Outdoor Research’s Equinox Hiking Pants

Far too many outdoors companies don’t make great hiking pants for women. Often, they’re ill-fitting, lack adequate pockets, have zip-off legs at odd lengths and more.

Outdoor Research has done a great job with their Equinox pants for women. They have all the features you need in a hiking pant: They’re convertible, lightweight but sturdy, quick-drying and have the perfect amount of stretch and give for scrambling.

They’re also rated UPF 50+ for sun protection and coated with a water-resistant finish that allows moisture to bead rather than soak in to the garment. Mercifully, the pants are outfitted with ankle zips so you don’t have to remove your bulky hiking boots when you zip off the pant legs to convert to shorts.

So many women’s hiking pants zip off into capris — not ideal for summer hiking and just an awkward length in general. The Equinox pants become actual shorts that hit around the knee. The sizing chart provided by Outdoor Research is helpful and accurate if you’re buying online.

And like all Outdoor Research products, the pants are guaranteed by the company for life: “We believe so strongly in the quality of the apparel and gear we make that if our product fails to meet your needs at any time, we are happy to replace it. Our products are guaranteed forever, and your total satisfaction with our product is our goal,” reads the website.