The Best Women’s Hunting Pants, Tested and Reviewed
[html]A pair of co*fortable, durable, and well-fitting pants will make your next hunt more enjoyable
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For years, I found little to no women’s hunting pants available in any useful camouflage patterns. Then there was the “pink it and shrink it” era where sporting goods stores had a rack of camo consisting of men’s-cut clothing rebranded in smaller sizes. It was also often accented with pink, purple, or teal, which made it impractical for most actual hunting situations.
But outdoor co*panies have since stepped up, and options for women’s hunting pants abound. More of the big-name camo brands are adding women-specific lines. They don’t have as many options to choose from as male customers enjoy, but we’re increasingly pleased to find a good amount of options for varying scenarios in the woods.
That’s great news.
The downside is that with so many options, it requires some trial and error to pick what is best for you. Fortunately, I have tested a lot of hunting apparel and came up with a list of the best women’s hunting pants for wherever you may find yourself.
How We Tested the Best Women’s Hunting Pants
These pants were put through the wringer in different terrain, weather conditions, and hunting seasons over multiple years. Contributor Christine Peterson hiked and backpacked for weeks in the mountains of Wyoming and worked on a ranch pulling fence and digging ditches. Executive editor Natalie Krebs tested pants during Midwestern turkey and whitetail seasons, Western spot-and-stalk hunts in the desert and snowy mountains, and on a soggy, frigid sea duck hunt in Alaska. We also sought feedback from other hunters who have extensive experience with these pants to get their input.
Best Women’s Hunting Pants: Reviews & Reco*mendations
Best All-Around Hunting Pants
KUIU Attack
Key Features
- Articulated knees
- Four-way stretch Primaflex polyester
- 15.8 ounces
- Odor and water resistance
Pros
- Thicker to help with bug control but not too light
- Excellent fit
- Side vents
- Plenty of pockets
Cons
- Front pocket is big but tight
- Pricey
The author tests the Kuiu Attack pants. Christine Peterson
For most hunts in classic fall weather, the Kuiu Attack are the best women’s hunting pants. If you only have the money and desire to buy one pair of hunting pants, this is the pair. They’re versatile, co*fortable, and durable. These pants fit over hips and thighs with no awkward back gap. They are wide enough at the bottom to keep bugs off of you, but narrow enough to fit around your boot and not make noise as you walk.
The Kuiu Attack pants are perfect for any hunt in cool, morning hours or a chilly afternoon. Pockets on the legs are ideal for keeping a phone, GPS, or smaller calls handy. Side vents open to let some air in if you start to overheat on stalks but can be closed for a sit. The front pockets are too small for anything large but would work well for a license or two.
Best Backcountry:
First Lite 308 Lined Pants
Key Features
- Cargo and zippered pockets
- Mesh thigh vents
- Fleece-lined (also available in an unlined option)
- Folding-knife pocket
- PFAS-free DWR
- 100 percent polyester
- 17 ounces
- Available in four colors
Pros
- Don’t stretch or gape (no spandex)
- Suitable for a wide range of temperatures
- Multiple hunting applications
- Water repellent
Cons
- Knife pocket tricky to access with one hand
- Less durable in rocky conditions
First Lite has updated its women’s line, and it’s a welco*e overhaul. While I’ve struggled with the fit and ruggedness of First Lite pants in the past, I’m officially a convert after wearing a pair of the women’s lined First Lite 308 Pants for nine days straight on a backcountry mule deer hunt. Unlike the spandex-imbued women’s hunting pants that start to sag after a couple wears, the 308 pants broke in nicely. I never had to tug them up or contend with awkward gaping. Incredibly, they didn’t smell either, despite sustained exercise temperatures that climbed into the mid-70s. While I’ve worn the unlined 308 Pant, the fleece-lined version struck the perfect balance in variable backcountry conditions. First Lite reco*mends these for 20 to 45 degree conditions, but they were well suited even up to the 70-degree days on my hunt. I skipped a bottom base layer all week and wore the lined 308 pants during cold, still hours of glassing on exposed mesas. Once the sun kicked in, I simply unzipped both thigh vents and hike miles across the desert without overheating.
