Hiking leggings/tights

[NeurologicallySpeaking]

I want some hiking tights or slim trousers I can tuck into socks/boots. I am not a seasoned hiker but after walking up Pen y Fan, would now like to try to gain some experience so I could work up to something challenging. Am happy to invest in a decent pair as will be able to wear the same ones each time can't go really often.

A lot of people recommend acai but not sure if they are more fashion than practical. Plus someone said they could cause thrush if you are prone which I am.

Mine mostly come from either Rainbow and Sprinkles or Llama Leisure.

Just any sport/running type leggings will do, helps to have a zip pocket.

Finisterre seem good, pricey though! finisterre.com/products/womens-recycled-zonda-legging-black

I usually just wear running gear tbh.

But if you want to spend a few £ have a look at inov8 or 3rd rock.

I've got some thermal ones from decathlon (kalenji is the brand name) that were cheap. Technically I think they are for running but I've worn them up many a mountain, they are warm and comfy and not too bulky if you need waterproof trousers over the top.

I just bought two pairs of really comfy ones
from Go Outdoors - one is Rab (with a thigh pocket - very soft and cosy) and the other is Peter storm (with a back pocket like jeans/smart trousers - very comfy). But both are absolutely useless in rough scrub, they get absolutely shredded by thorns etc

Do you wear tights / leggings day to day? Those will be fine. They'll wear quicker but you already know they're comfortable.

Montane do some excellent hiking leggings / tights, Ineo for example. Or for trousers Craghoppers kiwi pro with stretch.

Word of warning- if you go leggings that tuck into your socks / boots (not trousers) and it rains, the leggings will channel all the rain into your boots - which are probably waterproof so will not let the water back out. You’ll also need waterproof over trousers if it does rain

Trousers aren’t as bad as they typically go over your boots so you’ll get wet legs not wet feet.

I hike a lot and wear acai. Thermal ones great in winter.

I wear craghoppers kiwi pro. Good zip pockets, suitable for all but very hot weather. I wear thermal running leggings underneath in winter. I think they are better than leggings as if you get a bit wet or muddy it isn't against your skin so not as cold but still dries very fast.

If you wear bog standard ones they could rub or if it rains get wet and stay wet.
Proper walking leggings/trousers will dry quick and be breathable, some are waterproof without that annoying rustle too!
Get some from an outdoor store so you can try on and get advice at the same time, Winfield's, snow and rock, trespass or similar.
Don't forget decent boots/shoes too, if you're comfy you'll go for much longer and it'll be much more enjoyable. 😊

I do a lot of hiking and my ordinary running leggings are definitely the best option. They're breathable, quick dry, and easier to move in than walking trousers.
You can spend £££ on Sweaty Betty but tbh Decathlon Kalenji are just as good and cost a fraction of the price. And they do fleece lined ones for winter.

I have running leggings and also Sweaty Betty ones but I get cold legs so hoping for something a bit warmer!

Very good point about water in boots. I do have some very rustle-y cheap overtrousers but maybe there are better ones.

The fleece lined kalenji are the ones I have, they took me up a hill last winter in thigh high snow and were grand!

Do the kalenji lined ones stay up properly?

Boots are a whole other research project!

Do the kalenji lined ones stay up properly

Yes they do - mine have a drawstring waist too, so no issue at all.

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/womens/clothing/trousers-and-shorts/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0rSJnfqe-gIVEOrtCh2xPA22EAAYASABEgKvqDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Mountain warehouse products are made in the same factories/same quality controls as more spends brands - why avoid?

I wore Lululemon to do the Haute route with snow - their normal leggings, nothing specific ( it was July - snow wasn’t expected) and a variety of Nike/ Sweaty Bettyand the aforementioned lululemon to do the west coast. I’ve found them to be quick drying with drizzle.

What I do have is proper Bergen waterproof trousers - use them if proper rain, prefer leggings to trousers unless cultural reasons.

@FurAndFeathers purely personal experience and opinion

everything i have bought from MW has been use once and then sat unused as they are never quite right and the montane /rab other premium brands are much better fit quality and detailing and fabrics. Supposes it like comparing Primark with Nike. Buy cheap buy twice js true in this case.

Following with interest, also looking for hiking leggings atm.
@LuciferRising are there any ones in particular you’d recommend from Açai?

Well there are plenty of folk on this thread just as happy with their cheap decathlon/running leggings as pricey Rab!

FWIW I own plenty of RAB, Montane and Bergans clothing. I also own plenty of mountain warehouse. Their basic kit is great value and their ski stuff is good too. Some of the waterproofs are a bit heavy but insulating layers are good. Their quality controls and factory production are shared with some of the brands you mention.

I’m always a bit wary of blanket judgements. Especially when used to sneer at more affordable brands. There are some things where it actually isn’t worth spending a fortune just for a brand name. Hiking tights are one of those things.

I’ve got fleece-lined leggings from tk maxx which are great. You could also get some merino longjohns and stick them under your overtrousers if the overtrousers are ok to wear all day.

i Find mountain warehouse ok for eg tops/water bottles etc but steer clear for stuff that might rub (footwear, backpacks) as I think they use materials that don’t give and they chafe.