Best Running Pants of 2025
best Joggers and wind pants for runners
May 19th, 2025
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Run training takes us outside in all kinds of temperatures and weather conditions. Running pants are a great option for protection from the elements and trailside plants.
Running pants water resistant and protect from rain, sleet, and snow, and can be added to a base layer for more warmth. You can also wear shorts or tights underneath, allowing you to remove the running pants as needed.
Running pants also offer protection and warmth without the constriction or exposure of running tights. And some people just feel more comfortable in loose clothing.
I’m an FKT-setting runner and ultramarathoner who spent months testing 10 of the top recommended running pants in a wide variety of conditions, from pouring rain to hot humid days, from roads and rail trails to technical mountain terrain. We tested single and double-layer running pants, and assessed each for durability, performance, comfort, and weatherproofing.
After months of testing across the Northeast, we present our top six best running pants for a range of conditions and priorities!
Related: Best Men’s Running Tights and Best Women’s Running Tights
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Comparison table
Men’s
| RUNNING TIGHTS | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP* | SIZES | WEATHER RESISTANCE | POCKETS | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants | Best Overall Read why |
$90 | S - 3XL | Wind and water resistant | 6 | 90% polyester/10% spandex; waistband, sides, inner thighs and ankles: 71% nylon/29% spandex |
| Mier SprintDry Joggers | Best Affordable Read why |
$36 | S - 3XL | Water repellent | 3 | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0 | Best Lightweight Read why |
$75 | S - XXL | Not stated | 2 | 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane |
| REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger | Best Size-Inclusive Read why |
$80 | XXS - 3XL | Not stated | 3 | 93% polyester, 7% spandex |
| Arc’teryx Incendo Pants | Best for Warm Weather Read why |
$130 | XS - XXL | Water repellent | 2 | 50-denier nylon stretch plain weave |
| Patagonia Wind Shield Pants | Best for Rain Read why |
$179 | XS - 3XL | Water resistant | 2 | Body:100% recycled polyester interlock-knit; backer: Capilene Cool Lightweight 52-100% recycled polyester with DWR; panels: 68% recycled nylon/15% polyester/17% spandex stretch knit |
| Janji Atlas Pants | Best for Trail Running Read why |
$124 | S - XL | Water resistant | 3 | 77% recycled nylon, 23% spandex |
Women’s
| RUNNING TIGHTS | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP* | SIZES | WEATHER RESISTANCE | POCKETS | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants | Best Overall Read why |
$80 | XS - 3XL | Wind and water resistant | 6 | 90% polyester/10% spandex; waistband, sides, inner thighs and ankles: 71% nylon/29% spandex |
| Mier SprintDry Joggers | Best Affordable Read why |
$36 | XS - 3XL | Water-repellant | 3 | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0 | Best Lightweight Read why |
$75 | XS - XL | Not stated | 2 | 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane |
| REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger | Best Size-Inclusive Read why |
$80 | XXS - 3XL | Not stated | 3 | 93% polyester, 7% spandex |
| Patagonia Wind Shield Pants | Best for Rain Read why |
$179 | XS - XL | Water resistant | 2 | Body:100% recycled polyester interlock-knit; backer: Capilene Cool Lightweight 52-100% recycled polyester with DWR; panels: 68% recycled nylon/15% polyester/17% spandex stretch knit |
| Janji Atlas Pants | Best for Trail Running Read why |
$124 | XS - XL | Water resistant | 3 | 77% recycled nylon, 23% spandex |
The winners
Best overall running pants: REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants
MSRP: $90
Comfort subjective rating: 4/5
Breathability subjective rating: 4/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 4/5
Available sizes: XS-3XL
Materials: 90% polyester/10% spandex; waistband, sides, inner thighs and ankles: 71% nylon/29% spandex
What we liked: Wide size range, soft and flexible nylon fabric, excellent weatherproofing, non-PFC DWR finish, uses bluesign-approved fabrics, made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory
What we didn’t like: Wide and inflexible waistband, runs small and fits more like leggings
Our Best Overall winner is the REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants. They’re a running pant that is very flexible, with a soft nylon texture. There are two side zip pockets just large enough to hold a phone, and two open front pockets (mesh, inside the pants). These pants were made with a focus on sustainability, in a Fair Trade Certified Factory, with a non-PFC DWR finish, and using only bluesign-approved fabrics.
