Home > Outdoor > Hunt & Fish

The Best Women’s Hunting Pants of 2024

Cockleburs and thistle, sideways snow and blazing heat, mud, sludge, cactus, and cold: the best women's hunting pants take a beating.
Hunting Bibs Rifle HuntingAuthor in First Lite Sanctuary Bibs; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Women’s hunting pants have to be comfortable while offering protection. They need to move with us while we traverse rugged terrain, keep us warm when the conditions get frosty, and ward off water when the clouds open up. During early-season hunts, we require a pant that keeps us both cool and protected, a big ask from a piece of clothing.

You do not need a dedicated pair of hunting pants in the latest pattern from the biggest name. A pair of work pants, hiking pants, or in some cases, yoga pants will get the job done. My mother hunted wearing Levi’s, and my father still wears the same style of Wranglers he hunted in when I was a kid.

However, the right pair of hunting pants, designed for your particular hunting conditions, can increase your comfort and capability in the field. The right materials, patterns, and shapes can make your hunt more pleasant and, in some cases, more successful. The pants on this list have been carefully scrutinized while hunting for elk, deer, and mountain lion, and we’ve also included a pair of waders for duck season. Be sure to take a look at our frequently asked questions, price and value analysis, and comparison chart to help with your decision-making.

Editor’s note: This guide received a hefty update on September 13, 2024, to make sure our selection reflects the current best of the best. New to the guide are the First Lite Womenโ€™s 308 Lined Pant, the Alpine Fit Bushwacking Leggings, the Sitka Womenโ€™s Ascent Pants, the First Lite Core Bibs, the KUIU Womenโ€™s PRO Brush Hunting Pant, and the Ditale Outdoors Sofia Adventure Pant 2.0. Here’s to a great season!

The Best Women’s Hunting Pants of 2024

Best Overall Women's Hunting Pants

KUIU Women’s Attack Pant

  • Materials: Primeflex polyester
  • Colors: Camo and Solids
  • Season: Early to mid-season

Pros

  • Good Fit
  • Stretchy
  • Durable

Cons

  • Short length; some taller women have mentioned the leg length being an issue

  • Materials: Cotton Spandex Blend
  • Colors: Camo
  • Season: Early-Mid Season

Pros

  • Low Cost
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not Water Resistant

  • Materials: Fleece-lined Polyester Softshell
  • Colors: Available in Camo and Solids
  • Season: Mid-Late Season

Pros

  • Warm
  • Comfortable
  • Large Dump Pockets
  • Long, Wide-Opening Thigh Vents

Cons

  • Not Waterproof/Resistant

  • Materials: Polyester stretch woven
  • Colors: Camo and solids
  • Season: Early to mid-season

Pros

  • Unmatched protection
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • The reinforced knee and seat colors are odd

  • Materials: ReTrace (recycled Polyester & Nylon)
  • Colors: Solid Colors Only
  • Season: Early-Mid Season

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Serious Protection for a Legging
  • Great Custom Fit Options

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Materials: Nylon
  • Colors: Camo and solids
  • Season: Early to mid-season

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • No constricting buttons or clips
  • Stretchy

Cons

  • Noisier than I'd like

  • Materials: DWR Treated Nylon, Synthetic Insulation
  • Colors: Camo Patterns
  • Season: Mid to late season

Pros

  • Comfortable and warm
  • Women Specific Cut
  • Full-length leg zips for easy on and off

Cons

  • They might be a bit constrictive in the thigh for curvier figures, so consider sizing up.
  • Expensive

  • Materials: Neoprene, spandex, Lycra, Thinsulate insulation
  • Colors: Camo Patterns
  • Season: Waterfowl season

Pros

  • Excellent Fit
  • Warm

Cons

  • May not fit taller women

  • Weight: 18.5oz (size 8)
  • Fabric: 100% Polyester, Upper: Primeflex 4-way Stretch, Reinforced Panels: Primeflex high-density double weave
  • K-DWR Water Repellency:
  • Zippered Inner and Outer Thigh Vents:
  • Pockets: 2x zippered back and thigh, 2x open hip
  • Gaiter hook:
  • Colors: Valo, Ash
  • Sizes: 2-14

Pros

  • Highly thorn and abrasion resistant
  • Breathable
  • Stretch in upper panels
  • Generous ventilation

Cons

  • No knee pads/knee pad pockets
  • Hard plastic suspender keeper
  • Noisier than non-thorn-resistant fabric

  • Materials: Polyester Spandex Blend
  • Colors: Camo and Solid Colors
  • Season: Mid-Late Season

