Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants
Our top pick for women’s hiking pants – fantastic stretch and comfort for a very reasonable price.Â
Lightweight, Comfortable, and Versatile | We’ve tried these pants out for the first time this year, and have absolutely loved them. They’re a lightweight and versatile pair of pants that transition from the trail to everyday wear seamlessly, and better yet they’re comfortable and flattering. Oftentimes women’s hiking pants are made without this everyday versatility, which makes buying an expensive pair of trail pants a harder sell. Furthermore, they have 50+ UPF protection, and are great for high alpine or desert environments to protect against harsh sun.
Overview | Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants
Eddie Bauer has been making quality outdoor apparel for over 100 years. Their guide pro pants are designed specifically to fit any adventure, whether it’s high alpine climbing or car camping.Â
Field Testing
I’ve been using the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro pants in Utah spring, which has given me a great opportunity to put the DWR finish to the test. They have been great for hiking in the snow, where I need plenty of stretch to scramble around icy bits and a durable enough fabric to handle a spill or two. So far, they’ve felt so comfortable on the trail and I love how lightweight they are. I also have taken them into the climbing gym a few times and the stretch fabric performed extremely well.Â
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants | Key Specs
MRSP: $60.00 – $65.00
WEIGHT: 8.8 oz (based on our own measurements, women’s 6)
FABRIC/DURABILITY/UPF: 96% nylon; 4% spandex / extremely durable / 50+ UPF
POCKETS: four; two zippered cargo pockets; two hand pockets
SIZING: Pants run large. If between sizes order a smaller size. Pants come in a range of sizes, with petite, regular, and tall sizing available in 0 – 24 waist options.
BEST USE: hiking, travel, climbing
Eddie Bauer’s breathable and versatile guide pro pants are meant for everything from technical climbing to running errands. The material is durable and won’t tear easily, while the bit of spandex makes them stretchy enough for climbing or scrambling. They’re also made with a StormRepel DWR treatment that repels water. Though they don’t have any back pockets, the side zippered cargo pockets are deep enough for a cell phone or wallet. Eddie Bauer works with Bluesign to ensure their products are made with sustainability in mind.Â
AVAILABLE SIZES: 0 – 24; tall and petite availableÂ
The cargo pockets are deep and zippered, and the wide fit through the legs are easy to roll up in the heat.
What We Like
- Comfortable Stretch Fabric. I’ve worn these pants on the trail and in the climbing gym and was impressed with how stretchy the fabric is. I hate climbing in leggings, and these pants are great for big moves.Â
- Deep Zippered Cargo Pockets. These are deep enough to hold my iPhone, a small wallet, or a snack while hiking. Pockets really make or break a pair of pants, and I love using them as a way to take less breaks on trail where I have to take my pack off.Â
- Value. For $60, these pants really are a great deal. They’re versatile enough for a range of outdoor activities, and a couple of icy falls have already tested their durability and they’ve held up.Â
- Lightweight. At just 8.8 ounces, these are some of the lightest pants on our list. For a fully featured, durable, and affordable pair of pants this is amazing. These are going to be great for summer backpacking and hiking where you need protection from the sun without overheating.Â
- Inclusive Sizing Available. I love having tall and petite options available in every waist size. There’s also a few different color options and they’re well stocked in their extended sizing.Â
- Breathable. The looser fit, lightweight fabric, and mesh-backed pockets all make these pants extremely breathable. I’m not worried about taking them into warmer weather, as even in my heated climbing gym I felt totally comfortable with full pants.Â
- UPF Protection. High alpine environments make for some nasty sunburns. UPF protection in pants helps cut down your sunscreen weight, and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t get burned.
What Could Be Better
- Hard to Gauge Sizing. Because they stretch so much, the sizing can be a bit tricky on these pants. I originally had a size 8 (which is my normal waist size) and at first they felt great but by the end of the day they were way too big. I recommend starting on the small side.Â
- No Back Pockets. The deep cargo pockets are great, but I like having back pockets as well.Â
- Wide Fit Through the Bottom. The waist and thigh fit feels amazing, but I personally don’t love the wide legs through the bottom of the legs. I wish these came in a straight legged option for a more fitted look. However, this does make them easier to roll up.
Conclusion
So far, we have been extremely impressed with the Eddie Bauer Guide Pro pants. At just 8.8 ounces they are some of the lightest pants that still function as true hiking pants. Furthermore, the stretch fabric material makes them very comfortable and suited for everyday purposes as well. The only downside we’ve seen so far is that the women’s version doesn’t have back pockets. However, the deep zippered cargo pockets are still large enough to hold a small wallet, cell phone, or snack. I personally can’t wait to wear these in the Utah backcountry this summer for many hiking and backpacking adventures.
