Bottom Line
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 pants are a great compromise between more traditional, heavy-duty pants and lightweight joggers on our list of the best hiking pants for women. They are comfortable, have decent pockets, and are moderately durable. While testing these pants, we found that the softer material and looser fit make them about as comfortable to wear as a pair of sweatpants. We often wear them at home and on the trail because they are so comfy.
The Aphrodite pants have features that fall between more technical and lighter-weight models. The pockets are more usable than most joggers we tried, but there aren’t as many of them as traditional hiking pants usually have. The durability is better than lightweight specific pants, though evidence of piling and loose threads means they wouldn’t be our first choice for off-trail excursions.
Quick Specs
Women’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
Best Everyday Hiking Pants
Price:
$80
Weight:
8.6 oz.
Fit:
Straight-leg
Fabric:
95% nylon, 5% elastane
Pros
- Above-average comfort
- Less expensive
- Easy to adjust length with ankle cinch
- Stretchy fabric is easy to move in
- Lightweight
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Minimal pockets
- Not as durable
Comfort & Mobility
The Aphrodite pants feel nothing like any other hiking pants we have tried; they remind us more of wearing sweatpants or scrubs because they are so comfortable. While wearing these pants on backpacking trips in southern Colorado, we found the material is softer than any other pair of pants we tested. The looser fit also makes them easy to relax in and reduces the amount of resistance while hiking uphill. The high waist design isn’t our favorite, and the fabric attracts dog hair more than any other pair of pants, so those are some things to keep in mind. These pants make us feel like we are lounging on the couch, even when we are hiking on the trail.
Durability
The North Face included a few features that increase the sturdiness of these pants, but overall, they could be more durable. We appreciate that many of the seams have three different threads holding them together, which adds to the pants’ strength. Unfortunately, we found one spot where a thread started to pull almost immediately. Once we trimmed it, that thread did not run further down the leg, but it still was not a great start. During our side-by-side comparison tests, the pants showed a bit of wear after being rubbed on a rough surface, but they did do well when rubbed on a pokey stick. In the field, we noticed that after a few trips, some piling was on the rear of the pants underneath where a backpack sits. Overall, the North Face reasonably balanced ultimate comfort and technical performance.
Breathability
The Aphrodite pants possess different strengths and weaknesses regarding breathability, but overall, they are not our favorite. When we tested these pants by soaking the bottom of the legs and timing how long they took to dry, they performed towards the back of the pack. In the field, we wore them on a stormy day underneath some rain pants while bushwhacking. The bottom hems got wet by the day’s end and stayed wet until we changed into other pants. We feel that the looser fit helps with airflow and, thus, breathability, but they aren’t our top choice compared to some of the other pants we tried.
Features
While we wish that the Aphrodite had more pockets, the ones it does have are useful. This pair of pants has three pockets, all big enough to carry a smartphone comfortably. There are two hip pockets, and inside the right pocket is a bonus zipper pocket that can fit a phone. We appreciate the zipper as it makes items like phones more secure during creek crossings, but we wish the zipper was slightly more robust. It has some resistance when opening and closing due to the small size of the teeth. Other features that the Aphrodite pants include are a drawstring at the waist and ankle cinches. These features mean there is more flexibility in sizing and adjusting them for comfort on the trail.
Weather Resistance
While these pants supposedly have a DWR finish, we did not find them to be water-resistant in the slightest. During our side-by-side testing, we sprayed the pants with a light mist from a squirt bottle, and the water soaked through to the skin after just two squirts. The fabric soaked the water up readily. While out on the trail, we noticed that they get wet fairly quickly and feel a bit heavier when they do get wet due to the fabric. These pants are comfortable to wear underneath rain pants all day, which is a pro. The leg cinch means the bottoms of the pants can be adjusted to keep them from getting wet when used this way.
Should You Buy the North Face Aphrodite 2.0?
The Aphrodite pants offer good value overall. No pants really do it best in all conditions and terrain, but these are a great compromise between two popular styles of pants, and they are comfy and wearable. Thanks to functional pockets, adjustability, and good mobility, the overall quality means these pants won’t just sit in your closet but be put to good use. This is especially true for the person who wants these qualities in a pair of pants that can be worn at home.
The North Face Aphrodite pants are an excellent option for those looking for the comfort of a jogger but with better pockets and more durability. While these pants would not necessarily be our first choice for a brushier hike or off-trail adventures, they work well for the average outdoor enthusiast. The adjustable features are great for those who want some flexibility in their clothing, and the pockets are a step up from all of the jogger-type pants we tried on. Those looking for a good compromise between more traditional hiking pants and a jogger-style pair for a great price will appreciate the Aphrodite 2.0.
What Other Hiking Pants Should You Consider?
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review: The Trekkie is another very comfortable option with decent pockets. It has more pockets than the Aphrodite, though some of them are a bit awkward. They also have better durability but take much longer to dry when wet. Overall, they offer some trade-offs that address some of the problems with the Aphrodite for those willing to deal with different downsides.
REI Trailmade Review: For those who are either on a stricter budget or want a slightly more traditional pair of hiking pants, the REI Trailmade may be a good option. These pants are not the most durable but are more water-resistant, dry faster, and have better pockets. The more traditional look may be appealing in addition to the more affordable price tag. They are not quite as comfortable but are the most comfy of the “traditional” pants we have tried.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 Ankle Review: Another jogger-style pair of pants, the Dynama has fewer piling problems but is more at risk of a tear while on the trail. They are incredibly comfortable and flattering to wear, making them another of our top choices for use outside of the backcountry. While the pockets are less usable than the Aphrodite, they do dry a bit faster.
