There was a time that cargo pants were reserved specifically for military personnel and workers in the construction industry. They were made to suit their daily routines, with plenty of pockets to stash away whatever gear they may need. Recognizing the potential, designers took the standard cargo pant and reinvented them with a more modern and stylish look. The result? An amazing selection of outdoor-friendly pants for women who camp, hike, fish, hunt and explore. 

Whether you’re planning on canoeing into the backcountry for a remote camping trip or hiking your local trails, cargo pants are a great option. Pair them with a rain jacket and a set of waterproof hiking gaiters to make the most of wet, rainy weather. Worried about the cooler fall temperatures moving in? Pair a warm pair of pants with a light jacket and tuck a pair of lightweight gloves in one of your many pockets. The options are endless! 

Feeling overwhelmed by the many features available? We’ve put together a short breakdown of what to consider when shopping for cargo pants – along with our picks for the best pants currently on the market. 

Cover image: Shutterstock

Best Cargo Pants for Women

	Under Armour Women’s Tactical Patrol Pants II	Dickies Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pant	ATG by Wrangler Women’s Cargo Convertible Bootcut Pant
Brand:	Under Armour	Dickies	ATG by Wrangler
Sizes:	0 to 20	4 to 18	0 to 20, Including Short and Tall Sizes
Material:	100% Polyester	100% Cotton	96% Nylon, 4% Spandex
Available Colors:	Realtree Edge/Charcoal, Ua Forest Camo/Charcoal, Coyote Brown, Bayou, Black, Dark Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Marine Od Green	Grape Leaf Green, Pebble Brown, Desert Sand, Black	Dark Sapphire, Dusty Olive, Dark Red, Elmwood, Elmwood Light
	amazon.com	amazon.com	amazon.com

The Best Cargo Pants for Women at a Glance: 

1. Under Armour Women’s Tactical Patrol Pants II
2. Dickie’s Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pants
3. ATG by Wrangler Women’s Cargo Convertible Bootcut Pants
4. Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers
5. 5.11 Women’s Taclite Pro Cargo Pants
6. Maevn Women’s Utility Cargo Pants
7. Carhartt Women’s Comfort Waist Utility Cargo Pants
8. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Convertible Pants

Best Cargo Pants for Women Reviews

1. Editor’s Choice: Under Armour Women’s Tactical Patrol Pants II

Specs:

Made with durable rip-stop fabric, these pants are designed to stand up to the toughest treatment and most rugged terrains while also offering the flexibility needed for easy movement. The material is moisture wicking and quick drying, keeping sweat off when you’re most active. These pants feature both open hand pockets and more secure cargo-style pockets with a flap closure to keep your gear secure but also accessible throughout the day.

Pros:

• Moisture wicking and quick drying 
• Durable rip-stop fabric
• Flattering fit for different body types 
• Deep pockets to carry all your gear securely

Cons:

• Sizing runs small
• Fabric isn’t as breathable as some other options

amazon.com

2. Runner Up: Dickies Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pant

Specs:

Selecting the right size of these pants can be a little challenging due to the inconsistent size, they are worth the effort. Made from durable yet breathable cotton fabric, these are pants that will stand up to your outdoor adventures while keeping you comfortable. The pants feature 7 pockets including two large cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closure to keep your belongings safe. 

Pros:

• Dickies signature interior lining 
• 7 functional pockets including bellowed cargo pockets 
• Breathable cotton fabric

Cons:

• Sizing may be inconsistent with very little stretch 

amazon.com

3. Best Convertible: ATG by Wrangler Women’s Cargo Convertible Bootcut Pant

Specs:

If you are planning on heading outdoors but the changing weather make it hard to decide what to wear, these pants are a great solution. The water repellent and UPF 50 protection nylon material will keep you protected from the elements. If the temperatures rise too high, simply roll the pants up and they will button into place as a comfortable pair of capris. These pants offer just enough stretch to allow you to move with ease.

Pros:

• Convertible design for changing temperatures
• Moisture wicking
• Water repellent 
• UPF 50 protection

Cons:

• Buyers report that pet hair sticks to fabric
• Tighter fit on the thighs not ideal for everyone

amazon.com

4. Best Cargo Joggers: Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers

Specs:

While some adventures require a heavy-duty and durable pant, there are other times where comfort is priority #1. That is when these pants really shine. Made from a lightweight and slightly elastic fabric, these pants easily move with you throughout the day. These sporty-looking cargo pants feature a total of 5 pockets for all your gear including 2 side zip pockets, 2 cargo pockets with hook-and-loop closure, and 1 back zip pocket. 