REI Swiftland Hybrid Running Pants
Men's
Women's
REI Swiftlands are great running pants that can handle any weather with panache. Photo by Kris LaRosa.
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The Swiftlands are very fitted, wearing closer to a legging style. This does make it difficult to wear shorts underneath; when our tester tried, their running shorts rode up and were very uncomfortable. These pants only have enough room underneath for a tighter pair of shorts, like a half-tight style.
However, these pants offer the best range of dimensions of any of the running pants we tested, with Swiftlands available in sizes up to a 3XL, with 50” waist and 54.5” hips. They matched the sizing for the REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger, which won our award for Best Running Pants for Larger Bodies.
The biggest issue our tester found with these pants was the wide and inflexible waistband. It has no give, and is narrower than the widest point of the pants. This can cause difficulty getting the pants on past hips or thighs. Once the waistband is on the waist, it’s comfortable and the rest of the pants are very flexible. But the inflexible waistband can make putting on and removing these pants difficult for runners with wider hips or thighs. These pants also tend to run small, so if you are in between sizes or have wider thighs or hips, consider sizing up.
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The Swiftlands have excellent weatherproofing, with wind and water-resistant panels on the front and back, and stretch-knit fabric on the inner thighs, outer legs, and around the ankles. The pants performed well in foul weather, keeping our tester warm even during a very rainy trail run in the White Mountains with three high water crossings requiring wading. The fabric doesn’t hold onto excess water, keeping the pants lightweight and quick-drying even in tough conditions.
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These running pants are our pick for Best Overall because they’re a great all-around pair of pants. They’re comfortable and breathe well on fair-weather runs around town, and also have excellent performance in windy, rainy, or cold conditions on mountain trails. The Swiftlands are a terrific match for runners seeking one pair of pants that will cover all weather and conditions with ease.
Best affordable running pants: Mier SprintDry Joggers
MSRP: $36
Comfort subjective rating: 2/5
Breathability subjective rating: 2/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 2/5
Available sizes: S - 3XL
Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
What we liked: Affordable, uses recycled fabric
What we didn’t like: Less flexible than other pants we tested, light sweat staining
Our Best Affordable winner is the Mier SprintDry Joggers. The pants’ material feels a bit like old-school polyester. While the fabric was less elastic than other pants we tested, they still had give and didn’t interfere with our tester’s range of motion. The pants’ texture was a bit slick, but still relatively comfortable.
Mier SprintDry Joggers
Men's
Women's
Mier SprintDry Joggers on the Appalachian Trail in shoulder season, looking out on Mt Washington. Photo by Aubri Drake.
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There are two front zippered pockets that can hold a phone though they are large enough that most phones will bounce in the pockets. There is also one back zippered pocket; both pockets are nylon and inside the pants. The Mier joggers are made using 95% recycled and 5% new fabric. They’re offered up to a 3XL, with 46” waist and 51.5” hips.
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The Mier joggers have some breathability, though they breathe less than most other pants we tested. They showed moderate sweat staining on the outward edge of heat and running intensity, but for shorter runs, these pants performed well. They do absorb rain and sweat, and would do best with fair weather conditions.
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While they lack some features of more expensive pants, they’re a great option for runners seeking utilitarian running pants for road running around town or trail running in a nearby park, and runners can feel good knowing the pants are made almost exclusively from recycled fabric.
Best lightweight running pants: Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0
MSRP: $75
Comfort subjective rating: 3/5
Breathability subjective rating: 4/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 3/5
Available sizes: S-XXL
Materials: 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane
What we liked: Soft and flexible nylon fabric, quick drying, uses some recycled fabric
What we didn’t like: Limited sizing that favors long and lean bodies, only pants we tested that required air drying (no clothes dryer)
The Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0 is the winner of our Best Lightweight running pants. They’re made of a soft, flexible nylon fabric, using 88% recycled and 12% new fabric. There are two front zippered pockets that can hold a phone, though the pockets are large enough, most phones will have some bounce (nylon, inside the pants).
Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0
Men's
Women's
Craft ADV Essence pants are fitted, quick drying, and water resistant, with pockets that can fit a phone, and made from mostly recycled fabric. Photo by Aubri Drake.
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The Craft ADV Essence pants are fitted, and the brand notes their products fit “long and lean,” which reflected our tester’s experience. Their XXL (39” waist, 48” hips) is second only to Janji for the smallest large size offered of all 10 tested running pants. While the fabric dimensions tended smaller, the fabric was very elastic and our tester found the fit to be comfortable, though he did size up as recommended by the Craft website.
