In 8th grade, my Dad brought me to REI to buy some hiking pants for a backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park. We bought some pants from Kuhl. They quickly became my favorite pair, which I continue to wear almost ten years later (thanks to their stretch). Needless to say, when Kuhl sent us a pair of Freeflex Move hiking pants, I had high expectations. After testing them out around local hikes in Boulder, I was unsurprised to find that they met all of them.
I’m wearing Kuhl’s Freeflex Move hiking pants in the color “Rainstorm,” and the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket in Black. Photo creds Aidan Murphy.
First Impressions
When I first stepped into Kuhl’s Freeflex Move hiking pants, I knew that they would be a hit. I often find women’s hiking pants too tight and restricting, too short, and lacking important features like pockets (what the heck are we supposed to do with those little fake ones in the front!?). The Freeflex Move hiking pants, though, feel like they were designed by and for women. They are breathable and roomy, provide full-length coverage, and contain (actually helpful) pockets. For the next few days, I took these pants on some of Boulder, Colorado’s local trails.
What surprised me the most was how quiet these hiking pants are. Hiking pants tend to make crinkling sounds when your legs brush together while hiking. I never noticed how much the sound bothered me until I wore the Freeflex Moves and did not hear anything. Though this detail is minor, the silence helps you concentrate on the sounds of nature, rather than the swishing of your baggy pants.
For synthetic fabric, the Freeflex Move pants were noticeably soft and breathable. I’ve worn them in temperatures between 40°F to 85°F (I’m confident they will stay airy when temps reach above 90°F). For high altitude or desert hikes, the pants offer UPF 50+ sun protection to keep you safe from strong UV rays. The thin fabric may not fare well during bushwhacking missions, but it’s worth it for staying cool in hot weather.
There are a lot of hiking joggers on the market — just check out your local REI and you will see pairs from the Co-op, PrAna, and Patagonia. What sets the Kuhl Freeflex Move hiking pants apart is the slimmer fit, length, and extra features. With my 34-inch inseam, Kuhl’s competitors were too short and too baggy around my butt and waist. The designers at Kuhl recognize that different body shapes will work with different styles, which is why they provide sizes in three different inseams: 30 in, 32 in, and 34 in. I also love the mid-rise fit of the Freeflex Moves. Many “mid-rise” joggers from Kuhl’s competitors fit awkwardly high on the waist, imitating a look akin to Steve Urkel and Kylo Ren (yes, this is a Lululemon subtweet).
Some Kuhl Features
(Pun Intended)
The Kuhl Freeflex Move hiking pants stand out with two key features: the zipper pockets and cinched ankles. The concealed zipper pockets ensure you won’t lose your keys and are essential for those who love to scramble. The ankle cinch prevents ants-in-your-pants and is useful for those who like to roll up in warmer weather or before creek crossings. Kuhl also implemented a wide pull-on waistband with an external drawcord to ensure the best fit; keeping the hiking pants where they belong no matter how much wiggling you do on your adventure.
Application and Key Benefits
The Kuhl Freeflex Move pants are not just for hiking — I’ve worn them around town, on long flights, and to the yoga studio. Their versatility makes the $89 cost more than worth it. Many of Kuhl’s customers agree, which is why the pants remain one of Kuhl’s best summer sellers.
Additional Thoughts and Recommendations
According to their website, Kuhl’s standards support fair labor, animal welfare, and positive environmental impacts. They offer warranty and repair for some defects, so check out their site before buying a new pair. I would love to see Kuhl make their pants out of more recycled materials and sustainable, natural fabrics like hemp.
Where to buy the
Pro Tip: We must continue to remind ourselves that buying new gear always has an impact on the environment we love. To minimize your consumption, try finding a used pair of Freeflex Moves on secondhand websites like Depop, Mercari, or Poshmark.