Pros

  • Stretchy and comfortable
  • Tailored to fit a woman's body
  • Warm

Cons

  • Cockleburr magnets
  • Hem Snaps are a bit heavy

Women’s Hunting Pants Comparison Chart

Women’s Hunting PantsPriceFabricColorSeason
KUIU Attack Pant $149Primeflex polyesterCamo onlyEarly-mid season
Magellan Outdoors Womenโ€™s Stonewell Cargo Pants$30Cotton Spandex BlendCamo onlyEarly-mid season
First Lite Womenโ€™s 308 Lined Pant$180Fleece-lined Polyester SoftshellCamo and SolidsMid-late season
Sitka Timberline Pant$249Polyester stretch wovenCamo and solidsEarly-mid season
Alpine Fit Bushwacking Leggings$180ReTrace (recycled Polyester & Nylon)Solid colors onlyEarly-mid season
Sitka Womenโ€™s Ascent Pants$199NylonCamo and solidsEarly-mid season
First Lite Core Bibs$450DWR Treated Nylon, Synthetic InsulationCamo onlyMid-late season
LaCrosse Estuary $300Neoprene, spandex, Lycra, Thinsulate insulationCamo onlyWaterfowl season
KUIU Womenโ€™s PRO Brush Hunting Pant$199 100% Polyester, Primeflex 4-way StretchCamo and solidsEarly-mid season
Ditale Outdoors Sofia Adventure Pant 2.0$199Polyester Spandex BlendCamo and solids Mid-late Season

How We Tested the Best Women’s Hunting Pants

Sitka Timberline Pant
Sitka Timberline Pant; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

We hunt in a variety of terrains in a ton of varying conditions, and we hunt year-round. From subalpine environments to the desert and everything in between, we’ve tested women’s hunting pants in just about every possible scenario.

After generations of having to hunt in hand-me-down hunting gear that was designed for men or having to fork over the cash for gear not made for us, we’re hard on women’s hunting gear because we want it to perform. We’re critical because we’ve had to be. We have nearly unlimited options for women’s gear now, and we’re always elated to put new hunting pants to the test.

A person in outdoor gear, adjusting their backpack straps while standing in a sunlit forest
Kuiu Pro Brush Pant; (photo/Andrea Wilson)

We’re rough on hunting clothes. They get thrown, balled up, soaked, and soiled, and to be honest, a care label has likely not been read around here. Our pants, in particular, get stained, snagged, and cut because we actually use them for hunting.

We have testers on both coasts and everywhere in between. We hunt everything from screaming elk in September to mountain lions in the snow. Our team loves to chase birds behind working dogs and crawl through brush to sneak up on the infamous speed goats of the West.

Upland Hunting
Ditale Sofia Adventure Pant; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Whether in a tree stand, spot and stalk, on snowmobile, or on horseback, we certainly run as many hunt scenarios as we can to help you decide which hunting pants will work for your specific venture.

And we’re glad to beat our gear up so you know where your penny is best spent. Be sure to check out our women’sspecific hunting boots and hunting jacket guides to help keep your feet happy and the rest of you warm and dry all season.

Buyerโ€™s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Hunting Pants

Women's Hunting Pants
KUIU Attack Pants; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Any pair of pants that offers you comfort, protection, and the ability to move about in varying terrain can make a great hunting pant. I spent the vast majority of my early years hunting in Wrangler jeans and Carhartts. To this day, I bet I toss on a variety of canvas work pants for quick day hunts more than my dedicated hunting pants.

Much of the reason for this was initially a lack of options. Today, there is no shortage of women’s hunting gear available. Just a few short years ago, we couldn’t make that same statement.

So, how do you choose the best hunting pants for you? Let’s break it down.

Understand the Terrain

Bowhunting
Elk hunting in Sitka Timberline Pants; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

When it comes down to the best hunting pants for your chase, one of the most important aspects (besides budget) is knowing your terrain.

Are you going to be busting through the rough brush, or are you just walking up a maintained trail? Are you crossing streams and climbing? How many fences will you have to wiggle your way over? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you invest your hard-earned money on a pair of hunting pants.

There’s no reason to go all in for a reinforced seat and knees if you don’t need them. If you end up going too lightweight and have to bushwhack your way to your target, you will regret it. Get a feel for your hunting terrain and take that into consideration before looking at pants.

Warmth vs. Breathability vs. Weatherproof

Women's Hunting Pants
Tree Stand Hunting in First Lite Specter; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

If you’re hunting in dry, hot conditions with a lot of sharp brush around, you’ll likely not care much about a waterproof pant and care more about breathability and protection. For hunters who spend a lot of time in late-season, snowy conditions, you’ll want to look at lined or insulated pants. For wet weather, you should avoid cotton and wool as an outer layer.

You need to look at and consider the build of your pants, including insulation, outer and inner material, and reinforced areas.

If warmth is what will keep you out there longer, make sure you invest in insulated pants and high-quality base layers.

If staying cool and hydrated is important, forgo waterproof layers and opt for lightweight breathability, such as nylon and wool.

Camouflage vs. Solids

Predator Hunting
KUIU Velo Camo Pattern; (photo/Rachelle Schrute)

Understanding your target species and how they perceive their environment will help you determine whether or not camo is really necessary for your hunt.

Are you hunting a species that relies more heavily on smell or sight? For a general elk and deer season, you may be just fine in solids (though camo never hurts). For turkey, you’ll probably want to make sure you have a camo pattern that most closely matches your environment.

