6 Best Plus Size High Waisted Hiking Pants That Actually Stay Up

You’re an hour into a beautiful, steep climb, the forest floor is damp and fragrant, and all you can think about is yanking your pants up. Again. The dreaded waistband slide is a frustrating distraction that can take you out of the moment and make a great day feel like a constant battle with your gear. Finding plus size hiking pants that are comfortable, durable, and actually stay put shouldn’t be a monumental quest.

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Key Features of Stay-Put Plus Size Hiking Pants

When you’re scrambling over a downed log or navigating a series of switchbacks, the last thing you need is a wardrobe malfunction. The secret to stay-put pants lies in a few key design elements that work together. A high, wide, and structured waistband is your first line of defense. Look for designs with a contoured back to prevent gapping and a flat front for comfort under a hip belt. An integrated drawcord or belt loops offer crucial adjustability for a truly dialed-in fit.

The fabric itself plays a massive role. A material with four-way stretch moves with you, but it needs enough structure and compression to hold its shape and stay in place. A blend of nylon and spandex is a classic combination for a reason, offering durability and flexibility. Also, consider the gusseted crotch and articulated knees. These features build movement into the pant’s design, so the fabric doesn’t get pulled down when you’re making big moves on the trail.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good fit through the hips and thighs. If pants are too tight in one area, they will inevitably pull down from another as you move. A proper plus-size design accounts for different body shapes, providing adequate room without being baggy.

• Waistband: Look for a wide, high-rise, contoured band, preferably with a drawcord or belt loops.
• Fabric: Seek a balance of stretch (spandex) for mobility and structure (nylon/polyester) for durability and shape retention.
• Articulation: Gusseted crotches and pre-shaped knees allow the pant to move with your body, reducing downward pull.

Alder Apparel Open Air Pant: Inclusive & Sustainable

For the hiker who wants a pant that performs on the trail and looks great grabbing a post-hike coffee, the Alder Apparel Open Air Pant is a standout. Built from the ground up with inclusive sizing at its core (up to 6X), this pant features an exceptionally high, elasticized waistband that sits comfortably at the natural waist. This design is fantastic for preventing the dreaded roll-down, especially when wearing a backpack.

The fabric is a blend of recycled nylon and spandex, making it a more sustainable choice without sacrificing performance. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a soft, comfortable feel against the skin. With nine pockets, you have plenty of storage for your phone, snacks, and map. This pant is less of a technical, rugged-terrain specialist and more of a versatile all-rounder, perfect for day hikes, dog walks, and travel.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger for Trail Versatility

Picture a warm, sunny day with a trail that weaves between exposed ridges and shaded forest. You need a pant that breathes, moves, and won’t sag when you start to sweat. The Athleta Trekkie North Jogger excels in these conditions. The jogger style, with its tapered leg and cuffed ankle, is inherently secure and helps keep debris out of your shoes. The high, flat-front waistband with a drawcord provides a customizable, secure fit that stays put.

Made from Athleta’s "Recycled Featherweight Stretch" fabric, this jogger is incredibly light and quick-drying, a huge asset on hot days or if you encounter a surprise creek crossing. The UPF 50+ rating provides crucial sun protection. While not built for heavy-duty bushwhacking, its versatility is its greatest strength. It’s a perfect choice for fast-and-light day hikes, travel, or any adventure where comfort and freedom of movement are the top priorities.

REI Co-op Flash Hybrid Tights for Ultimate Mobility

If you love the uninhibited movement of a legging but need the durability and features of a hiking pant, the Flash Hybrid Tights are your answer. These aren’t your average yoga pants. They are engineered for the trail with a high, wide waistband that offers gentle compression and stays firmly in place, even during high-step-ups over rocky sections.

The "hybrid" design is the key feature. Stretchy, moisture-wicking knit fabric is used through the main body for maximum mobility, while durable, abrasion-resistant woven panels are placed on the seat and knees. This gives you toughness where you need it most—sitting on rocks or kneeling to filter water—without restricting your stride. Multiple pockets, including a secure zip pocket on the thigh, mean you can keep essentials handy. This is the ideal choice for scramblers, fast-packers, and anyone who prioritizes freedom of movement above all else.

Columbia Saturday Trail II for All-Weather Hiking

When the forecast is "a bit of everything," you need a pant that can handle it all. The Columbia Saturday Trail II is a classic, reliable workhorse for exactly these situations. Its mid-rise waist is designed to sit comfortably and securely, and the inclusion of belt loops allows you to add a belt for a completely locked-in fit. The straight-leg cut provides a comfortable, non-restrictive feel.

This pant shines with its "Omni-Shield" technology, which repels moisture and stains, keeping you drier during light rain showers or dewy morning hikes. It also boasts "Omni-Shade" UPF 50 sun protection. A key feature is the roll-up leg system, allowing you to convert them to capris when the day warms up. This adaptability makes them a fantastic single-pant solution for multi-day trips or hikes in mountainous regions where the weather can change in an instant.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro: Durable & Water-Repellent

For those who venture into rugged terrain or shoulder-season weather, the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro pants offer a fantastic blend of durability and protection. The high-rise waistband is designed for coverage and security, especially under a pack’s hip belt. The fit is trim but not restrictive, thanks to a two-way stretch Flexion fabric that moves with you without bagging out over the course of a long day.

The real advantage here is the StormRepel DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, which causes moisture to bead up and roll off. While not fully waterproof, it’s more than enough to shed light rain and keep you dry from wet brush along the trail. This pant hits the sweet spot between a lightweight summer hiker and a heavy softshell, making it a go-to for three-season adventures where you need a bit more protection from the elements.

KUHL Trekr Pant: Rugged Comfort & Flattering Fit

KUHL is known for building tough gear with a focus on fit, and the Trekr Pant is no exception. Designed for hikers who need a pant that can handle abrasion from rock and brush, this one features a unique fabric that provides stretch, rebound, and a structured feel. The mid-to-high rise waistband and internal drawcord work together to create a secure fit that won’t budge during dynamic movement.

The pant’s construction is what sets it apart. The cut is designed to be flattering and functional, providing room through the hips and thighs without feeling sloppy. The fabric is durable enough for off-trail scrambling but still breathable for comfort on the ascent. Consider this your choice for challenging day hikes or backpacking trips where you anticipate rougher conditions and need a pant that offers both ruggedness and a refined, stay-put fit.

How to Find Your Perfect High-Waisted Hiking Fit

Finding the right pant is less about the brand and more about the fit on your body. Even the best-designed pant won’t stay up if it’s the wrong size or shape for you. Before you buy, take your measurements—specifically your natural waist (the narrowest part of your torso), hips (the widest part), and inseam. Compare these to the brand’s specific size chart, as sizing can vary dramatically.

When you try on a pair of pants, put them through a trail-readiness test right there in the store or your living room. Do a deep squat. Does the waistband gap in the back or slide down? Lift your knee to your chest. Do you feel excessive pulling across the seat or thighs? The pants should move with you without restriction or slipping. The waistband should sit comfortably at or above your navel and feel secure without digging in.

Don’t get discouraged if the first pair isn’t perfect. Different brands use different fit models, so what works for one person might not work for another. Pay attention to features like drawcords and belt loops, which can help you fine-tune the fit of a pant that is otherwise perfect. The goal is to find a pair you can put on and forget about, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead.

The best hiking pant is the one that disappears, letting you focus on the rhythm of your feet, the sound of the birds, and the view from the summit. Don’t let the fear of a poor fit keep you indoors. Use this guide as a starting point, find what works for your body and your adventures, and get outside.