Benchmark for Backcountry Performance: Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights Review

It’s no surprise that leggings are ridiculously comfortable. I wear them to everything from school drop-off to running errands and working out. But in the past, I’ve been leery of doing much mountain exploring with my beloved tights.

Often, the fabric is not durable enough to withstand the abrasive beatings of mountain adventures, and I don’t want to ruin my favorite pairs by snagging them on bushes or burning holes from sliding on rocks. Kari Traa delivered with its Ane Hiking Tight.

The Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights are made specifically for outdoor use. They are comfortable, but they are also very durable. I don’t worry about snagging or ripping holes when wearing these tights. The leggings are also UPF 40+ for additional sun protection during long outdoor pursuits. 

In short: The Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights ($120) is a solid option for those who want the comfort of leggings in the backcountry. The UPF 40+ protects from the sun’s rays, and the full-length inseam (28.5″) and silicone grip on the bottom hem ensure that your entire leg stays covered. They even added ankle zippers to help put them on and off. These offer two large thigh pockets that are big enough for snacks, a folded-up map, and a large phone.

The wide waistband is comfortable, but I found it uncomfortably tight by the end of long days. Lastly, while they wick moisture well, I found that I was overheating in the peak heat of the day. I’d recommend these for spring and fall adventures or high-elevation escapades where the temps are cooler. 

Read the full roundup: The Best Women’s Workout and Travel Leggings.

Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights Review

I love the look of these tights. The color blocking is unique and fun. I garnered positive comments on every hike and run I went on wearing these. Not that looks matter more than performance, but there is something about hearing compliments (even if directed at my clothing) that helps take my mind off the incline I’m trudging up. There are also many thoughtful details that differentiate this design between a standard workout tight and hiking tight. 

The Details 

Putting on leggings can sometimes be challenging, especially if they offer compression. These Ane Hiking Tights are slightly compressed, but instead of letting the wearer struggle to get them on, they added a zippered ankle to help.

The zipper also has an underlay to keep elements out and the zipper off my skin. The elastic bottom hem has a silicone pattern on the inside. This keeps the tight in place and ensures it does move while I move.

Panels

One of my favorite designs is the different panels on the tight. This is what sets this tight apart from your everyday casual legging.

Each panel serves a different purpose. The calves have a water- and wind-resistant panel to deflect splashes of mud. An added perk is the ease of cleaning it off.

That same material is used for the front thigh pockets (a 9″ x 7″ pocket with a 5″ zippered opening). This weather-resistant panel also protects whatever is inside the pockets. The shins, knees, and backside zones are made with a more breathable material that offers a lot of stretch. 

Durability 

If you are wearing leggings in the backcountry, they need to be durable.

While wearing these, I climbed up scree fields to peaks and bushwhacked through pokey brush, and the tights are no worse for the wear. After putting these through the paces for a year, there is little to no pilling.

The thigh and calf panels helped to protect my legs from fully feeling the pokes from the brush. However, the shin and knee area definitely could still feel sharp vegetation.

Waistband and Gusset

The wide 4-inch waistband is comfortable. However, the drawstring is not. The drawstring is tighter than the waistband. I never needed to tighten it, but I wish I could have loosened it. This is specifically for my body shape. Others with a slimmer waist might appreciate the tightness of the drawstring. 

The gusset is rectangular and allows for maximum movement. The seams are not stressed when taking large steps, shimming rocks, or racing down a trail.

Improvements 

Kari Traa has thought of most of the details needed for these hiking tights. After adventuring in the Ane Hiking Tights for more than a year now, there isn’t much I’d recommend improving on.

The main improvement I’d like to see is a looser drawstring. It would make it more comfortable for those (like me) who don’t have much of a defined waist. 

Also, after several washings and heavy use, I noticed a few seams starting to pill. They are not coming undone. Rather, they are just getting fuzzy. Eventually, this will lead to the seams declining, and they’ll become less elastic. Primarily, I noticed this trend on the seam that runs across my shin, which receives the most abuse when I travel through dense brush.

A seam also busted on one of the corners of the pocket. It is still secure and has stayed the same size. So, the corners of the pockets could use reinforced seams to mitigate this from happening.

Conclusion 

Constructed with a thoughtful design that prioritizes functionality and style, the Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights boast various features that make them ideal for outdoor pursuits. From the innovative use of polyamide panels in high-wear areas to the inclusion of UPF 40+ protection, every detail is crafted to enhance performance. 

Whether navigating rocky trails or bushwhacking through dense foliage, the Ane Hiking Tights held up admirably, thanks to a robust construction and strategic paneling. While some wear and tear occurred over time in my pair, particularly in high-impact areas, the overall resilience of the fabric was evident even after extensive use.

However, there are areas for improvement. The snugness of the drawstring in the waistband may pose discomfort for some users, highlighting the need for a more adjustable fit. Additionally, while the seams are generally strong, reinforced stitching in critical areas such as the pocket corners could enhance durability.

The Kari Traa Ane Hiking Tights offer a blend of comfort, durability, and functionality for those wanting to wear leggings on outdoor-specific adventures. Whether embarking on a day hike or a multiday trek, these tights provide the freedom of movement and protection needed to tackle any adventure.