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The Craft website does not mention any DWR finish, but we noticed water beading during our water-resistance testing. These performed similarly to other lightweight, single-layer pants with DWR finishes, like the Arc’teryx Incendo, Janji Transit, and Patagonia Terrebonne jogger pants. They’re somewhat weather-resistant and quick-drying. While the ankle closure fabric is tight, the pants have enough stretch that they can easily be pulled over calves to just under the knee, regardless of calf size.
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These are the only pants we tested that require air drying–they explicitly note they should not be placed in a clothes dryer. While air-drying can increase elastic fabric’s longevity, it can make it more difficult to care for these pants and not everyone will want a pair of pants that require extra steps.
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These pants are ideal for runners who are looking for a lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and water-resistant pair of running pants and want pants that are built with longer and thinner bodies in mind. The Craft ADV Essence pants are simply designed, with two pockets, ankle elastic, and a stretchy waistband, so they’re also a marvelous match for runners who desire simplicity and don’t mind air-drying their running pants.
Best size-inclusive running pants: REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger
MSRP: $80
Comfort subjective rating: 5/5
Breathability subjective rating: 3/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 2/5
Available sizes:XXS - 3XL
Materials: 93% polyester, 7% spandex
What we liked: Non-gendered, very soft fabric, wide size range, bluesign fabric
What we didn’t like: The relaxed fit on the lower legs made it possible to catch one leg on the other while walking or running, the fabric lacks weather resistance, warmer than other pants we tested
The REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger is the winner of our Best for Larger Bodies running pants. They’re an extremely comfortable running pant that offers flexible dimensions to accommodate many body shapes and sizes.
REI Active Pursuits Midweight Jogger
The REI Active Pursuits Midweight Joggers are comfy and welcome a wide range of runners and body shapes. Photo by Toby Davis.
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While the pants are made with synthetic, bluesign-approved fabric, their feel is very close to cotton. These were the pants our tester kept wearing around the house like comfy sweatpants.
The Active Pursuits Jogger is designed with a non-gendered tapered but relaxed fit, and the polyester/spandex blend is stretchy and accommodating. There are two front pockets with robust zippers, though each pocket is so large, putting a phone in the pocket would interfere with running comfortably (nylon, inside the pants).
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Because of their design with a midweight fabric, these were the warmest pants we tested. When tested in heat and high humidity, they did show moderate sweat staining, but for shorter and cooler runs, these pants performed well, with good breathability.
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The Active Pursuits Jogger offers the best range of dimensions of any of the running pants we tested, available in sizes up to a 3XL, with 50” waist and 55” hips. They matched the sizing for the REI Swiftlands, which won our award for Best Overall running pants, but are a more elastic and less-fitted style. These pants are welcoming of all body shapes, including runners with longer legs, larger thighs, or bigger butts.
The biggest issue our tester found with these pants was the baggy fit of the lower leg. The extra fabric on the lower legs made it possible to catch one leg on the other while walking or running. Additionally, these pants tend to run large, so if you are in between sizes, consider sizing down.
If you’re looking for more plus-size outdoor apparel options, check out our Best Plus-Size Outdoor Clothing and Best Outdoor Clothing for Big and Tall Adventurers guides.
Best warm weather running pants: Arc’teryx Incendo Pants
MSRP: $130
Comfort subjective rating: 4/5
Breathability subjective rating: 5/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 3/5
Available sizes: XS-XXL
Materials: 50-denier nylon stretch plain weave
What we liked: Adjustable ankle closures, wide size range, quick drying, non-PFC DWR finish, bluesign-approved fabrics
What we didn’t like: Cut is tighter on the thighs, expensive
Our Best Warm Weather running pants winner is the Arc’teryx Incendo Pants. They’re a lightweight running pant that has a soft brushed nylon texture. There are two open front pockets that very loosely fit a phone, and one smaller fold-over mesh outer pocket on the side that can fit keys, snacks, or trash. These pants are sustainably made, with a non-PFC DWR finish and using only bluesign-approved fabrics.
Arc’teryx Incendo Pants
The Arc’teryx Incendo pants are ready for any kind of warm weather adventure you might want–be it running up a mountain or jogging on a rail trail. Photo by Justin Martino-Harms.
