You may have already decided to hike in yoga pants. We’re not surprised. They’re soft, comfy, and simple to put on. We wear yoga pants everywhere, from Zoom calls to the gym, so it’s only logical that we’d want to wear them on the trail as well.
But, do yoga pants make decent trekking pants? Perhaps you’ve ripped a hole in a favourite pair while picking your way through brambles, or you’ve seen an expensive pair of leggings pill fast during a multiday hiking trip. In this post, we’ll go over things to look for when hiking in yoga pants (also known as tights or leggings).
Can I wear yoga pants hiking?
Yes, you can wear yoga pants while hiking (though leave cotton yoga pants at home). More than ever, consumers desire a single pair of tights that can be used in a variety of settings, from rushing to the store to trekking in the mountains. However, to prevent having to retire a cherished pair of yoga pants sooner rather than later, there are a few things to consider while searching for a pair of tights that will function in both the yoga studio and the woods.
Looking for some new yoga pants?
We understand that each woman is unique, with her own set of tastes and demands. LaSculpte is a women’s fitness apparel business that specialises in women’s yoga pants, women’s tights and women’s activewear that slim and in shape. A slimming waistline will conceal your stomach and keep you comfortable throughout the day. Allow it to flow with a flared leg or become a slim fit. LaSculpte can help you choose the best alternative for you.
Wearing an exclusive variety of yoga pants will provide you with wonderful comfort. These yoga leggings, made of cotton-stretch fabric, move with your body while you practise. When performing yoga or trekking, you will not feel restricted. LaSculpte’s most recent yoga tights Australia collection boasts a straight-leg style and a flat elasticized waistband for a smooth and secure fit.
Consider the type of hiking you’ll be doing
The first consideration is the type of trekking you intend to conduct. How long are you going to be out on the trail? What type of terrain might you expect to encounter?
- Your favourite pair of soft, moisture-wicking (non-cotton) yoga trousers can do for short, relaxed day treks. If you’re not going to be spending a lot of time outside and want something comfy, fashionable, and wicks sweat well enough to keep you dry, your standard yoga pants are made of synthetic fabrics like spandex or nylon will suffice. (Reasons to avoid cotton: Yoga pants made of synthetic fabrics drain away moisture to keep you dry, whereas cotton absorbs sweat and takes time to dry, making it unsuitable for trekking).
- Additional aspects should be considered for multiday backpacking trips or challenging hikes. Consider hiking leggings, which resemble yoga trousers but offer additional features such as secure pockets for trail items, a water-repellent finish to assist protect against light precipitation, and abrasion-resistant fabric. These factors apply to day walks as well, but they are especially important if you expect to spend many days in the wilderness with a large load and uncertain weather and terrain, or if you want to undertake any scrambling or rock climbing.
Features for Hiking Leggings
Here are a few more things to think about if you’re going trekking in your yoga pants:
Durability
Yoga pants are frequently meant to be worn indoors, such as at a studio or gym, where you are unlikely to come into contact with rough surfaces. Those designed for casual usage aren’t usually meant to withstand the abrasion that comes with scrambling around boulders, brushing through rough tree bark, or carrying a hefty pack. After wearing your favourite yoga trousers for several kilometres on the path, they may pill.
When shopping for hiking tights, seek a pair that can withstand wear and tear.
- Abrasion-resistant fabric: Tougher, the denser woven fabric will last much longer whether you lean against a tree, eat lunch on a rough surface, or squat near a cookstove.
- Strengthened panels: Hiking tights are reinforced in high-wear areas such as the seat, knees, and thighs to aid in climbing up and over roots or rocks. A hiking-specific tight often has more seams and less stretch overall, yet stretch can be found on the rear side of the tight. Look for tights with reinforcement to ensure that they last longer.
Weather-resistant finish
Hikers, not yoga makers, must consider the elements while creating tights. Fortunately, many yoga studios are creating tights with hikers in mind, so the fabric is weather-resistant.
- Quick-dry fabric: If you’ve been rained on, your trousers will be ready to go in the morning thanks to fabric intended to dry quickly from yesterday’s rainfall. If you know there will be small rain, you should get quick-dry fabric.
- Durable water repellent (DWR): If you live in an area where the weather varies regularly and you could be trekking in a deluge, seek treatment with DWR or another water-resistant finish. It prevents water from permeating or soaking a cloth on your skin. If the weather changes unexpectedly, you’ll be glad you made this decision.
Functional features
When you’re out trekking for several hours, you may want features that help you keep organised and sheltered from the weather. Choose a pair with pockets where you can store little items like a map or food, especially if you’re wearing a large pack that’s difficult to put on and off. Look for at least one spacious pocket that can accommodate your phone. Zippered pockets provide additional security. Side thigh pockets are not in the way of a climbing harness.
- Sun protection: Wearing clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating will help shield your skin from damaging UV radiation.
Fit and comfort
When you’re going on a trek, you’re probably going to put on your favourite yoga pants for comfort. However, for a prolonged backpacking journey, you need to consider fit and other utilitarian aspects of a tight.
In general, seek tights that are snug enough to stay around your waist but not so tight that you can’t breathe. Yoga pants with compression, which hug the body, assist maintain your tights sitting on your waist for a lengthy camping trip, as opposed to a softer waistband, which can slip down. Consider how your body will alter throughout a backpacking trip, whether it’s due to a change in diet to dried meals, inventive bathroom setups, or continuous hiking.
When going on a multi-day backpacking trip, look for tights with an adjustable drawcord that you can tighten or relax. You don’t have to give up comfort, but keep in mind that your soft yoga tights with no drawcord may be too small at some time, especially on an extended journey.
Design
Hikers who are interested in fashion can get all they need for their next backpacking or day trip. Fun, trendy hiking alternatives that are both useful are more common than ever, and the selection of fashion-forward yet utilitarian tights is expanding all the time.
La Sculpte has a wide variety of women’s activewear and women’s yoga pants that are stylish and ideal for those short day hikes.