Field-testing the First Lite 308 Lined Pants on a week-long desert mule deer hunt. Photo by Natalie Krebs
I love a dedicated knife pocket and appreciate the inclusion of one, although its high placement inside the right pocket instead of the mid-thigh means its more suitable for discrete EDC than handy hunting and camping applications. I found I had to use two hands to slip the knife back into place, which was a little awkward, particularly while wearing a heavier pack. The fabric wasn’t the most durable either, but I discovered
this in an unlikely torture test. I had stuffed the cargo pockets and, while scraping past rough sandstone in the pack-in, I managed to chew holes where the fabric had been stretched tight over my rangefinder and other items. I had no other issues with durability for the rest of the week, despite hunting in cactus and sliding down slick rock chutes.
The 308 Pant after a week in the wilderness. Slick rock abraded holes in the pockets which had been over-stuffed, but otherwise there’s little to co*plain about. Photo by Natalie Krebs
Still, these are small gripes and overall, the 308 pants should work well wherever you wear them, from the treestand to the range. They’re available in four colors, and I already want another pair. —Natalie Krebs
Best Lightweight Eco-Conscious Pants
Prana Halle II ReZion
Key Features
- Made of 95 percent recycled nylon-blend stretch performance fabric
- Up to 34-inch inseam and 37-inch waist
- Snaps to roll hem
- Deep pockets
- Back pockets with snap and flap closures
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Attractive fit
- Eco-friendly
- Surprisingly durable
Cons
These pants are soft, co*fortable, and surprisingly durable. They’re great for long hunts with plenty of hiking as well as lounging in camp. They are also the best women’s hunting pants for the environment. When the Prana Halle II ReZion first arrived in the mail, I didn’t have a lot of hope for them. They seemed thin and not terribly sturdy, but I figured they could be good for some easy hiking and for sitting around camp.
Then I wore them for four days in a row pulling sheep fence, rolling barbed wire, and yanking poles out of the ground. No thread pulled or pil*ed until I caught them pretty seriously on a piece of barbed wire. It was also between 95 and 100 degrees most days and they were surprisingly cool. The fabric is co*fortable and tougher than I imagined.
I also liked that they’re made from a recycled nylon blend, which means they’re better for the environment. I would not wear them on a hunt where I planned on crawling through cactus or walking through thick, thorny bushes, but I would wear them if I knew I was going to cover a lot of miles on a warm day.
Best Cold Weather Bib
DSG Kylie 4.0
Key Features
- 100 percent fully taped seams
- Available in XXS up to 5XL
- Large handwarmer pockets
- Converts to pants
- Plenty of camo color options
Pros
- Very warm
- Soft
- Easy bathroom access through side zippers
Cons
- Hot, though that’s the point
The DSG Kylie 4.0 are soft, warm, co*fortable, and, most importantly, provide an easy way to relieve yourself in the woods without stripping off all your layers. If you’re planning on spending any amount of time sitting on the edge of a nearly frozen pond or river as the sun co*es up waiting for ducks and geese to land, these are your bibs.
The DSG Kylie 4.0 are clearly made by women for women. The sides unzip and back folds down creating the perfect access when nature calls, preventing you from having to strip all of your coats and top layers off in order to tuck behind a bush.
These are not your early fall hunting bibs. You will sweat until you pass out if you wear these on a warm day. But for those mornings when temperatures hover around freezing or plunge well below, put on a pair of long underwear underneath and you’ll be thankful you brought these.
Read Next: Best Women’s Hunting Jackets
Best Rain Pants
KUIU Chugach TR Rain Pant
Key Features
- 100 percent waterproof using the Torain TR Technology
- 10 ounces
- Bemis scuff guards
- YKK Aquaguard zippers
Pros
- Lightweight
- Full zip from cuff to belt
- Reinforced inside cuff
- Quiet
Cons
The author used the Chugach pants on a wet 35-mile backpacking trip. Christine Peterson
If you want a good pair of camo rain pants, these may be the best ones out there. They fit a woman’s body, unzip from top to bottom, and are lightweight enough to stuff in a pack or throw on any underlayer. I wore these rain pants on a 35-mile backpacking trip into the Wind River Range in central Wyoming to fish. It was hot and also rained intermittently for days including a full-day pack out in thick fog and drizzle.
Read Next:
The Kuiu Chugach TR Rain Pants were surprisingly quiet walking through the woods and were cooler than I would have expected worn over hiking pants on an otherwise hot, muggy day. The zipper from the bottom to the waist is handy for taking them on and off over muddy boots. They were lightweight and packed small to tuck away when I didn’t need them. Water also sloughed off to make putting them away after a stop less messy than other rain pants. The reinforced cuffs prevent holes.
