It's no secret that here at LFTO we love a bit of Patagonia garb. It'll come as little surprise to our regular readers, then, to learn that the Patagonia's Women’s Point Peak Trail Pants are the winners of our Best in Test award for our women's hiking trousers group test...
The trousers scored top marks for just about everything, from sustainability and breathability to comfort. So, lets get into some proper details as to why these are such an excellent choice of walking trousers for female hikers.
The Point Peak Trail Pants are a rugged, durable pair of walking trousers designed for lassies who need a reliable balance of weather resistance, comfort and flexibility on the trail.
Made with a blend of 90% recycled nylon and 10% spandex, these trousers offer impressive durability without compromising on comfort or weight, making them ideal for technical trails and rough conditions.
And yeah, sure, they don't come in the most exciting of colours (namely, black or a sort of muted navy), but they both go with everything and won't be going out of style anytime soon.
In line with Patagonia's sustainability credentials, these are a buy-once item, which should last you years and years.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Well-made
- Sustainable
Cons
- Larger initial investment than other brands
- No choice for alternative colourways
| RRP: | £140 / $139 |
| Weight: | 408g (14.4 oz) |
| Fit: | Regular |
| Materials: | Recycled nylon/elastane fabric for durability and stretch; with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish |
| Leg lengths: | 29”, 31” |
| Sizes: | 6-20 |
Fit
These pants are tailored with a regular, drainpipe fit but the articulated patterning allows for ease of movement, whatever position you're bending yourself into.
The adjustable waistband ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the pre-curved knees and gusseted crotch add to the overall flexibility, which is particularly useful for scrambling and steep ascents.
The trousers come in multiple inseam lengths, ensuring a precise fit for a variety of body types. As someone who's the same size and shape as an Ewok (height 160cm, size UK 8-10, waist-to-hip ratio: 0), I found they fitted me well.
The waistband is also a winner, sitting reasonably low in modern standards, but allowing for a flattering fit, and one which doesn't hinder movement in the slightest.
Features, bells, whistles etc
The Patagonia Women's Point Peak Trail Pants come equipped with a number of practical features.
There are two hand-warmer pockets and two large thigh pockets, all zippered for security. The thigh pockets are especially useful for storing small maps, your phone, or other essentials such as blister plasters within easy reach.
The double-layer fabric over the knees and seat adds extra durability, making these pants long-lasting for those who spend a lot of time on rugged terrain.
The water-repellent finish is an added bonus, providing protection against light rain or splashes, although these trousers aren't fully waterproof. I'd recommend looking at our best women's waterproof trousers if you want some of those.
I also love the built-in metal lace hook, which attaches the bottom of the trousers to your boots for added warmth and security.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Point Peak Trail Pants excel in offering both breathability and durability.
The fabric provides just enough stretch for dynamic movement, while also being tough enough to handle brush, rocks, and other abrasive trail hazards.
The durable fabric and reinforced areas make them ideal for hikers who frequently tackle rough, technical terrain. During my four weeks testing, some of the other trousers started to show signs of wear, but these still look as good as new, despite taking them up some pretty gnarly scrambles.
While not fully waterproof, the DWR (durable water repellent) coating provides some level of weather protection, beading nicely while being PFA-free, so you know you're not polluting the environment as the water rolls off you.
The breathability is particularly impressive, keeping you comfortable during high-intensity activity without overheating. And sure, these aren't as lightweight as some summer trousers, and we'd want to have a baselayer if we were going out in serious winter conditions, but for the vast majority of hiking you'll do throughout the year, the warmth factor of these pants is pretty much spot on.
Value
At £140 (€139), these pants are on the higher end of the price spectrum for hiking trousers, but the blend of durability, comfort and practical features make them a worthwhile investment for serious hikers.
Even if you're not a serious hiker, and are only going to use them occasionally, we reckon you'll get 10-15 years good use out of them. The use of recycled materials is an additional strong selling point for environmentally-conscious adventurers.
Conclusion
The Patagonia Point Peak Trail Pants are a fantastic choice for women seeking a durable, comfortable, and well-thought-through pair of hiking trousers.
Their tough construction, weather resistance, and thoughtful features make them ideal for technical trails and long-term use.
All of the above criteria make them well worth the price for dedicated hikers, or even for eco-conscious dog walkers who don't want to have to replace a pair of trousers every year. Win, win, win.
About the author
Fliss Freeborn is a staff writer for LFTO and has owned more pairs of walking trousers than she cares to remember. She lives in Scotland but can regularly be found somewhere warmer, basking in the sun like the outdoor lizard she really is.