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The Incendos are tapered but flexible, and offer up to a XXL size (44.5” waist, 50” hips). They have good wind resistance, though their lightweight nature means they get wet from rain fairly quickly. However, the fabric doesn’t absorb much water or sweat to help keep the pants light and quick drying.
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The pants have adjustable elastic ankle ties, which makes it very easy to roll the pants up to just below the knee for warmer runs when more ventilation is desired or cinch them tight to keep out debris. The Incendos also breathe very well, being air permeable. The pants have a tighter fit on the thighs, but the pants’ elastic fabric doesn’t restrict movement. Runners with larger thighs may want to size up.
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The Incendos are a great fit for runners who want lightweight, wind-resistant, quick-drying pants that have outstanding breathability. They’re excellent for warm weather running where durable protection from trailside brush, technical terrain, or wind is needed.
Note these are only available in men’s. You may also want to consider shorts for hot weather–learn more in our Best Men’s Running Shorts and Best Women’s Running Shorts guides.
Best rain running pants: Patagonia Wind Shield Pants
MSRP: $179
Comfort subjective rating: 4/5
Breathability subjective rating: 4/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 5/5
Available sizes: XXS-3XL (across men’s and women’s sizing)
Materials: Body:100% recycled polyester interlock-knit; backer: Capilene Cool Lightweight 52-100% recycled polyester with DWR; panels: 68% recycled nylon/15% polyester/17% spandex stretch knit
What we liked: Wide size range, outstanding weatherproofing, non-PFC DWR finish, uses some recycled and bluesign fabric, made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
What we didn’t like: Less stretch in the waistband and legs than expected, lower leg panels lightly show sweat stains, expensive
Our award for Best Rain running pants goes to the Patagonia Wind Shield Pants. They’re flexible running pants with a soft internal and slightly scratchy external nylon texture, and a biocide treatment to reduce odor. There are two side zip pockets just large enough to hold a phone (mesh, inside the pants). These pants are sustainably made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory, with a non-PFC DWR finish and some recycled and bluesign fabric.
Patagonia Wind Shield Pants
Men's
Women's
The Patagonia Wind Shield pants are perfect for big efforts in the mountains, especially during shoulder season or rainy, cold conditions. Photo by Aubri Drake.
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The Wind Shields are a slim fit style, and available in sizes up to a 3XL, with 45” waist and 51” hips.
The most noticeable issue our tester had with these pants was the waistband–it’s inflexible with almost no stretch. This made putting the pants on difficult for our tester. Once the pants were on the waist, it was comfortable and the rest of the pants were stretchable. These pants do tend to run long in the leg and small on the waist, so if you are in between sizes or have a wider waist or hips, consider sizing up.
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They have outstanding weatherproofing, with wind and water-resistant panels on the front and back, with a brushed terry fabric on the backs of the knees. There are ankle zippers to make it easier to remove the pants while wearing shoes or boots.
The pants performed well in poor weather, keeping our tester warm even during a rainy spring trail run in the White Mountains with flooded trails and a high water crossing. The pants didn’t absorb water. The pants remained lightweight and quick drying even in extremely challenging conditions.
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For day-to-day runs around home, these pants are probably overkill. But if you’re running long routes or on backcountry or exposed trails in precipitation, especially in colder temperatures when staying dry and warm is of utmost importance, these are the pants for you. They’re $50 more expensive than any other running pants we tested, but they also outperformed everyone else for water resistance.
Best trail running pants: Janji Atlas Pants
MSRP: $124
Comfort subjective rating: 3/5
Breathability subjective rating: 5/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 3/5
Available sizes:S - XL
Materials: 77% recycled nylon, 23% spandex
What we liked: Quick drying, PFC-free DWR finish, uses recycled and bluesign-approved fabric
What we didn’t like: Limited sizing, thick waistband can cause chafing for some body shapes
Our Best Trail Running Pants award goes to the Janji Atlas Pants. They’re lightweight, flexible running pants with a soft nylon texture. There are two front zippered pockets large enough to hold a phone, though the pockets are elastic so a phone in the pocket will bounce around (mesh, inside the pants). There is also one lower back zippered pocket for keys or snacks and three open waistband pockets big enough to fit many running snacks. These pants were made with a non-PFC DWR finish and using a majority recycled and entirely bluesign-approved fabrics.
Janji Atlas Pants
Men's
Women's
Janji Atlas Pants are easy to toss into a pack and bring along for a long day on the trails so you’re ready for all weather and conditions. Photo by Laura Dowd.
