10 Petite Hiking Pants That Actually Fit (and Look Cute on the Trail)

These are hands down my #1 pick because they’re my favorite hiking pants ever. I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re the most comfortable pants I’ve put on my body. The lightweight fabric makes them perfect for hiking - easy to move in, breathable, and not at all restrictive. They’re also super flattering (they make my legs look slim), which is rare for hiking gear. Yes, they’re on the pricier side, but the quality makes it worth it. I know these will last me for years, so I plan on getting them in every color. Bonus: they double as everyday pants, so you’ll actually get a ton of wear out of them off the trails too.

My favorite place to do research when I’m looking for something specific is always Reddit. I came across a thread where a woman was asking about petite hiking pants for her small frame, and these Gnara pants were recommended over and over again.

They’re not just comfortable, they also have some really unique features. The coolest (and most practical) one? A zipper in the crotch area so you can pee on the trail without having to take your pants off. If you’ve ever been on a long hike with no bathrooms in sight, you know how great that is. These are definitely designed with serious hikers in mind, especially if you’ll be out for hours or even days.

Another big plus is that they’re now made free of PFAS (PFOAs, PFCs, etc.), which is huge if you’re mindful about avoiding toxic chemicals. And of course, they’re waterproof perfect for cold, wet hikes like the ones I’ll be doing in Switzerland.

The only drawback? They’re not super versatile for everyday wear. These are more of a “strictly hiking (or maybe skiing)” kind of pant. Still, I’ll definitely be grabbing a pair for my trip because they check all the boxes for performance.

I found these on Amazon and they’re definitely petite-friendly. The petite inseam is 27 inches, which is such a pro since most hiking pants usually swallow me whole. Tons of reviewers also rave about how well they fit shorter frames, so they really do live up to the hype.

Function-wise, they’re better than I expected for the price. You get four zip closure security pockets (perfect for stashing keys, cards, or a snack), an elastic waist with a drawstring, and even cord locks around the cuffs so you can tighten the leg openings. Ideal for keeping bugs out if you plan on hiking somewhere humid.

These are also great for mild to cooler weather hikes, and honestly, under $30 feels like a good deal. The only drawback is that I wouldn’t take them on extreme or super cold hikes - they’re just not built for that level of intensity. But for casual trails or everyday use, they’re a solid budget friendly option that comes in tons of colors and ships fast with Prime.

These Athleta hiking cargo pants actually come in three inseam lengths (petite, regular, and tall), which is so good if you’re short like me. I’ve always loved Athleta because their stuff is such good quality and the fits are consistently great. Yes, they’re definitely on the pricier side, but I honestly think they’re worth it—they last forever and Athleta’s customer service is amazing.

This pair comes in a couple of different colors and has two side zip pockets plus one larger pocket on the leg, so you’ve got plenty of space for your phone, snacks, or trail maps. They also have an adjustable hem at the cuff, which lets you wear them straight-leg or cinched in like joggers, totally up to you. The petite inseam is 26.5”, and I’d say just order your usual size because they run true to fit. 

Unlike the first Amazon pair above, these are actually built for extreme cold. In the reviews, people mentioned wearing them on trips to Iceland, Norway, even the Himalayas - some even used them as ski pants, so they’re super versatile.

I love that they come with an adjustable belt at the waist (gives them that elevated, almost designer vibe, kind of like Obermeyer or Moncler). They’re roomy, warm, waterproof, and have pockets in all the right spots. There's one on the side of the leg and two on the upper half for easy access.

And ofcourse, they’re petite-friendly. One customer under 5’2 said they fit perfectly with boots, which is always rare for hiking pants. Overall, they’re practical, flattering, and perfect if you’re heading somewhere seriously cold.

These remind me a lot of the Halle pants, but the jogger style makes them feel a little more current (and petite-friendly). What sold me is the elastic waistband. I hate when pants dig in, especially on long hikes, and these adjust so comfortably.

The fabric is their Stretch Zion™ material, lightweight, water-repellent, quick-drying, and even has UPF 50+ which I really appreciated when I was out on a sunny trail without constantly reapplying sunscreen on my legs.

The only thing is they do have a more relaxed, slightly oversized fit, so if you like a tighter fit, you may want to size down. But honestly, they’re so versatile I could wear them for hiking, traveling, or even casual errands. Definitely one of the better petite-friendly hiking joggers I’ve tried.

One verified buyer said, "These pants are great for hiking! I have a curvier body and hiking pants always fit too tight. These are super comfortable and fit true to size."

Okay, these are genius. They turn into hiking shorts or capris just by unzipping the bottom half, which is exactly what I mean when I say I love innovative designs. You’re basically getting three pairs of pants in one, so the $138 price tag feels pretty justified when you think about the versatility. Perfect for travel too, because you can pack one pair and be set for different weather conditions.

The fit is petite-friendly - one reviewer who’s 5'1" and usually orders XXS said: "I found these pants after a long search and they’re perfect. Went back to order another pair in navy and the XXS size option is GONE." 

From a practical standpoint, they’ve got:

• Belted waistband that lets you cinch them comfortably without feeling restricted.

• Multiple pockets (including a side cargo pocket) for snacks, maps, or even your phone.

• Adjustable waistband + zippers at the cuff so you can easily swap between straight leg, jogger style, or unzip into shorts.

• Quick-dry, lightweight fabric that still feels like it would last you years.

Honestly, these are the kind of pants I’d bring to Switzerland or anywhere I’m doing back to back hikes. They’re comfortable enough for all day wear, and versatile enough that you don’t feel like you overpacked.

These are the kind of hiking pants you’ll actually wear outside of hiking too. They work just as well for the gym or even casual morning walks with your dog. The fabric is waterproof with built in UV protection, so you’re covered for both sunny and rainy days.

They’re also petite friendly - one customer mentioned being 5'0" and said the XS hit perfectly at the ankle, which is rare for hiking pants.

Vuori has definitely blown up in the athletic wear game. Personally, I don’t love their leggings (they just don’t look great on me), but their looser pants are IT. These ankle trousers in particular are actually petite friendly. I even saw someone who’s 4'10" say they hit at a perfect length with sneakers, which is rare for us shorter girls.

I also love how versatile they are. You can wear them for a casual hike or walk, but they easily double as trousers for work if you style them right. The fabric feels like a thicker version of their winter joggers, so they’re soft but still have some structure to it.

And honestly, Vuori’s quality is solid. Their stuff just lasts, and it always feels good on the skin. My husband basically only wears athletic wear and says Vuori is his favorite brand over Alo, Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas which, trust me, is a big statement coming from him.