Women’s trekking pants: which style should you choose?
Our guide and tips
23/06/2026•10 min read time
What pants should you wear to the mountains this summer? The answer depends on how you enjoy spending time outdoors. Some people seek maximum freedom of movement, others prefer a more structured fit, and some, on the hottest days, won’t compromise on lightness. Pants play a key role in determining your comfort during a hike, a walk or a trip: they accompany every step, follow your movements and help you feel good in what you’re wearing.
But which pants should you choose? Are leggings, baggy styles, cigarette trousers, or shorts better? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice depends on your needs, the type of activity you do and, above all, how you want to feel while enjoying the mountains.
The LaMunt collection features four main types of pants, each with specific characteristics:
- Baggy and cargo pants, for those who love a loose, relaxed fit;
- Straight-leg pants also known as cigarette pants, versatile and with a minimalist design;
- Leggings and pantaleggings, for those seeking support and freedom of movement;
- Shorts, perfect for tackling the hottest days with ease.
In summer, it all starts with a simple question: are long trousers or shorts better? The answer depends on the route ahead, the temperatures, and how you want to feel during your activity. Starting with long pants, let’s find out together which style might be the perfect companion for your next adventure.
Do you prefer baggy pants?
Thanks to their loose and relaxed fit, baggy pants allow you to move freely without feeling restricted, offering a pleasant sense of comfort during hikes, travels and moments of relaxation.
They are the ideal choice for anyone looking for a versatile and contemporary garment to wear on the trails as well as in your free time. The loose fit allows air to circulate between the fabric and the skin, providing a pleasant feeling of freshness, which is particularly appreciated on hot days.
If you prefer baggy pants, the Serena Travel Pants are a great option within the LaMunt collection, they have a baggy fit with a technical and feminine twist. Made from lightweight Durastretch fabric, they combine abrasion resistance, water repellency, elasticity and breathability, adapting naturally to the body’s movements. The cargo-style fit, with side pockets and an elasticized leg cuffs, gives them a look that’s also suitable for the city.
For those who prefer a simpler look but don’t want to compromise on the baggy fit, the Federica pants are the perfect alternative. The jogger style, elasticated waistband with drawstring and elasticated cuffs ensure practicality and comfort throughout the day. Here too, the lightweight materials and breathable fabrics make them ideal for summer adventures.
Choose baggy trousers if you love a relaxed fit, are looking for coolness and comfort, and want a garment that can take you effortlessly from the mountains to your travels, without compromising on style.
Or do you prefer straight-leg cigarette trousers?
Among women’s trekking pants, the cigarette style is the most classic choice for those seeking a balance between technical performance, comfort and femininity. They feature a tapered cut that follows the silhouette without clinging completely to the body. They are perfect for those who prefer a simpler, more refined look, to be worn with ease on the trails, whilst travelling or during leisure time.
Among the most popular styles in the collection are the Celine Travel Pants. Lightweight, breathable and stretchy, they are designed to offer comfort and flexibility on a hike as well as while travelling.
The Durastretch fabric moves naturally with the body, while the elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit. The zipped pockets hold essential items, while the turn-up hem allows you to adjust the length of the pants to suit your height or simply your style, revealing the inner detail featuring the “LM” LaMunt weave.
For those seeking a more classic mountain-style alternative, the Serena Lightweight pants combine a slim-fit silhouette with the performance of a water-repellent and breathable Durastretch fabric.
The waistband, featuring a press-stud and zip fastening, belt loops and a raised back panel with Merino Tencel inserts, provides support for the lower back, while the leg cuffs allow you to customize the length by creating one or two turn-ups, revealing the ‘LM’ LaMunt weave detail here too.
The Evi pants feature the same silhouette with an even more outdoor-oriented design. Lightweight and stretchy, they are designed for mild weather. The Me-care Back system, with a raised Merino Tencel insert at the lower back, offers protection and comfort, while the elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit. The three pockets, one of is zippered, and the water-repellent inserts at the bottom of the legs complete these practical and reliable pants, designed to accompany you on every hike.
