7 Plus Size Relaxed Fit Hiking Pants For Casual Wear That Actually Fit
Discover 7 plus-size relaxed fit hiking pants perfect for the trail or town. We focus on comfort, durability, and a non-restrictive fit that truly works.
Finding a great pair of plus-size hiking pants can feel like searching for a unicorn in a dense forest. You need them to move with you, not against you, whether you’re stepping over a fallen log or settling in for a post-hike coffee. The right pair makes you forget you’re even wearing them, letting you focus on the view instead of a waistband that digs or thighs that chafe.
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Key Features in Plus Size Relaxed Fit Pants
The term "relaxed fit" often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of shapeless, baggy sacks. In modern outdoor apparel, a good relaxed fit is about intentional design. It means providing ample room through the seat and thighs without sacrificing a flattering silhouette, and a waistband that sits comfortably without gapping at the back when you bend over.
Look for a fabric blend that includes nylon for durability and spandex or elastane (usually 4-12%) for four-way stretch. This combination resists snags from branches while allowing for unrestricted movement when you’re scrambling up a steep section of trail. A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish is also a huge plus, causing light rain and morning dew to bead up and roll off.
Beyond fabric, construction details make all the difference. A gusseted crotch—an extra diamond-shaped piece of fabric—prevents seams from pulling and increases your range of motion. Articulated knees are pre-bent to match your natural shape, reducing fabric bunching behind your knee. Pay close attention to the waistband; a wide, flat elastic band or a contoured design with belt loops offers superior comfort and a more secure fit.
REI Co-op Trailmade Pants for Everyday Comfort
Imagine a pant you can wear to walk the dog, run errands, and then head straight to a local park for a few miles on the trail. That’s the sweet spot for the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants. They are the quintessential, no-fuss option for casual adventures and daily life.
These pants prioritize comfort and accessibility. The fabric is typically a stretchy, quick-drying blend made with recycled materials, offering UPF 50 sun protection for exposed trails. The fit is straightforward and accommodating, with a simple elastic waistband and drawcord that makes dialing in the fit easy. They aren’t bogged down with overly technical features, which is exactly what makes them so versatile for everyday wear.
The tradeoff for this simplicity and comfort is a slight reduction in ruggedness. While perfect for well-maintained trails and day-to-day use, they might not be the top choice for multi-day treks through abrasive, rocky terrain. For the vast majority of weekend hikes and outdoor-adjacent activities, however, their balance of performance, comfort, and value is tough to beat.
Columbia Saturday Trail II: Classic Trail-to-Town
When you need a pant that performs reliably on a moderate hike and still looks put-together for a brewery stop afterward, the Columbia Saturday Trail II is a long-standing favorite. It’s a true classic that has earned its place in many outdoor closets. Its design DNA is rooted in practical trail use.
This pant is loaded with Columbia’s signature technologies. Omni-Shield™ provides excellent water and stain repellency, fending off dirt and light showers, while Omni-Shade™ offers a robust UPF 50 rating to protect you on sunny ridges. A key feature is the convertible leg, allowing you to roll them up and secure them as capris, which is fantastic for creek crossings or adapting to warming temperatures.
The fit is a classic straight-leg cut that offers room to move without being overly baggy. The mid-rise waist and two-way stretch fabric provide comfort for hours on the move. While the stretch is good, it’s not as pronounced as some of the more athletic-focused pants, making it a solid choice for hiking and travel rather than high-intensity scrambling.
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro: Unbeatable Stretch & Fit
For days that demand maximum mobility—think high steps over boulders, long lunges up a steep incline, or even just a long travel day—the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro pants are a standout. Their reputation is built on an incredible combination of stretch and a flattering, athletic fit. They move like a second skin.
The magic is in the Flexion two-way stretch woven fabric. It’s a lightweight blend of nylon and spandex that provides total freedom of movement while remaining durable and breathable. Paired with a StormRepel® DWR finish to shed moisture and FreeShade® UPF 50+ sun protection, these pants are technically ready for a wide range of conditions.