If you’re rifle hunting, your need for camo is far less important than if you’re bow hunting.

From there, you can decide which colors and patterns best match your terrain and conditions. In the end, camouflage never hurts and can be used on a variety of hunts, so you really can’t go wrong with choosing an applicable pattern for your area and utilizing those pants throughout the year.

Price & Value

Women’s Deer Camp; (photo/Lindsey Mulcare)

Hunting gear is expensive, and pants are no exception to the rule. Though there is always a huge push for everyone to have the most expensive, top-of-the-line gear, we can assure you it isn’t the most important thing. If you already have a comfortable pair of pants that work in the conditions you’ll be hunting in, wear them. So long as you can stay in the field, be protected, and blend into your environment, go for it.

Budget

There is no reason to feel obligated to buy a pair of specific hunting pants. Canvas work pants are a great option for a hunting pant that doubles as a regular pair of clothing (though they can be noisy). Remember, your grandparents likely hunted in a red flannel and jeans. So long as you put in the work, you can get the job done. There are also so many options for budget hunting pants these days.

The Magellan Outdoors Stonewall Cargo Pantย ($30) is our favorite budget pick thanks to its comfy fit, useful pockets, and camo options. However, these are a poor choice if you primarily hunt in the backcountry and need serious weather protection.

Mid-Tier

Spending from $150 to $250 can get you outfitted in a pair of versatile, technical hunting pants. We’re talking articulated and reinforced knees, durable waterproof treatments, and a fair amount of stretch for mobility. These pants sometimes even feature insulation for the colder months.

Our top pick, the KUIU Attack Pant ($149) falls into this category. It does everything you need it to, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and while it isn’t insulated, you can always throw a base layer on underneath. If the budget only allows for one pair of hunting pants and you don’t need something waterproof, end your search here.

Premium

$250 and above gets you into specialty bibs and waders, and while they are expensive, their features are worth the price and sometimes mandatory for a successful hunt. The First Lite Core Bibs ($450) are designed to keep you warm during long stints in a treestand or whenever you need to be stationary for a while and the temps are below freezing.

If you’re hunting waterfowl, a pair of waterproof waders are essential, and while not technically “pants” the LaCrosse Estuary Hunting Waders ($300) are constructed from Lycra, neoprene, and Thinsulate to keep you warm while trudging through the water. And at $300, they’re pretty darn affordable as far as waders go.

Frequently Asked Questions

We gathered up some of the more popular questions about women’s hunting pants, and we hope they help you pick the right women’s hunting pants for you.

Do you need women’s-specific hunting pants? Can you wear men’s?
First Lite 308 Lined Pant

Of course, you can always wear a pair of men’s hunting pants, as long as they fit you and you are comfortable in them. Most adult female hunters who have been hunting their whole lives have likely spent more time in men’s gear than they have in women’s.

That being said, if you’re going to invest in a pair of dedicated hunting pants, you may as well go with a pair that has a fit and function best suited for your body. Many women’s hunting pants have adjustable waists, a higher rise, a more curvier cut, and a bit more stretch than the men’s version.

It really comes down to what you are most comfortable in.

How do you wash hunting pants?

If you’re spending any amount of money on hunting gear, it pays to take good care of it. Wool certainly needs a gentler hand. And you’d be surprised how much body scent synthetics can retain even after going through your normal laundry routine.

Thankfully, there are simple options that can easily fold into your laundry routine. One option GearJunkie likes is Active Wear Detergent, and you can read founder Stephen Regenold’s review on it here.

Two other options come from Nikwax. Nikwax Wool Wash is a machine-friendly option for merino and other wools, and Nikwax Tech Wash does the same for synthetics.

Remember to use scentless products to eliminate any chance that a big ol’ whitetail deer catches a Cotton Fresh breeze and decides to book a flight from your deliciously scented location.

Are wool pants good for hunting?

The short answer is yes, they can be. The longer answer is: they can either be the best or worst choice.
GearJunkie’s own Sean McCoy has been hunting in his grandpa’s 80-year-old Woolrich pants for a lifetime. They’re low on scent, high on warmth, easy to fix, and durable.

Wool can be expensive. However, if you’re pressed for cash, go to your local Goodwill, thrift store, or pawn shop. Sift through clothes until you find a heavy pair of wool pants.

Just be aware that when it comes to old-school wool, you can get in trouble really quickly if a sudden downpour breaks loose. Wool can absorb a ton of water, and those vintage spun pants can become a heavyweight ice box in a matter of minutes.

A safer choice may be to go with a water resistent outer layer and keep your wool layer next to your skin.


The Best Backpacks for Big-Game Hunting of 2024

We tested and researched the best backpacks for hunting deer, elk, and big game. These top hunting packs shone through. Read more…

A hand holds a Benchmade Raghorn hunting knife with orange blade

The Best Hunting Knives of 2024

A hunting knife has a singleย purpose: processing meat after aย kill. We did the research to help you find the best hunting knife for your needs and budget. Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!