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The Atlas pants are a tapered fit style, though they’re very elastic and do not limit movement in any way. There are lower leg zippers that run from the ankles almost to the knees, making it very easy to add or remove the pants without taking off shoes.
The biggest issue we noted with these pants is the sizing range available for Janji pants is the most limited of all pants we tested. The largest size offered is an XL, with a 38.5” waist and 46.75” hip size. Outside of these dimensions, we would recommend runners look at our Best Overall or Best Warm Weather winners for similar pants available in larger sizes.
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The pants also pack into their own pocket, making them easy to toss into a vest or pack for use at night or if the weather turns.
An issue our tester found with these pants was the innovative waistband–it offers many pockets and a lot of storage but it is quite wide and elastic, like a built-in running belt. But since the belt is also the waistband of the pants, there is limited adjustability and it can cause discomfort or chafing for some body shapes. This issue is noted by Janji’s website, stating that the waistband is more snug than a typical waistband in order to secure the pocketing system.
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The Janji Atlas pants don’t take in water, remaining lightweight even in rainy or wet conditions. They are perfect for trail or road runners looking for a lightweight, weather-resistant pair of pants that have many pockets and incorporate storage into its design. The waistband has lots of space for running fuel and hydration and gives runners an opportunity to leave home without an additional running vest or belt.
Other running pants we tested
Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers
MSRP: $99
Comfort subjective rating: 3/5
Breathability subjective rating: 3/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 2/5
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Materials: 90% Prevented Ocean Plastic recycled polyester/10% spandex stretch plain weave
What we liked: Non-PFAS DWR finish, uses recycled and some bluesign-approved fabric
What we didn’t like: Rough fabric texture inside and out, runs small, limited breathability, light sweat staining
The Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers didn’t stand out from the group during testing. The pants have a tapered fit and run small, though the waistband was very stretchy and comfortable. The fabric had a noticeably rough texture inside and outside, which our tester found distracting.
The pants struggled with breathability, which led to light to moderate sweat staining around the waistband and butt. The ankle closures were tight and those with larger calves will have trouble rolling up the pants or adjusting longer socks.
The Terrebonnes have two open front pockets (mesh, inside pants) and one zippered rear pocket (outside pants) can only fit a phone horizontally but not vertically. The pants do have a non-PFAS DWR finish and use some recycled and some bluesign fabrics. These could be a good option for runners seeking lightweight pants but would prefer something other than the Craft ADV Essence Training Pants 2.0, or those who don’t run in hot conditions that require more breathable pants.
Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers
Men's
Women's
MSRP: $95
Comfort subjective rating: 5/5
Breathability subjective rating: 3/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 1/5
Available sizes: S - XXL
Materials: 87% polyester, 13% spandex
What we liked: Soft fabric, tapered fit while offering outstanding flexibility, wide size range
What we didn’t like: Substantial sweat staining, the fabric lacks weather resistance
The Nike Stride Dri-Fit Woven Running Pants offer amazingly soft fabric with outstanding flexibility while keeping a tapered fit. These pants are made with 75% recycled fibers, and have ankle zippers for easy on and off.
There are two front zippered pockets that can fit phones (mesh, inside pants) and a zippered lower back pocket that could hold snacks or keys (mesh, outside pants). The Stride pants offer a wide size range, up to 3XL (47.5” waist, 50.5” hips) and their flexibility will accommodate many different body shapes.
Nike Stride Dri-Fit Woven Running Pants
Nike Stride Dri-Fit Woven Running pants absorb rather than wicking sweat and show sweat staining. Photo by Kris LaRosa.
Unfortunately, these pants show substantial sweat stains, to the point of people staring in public. Similarly, the fabric lacks any kind of resistance to precipitation. These are very comfortable workout pants, but any sweat or rain will be very visible as the fabric absorbs moisture rather than wicking. Note these are only available in men’s.
MSRP: $94
Comfort subjective rating: 4/5
Breathability subjective rating: 3/5
Weather resistance subjective rating: 2/5
Available sizes: S - XL
Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% spandex
What we liked: PFC-free DWR finish, uses recycled and bluesign fabric
What we didn’t like: Limited sizing, substantial sweat staining
The Janji Transit Pants have a soft nylon texture with a very stretchy waistband. They’re tapered while still being flexible. These pants are primarily made from recycled fabric, all of which is bluesign-approved. There are two front zippered pockets that can hold a phone (polyester, inside pants) and one zippered side pocket that could hold keys or a snack.