Pros:

• Super lightweight and comfortable fabric 
• UPF 50+ protection 
• Water resistant 
• Both zipper and hook-and-loop closure pockets 
• Elastic waistband with drawstring and stretchy ankle cuffs

Cons:

• Sizing runs small, many buyers suggest sizing up

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5. Best Tactical Pants: 5.11 Women’s Taclite Pro Tactical 7 Pocket Cargo Pant

Specs:

Constructed with durability in mind, these tactical pants feature Teflon-coated ripstop fabric, a reinforced waistband, and triple stitching to make sure they can keep up with you in any setting. Despite being highly durable, the fabric is also lightweight and breathable for optimal comfort. In addition to 7 pockets, a hip-mounted D-ring helps you easily carry any tools you may need. These pants are a great choice for everything from hiking to operational work. 

Pros:

• Made from TACLITE ripstop fabric 
• Pockets sized for tactical use 
• Double-reinforced seat and knees 
• Teflon-coating offers stain, soil, and liquid resistance

Cons:

• Material is too heavy for warmer weather 
• Take a long time to dry if they do get wet

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6. Best Budget: Maevn Women’s Utility Cargo Pants

Specs:

For those searching for a comfortable pair of cargo pants to wear for work or around home, this pair from Maevn is a great option! Not only are they budget-friendly, but the relaxed boot-cut fit and elastic waist allow for full range of movement. Constructed with triple needle stitching, they will stand up well to whatever the day may bring. These pants feature 2 front multi-pockets, 1 back patch pocket, and 1 cargo pocket with an inner cell pocket.

Pros:

• Full elastic waist and drawstring closure 
• Durable triple needle stitching 
• Available in a variety of fun, stylish colors
• Wide range of sizes ranging from petite to tall

Cons:

• The cut of these pants can be a little boxy on some body types
• Fabric is similar to scrubs, not suitable for heavy duty use

amazon.com

7. Also Popular: Carhartt Women’s Comfort Waist Utility Cargo

Specs:

While the scrub-like material of these cargo pants isn’t as durable as some other options, they are an incredibly lightweight and breathable option. This makes them ideal choice for those that are wearing cargo pants all day for work or hiking during the warmer weather. The pants have plenty of storage space for all your gear needs including 2 front slant pockets with bungee loops, 2 back pockets, and 2 cargo pockets with an inner mesh cell pocket and an inner mesh loop.

Pros:

• Inner comfort waistband with drawstring
• Mesh loop for added gear carrying 
• Moisture wicking and quick drying
• Stain breaker technology for easier cleaning

Cons:

• Buyers report the fabric is bad for static cling 

amazon.com

8. Honorable Mention: Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Convertible Pants

Specs:

Another great convertible option for those that are looking to be prepared for whatever weather comes their way is this pair from Little Donkey Andy. The have zip-off points at both the knee and mid calf allowing you to easily transform them into shorts or capris. These pants also include silver fiber that works to dissipate any body heat quickly, helping to cool you off on a hot day. 

Pros:

• Zip-off legs to convert to shorts or capris
• Made with silver fiber for cooling effect 
• Comfort fit side elastic waist 
• UPF 50 protection

Cons:

• Sizing runs small
• Many buyers report the pants are noisy when walking

amazon.com

Best Cargo Pants for Women Comparison

Cargo Pants for Women		Brand	Sizes	Material	Available Colors
Under Armour Women’s Tactical Patrol Pants II		Under Armour	0 to 20	100% Polyester	Realtree Edge/Charcoal, Ua Forest Camo/Charcoal, Coyote Brown, Bayou, Black, Dark Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Marine Od Green
Dickies Women’s Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pant<		Dickies	4 to 18	100% Cotton	Grape Leaf Green, Pebble Brown, Desert Sand, Black
ATG by Wrangler Women’s Cargo Convertible Bootcut Pant		ATG by Wrangler	0 to 20, Including Short and Tall Sizes	96% Nylon, 4% Spandex	Dark Sapphire, Dusty Olive, Dark Red, Elmwood, Elmwood Light
Libin Women’s Cargo Joggers		Libin	X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large	92% Polyester, 8% Spandex	Army Green, Black, Brown, Camo Army Green, Camo Black, Heron, Khaki, Metropolis Gray, Navy, Ruby Wine, Silver Sage, Steel Gray
5.11 Women’s Taclite Pro Tactical 7 Pocket Cargo Pant		5.11	2 to 20, Including Long Sizes	100% Polyester	Black, Dark Navy, Tdu Green, Tdu Khaki, Tundra, Charcoal
Maevn Women’s Utility Cargo Pants		Maevn	X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, Including Petite and Tall Sizes	52% Cotton, 45% Polyester, 3% Spandex	Caribbean Cheeta, Passion Pink, Wine, Hunter, Royal Blue, Charcoal, Ceil Blue, Navy, Crimson, Pacific Blue, Pewter, White, Khaki, Black, Navy/Ceil Blue, Royal Blue/Yellow, Caribbean Blue/Teal Blue, Ceil Blue/Navy, Khaki/Charcoal, Pewter/Black, Apple Green/Navy, Hunter/Light Green
Carhartt Women’s Comfort Waist Utility Cargo		Carhartt	X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large, Including Petite Sizes	88% Polyester, 10% Spandex, 2% Other Fibers	Black, Peach Pink, Royal, Ceil Blue, Pewter, Navy
Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Convertible Pants		Little Donkey Andy	X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, 3X-Large	Nylon/Elastane	Gray, Baleine Blue, Black, Blue Radiance, Dark Gray, Khaki, Sage

Cargo Pants for Women Buyer’s Guide

What Are Cargo Pants? 

While most people have a basic idea of what cargo pants are, the variety that you see available may have you wondering. What defines a pair of cargo pants? 

The term “cargo pants” is a broad umbrella that can be used to describe any pair of pants that incorporates more pockets than the standard 2 side and 2 back pockets. The additional pockets are often seen on the sides of the legs. They were originally created for military personnel, allowing them to carry extra gear as needed, but today they are popular for outdoor travel, in a variety of workplaces, and as a fashion statement. 

What to Consider When Shopping for Cargo Pants 

– Material 

To choose the right pair of cargo pants for your needs, you will need to consider how they are being used. If you are looking for a pair of pants that are more durable and capable of standing up to the wear and tear of a construction job or hiking rough terrain, you may want to choose pants made with a thicker fabric like a polyester. 

On the other hand, if you are planning on hiking or camping during the hot summer months, polyester pants may be too warm. For these situations, cargo pants made of nylon are often lightweight and breathable making them ideal for staying cool while still offering a layer of protection.  

– Pockets

One of the main draws of a pair of cargo pants is the pockets that they include. But there is more to consider than just the number of pockets. You should also look at the style of pockets and if they can be secured. This is especially important if you are carrying valuable belongings. Some styles will include zippers or flaps with hook-and-loop closures to keep your gear safely stowed away. 

Many companies are being creative with the cargo pockets located on the leg of the pants. They may double up pockets, one on top of the other, include an interior cellphone pocket, add a built-in loop for hanging things like a stethoscope, and more. 

– Weather Protection 

Any time that you are shopping for clothing meant to be worn outdoors during your travels and adventures, you should consider how it will perform in the elements. This includes protecting you from rain, wind, cold, and even the sun’s rays. A single pair of pants may not be designed to provide for all these options. Instead, you will need to consider your travel plans and what you may encounter. 

Water resistant and water repellent pants are a great choice for rainy weather. They aren’t meant to be submerged in water, but they can help to keep the rain from soaking through. Many of the pants designed to repel water also effective in protecting you against the wind. 

When considering the temperatures, there are two extremes to contend with – the cold of winter and the hot summer sun. In the winter, choose thicker pants or those that have a built-in lining designed to provide added insulation. On the other hand, if you’re heading out in the sun you may want to select a pair that offers UV protection. 

– Wardrobe Integration

While functionality is obviously important with this style of pant, you may also want to be sure that they will work with your wardrobe. Many campers and hikers don’t worry about wardrobe and fashion as much when out in the wilderness. However, if you want to get more use out of your new pants and incorporate them into your daily outfits, this is a good point to consider.