Women’s Stio Glide Tech Legging Review

Bottom Line

The Stio Glide Tech Legging strikes a rare balance between perfect fit and genuine comfort. While most pairs lean toward one side or the other, these do both exceptionally well. The waistband sits snugly near the belly button without digging in, and during the first few days of wear, we didn’t even need to use the infinity tie. It felt like a perfect fit! The fabric’s thickness provides discreet coverage and durability, so you don’t need to worry about sheerness or snags.

After two to three wears without laundering, the waistband may loosen slightly, causing the tie to be needed to keep them in place during hikes.

The lower-left zipper pocket is well-placed and stretchy, but the zipper requires gentle handling—a minor flaw in an otherwise clever design.

While these leggings are the most expensive in our lineup, the performance justifies the investment. They’re ideal for adventurers ready to invest in quality gear or anyone seeking a dependable, go-to pair. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, ultra-comfy, or insulated, check out our favorite hiking leggings for women gear guide.

How We Tested

We tested these leggings on and off in a 30-day period. We mostly wore them for uphill climbs, running errands, and walking the dog to evaluate their fit and comfort. We wore them on a pre-sunset hike starting at 8,600 feet, right after a rainstorm, with a strong chill in the air.

We also tested during periods of intense heat, sometimes climbing 500 to 1000 feet, while removing top layers. All testing took place in July and August in South Lake Tahoe or Kirkwood, California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Comfort

The standout comfort feature of these leggings is the thick waistband lying completely flat against the belly: no digging, no pinching, just a secure, effortless fit. The fabric is surprisingly soft and a little thicker than many other options we tested, which often means a trade-off in comfort, but not here. Even with the added durability and structure, the leggings feel remarkably easy to move in.

During testing, we wore them on everything from short, steep, and hot hikes to long treks in cooler weather, and even for all-day travel after a big day on the trail. They never chafed, rubbed, or caused stiffness, and we noticed no pilling after repeated wear.

They’re the kind of leggings you could wear to bed and then roll straight into a morning hike without missing a beat. That balance of softness, stretch, and all-day wearability makes them among the most comfortable leggings we’ve tested, which is especially impressive given their high performance in fit and features.

Fit

The fit of these leggings impressed us from the moment we pulled them on. The waistband sits at just the right spot, right around the belly button, offering a flattering high rise without feeling restrictive. They hug the legs evenly from hip to ankle, with no bunching at the knees or pooling at the ankles, creating a smooth, streamlined look.

On our first wear, we didn’t even need the drawstring, not even on a 2-mile walk with a phone tucked in the pocket. The waistband stayed in place without rolling, even when bending or moving dynamically. Over multiple wears without washing, the fabric relaxed a bit, and the infinity-loop drawstring proved useful for longer hikes. Even with loaded pockets, the fit didn’t shift or sag.

Features

The pocket setup on these leggings is outstanding for both size and convenience. We comfortably carried a large smartphone in the drop-in pockets, along with snacks for the dog during hikes. The zipper pocket on the lower thigh was ideal for essentials like keys or doggy bags, staying secure without feeling tight or awkward to access.

We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to reach into the pockets mid-activity; unlike other leggings, where tight pockets make grabbing items difficult, these pockets struck a perfect balance of security and accessibility. The higher, slightly back placement helped keep gear out of the way during movement, enhancing overall comfort on the trail.

The infinity-loop drawstring is another thoughtful feature — when unused, it’s completely unobtrusive, so you forget it’s even there. The zipper itself was easy to manage with two hands, but would be harder to operate while wearing gloves.

Breathability & Warmth

Despite their thicker fabric, these leggings surprised us with how breathable they felt during a hot, uphill hike in a thunderstorm-like afternoon. We expected to feel stifled or overheated, but the airflow was surprisingly good—better than most thicker leggings we’ve tested. This breathability makes them an excellent option for shoulder seasons or high mountain terrain where temperatures can swing.

On a frigid morning, the leggings kept our legs feeling comfortable—not too warm but adequately cozy for standalone wear. While you could layer them under pants, the zipper pocket makes that less practical, so we recommend using them alone. Their combination of warmth and ventilation makes them versatile for year-round wear, especially considering how well they performed in other areas.

Overall, these leggings find a good balance between insulation and airflow, providing reliable comfort without sacrificing breathability in different conditions.

Durability

The thicker fabric of these leggings immediately indicates durability, and after multiple wears, we noticed no signs of thinning, pilling, or fuzziness. The material also feels dense enough to prevent being see-through, which made us more comfortable wearing them without needing long shirts to cover up.

We tested the leggings by sitting on various rough surfaces like rocks, logs, and dirt, and they showed no signs of wear or discomfort. Compared to other durable leggings, these stand out by providing excellent comfort and breathability along with toughness, which is a rare combo.

The only potential weak point is the zipper pocket, which needs careful handling to prevent snagging and to make sure it closes completely. Although this could become a point of wear over time, it hasn’t caused any issues yet.

Should You Buy the Stio Glide Tech Legging?

These leggings are ideal for someone looking for a reliable pair that can handle most situations. They’re perfect for people who hike in the mountains during shoulder seasons, travel often, or prefer a versatile piece that easily transitions from active wear to casual style. They also suit minimalists who like to pack light and need a dependable option for long drives, day hikes, or relaxing at camp.

They’re not designed for those who prefer a super snug, compression-style waistband or need ultra-light, high-sweat-wicking fabrics for intense workouts in hot conditions.

For anyone who values comfort, durability, and versatility in a single piece, these leggings are an excellent choice. They provide a reliable, all-purpose option for people who want to grab one pair and be ready for almost anything.

What Other Hiking Leggings Should You Consider?

If these leggings are ticking a few boxes, but not all, consider reviewing these other close contenders, which are also part of our best hiking leggings for women gear guide.

Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Review: If you want all the comfort of the Stio Glide Tech but in a lighter, more packable design without extras like a zippered pocket, the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash is an excellent choice. It focuses on coziness with an extra-wide waistband and simple, no-frills features.

Revolution Race Alaska Fleece Lined Review: If you’re looking for a winter-ready version of the Stio Glide Tech, the Revolution Race Alaska Fleece Lined provides a similar waistband fit and feel with extra insulation. It omits the zippered pocket but has two drop-in pockets that are well-placed for easy access.