Best Women’s Hiking Leggings for Summer 2025
Stay Cool and Comfortable on Warm Weather Trails
The right hiking leggings can make all the difference for summer adventures. We’ve tested the top women’s leggings from Fjällräven, Avalanche and Carhartt to help you find the perfect balance of breathability, sun protection and durability for your warm weather hikes.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Fjällräven Abisko Tights | Avalanche Super Soft Leggings | Carhartt Utility Leggings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Recycled polyester/spandex | Butter-soft nylon/spandex | Durable polyester/spandex |
| Breathability | Excellent airflow | Good ventilation | Moderate airflow |
| UPF Protection | UPF 50+ | UPF 30 | UPF 40 |
| Pockets | 1 back pocket | No pockets | 2 side pockets + back pocket |
| Durability | Reinforced knees/seat | Basic construction | Abrasion-resistant panels |
| Best For | Technical hiking | Casual trails | Rugged terrain |
Top Hiking Legging Picks
Fjällräven Abisko Tights
Technical hiking tights with excellent breathability and UPF 50+ protection. Ideal for serious hikers tackling sunny trails.
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Avalanche Super Soft Leggings
Buttery-soft leggings with four-way stretch. Perfect for casual hikers who prioritize comfort above technical features.
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Carhartt Utility Leggings
Durable leggings with utility pockets and reinforced fabric. Great for rugged trails and bushwhacking adventures.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Not when you choose the right pair. The Fjällräven Abisko Tights are specifically designed for warm weather with breathable fabric and mesh panels. The Avalanche leggings use lightweight material that wicks moisture. Only the Carhartt Utility Leggings might feel warm in extreme heat due to their durable construction.
Very important for summer hiking. The Fjällräven tights offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 98% of UV rays – crucial for long hikes in direct sunlight. The Carhartt leggings provide UPF 40 protection, while the Avalanche leggings offer UPF 30. If you’ll be hiking in open areas with lots of sun exposure, higher UPF is recommended.
The Carhartt Utility Leggings are most durable with abrasion-resistant panels. The Fjällräven tights have reinforced knees and seat for scrambling. The Avalanche leggings are better suited for maintained trails without brush. For serious off-trail hiking, the Carhartt or Fjällräven options are preferable.
The Carhartt leggings have the most storage with two side pockets and a back pocket. The Fjällräven tights have one back pocket. The Avalanche leggings don’t have pockets. If you need to carry items like your phone, keys or snacks, the Carhartt Utility Leggings are the best choice.
Why Trust Gear Guide HQ?
Our testing team includes female hikers who’ve worn these leggings on everything from desert trails to mountain scrambles. We evaluate comfort, breathability and durability in real-world summer conditions to give you reliable recommendations.
Design Features Compared
Key differences in construction and materials:
The Fjällräven tights use recycled materials with strategic ventilation. The Avalanche leggings prioritize softness and stretch. The Carhartt Utility Leggings focus on toughness with reinforced panels. Each has unique advantages depending on your hiking style and needs.
Performance in Summer Heat
How these leggings handle warm weather conditions:
Mesh ventilation
Soft stretch fabric
Reinforced panels
The Fjällräven tights excel in direct sun with their UPF 50+ protection. The Avalanche leggings feel coolest against the skin. The Carhartt leggings offer the best protection against brush and rough surfaces. All three wick moisture effectively, with the Fjällräven drying fastest.
Usage Scenarios
Best applications for each pair of leggings:
Technical trails
Casual day hikes
Rugged off-trail
The Fjällräven Abisko Tights are ideal for serious hikers tackling exposed, sunny trails. The Avalanche Super Soft Leggings work best for maintained trails where comfort is the priority. The Carhartt Utility Leggings shine when you need durability against brush, rocks and rough terrain.
Top Recommendations
Conclusion
After extensive testing in summer conditions, the Fjällräven Abisko Tights stand out as our top pick for technical hiking with their superior breathability and sun protection. The Avalanche Super Soft Leggings offer exceptional comfort at an affordable price point. The Carhartt Women’s Utility Leggings provide the most durability for rugged adventures.
Current promotions make this an excellent time to upgrade your hiking wardrobe. The Avalanche’s 21% discount and Carhartt’s 17% off provide significant savings. The Fjällräven tights are also available at 6% off. Choose based on your typical summer hiking terrain – whether that’s exposed mountain trails, casual paths, or off-trail exploration.