabric is made with moisture-wicking materials so you stay fresh and dry mile after mile, but the main reason to buy these Maipo tights is the low-profile flatlock seams; they prevent chafing without creating an unflattering look. There is a center-back pocket, too, which is large enough to fit an iPhone.

Cotopaxi Subo Pants

For hikers who don’t like the snug fit of leggings, opt for these equally well-shaped and tight-fitting (but not suffocating!) water-resistant hiking pants that are great for climbs and trail runs. Interior and exterior adjustable waistband cords help you fit the comfiest fit, while the zippered back pocket provides perfect on-the-go storage for your essentials. 

The North Face Antora Rain Pants

A nice fitting pair of pants for trails and hikes, The North Face’s Antora Rain Pants feature articulated knees and a comfortable, elastic drawcord waistband that are great for hikers of all shapes and sizes. The relaxed fit is perfect for people who don’t want to be restricted in trail leggings but still want a lightweight item with secure zips, multiple pockets, and even a lower-leg zip for easy on/off boot action.

The North Face Bridgeway Ankle Pants

These hiking pants are highly recommended by my fellow trail-loving friends, and it is easy to understand why. They boast on-trail functionality with sweat-wicking capabilities, UV-filtering materials, and impressive water-repellent qualities. They’re a decent pair of hiking pants that come in a range of sizes, and right now, you can get them on sale. 

Cotopaxi Muevo Tights

These Cotopaxi trail leggings stand out from other hiking tights because they have a wider waistband in addition to being high-rise and tight-fitting. The lightweight, recycled material makes these leggings great for the gym but even tough enough for trails because they are durable, scratch-resistant, and come with an added breathable material to keep hikers dry. 

Columbia Back Beauty Highrise Warm Winter Pants

Moisture-repellent, high-tech pants with comfortable high-waist seams that don’t irritate the skin — yes, it is possible, and Columbia mastered it. The gaiter clips and cuffs are excellent for securing shoelaces on long and strenuous hikes as well as blocking out debris as you tackle various trails. The best part about these pants is that they can be easily cleaned and dried incredibly quickly. 

Eddie Bauer 2.0 Polar Fleece-lined Pants

Say yes to those winter hiking plans because you’ve got the Eddie Bauer 2.0 Polar Fleece-lined Pants in your closet. Highly durable and stretchy, the pants have a lightweight construction and relaxed fit that’s fortified with the brand’s soft fleece lining for extra warmth. And if your trek brings you to some snowy hills, you can stay on course thanks to the water-repelling exterior. 

Prana Halle Straight Pants II

Looking for something that you can wear from the trails to brunch without needing an outfit change? Prana’s Halle Straight Pants II have a flattering silhouette that resembles the fit of your favorite jeans — only with UPF 50+ for sun protection, water repellency, and abrasion resistance. And unlike your jeans, these pants have articulated seams at the knees so you can bend, dip, lunge, and squat as needed without any restriction. 

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