In search of the best women’s hiking clothes, I put Kuhl to the test!
A few months back, the outdoor and hiking brand Kuhl (pronounced cool) reached out to me offering to send me some of their products in exchange for my honest review. After taking a look at the website and reading their story, I was incredibly pumped to test out their gear.
Kuhl is one of the last remaining privately owned and independent companies in the outdoor space. Based out of Utah, Kuhl believes in the uncompromising quality they can provide because of this independence, as well as the mission to ensure they are sourcing responsibly. With beautiful products that receive high reviews and this incredible story to back it up, I had to try it for myself.
I’ve tested the products out for a few months now, taking them from the snowy conditions around my in Canada to the hot landscape in Mexico. Eager to see how they’ve fared and if they live up to the reputation? Read on to find out.
As always, my reviews are completely honest and impartial. I wouldn’t share anything I wouldn’t personally use or wear myself.
The Women’s Freeflex Dash Pants in the Colour Koal
The timing in which I was offered this review opportunity was serendipitous. I had just gotten back from 4 days of trekking the W Trek in Patagonia where I had been thinking the whole time that I really needed to get some hiking pants with pockets. Constantly reaching in and out of my backpack to grab my phone for pictures was a hassle and I especially didn’t want to walk with it just in my hand. So when I saw that most of Kuhl’s hiking pants come with super versatile pockets I was excited to give them a try!
Comfortability of Kuhl’s Freeflex Dash Hiking Pants
I ordered the Freeflex Dash pants in a nice grey colour. Now I have to be honest, I’ve been hesitant about purchasing proper “hiking pants” in the past because I often find them to have uncomfortable material, awkward seams, or be a little stuffy. As a result, I’ve hiked in my leggings for years. So, I was really picky about the type of material these pants were going to be. Upon first wear, I was shocked. They were soft, stretchy and breathable. I even put them to a rigorous stretch test jumping around and getting into various yoga poses. The first test… passed!
The Design of the Hiking Pants
I’ve taken them out hiking now a few times and my good first impressions hold true. They are comfortable and I love the way they look. The pockets are also conveniently located with 2 side leg pockets you can slide your phone into. They have an adjustable waist that I always need in a pair of pants due to my fluctuating size. They also have ties at the bottom to cinch them up for style reasons or to even turn them into capris. All in all, they pass the comfort and wearability test!
From an Adventure Travel Perspective
From a travel perspective, I’m also a huge fan of the style of them. They are gorgeous hiking pants but they are discrete and stylish enough that they can totally pass for regular pants to walk around in. When travelling lighter, it is so essential to pack versatile items that can work with a range of outfits and can be worn in multiple contexts. These definitely work for that.
Is Kuhl a Good Brand?
Also, as the brand itself matters to a lot of us, I have had nothing but great experiences with Kuhl. They add personal touches to their packages, like complimentary chocolate bars and a note explaining how to exchange them for a different size. They give off really great vibes in how they interact with others.
Would I Buy More of Kuhl’s Women’s Hiking Pants?
Overall from the 3 months I’ve had them, I can confidently say these are a pair of pants I’d personally invest in again. They are everything I need and want in a pair of hiking pants. Moving forward I will rotate them out with a single pair of leggings for my future multi-day hikes. Or maybe I’ll just buy a couple more pairs haha.
Small Tip: If you wear them in the winter, wear a base layer underneath. These are aimed more toward three-season hiking with great breathability for the summer months.
My Favourite Features:
- The pockets on the side of the leg are so convenient for taking pictures on hikes
- They are super comfortable and breathable
- They are versatile for adventure travellers
- I got a really good impression of the brand
My Least Favourite Features:
- They run a little long for short people (I’m 5 foot 4 inches), however, this wasn’t really an issue because I love the style of the cinched bottom
- If you have a massive phone, it might not fit into the side pockets. I have an iPhone 14 pro and it fits completely fine though.
The Women’s Bandita 1/2 Zip Pullover in the Colour Zenith
Shortly after receiving the gear from Kuhl, I jetted off to Mexico where this top got its first real-world test. I packed it to wear in the mornings and evenings as a lightweight sweater layer. Boy was I impressed by how often it came in handy!
Comfortability and Design of Kuhl Bandita Pullover
On the first day of my island exploration, I got a nasty sunburn. This top became my savior as I tried to protect my skin over the next few days. Not only is it ultra-breathable and lightweight, but it also has built-in UV protection – perfect for recovery! I was able to wear it without overheating and felt a massive relief from the sun. It was also my go-to for when the sun started to set and the mosquitos came out, because again, it provided protection while still feeling super light and breezy.
Versatility for Travel
What has impressed me the most is how cute it is. The quarter-zip style is so versatile and the logo on the wrist is cute and gives it some personality. Just like the pants, it’s the perfect piece to bring while travelling because it can go with pretty much anything. I love this colour, it photographed beautifully in Mexico.
Hands down, this has become my number one go-to top for travelling. The sleek functionality and flattering fit make it the perfect packing companion wherever my adventures take me.
My Favourite Features:
- Super lightweight and breathability
- UV protection
- Style and versatility for travel
My Least Favourite Features:
- Definitely size either true to size or down a little for a more fitting style. If you’re between sizes like I am, go down.
Final Thoughts on Kuhl’s Women’s Hiking Clothes
Overall, I am enormously impressed by the quality of the Kuhl Freeflex hiking pants and Bandita ½ zip pullover top. It’s bluntly obvious that incredible attention has been paid to the technical details and durability of the fabrics and features. Both pieces have seriously held up through my testing and travel and remain staples in my outdoor travel outfits. I truly believe Kuhl has some of the best women’s hiking clothes out there.
Working with Kuhl has been a pleasure as well. I appreciate a brand that stands behind its products and prioritizes functionality as much as style. They’ve truly created versatile outdoor essentials that look as good in the wilderness as they do strolling city streets.
Without hesitation, I will continue to seek out Kuhl’s gear for future adventures. From sunny Mexico to future multi-day treks, these pieces will unquestionably be coming along for the ride. If you are looking for hiking apparel you can truly rely on, look no further.
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