The Athleta Headlands Hybrid Cargo II quickly became our favorite hiking leggings because they’re incredibly flattering and super comfortable. They look more like normal pants than athletic wear with their sleek lines and plentiful zippered pockets. The fit is snug, but not overly constricting, and the comfy, wide waistband doesn’t cut in. The front side of these pants is a nylon blend material for durability and moisture resistance, while the backside is spandex for greater flex and breathability. The Headlands are perfect for cool-weather hiking, but we like them so much that we find ourselves wearing them pretty much everywhere.

The Patagonia Pack Out Hike Tights offer an excellent range of motion for tackling tough trails without sacrificing durability, so you can be wild and carefree. They’re made with a stretchy blend of polyester-spandex fabric so they’re comfortable and light. But they’re sturdier than your typical legging due to the DWR-coated nylon-spandex panels on the seat and knees. That means you can take a knee to tie your shoe or sit on a wet log to watch that waterfall – no problem! The Pack Out Hikes are similar to the Fjallraven Abisko Trek Pro Tights below, but they cost quite a bit less and have a more forgiving fit for curvier bodies. We’re also big fans of the Pack Outs without the reinforced panels, though they aren’t quite as durable.

Don’t want to spend a lot but still want decent quality? Check out the IUGA High Waist Leggings. We gave this affordable Amazon favorite a try and we were pleasantly surprised by how well they kept up with the more expensive competition. The fabric is thick enough that these pants aren’t see-through when you bend down, and they’ll undoubtedly last for many hiking seasons. If you wear leggings a lot, the IUGAs are cheap enough that you can get several pairs in different colors for the same price as a single pair of premium leggings. They’re also a great introductory option if you’ve never worn leggings and want to give them a try without breaking the bank.

If you want to wear your leggings everywhere but you have reservations about baring it all in form-fitting pants, check out the Athleta Elation 2 in 1. They have a lightweight mini skirt sewn into the waistband for a little extra coverage, so you can rock them year-round without feeling exposed. On top of that, they’re some of the comfiest leggings we’ve ever worn. The fabric is incredibly soft and breathable. Plus, these tights only have light compression, so you won’t be eager to peel them off at the end of the day like a tight sports bra. We reach for the fashionable and functional Elation Leggings when it’s likely that a hike or yoga session will end with errands or a trip to the pub.

We strongly suggest the Eddie Bauer Trail Tight if you’re on the hunt for an affordable pair of leggings with pockets for hiking. They’re cute, pretty durable, and they’re treated to resist odors so you can wash them less often. We wish the side pockets were a little larger so they could fit a phone in them, but it’s not a huge deal – we usually have a jacket or backpack pocket that works better anyway. The pockets have zippers to keep small stuff secure. Some reviewers say that the waist can fall down since it isn’t as tight-fitting as some. But we haven’t had that issue, and we find the more relaxed waistline to be comfortable for everyday wear and hiking. The Trail Tights are already a great deal at full price, but they can often be found on sale.

Arc’teryx products tend to be a little expensive, but we find that their clothing is often worth the cost for the dialed-in fit and exceptional quality. Everything we’ve ever owned from this brand has lasted a long time, and the Essent High-Rise Leggings are no exception. These high-performance tights are thin, so they feel cool and breathable even on a hot summer hike. And the nylon-lycra blend makes them extremely stretchy, quick drying, and highly resistant to runs and tears. We also really like that the waistband is smooth and remains comfortable even while sitting. As the name implies, the Essents are meant to be a versatile essential in your wardrobe. These streamlined leggings play the part perfectly whether you’re bagging high mountain peaks or just walking the dog.

We pull out the lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Leggings when we’re ready to kick some serious butt on a trail run. They have an extra-high waist that stays up securely, as well as plenty of compression to keep your blood flowing, so your heart doesn’t have to work quite as hard. These supportive pants can also help boost your confidence by keeping jiggles to a minimum during high-impact workouts. The tight fit makes them a little tedious to put on, but once you’re in them you’ll feel like a hiking superhero! If you’re serious about your workouts and want to look and feel great, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Swift Speeds.

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights have a strange way of making you feel ready for anything when you put them on. They have quite a bit of compression for a supportive feel and plenty of pockets to keep you well equipped. The Abiskos are reinforced with Cordura panels on the knees and backside so they’re extra durable for hikers who are tough on gear. Don’t get us wrong, the stretchy material can still get snagged if you bushwhack. But they’ll give you the confidence to pop a squat on a log or criss-cross in the dirt anytime, anywhere. The Abiskos are expensive, so they’re best for people who are sure they’ll put them to hard use. You can also spend a little less and get the Abiskos without reinforcement patches if you aren’t a fan of the two-tone look.

What you’ll notice first about the prAna Electa II is how soft they feel and how stylish they are. These leggings have a flattering high waist, sleek lines, and double-flapped pockets that are great for keeping your phone screen or sunglasses scratch-free. The Electas have medium compression for a great balance of support and comfort, so they’re equally suited to the trail, a workout class, or lounging on the couch on a Saturday morning. You could spend less for a similar-looking cheap legging, but the Electas feel luxurious and are bound to last a lot longer.

The REI Active Pursuit Tights are extra comfortable with their ultra-high waist, thin breathable material, and relaxed compression. They’re pretty basic compared to some of the sporty workout leggings on the market, but their simplicity makes them versatile. Because they’re plain looking, the Take Your Times are great for layering and work well for all kinds of activities indoors and out. And they’re affordable, so you might be able to pick up a couple of pairs instead of just one.

We wear leggings the most during the chilly fall and winter months since they fit like a second skin and tend to keep us warmer than traditional hiking pants. When temperatures really dip, fleece-lined leggings, like these from IUGA, are where it’s at. These lightly insulated leggings provide a boost of warmth for bitter cold hikes and snowshoeing adventures. Plus, they layer well with tall boots, long shirts, and dresses to suit a whole range of outfits for everyday life. Of the hoards of cheap fleece-lined leggings on the market, we chose the IUGAs because they have great pockets, a flattering fit, and are good quality for the price.