Although all three styles are perfect for enjoying the mountains, each offers a different take on the slim-fit design. The choice, therefore, depends on your mountain lifestyle.
Are leggings suitable for the mountains?
Absolutely. Lightweight, stretchy and form-fitting without restricting movement, they allow you to tackle trails, climbs and high-intensity activities with a pleasant feeling of support and freedom. They are particularly popular for hikes, brisk walks and any occasion where you want to move without distractions.
Leggings or Pantaleggings: what’s the difference?
Although they share the same philosophy of comfort and freedom of movement, leggings and pantleggings cater to slightly different needs.
Leggings are completely form-fitting and feel like a “second skin”. They are perfect for those seeking lightness, support and a minimalist design.
Pantaleggings, on the other hand, combine the snug fit of leggings with technical details inspired by hiking trousers: strategic reinforcements, functional pockets and different materials that enhance protection and practicality without compromising comfort.
When it comes to leggings, we at LaMunt offer the Lisa High-Waisted Leggings. The “compression fit” provides support and a flattering shaping effect, while the stretchy fabric moves naturally with the body without restricting movement.
One of the most distinctive details is the ability to customize the leg length: thanks to the dotted lines on the bottom, all you need is a pair of scissors to adjust the leggings to your taste. The small openings behind the knee provide ventilation on more intense days. Finally, the hidden pocket at the upper back allows you to store small items.
For those looking for leggings with more details, the Anna Leggings are an ideal solution.
Made from recycled fabric, they combine comfort and functionality thanks to the Durastretch inserts positioned at the waist and around the ankles, designed to offer greater protection in the areas most prone to wear and tear.
The high waist ensures a stable and comfortable fit, while the two concealed side pockets add practicality without compromising the silhouette.
Moving on to leggings, we have the Katharina pants, which represent the perfect balance between support and functionality. The hybrid design combines durable Durastretch fabric in the areas most exposed to wear and tear with a recycled stretch fabric on the sides and back, promoting breathability and freedom of movement with a slim, close-fitting cut.
The high-waisted elasticated waistband gently hugs the body, offering protection and stability, while the two zipped pockets and the side pocket on the thigh allow you to always have what you need close at hand during your hike.
Another pair of trousers that falls into the “pantaleggings” category is the Michelle pant, designed to accompany you through every season and adapt to different fit requirements. The silhouette harmoniously hugs the female form down to the knee before flaring out. The three different lengths available allow every woman to find her ideal fit.
The zip at the bottom of the leg allows you to adjust the width at the ankle to suit your footwear or activity. The elastic waistband fits comfortably around the hips, and the Me-care Back system protects the lower back, offering a pleasant feeling of comfort. The design is completed by two concealed zipped pockets, perfect for storing small items.
Whether you prefer the minimalist feel of leggings or the practicality of pantaleggings, this category is designed for those seeking a snug fit and support without compromising on freedom of movement.
What if you prefer shorts?
If you prefer to keep your legs free, feel the breeze on your skin and tackle the hottest days with a pleasant sense of lightness, shorts might be the right choice for you. In this category, we offer various models designed for different needs and styles: from cargo shorts to 2-in-1 styles, from classic shorts to cropped leggings.
Starting with a feminine cargo style, we have the Serena Travel Shorts, perfect for those who love a relaxed and contemporary fit.
Made from recycled Durastretch fabric, with a cut that falls just above the knee, they are lightweight, durable and water-repellent. The functional pockets, zip and press-stud fastening, and modern design make them ideal for both hiking and travelling.
An equally casual alternative is the Katharina Mountain Shorts. The loose fit, adjustable drawstring waist and stretchy back panel ensure all-day comfort. Thanks to their construction, they offer high breathability, which is much appreciated on warmer days. The handy side pocket keeps small items close at hand.
The Celine Travel Shorts are designed for those who love to move effortlessly from the trail to exploring a new city. Lightweight, breathable and cool, they’re perfect for both active and relaxing moments.
It’s the details that make the difference, such as the “Smart Fit Solution” turn-up hem, which allows you to adjust the length to suit your style, revealing the elegant “LM” LaMunt weave.
