6 Best Plus Size Adventure Pants For Backpacking That Actually Move With You

You’re three miles in, scrambling up a steep, rocky section of trail, and the only thing you can think about is the waistband digging into your stomach. Your pants feel restrictive, tight in the thighs, and you have to hike them up after every high step. Finding great outdoor gear shouldn’t be a barrier to adventure, and that is especially true for something as fundamental as a good pair of hiking pants.

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Finding Your Fit: Plus Size Pant Essentials

The search for the perfect plus-size hiking pant often feels like a quest for a mythical creature. Common fit problems—like the dreaded waist gap, thighs that feel shrink-wrapped, or a rise that’s too low—can turn a beautiful day outside into a frustrating battle with your own clothing. The goal isn’t just to find pants that fit when you’re standing still; it’s to find pants that disappear when you’re in motion.

Look for a few key technical features that make all the difference on the trail. Four-way stretch is non-negotiable; it means the fabric stretches both crosswise and lengthwise, moving with you as you bend, climb, and stretch. A gusseted crotch (an extra diamond-shaped piece of fabric) prevents seams from pulling and increases your range of motion dramatically. Finally, articulated knees, with their pre-bent shape, mean the fabric won’t fight you every time you take a high step.

Material choice is a classic balancing act. Most hiking pants use a blend of nylon and spandex (sometimes called elastane). Nylon provides durability and abrasion resistance, while spandex provides stretch. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is a huge plus, as it will shed light rain and keep you from getting soaked in a sudden drizzle. The thicker the material, the more durable it will be against sharp rocks, but the less breathable it will feel on a hot, humid day.

REI Co-op Trailmade Pants for All-Around Value

If you’re building your gear closet or just want a reliable, no-fuss pant that works for most three-season conditions, the REI Trailmade line is an excellent starting point. These pants are designed to be an accessible entry into technical apparel without an intimidating price tag. They deliver on the core features you need for day hikes, weekend backpacking trips, and casual outdoor adventures.

The Trailmade pants feature a comfortable, stretchy blend of recycled nylon and spandex that moves easily and dries quickly if you get caught in a shower. The fabric has a DWR finish to shed moisture and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, a critical feature for long, exposed days above the treeline. With a straightforward design, including hand pockets and a comfortable waistband, they are a workhorse pant for the everyday adventurer.

Where’s the tradeoff? These pants aren’t specialized for extreme conditions. They may not be as light and breathable as premium hot-weather models or as tough as pants designed for mountaineering. But for the vast majority of trail miles, their blend of comfort, features, and outstanding value is nearly impossible to beat.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants’ Unmatched Mobility

Imagine high-stepping over a fallen log or making a tricky move on a granite slab without once thinking about your pants restricting you. That is the magic of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi. These pants are legendary in the outdoor community for their incredible stretch, breathability, and lightweight comfort, making them a top choice for activities where freedom of movement is everything.

The secret is the Ferrosi fabric itself—a softshell material that is wind-resistant, highly breathable, and ridiculously stretchy. This makes them ideal for warm-weather hiking, climbing, and fast-paced adventures where you’re generating a lot of heat. They feel less like armor and more like a second skin, which is a game-changer on long, sweaty days.

This focus on lightweight mobility does present a tradeoff in durability. While the fabric is surprisingly tough for its weight, it won’t stand up to the same level of abuse as a heavier canvas-like material. For heavy bushwhacking or constant scraping against abrasive rock, you might want a more robust option. But for pure, unadulterated movement, the Ferrosi is in a class of its own.

Alder Apparel Open Air Pant for an Inclusive Fit

When a brand designs with a truly inclusive fit model from the very beginning, you can feel the difference. Alder Apparel’s Open Air Pant is a perfect example, created to solve the fit and function issues that many people, especially those in plus sizes, face with traditional outdoor pants. They combine trail-ready features with a fit that is both comfortable and confidence-inspiring.

These pants feature a high-rise waist that stays put, eliminating the dreaded slip-down effect when wearing a pack. They are loaded with thoughtful details, like deep, functional pockets (seven of them!) that can actually hold a modern phone, and a comfortable, stretchy fabric made from recycled materials. The fit is intentionally designed to accommodate curves through the hips and thighs without being baggy or restrictive.