While designated as an athletic fit, the Guide Pro is celebrated in the plus-size community for providing a fit that is streamlined but not restrictive. It offers a gentle curve through the hip and thigh that accommodates and moves with you. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who has struggled with pants that feel too tight in the legs when they sit or squat.
prAna Halle II Pant: Durable, Technical Style
If your adventures often involve sharp rocks, dense brush, or the general wear and tear of multi-day trips, you need a pant that prioritizes durability. The prAna Halle II is that pant. It’s built with the brand’s legendary ReZion™ fabric, known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and performance stretch.
This is a more structured, technical pant. The fabric feels substantial without being heavy, offering the confidence to sit on a granite slab or push through overgrown trail sections without worry. Features like roll-up leg snaps, a secure zippered thigh pocket, and a durable webbing button closure underscore its trail-first design.
The fit is considered a standard mid-rise straight leg, but the robust fabric gives it a different feel than lighter, stretchier pants. It’s less of a "lounge" pant and more of a "get it done" pant. The key decision here is prioritizing bombproof durability; if you are hard on your gear, the Halle II is an investment that will pay off over many seasons of hard use.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger for Modern Comfort
These lightweight, quick-dry joggers offer UPF 50+ sun protection and feature five secure zipper pockets for essentials. Enjoy comfortable, breathable movement with a high-waisted, adjustable fit perfect for hiking, travel, or everyday wear.
The jogger silhouette has officially and successfully made its way to the trail. The Athleta Trekkie North Jogger is a perfect example of blending modern, casual style with legitimate outdoor function. It’s the ideal choice for the hiker who values comfort and a contemporary look.
The design is light, airy, and incredibly comfortable. The recycled nylon Ripstop fabric is tough enough to handle trail life but light enough to feel almost weightless, and it packs down small for travel. The wide, knit waistband is supremely comfortable and stays put, while the tapered leg and elastic cuffs keep the pant legs out of the mud and away from your ankles.
This pant excels on well-maintained trails, during travel, and for everyday active life. Its lightweight nature means it might not be the best pick for serious bushwhacking through thorny terrain. However, for most day hikes and travel adventures, its combination of supreme comfort, packability, and style is a winning formula.
Duluth Trading Flexpedition: Rugged & Roomy
When your version of "casual" involves hauling firewood, kneeling in the garden, or clearing a new trail, you need a pant that’s less about finesse and more about brute strength. The Duluth Trading Flexpedition pants are built for work, with a fit and feature set that prioritizes function and durability above all else.
These pants are constructed from a tough yet flexible fabric designed to withstand serious abuse. The "Crouch Gusset®" provides extra room and prevents the seams from blowing out when you squat or climb. What truly sets them apart is the pocket situation—they are loaded with deep, functional, and well-placed pockets designed for carrying tools, phones, and other essentials securely.
The fit is genuinely relaxed and roomy, designed for layering in colder weather and for a completely unrestricted range of motion. This is not a streamlined, athletic-fit pant. The tradeoff for its incredible ruggedness and utility is a heavier weight and bulkier feel, which is a worthy exchange for anyone who consistently puts their gear through the wringer.
Alder Apparel Open Air: Inclusive by Design
Alder Apparel was founded with a mission to create inclusive, thoughtfully designed outdoor apparel, and the Open Air pant is a direct reflection of that. This isn’t a standard pant simply graded up to plus sizes; it’s designed from the start to fit and flatter a wider range of body types.
The design details are what make it shine. The high, contoured waistband is engineered to eliminate the dreaded back gap, while the blend of recycled nylon and spandex is soft to the touch yet durable. The pockets are famously deep and functional, and the overall cut provides generous room in the hips and thighs for a comfortable, flattering fit.
This pant strikes a beautiful balance between technical features and everyday aesthetics. It’s capable enough for a long day hike but stylish and comfortable enough that you’ll find yourself reaching for it on days with no trail in sight. For those who have felt overlooked by traditional outdoor brands, the intentionality behind the Open Air pant’s design can be a game-changer.
Ultimately, the best hiking pant is the one that fits your body and your adventure, encouraging you to get outside without a second thought. Don’t chase the "perfect" gear; find what’s comfortable, reliable, and makes you feel good. The mountains, trails, and parks are waiting.
