Women’s Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Hiking Leggings Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash hiking leggings excel in comfort, providing a buttery-soft, lightweight feel that makes them easy to wear all day, whether you’re on casual hikes, road trips, or hitting the trail. Their breathable, quick-drying fabric performs well in fluctuating temperatures. They include eco-friendly recycled materials and odor control—some extras you won’t find in other products on our list.

The fit is cozy and true to size, with a wide waistband that mostly stays in place, though some rolling may occur when bending, especially for those with more around the midsection. The two drop-in pockets securely hold essentials without bouncing, and the unique diamond-shaped gusset stitching helps reduce inner thigh chafing.

Although the fabric is thin, making these leggings less durable and more prone to showing panty lines, testing revealed minimal pilling after repeated wear and only one tiny snag. They are best suited for casual, warm-weather hiking and lounging rather than intense or rugged activities.

We’re really into the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash because they are the most comfortable pair we’ve ever worn. However, if you’re interested in exploring other products on our list, check out our full gear guide of top-performing hiking leggings to find the best match for your needs and preferences.

How We Tested

We tested this product in our backyard in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, and also while roadtripping home from Wyoming.

We tested these walking around towns on scorching hot days in numerous states, driving or resting in the car for hours, hiking on our local trails on cooler rainy afternoons, and even at the gym.

We tested these over three months, putting them on as soon as they were clean. They were usually the first to go back in the hamper, as we enjoyed wearing them so much.

Comfort

The comfort of these leggings rates a solid 9/10 and may be the most comfortable pair we’ve ever worn. The fabric is buttery soft, almost like you’re not wearing anything at all. It’s the kind of material you want to rub your hands on all day.

They feel light and thin, making them perfect for long days. We’ve worn them for entire days on road trips, and we were surprised we didn’t want to rip them off when we arrived at our destination. Instead, we wore them all night and again the next day!

Because the fabric is thin, they’re a bit revealing, so we felt more comfortable wearing a longer shirt to cover the rear, especially in active or public settings. The only other downside is some slight waistband rolling when bending at the waist for those with more of a belly. While it didn’t require constant adjustment, it was a minor annoyance and could affect wear during more active pursuits like rock scrambling or the gym.

However, the comfort and freedom of movement these leggings offer are exceptional—they stretch, bend, and squat with zero restriction, making them feel like a second skin.

Fit

These leggings stay in place quite well. Even with a phone tucked into the pocket, the fit didn’t noticeably shift, and we didn’t find ourselves reaching to pull it out. Instead, we forgot it was there. The waistband is wide and soft with great stretch, helping it fit comfortably without causing muffin top or digging in. The rise is a bit on the higher side, but because of its softness, it feels exactly right.

That said, the waistband does roll down slightly when bending, though it happens much less often than with other leggings we’ve tested. After several wears, the leggings started to slide down a little, requiring occasional readjustment to pull the waistband back up. While this occurred more during runs, it was minimal enough that it didn’t affect overall comfort or wearability, and we would still wear them again for a casual jog or hike.

True to size and with a fit that hugs hips and thighs evenly, these leggings deliver a cozy fit without feeling restrictive or loose.

Features

These leggings come with two deep, open pockets that easily hold a smartphone, keys, snacks, or dog treats. Items stayed secure and didn’t bounce or shift during hikes, and reaching into the pockets on the move was effortless.

One standout design feature is the unique stitching at the inner thighs and crotch. It features a gusset in a very wide diamond shape that helps reduce thigh rub on inner stitching; also, a nice design for those who prefer wearing the leggings without underwear.

Another key feature of these leggings is the fabric. They are made from soft, quick-drying material that’s 81% recycled nylon from fishing nets. The leggings also have built-in odor control to help you stay fresh during activities. Plus, the fabric dries faster than most other leggings on the market.

Breathability & Warmth

We were surprised to discover that these leggings are quite comfortable even on a hot day. Because they are thin and flexible, you almost feel like you’re wearing nothing, so they aren’t stifling at all.

We also tested these on a cold, post-rain evening, and were again surprised that our legs weren’t feeling numb, but relatively comfortable while hiking. Also, since these leggings are thin and low profile, they would perform well as a base layer for high-intensity activities in the snow.

Overall, these would perform well on a long summer day, when temperatures change from cold to hot and back to cold, but they would not be our first choice for snowy winter days, unless layered under an outer shell.

Durability

Although these leggings may appear less durable at first because of their thin fabric, testing proved otherwise. After multiple wears and washes, the fabric remained in good condition with no harmful changes. We tested them on rough surfaces like rocks and logs, and they performed well, though we were more cautious than usual.

There was one small snag early on, but no other issues appeared afterward, and there were no signs of stitching coming apart anywhere. Some very light pilling started to develop in the gusset and inner thigh area after repeated wear, but it remains minimal.

One surprising downside was the fabric’s tendency to retain faint stains even after washing, although these weren’t from obvious sources like blood or red wine; this is another reason why we’d recommend choosing a darker color for these leggings. 

Overall, while these leggings seem like they might need gentle handling, they hold up well enough for regular outdoor use without significant durability issues.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Legging?

These leggings are ideal for hikers who prioritize comfort above all else. They are a great choice for those planning to wear them on more casual hikes with less intensity or bushwhacking.

These work well for people who prefer not to change outfits immediately before or after a hike, allowing them to lounge in their gear while not moving.

They are suitable for individuals who are not self-conscious about wearing thin pants or who prefer to wear shorts or skirts over leggings. These are best for warm-weather activities or as a base layer.

What Other Hiking Leggings Should You Consider?

If the Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash hiking leggings are sounding close, but not a bullseye for your needs, check out these other top-performing options also included in our guide to the best hiking leggings for women.

Stio Glide Tech Review: If you love the comfort of the Patagonia Maipo but want more features and durability, the Stio Glide Tech might be your perfect choice. These leggings have a comfortable waistband that lies flat without digging in, made from soft material. They also include an extra zipper pocket and an infinity drawstring to keep them up while you’re on the move. The price point between the two is also quite similar.

Patagonia Pack Out Review: If you love Patagonia’s sustainability and environmentally focused values but are looking for another option, the Pack Out is a popular choice in the industry. These leggings are made from a soft material, and they fit well for those with a flatter midsection. The Pack Out leggings are also thicker than the Maipo, so if you’re after a more durable pair or ones with better coverage, these might be the right choice for you.

IUGA High Waist Review: If the Patagonia Maipo sounds fantastic but you just don’t have the money to invest in them yet, these leggings are surprisingly high-performing for their price. To get a similar level of comfort, we recommend sizing up in the IUGA High Waist. These leggings have the same type and number of pockets and a similar rise. The fabric is quite different, with the IUGA being more technical rather than soft and buttery. The IUGA are also made from a much thicker material.