Women’s Tall Hiking Pants | Built For Longer Legs

One wrong size label sends you home with high-water hems on the trail. The fix for women’s tall hiking pants is checking the actual inseam number, since “tall” means different lengths depending on the brand. Measure a pair of pants you already own from crotch seam to hem, then match that number against the size chart before you buy.

What Length Counts As “Tall” In Women’s Hiking Pants?

The tall category generally starts at 32 inches, though current listings show tall options ranging from 31 to 37 inches. The most common tall inseams across popular brands are 33.5, 34, 35, and 36 inches.

The exact measurement matters more than the label because sizing isn’t standardized. REI’s Trailmade pants offer a 33.5-inch tall inseam, while Title Nine’s Ascent pants run a 34-inch inseam on every size. That half-inch difference changes where the hem falls on your ankle, so check each product’s size chart rather than assuming one brand’s “tall” matches another’s.

The only reliable way to know what fits is measuring a pair of pants you already own that has the right length. Run a tape measure from the crotch seam down to the bottom hem, and compare that number against the inseam listed for each pair of tall pants you’re considering.

Key Features To Compare Before Buying

Tall hiking pants are not all the same, even when the inseam fits. Current models differ in rise, fabric, pocket layout, and trail protection, so weigh these features against your typical hiking conditions.

• Fabric stretch: Spandex or elastane content determines how freely you can step over rocks and roots. The REI Trailmade pants use 94% nylon and 6% spandex for mobility.
• Rise: Most current tall models are mid-rise, which balances coverage with comfort on the trail. Title Nine’s Ascent pants specify a mid rise with an elastic waist and exterior drawstring for adjustment.
• Pocket layout: Look for secure, zippered options. The Title Nine Ascent pants include one secure leg pocket, one stash leg pocket, two handwarmer pockets, and two secure back pockets.
• Water resistance: Current listings use quick-dry or DWR (durable water repellent) language rather than full waterproof construction. KÜHL’s hiking pants feature a DWR finish, which sheds light rain but won’t keep you dry in a downpour.
• Sun protection: UPF ratings vary. REI specifies UPF 50+ on the Trailmade pants, while other tall models don’t list sun protection at all.

KÜHL’s women’s hiking pants also include articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, features that improve comfort on steep terrain by letting the fabric move with your legs instead of binding across the thigh or seat. These details matter more on long climbs than they do on flat loops.

Where “Tall” Inseams Actually Fall

Knowing the real measurement range helps you shop with a target number in hand rather than guessing from a size label. Here’s where current tall options land:

For bug-heavy trails or cold air creeping up your ankles, look for models with adjustable hem cords or cuffs. Some tall pants advertise this feature explicitly, and it makes a real difference when you want to seal out loose debris.

If you’re ready to compare top-rated options side by side, our tested roundup of women’s tall hiking pants breaks down the best performers across brands and price points.

Mistakes That Ruin A Tall Pants Purchase

The most common error is buying by overall height instead of inseam. A 5’10” woman with a 32-inch inseam and a 5’10” woman with a 36-inch inseam need different pants, even though they’re the same height. Measure first, then shop.

Don’t assume all “tall” pants fit the same either. Current listings show different rises, pocket layouts, fabrics, and leg styles even within the same size. And check what you’re actually buying: some tall products are waterproof fleece cargo snow pants, which are a totally different garment than lightweight trail pants. Read the fabric description before you add to cart.

For damp-trail conditions, remember that water-resistant is not waterproof. A DWR-coated nylon pant dries quickly after a stream crossing, but it won’t keep you dry in sustained rain. If you hike in wet climates, pair your quick-dry tall pants with gaiters or rain pants instead of expecting one layer to do both jobs.