Unfortunately, the ankle closures are very tight, and people with larger calves will be unable to pull the edge of the pants high enough to adjust longer socks. Janji also has the most limited sizing available of all pants we tested, with an XL as their largest size (38.5” waist, 46.75” hips).
Janji Transit Pants
Janji Transit pants show substantial sweat staining. Photo by Aubri Drake.
And while the pants have a DWR finish, the fabric quickly and very visibly absorbs rain and sweat. The degree of sweat staining is the worst of all running pants we tested, to the point that people openly stared and made comments to our tester during long or hot runs. These are comfortable workout pants, but any sweat or moisture will be very visible and the fabric absorbs rather than wicking.
Why do you need running pants?
Run training brings us outside in all kinds of temperatures and weather conditions. Running pants offer water-resistant protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow. For cold temperatures, it is simple to add your preferred base layer underneath to stay warm.
All styles of shorts or tights can easily be worn underneath running pants. And then the pants can be removed during a run as needed based on the temperature, like if you started earlier in the day when it was colder or later in the day with the drop in temperature as the sun sets. Most running pants can comfortably be pulled up above the calf, offering additional thermal regulation. Being able to easily moderate body temperature with your layers while running is important for comfort and performance.
Running pants tend to be more durable than tights, and more resistant to rips and tears. This means they also generally offer more skin protection from trailside brush, plants, trees.
Additionally, some people don’t like the look or feel of running tights. This can be for many reasons, including sensory or modesty concerns, or lack of pockets/storage. Running pants offer protection and warmth without constriction or exposure.
Running Pants vs. Tights
Choosing between running pants and tights comes down to factors like weather conditions, personal comfort, and the type of running you do. Here’s how they compare:
When to choose running pants
Best layer for protection from precipitation and wind
Great for variable conditions and temperatures during your activity
Custom level of warmth through adding base layers or rolling up pants
Offers a less restrictive but tapered fit
If modesty is an important factor for you
Offers durability and abrasion resistance, key for trail running
When to choose running tights
Good for mild to cool weather when you need lightweight warmth
Similar conditions are expected for the entire activity
Offers a snug fit, with no fabric that can trip you or flap in the breeze
Can be layered underneath running pants for colder temperatures
Compression is desired during your run
Breathability is more important than durability or abrasion resistance
To learn more, check out our Best Men’s Running Tights and Best Women’s Running Tights guides. You can also check out our Best Women’s Winter Running Tights guide for cold-weather running.
Running pants are great for variable conditions, wind, rain, and durability. Photo by Aubri Drake.
What to look for in running pants
Material and breathability
Most running pants are made primarily of polyester or nylon, with some elastane or spandex mixed in. Some brands use recycled and/or bluesign-approved fabrics in manufacturing their running pants to increase sustainability. Bluesign certification involves every part of the supply chain, from water use to occupational health, from pollution control to chemical safety requirements. Of the 10 pants we tested, seven were partially or completely made with bluesign-approved fabrics.
Despite being made of similar fabrics, running pants come in a variety of textures and levels of softness. We’ve taken note of outstanding textures (both soft and rough) in our reviews. If softness or texture is very important to you, it can help to touch and try on pants in person when possible or make sure the online ordering service you use offers an easy return policy.
When it’s cold and windy, running pants can offer more warmth than leggings. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Fit and flexibility
Running pants tend to be offered in a slim fit jogger style, tapering to the ankle. Some pants are tighter in the thighs or calves due to this particular style; we’ve noted this issue when present in our reviews above.
Additionally, some waistbands we tested lacked elasticity, making the fit more challenging for some testers. Current designs prioritize an unrestricted range of motion, so while the fit may be more snug, the fabric they’re using has good stretch and does not limit flexibility.
Weather protection
Some running pants offer a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for increased resistance to precipitation. While this can be very helpful for runs in the rain or snow, it can affect the texture of the fabric, or contain PFAS or PFCs, many of which are considered “forever chemicals.” None of the six pairs of pants we tested with a DWR finish contain PFAS or PFCs. DWR can break down over time, but can also be refreshed with a treatment like Nikwax’s Tech Wash or TX.Direct.