Although it would be nice if they had pockets, the dual zipper means you can also unzip from the top for easy access to the pockets of whatever you’re wearing underneath. They’re big enough to slide over layers and have a co*fortable belt and buckle system to fit and stay wherever you want. Most importantly, I stayed dry.
Toughest Women’s Pant
SITKA Women’s Timberline Pant
Key Features
- Waterproof seat and knees
- 22.6 ounces
- Polyester stretch woven fabric
- Water repellant
- Removable knee pads
Pros
- Heavy but breathable
- Removable kneepads
- Waterproof seat
- Good fit
Cons
- Bulky with kneepads inserted
- Hot on warm-weather hunts
- Priceier
If you plan on sitting in a tree or blind all day, these aren’t your pants. But if you’ll be walking through wet trees and bushes, sitting to call, and kneeling and getting back up again, these are for you. I went on a multi-day fishing and hunting trip into the Boundary Waters with a friend a couple years ago who wore these for the duration. She talked about their co*fort on rocky shores and ease carrying packs and canoes on multiple portages.
After her experience, I was eager to give them a try. They didn’t disappoint. While these pants are definitely too heavy for an early-season hunt, they are the best women’s hunting pants for colder weather. One of their best features is the kneepads — they work great when you have to kneel or stalk crouched on the ground, particularly in cactus country — but they’re also bulky for extensive walking. Fortunately, the kneepads are removable if you don’t think you’d need them. The waterproof seat is also a great bonus for anyone hunting in wet climates or during the spring. Bottom line: They’re tough and do what they say.
Best Upland Pant
Women’s Missouri Breaks Field Pants
Key Features
- Cotton shell
- co*es in sizes 4-18
- Cotton canvas reinforced front
- Double-stitch construction
- Deep front pockets
Pros
- Lightweight
- co*fortable
- Plenty of stretch
- Relatively tough
Cons
These are great women’s hunting pants for your next upland hunt where you’ll be putting in miles and walking through brush. Upland hunting doesn’t require camo, and most of us would rather not traipse through another couple months in the camo we’ve already been wearing big-game hunting. But we also want to wear pants that are co*fortable, relatively lightweight and hold up in the field. The Missouri Break Field Pants fit the bill.
They’re stretchy, tough, and have an attractive fit. The reinforced canvas cotton front keeps you safe from thorns and brush, and our tester found they even stood up to greasewood thorns and thick sage brush.
Read Next: Women Have Been Hunters as Long as Hunting Has Existed
The Missouri Breaks pants have extra deep pockets in the front for licenses, ear protection, or anything else you can imagine. Pair them with gaiters for extra protection in particularly brambly fields. Wear these afield and you won’t feel like you just came back from a hunt when you end up at the grocery store or running errands in town.
Best Splurge
Women’s Forloh AllClima Stretch Woven Pant
Key Features
- Ultra-durable, ultra-quiet poly-spandex blend
- DWR waterproof treated
- Six large pockets with silent zippers
- Zippered mesh vents on hips
- AbraSynthetic-Suede DWR integrated reinforcement patches on knees
- Available in two camo patterns and two solid colors
Pros
- Lots of stretch for a glove-like fit on a variety of builds
- High-waisted cut for co*fort and warmth
- Silicone integrated into waistband for no-slip fit and shirts stay tucked in
Cons
These are the hunting pants for every woman who has ever co*plained about how women’s hunting pants don’t fit them properly. As soon as you get your hands on them, you know they’re different. Trade in the plasticky fabrics of most technical hunting pants for something more synonymous with heavy-duty yoga pants … and then add reinforced paneling on the seat, hips, and cuffs, six zippered pockets, a buttoned waistband with belt loops and no-slip silicone, reinforced and articulated knees, and a few versatile camo patterns.
From a sub-20-degree morning in Wyoming to a spring Indiana turkey hunt, these pants are versatile enough for most hunting conditions.
These pants took me from a mountain elk and whitetail hunt in late October to a southern Indiana turkey hunt in a warmer, wetter spring climate. On cold days, I had just enough room to fit a thin base layer underneath. On warmer days, mesh-lined zipper vents opened up for air flow. I crawled through thick sagebrush in the fall and up a muddy, rocky ATV path in the spring, and these pants—with their reinforced knees—held up for both.
