Since 1938, Columbia has been keeping people comfortable outside with performance-enhancing, premium-quality apparel. We believe that outdoor enthusiasts should focus on the adventure, not the weather or conditions. That’s why we design every piece of clothing with comfort, protection and durability to support each step of your journey. Not only that, we ensure every item we make is highly versatile and stylish, so you can wear it both on and off the trail. From our collection of men’s windbreakers and our women’s skorts and dresses to our kids’ shoes, you’ll find the exacting standards you have come to expect from our brand. Our selection of women’s walking trousers is no different.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the benefits of our walking trousers for women, as well as the wide range of styles available. We’ll also share the exclusive Columbia technologies included in many models and how to find the right pair for you.

Hit the trail in your new women’s walking trousers

Columbia women’s hiking trousers are designed to provide you with comfort and protection for your outdoor adventures whatever the terrain. Alongside a great fit, our walking trousers feature technologies that keep you dry and protected as you explore the great outdoors. Throw on a breathable and waterproof women’s hiking jacket with a pair of our durable hiking boots, and you’ll be unstoppable! Are you ready?

Wide range of women’s walking trousers

Our collection of women’s walking trousers offers a wide range of styles and colours. Take your pick between convertible trousers, capri trousers, crop trousers, stretch trousers, cargo trousers, softshell trousers, leggings and joggers. You’ll find legwear for all sorts of outdoor activities, whether it’s urban life, walking, hiking or fast hiking.

Maybe you’re looking for some stretch trousers which will be suitable at both a social gathering and your yoga class? Our sleek, high-rise leggings are built for performance, freedom of movement and comfort, while still giving you a look with an luxury feel. Go straight from your outdoor gym or cycling session to your errands in the city in these flattering leggings. Of course, if you’re looking for a more casual look for the city, you can also check out our casual trouser collection and pick out a pair of cotton cargo trousers or quilted joggers.

Planning to go for a walk in warmer weather? You may want to consider a more lightweight pair of ladies’ walking trousers. Perhaps you’re ready to travel north on a mountain hike with the kids. Stay warm in a pair of insulated trousers with thermal lining. Complete your outfit with a durable pair of waterproof hiking shoes, and you’re ready for your winter adventure. With the right activewear, you’re prepared to explore every inch of our exceptional planet!

Columbia’s sun protection, water repellency and wicking technologies

Whether you’re going for a light walk or a big trekking quest, you’ll want to be safe, dry and comfortable when exposed to the elements. Enter Columbia’s technologies. Among Columbia’s trousers for ladies, you’ll find pairs that are equipped with UPF 50  sun protection, water resistance and wicking technologies.

• Omni-Shade™: This sun protection tech uses UV reflectors, UV absorbers and/or tight weave construction to block UVA and UVB rays. It’s effective when facing both milder and more extreme sunlight. Walking trousers equipped with Omni-Shade™ will prevent skin damage and sunburn.
• Omni-Shade™ Broad Spectrum: This is Columbia’s ultimate sun-blocking tech, cracking the code to give you superior protection against sunburn. Trousers with Omni-Shade™ Broad Spectrum will block harmful UVA and UVB rays in moderate to extreme sun exposure.
• Omni-Shield™: This water-and-stain repellency tech provides durable resistance to liquid absorption. Trousers with Omni-Shield™ are a great option when facing wet conditions or messy environments. Stay dry and clean in these water resistant trousers.
• Omni-Wick™: This is high-performance wicking tech which accelerates evaporation and efficiently wicks away moisture from your body and disperses it across the surface of the fabric. The hiking trousers which are equipped with this tech are perfect for active sports activities in warm weather conditions.

Choosing the perfect women’s hiking trousers for you

If you want to find the perfect ladies’ walking trousers for you, you shouldn’t settle for the first pair you find. Take your time and browse through our selection of hiking trousers, looking through the various styles, colours, material options and sizes available. You’ll find trousers in the sizes XS to XL, and 10 UK to 14 UK. Consult our handy size guide to find the right fit for you. Refine your search here on the site by using filters such as “activity”, “benefits” and “level of waterproofness”. After you’ve compared your options when it comes to styles, materials and colours, you can consider which practical features you’re interested in. A few features you can keep an eye out for are trousers with an elasticated waist, a large and comfy waistband, reinforced knees, gusset details, or security pockets with a zip.

Are you having a hard time deciding between our regular length ladies’ walking trousers and our hiking shorts? No problem, simply opt for our handy convertible trousers that are both trousers and shorts in one. You can turn your trousers into shorts with a simple zip.

Several brands design technical trousers, but not all sports trousers are created equal. When you choose women’s trousers from Columbia, you get a product which is “tested tough”. Our founder and “Tough Mother” Gert Boyle had the famous saying: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” We still design our sportswear with those words in our ears. Choose hiking trousers from Columbia and you’ll want to hit the trail every day!

Don’t forget to check out our collection of men’s walking trousers, as well as our women’s new arrivals, to explore our exciting seasonal arrivals.

FAQs

What are the best walking trousers?

The best women’s walking trousers are those that make you feel confident, comfortable and protected. At Columbia, we ensure all of our apparel is designed to be functional, durable and fashionable, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best walking trousers available.

After all, we’ve been manufacturing quality, durable outerwear for over 80 years, keeping people outdoors in style and comfort.

What trousers to wear when walking?

Select trousers that match your level of activity, as well as the necessary level of protection you need. Usually, women’s walking trousers are more lightweight, while hiking trousers are often heavier and feature more practical elements. Columbia offers trousers for every type of walk, and you can filter your search by activity type, required protection and level of waterproofness, so you'll always find just what you need.

What length walking trousers are best?

The best length for walking trousers will vary depending on the terrain, weather and personal preference. For hikes with overgrown foliage, full-length trousers will be ideal to protect your legs and ankles. However, if you will be walking on well-kept paths, a shorter length will be suitable. Longer lengths will also be more appropriate for colder weather, while shorter lengths, like capris and shorts, will be ideal for hot summer days. Ultimately, the length of your ladies’ walking trousers will also depend on personal preference. Fortunately, Columbia offers a range of lengths to suit all preferences, weather conditions and terrain.

Can these trousers only be worn for walking or hiking?

While our trousers in this collection are specially designed for walking and hiking, that doesn’t mean they can’t be worn for other outdoor pursuits! These trousers are not only functionally versatile, but they’re also stylishly versatile.

For technical, trail-ready performance, wear your trousers with one of our hiking shirts for ladies. For a more casual look, wear your walking trousers with a pair of women’s casual shoes and one of our fleece gilets.

Transition seamlessly between trail and town. Whether you’re climbing some rocky terrain or doing some urban exploration, we’ve got a pair for you.

Which pair of women’s walking trousers are the most versatile?

While every pair in our walking trouser collection offers excellent versatility, one pair stands out for the most wear options: our convertible trousers.

A pair of convertible trousers (often called zip-offs) is actually two separate garments, conveniently (and cost-effectively) sold together. You truly get two items in one: a pair of shorts and a pair of long trousers.

Zip-offs let you switch from shorts to trousers (and vice versa) at a moment’s notice, without needing a changing room.

Which are the most popular walking trousers?

Here are our five most popular styles:

• Women's Vast Canyon™ Omni-Heat™ Infinity Softshell Hiking Trousers
• Women's Back Beauty™ Warm Softshell Hiking Trousers
• Women's Skien Valley™ Cargo Hiking Trousers
• Women's Leader Crest™ II Hiking Trousers
• Women's Leslie Falls™ Hiking Convertible Trousers