For more intense activities, the Teresa Shorts are a natural choice. Made from recycled fabric, they are highly breathable, lightweight and quick-drying, and are designed to offer comfort and performance even on the hottest days.
We offer two versions.
The Teresa Lightweight Shorts are the most basic version, featuring an elasticized waistband with a drawstring, practical pockets and essential details that make the shorts even lighter.
The Teresa 2-in-1 Shorts, on the other hand, include a stretchy undershorts that reduces chafing, offering extra support during movement.
An equally versatile alternative is the Evi Shorts, ideal for summer trekking. Lightweight and comfortable, they offer an excellent fit thanks to the elasticated waistband and the Me-care Back system with Merino wool inserts, designed to protect the lower back. Zipped pockets, belt loops and small side vents complete this practical and reliable design.
For those who prefer a more fitted silhouette without compromising on freedom of movement, we also offer slim-fit shorts.
The Katharina Shorts combine lightness, stretch and durability thanks to the use of Durastretch in the areas most prone to wear and tear, and recycled stretch fabric on the hips and waistband. The two zipped pockets and the feminine silhouette make them perfect for any outdoor activity.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a leggings-style fit but in a shorter length, the Lisa Shorts might be just the style for you. The close-fitting cut follows the body’s contours naturally, and the customizable length allows you to adapt them to your preferences simply by cutting along the dotted lines with a pair of scissors. Made from recycled stretch fabric with a “compression fit” effect, they feature a high waist and a handy hidden pocket.
Whether you prefer a baggy fit, a more versatile style, or a more fitted style, there’s a pair of LaMunt shorts designed to accompany you through every Mountain Me-Time.
What are the right pants?
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice. What matters is finding the pants that make you feel good: the ones that follow your movements, adapt to your needs and support you in your own way of enjoying the outdoors.
Whether you prefer the freedom of a baggy fit, the versatility of cigarette trousers, the support of leggings and panteggings, or the breathability of technical shorts, the most important thing is that you always feel like yourself.
Because every woman experiences the mountains differently. And every adventure deserves to be tackled with the right balance of comfort, functionality and style, without having to compromise on what makes us feel good.
FAQ
Are tight-fitting or loose-fitting pants better?
There’s no universal answer. The choice depends on how you like to move and what makes you feel most comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
Some women prefer the support and stability of leggings and panteggings: the tight fit hugs the body without any distractions, offering a pleasant feeling of security and moving naturally with every step.
Other women, however, feel freer in a loose, relaxed fit, appreciating the comfort and lightness of baggy trousers that allow plenty of room for movement and promote ventilation.
Cigarette trousers also represent a perfect balance between these two approaches: more fitted than baggy trousers, yet less tight than leggings, they combine practicality, femininity and versatility.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that makes you feel good. Because true comfort also comes from feeling free to experience the mountains at your own pace, in your own style and according to your own needs.
Are long or short pants better?
Again, it depends on the kind of experience you have in mind.
Long trousers offer greater protection from the wind, sudden changes in temperature and contact with the surrounding environment. They are particularly suitable at high altitudes, where the temperature can drop significantly compared to the starting point, or if you prefer protection from insects.
They also provide an extra barrier against small scrapes, brambles and stinging plants. For this reason, many LaMunt pants feature adjustable or tight-fitting leg cuffs, designed to enhance protection and comfort during your hike.
Shorts, on the other hand, are the go-to choice for summer days. They’re perfect for the hottest days and the fastest climbs. They help disperse heat and keep you feeling pleasantly cool even during the most intense efforts.
Rather than wondering whether long pants or shorts are “better”, perhaps the right question is: what do I need today?
- Protection and versatility? Then long pants might be the ideal choice.
- Lightness and coolness? Shorts will be the most suitable solution.
In any case, what really makes the difference is the quality of the garment: technical, breathable and quick-drying fabrics help regulate body temperature, wick sweat away from the skin and allow you to cope with even a sudden summer downpour in greater comfort.
Because the perfect pair of pants isn’t the one everyone else chooses, but the one that lets you experience the mountains while feeling truly like yourself.