The fit on these pants could be a bit polarizing for those who prefer a roomier waist. The good news is they run in number sizes from 2 to 16, so no more guessing game about what “Medium” really means. The bad news is you might need to size up more than expected. (I usually wear a size 4 to 6 in normal pants, and have a smaller waist and bigger thighs. The 8 fit like a charm.)
If you’re looking for the best women’s hunting pants for versatility and co*fort, these are a great choice and will leave you with zero wardrobe malfunctions. —Katie Hill
Best Budget Pant
Women’s Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Twill Double-Front Work Pant
Key Features
- Front, back, and utility pockets
- co*es in sizes 2-18 regular and tall
- $59.99
- Triple-stitched main seams
- Double-layer knees with openings for knee pads
Pros
- Tough
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Don’t co*e in camouflage patterns
These might not look like standard hunting pants, but if you don’t need to be in head-to-toe camo and just need a co*fortable, study, affordable pair of pants, these won’t let you down. If we’re honest, many hunting situations don’t actually need optimal camouflage patterns. Rifle hunting for elk, mule deer, or antelope already require you to wear a certain amount of blaze orange, so matching your pants to the trees is a little irrelevant.
If you don’t have $150 to drop on a pair of specialty hunting pants, consider buying these Carhartt work pants. They’re durable, tough, and $60. They aren’t the most breathable or lightweight pant, but they will stand up to thorns and branches and crawling along on the ground.
Read Next: Why Don’t More Hunting co*panies Manufacture Camo in the United States?
Things to Consider When Buying Hunting Pants
Type of Hunt
Are you going to be bushwhacking through willows and sage brush or racking up miles on an upland hunt? Are you going to be sitting in a frigid duck blind in January, stalking through the aspens on an archery elk hunt in September, or hunting whitetails during the rut? Your location, target species, and timing of your hunt will determine the weight and durability of the pants you wear.
How Hot or Cold You Run When Active
You probably think about this when you’re buying clothes no matter what, but especially when searching for the best women’s hunting pants, consider how warm you tend to be when you’re hiking quite a bit and if your hunt will be a lot of sitting or mostly walking. I lean toward a lighter pant because I tend to overheat when I start hiking and I don’t want to be sweaty and unco*fortable when I sit down. Breathability should also be a factor if you tend to warm up quickly when walking.
Camo Pattern
Depending on where you’ll be, either in the whitetail woods of the Midwest, the upland prairie of Montana, or the temperate rainforest of Washington, you’ll want to think about the pattern that you wear. You may realize you don’t need a pattern at all and all you really need is a sturdy pair of neutral-colored pants.
FAQs
Q: Does camo pattern matter? Camo patterns can help hunters conceal themselves, but they matter much less than staying still and using terrain and natural cover to conceal yourself while hunting. Many successful hunters, particularly out West, wear neutral colors and no camo at all, or some co*bination of the two. What matters most is your skill and knowledge of the animal you’re pursuing. But it never hurts to give yourself every advantage, so if you want some camo choose a pattern that’s best suited for the environment where you’ll be hunting. Exceptions to the camo-doesn’t-matter philosophy include turkeys and waterfowl, both of which have excellent eyesight. You should wear camo when hunting gobblers, ducks, and geese, and remember to sit still.
Q: Is it worth it to buy a more expensive pair? Probably, yes. Pants like Sitka and KUIU have a reputation for being more expensive but also have a reputation for fitting better, breathing better, and lasting longer. If you have the money, you can spend twice as much on a pair of pants that you’ll be able to wear for twice as long. I own a pair of cotton camo pants I bought for cheap that I wore for close to a decade, and while they work just fine, they have holes all over and I have to wear a belt to keep them cinched. Cotton also isn’t wise to wear in certain conditions. More expensive pants are frankly just more co*fortable, and the more co*fortable you are, the better you’ll hunt.
Q: Do you really need hunting pants for women? You could ask this question about any pants, and the answer is always yes. Can you wear pants for men? Certainly. Are women’s pants more co*fortable and functional, and will you have a more enjoyable hunt in them? Absolutely. It’s worth taking the time to find the right pair for you.
Final Thoughts
Invest in your hunting pants the same way you would invest in clothes for your other favorite activities. Think about how much time you spend hunting and how much time your body will be in those pants and then consider how much it’s worth it to you to buy the best women’s hunting pants for your body shape and hunting environment. You’ll thank yourself after you’ve made the investment.
The post The Best Women’s Hunting Pants, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.
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