Running pants can double as wind protection for other activities, like biking. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Ventilation and moisture-wicking properties
Running is a high-intensity activity, and sweat happens even on the coldest days. It’s important for pants to allow ventilation through the fabric, pockets, mesh panels, or ankle cuffs. If you want a higher level of ventilation, look for models with mesh pockets, rear or lower leg panels, and adjustable ankle closures.
In a similar vein, some fabrics visibly darken when they absorb sweat, making it appear that the runner has peed their pants. This can be socially difficult to navigate (and makes for very awkward race photos), while fabric absorbing sweat rather than wicking it also increases the runner’s risk for rapid chilling if the damp fabric is exposed to windy conditions. We’ve shared which pants have caused this issue for our testers above.
Storage
Ah, the eternal conundrum of where to put your phone, keys, and snacks during a run! Pants have a variety of pockets for securing valuables, at the front, side, and back of pants, with open or zippered options. Some models offer small internal sleeve pockets within larger pockets to better secure keys or a key loop. All pants we tested had front pockets large enough to contain a modern smartphone, but they’re all internal to the pants, so the phone can get damp with sweat, and some are so large that most phones will bounce around and interfere with running.
Consider which size pockets would be the most useful to you and where they would be located. In particular, it is important to consider whether the pockets are mesh or solid fabric and whether they’re internal to the pants (and get very sweaty) or external.
Reflective elements for visibility
When running during times of low light (as often occurs during the winter months), reflective elements on pants can help runners be more visible to vehicles. This is particularly relevant for road runners or trail runners on multi-use trails.
Approximately half of the models we tested only had a small reflective logo, while the other half had small reflective logos on the front and small icons or strips on the calves. None of the pants we tested offered substantial reflective material; for lower visibility environments, additional reflective equipment is highly recommended. Learn more in our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide.
Durability and abrasion resistance
Running pants are designed to prioritize breathability, flexibility, and moisture wicking. Due to all the pants’ polyester or nylon construction, they’re all quite durable within standard running conditions. The only product damage sustained during testing was due to a hard fall on pavement. Overall, lightweight pants are more likely to struggle with durability issues than midweight or heavyweight pants.
Running pants offer durability and abrasion resistance, all key for trail running. Photo by Aubri Drake.
Care and maintenance of running pants
Most running pants are advertised as safe to be machine washed and dried. One model we tested allowed machine washing but required air drying. Since the pants are all synthetic materials, they’ll maintain elasticity longer if air-dried or dried with lower heat. We air-dry our running pants when convenient and utilize the dryer on low to medium heat when clean clothes are needed more quickly.
Like all synthetic fabrics, running pants can get a little funky, sometimes holding onto odors even after washing. We recommend using a sports fabric-specific detergent when possible. Additionally, for running pants with DWR, it can be helpful to occasionally refresh their DWR with Nikwax, Gear Aid Revivex, or something similar. Some pants, like the Patagonia Wind Shield Pants, utilize an odor control treatment on the fabric.
How we researched and tested
A spray bottle filled with water and strips of paper towels (top left), Paper towel strips after testing (top right), The testing space, measuring out the 30” of distance for the spray bottle (bottom left), All pants with a DWR finish, after testing (bottom right). Photo by Aubri Drake.
We tested these during a full winter and spring season while running on roads, track, and trail, in temperatures ranging from 20-70 degrees, and down to 10 degrees with windchill. Testing was completed in the Northeast and conditions included precipitation like rain, snow, slush, and fog. Running intensity during testing varied from steady, easy, and recovery paces all the way up to VO2 max, threshold, and tempo paces.
For pants with DWR, we methodically tested their weather resistance in the sink. We placed dry paper towel strips inside the pants leg, and then sprayed the pants leg ten times with water from 30 inches away. We then evaluated how much water the paper towel strip had absorbed.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Aubri ('Data') Drake is a white queer and transgender hiker, backpacker, and ultrarunner located in the northeast. They first started running in 2012, in their mid-20s, and after a few years of local road races (5K -> half marathon), they decided to mesh their love of hiking with running and started trail running.
He’s always looking forward to his next big outdoor adventure, in between working full-time in research. Sometimes those adventures are backpacking on a long trail but more often than not, the adventure is a long unsupported trail run through the mountains and tough rocky terrain of the Northeast.
Aubri has set more than 20 KFTs, and is currently training for their fourth 100-mile race, with lots of opportunities to test running pants in disparate conditions.
You can learn more about Aubri on their Treeline Review author page, website, or Instagram.