The Open Air Pant is a fantastic do-it-all option, bridging the gap between technical trail wear and everyday life. While they might be slightly heavier than some ultralight-focused pants, their versatility, comfort, and exceptional fit make them a go-to for hiking, travel, and simply enjoying a day outdoors.

prAna Halle II Pant: Durable and Water-Resistant

For those trips where the trail is overgrown, the weather is unpredictable, and you might be sliding down scree fields, you need a pant that can take a beating. The prAna Halle II is that pant. Built with the brand’s proprietary ReZion fabric, it has earned a reputation for being one of the toughest and most reliable hiking pants on the market.

The ReZion fabric is the star here, offering excellent abrasion resistance, four-way stretch, and a robust DWR finish that fends off more than just a light mist. This is the pant you choose for a multi-day trek in the Pacific Northwest or a rugged desert canyon hike where encounters with sharp rocks and spiky plants are guaranteed. Added features like roll-up leg snaps for stream crossings and secure zip pockets make them incredibly practical for serious backcountry use.

This durability comes with a bit more weight and a warmer feel than lighter pants like the Ferrosi. On a sweltering mid-summer day, they might feel like overkill. But when conditions are tough, cool, or variable, the Halle II provides a level of protection and peace of mind that is well worth the trade.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger for Trail Comfort

Sometimes, you just want to be comfortable. For well-maintained trails, long travel days, or post-hike lounging at camp, the Athleta Trekkie North Jogger delivers technical performance in a supremely comfortable package. It blurs the line between athletic wear and hiking gear, proving you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for function.

Made from a lightweight, snag-resistant Ripstop fabric, these joggers are breathable and quick-drying. The pull-on style with a soft, knit waistband is exceptionally comfortable under a backpack’s hip belt, eliminating any potential for chafing from buttons or zippers. The tapered jogger fit with an ankle cuff is not just for style; it’s practical for keeping trail debris, dirt, and ticks out of your pants.

While they excel in comfort, they aren’t the best choice for rugged, off-trail adventures or wet conditions. The lightweight fabric offers less protection from wind and thorns than a traditional hiking pant. But for on-trail day hikes, fast-and-light overnights, or as a versatile travel piece, their comfort and packability are a winning combination.

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro for Versatile Performance

If you could only own one pair of pants for hiking, travel, and general outdoor life, the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro would be a serious contender. These pants have achieved a cult-like following for their flattering fit, all-around performance, and ability to handle a massive range of activities and conditions. They are the definition of a versatile outdoor staple.

The Guide Pro pants are crafted from a lightweight, two-way stretch fabric with a DWR finish that sheds light rain and stains. They also provide UPF 50+ sun protection, making them a smart choice for exposed environments. Articulated knees ensure a good range of motion, and the multiple zippered pockets—including two on the thighs—are perfect for keeping essentials like a map, phone, or snacks secure and accessible.

They strike a fantastic balance between the ruggedness of a pant like the Halle II and the light weight of a model like the Ferrosi. While not the absolute best in any single category, their strength lies in their incredible versatility. They are just as at home on a local trail as they are on a plane to a new adventure.

How to Measure for the Perfect Hiking Pant Fit

The single most important step to finding pants that move with you is to ignore the number on the tag and focus on your actual measurements. Sizing is notoriously inconsistent between brands, and a size 20 in one company might be completely different from another. Taking five minutes to measure yourself will save you hours of frustration.

Grab a soft measuring tape and get your numbers. For the most accurate fit, follow these steps:

• Waist: Measure around your natural waistline. This is typically the narrowest part of your torso, often right above your belly button. Keep the tape comfortably snug but not tight.
• Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. Make sure the tape is level all the way around.
• Inseam: This is the trickiest one to do yourself. The easiest way is to take a pair of pants that fit you well in length and measure them from the crotch seam down to the bottom of the hem.

Once you have your measurements, compare them to the specific size chart provided by the brand for the pant you’re considering. Don’t just rely on the generic size chart for the whole website. Pay close attention to reviews from other customers, as they often provide valuable insight on whether a particular style runs large, small, or has a unique fit through the hips or thighs. The goal is a full range of motion, so if you’re between sizes, it’s often wise to size up for hiking pants.

The perfect pair of pants is the one that makes you forget you’re wearing them, freeing you up to focus on the view, the conversation, and the feeling of moving through the wild. Don’t let the hunt for gear become the adventure itself. Find a pair that fits you well, get out there, and start exploring.