Best Hiking Shorts for Women
 

We prefer to hike in shorts for most of our adventures since they make it easier to stay cool and allow for a full range of movement. 

The CleverHiker team has worn dozens of different shorts on hikes all over the world, so it’s safe to say we’ve become experts on the subject over the years. Read on to find your new favorite pair of hiking shorts.

Related: Best Hiking Shorts for Men

A backpacker wearing the Goal Five Excel Shorts

Most of the time, we backpack in athletic shorts, like the Goal Five Excel, since they’re so lightweight & breathable

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite hiking shorts if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts have performed beautifully on some of the most rugged trails in the world

What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Hiking Shorts?

PRICE - We think it’s worth spending a bit more on high-quality clothing that you plan to wear a lot. Comfort, durability, and a well-designed fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options for every budget below.

A backpacker wearing the Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts

The Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts are super affordable - you can often find them on sale for much less than MSRP

WEIGHT - We look for lightweight clothing that’s easy to move in, breathes well, and dries quickly for most of our hikes. But heavier shorts may be the better choice for long-term durability.

A hiker in a desert wearing the Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts and petting a dog

The Patagonia Nine Trails shorts are ultralight & breathable

STYLE - Some folks like shorts with a plethora of useful pockets, some look for a pair that transitions well from town to trail, and others want a minimal pair that’s light and airy. The style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but these are our favorites in each category.

Two people wearing Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts walking down a pier with a cooler

The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish shorts that’re perfect for hiking adventures that include swimming

INCLUSIVE SIZING - Everyone should have high performance options that make them look and feel great. After all, the outdoors is there for people of all shapes and sizes!

Best Women’s Hiking Shorts of 2023

BEST HIKING SHORTS OVERALL

MSRP: $79

WEIGHT: 6.2 oz.

INSEAM: 5 in., 7 in.

PROS: Stretchy, breathable, durable, great pockets, versatile, dries quickly, includes belt, stylish, inclusive sizing

CONS: Expensive

BOTTOM LINE: We love the Ferrosi Pants from Outdoor Research, so we had high hopes for the Ferrosi Shorts - and they didn’t disappoint! They have deep, useful pockets, a nice built-in belt, and plenty of stretch for a full range of movement. The fit is comfortable for all day wear and the look is stylish for around town use, so these versatile shorts are ready for any adventure. Whether you’re going for a quick jaunt in a city park or setting off for a thru hike, the breathable and durable Ferrosis are a great choice.

BEST ATHLETIC SHORTS FOR HIKING

MSRP: $32 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT: 3.4 oz.

INSEAM: 3.5 in.

PROS: Affordable, dries quickly, soft/comfy fabric, breathable, built-in liner, ultralight, inclusive sizing

CONS: No pockets

BOTTOM LINE: Hiking can be quite the workout, so we often opt to wear athletic shorts on the trail. The Nike Dri-FIT Tempos have been our go-to for many years since they're affordable, lightweight, breathable, and they dry very quickly. Their simple design makes them easy to move in, and despite being lighter than traditional shorts, we’ve found them to be plenty durable. The one drawback is that they don’t have pockets, but we often find that items in pockets can feel a bit bulky and uncomfortable anyway. 

BEST BUDGET HIKING SHORTS

MSRP: $50 (often on sale for less)

WEIGHT: 5.1 oz.

INSEAM: 6 in.

PROS: Affordable, breathable, stylish, includes belt, lightweight

CONS: Pockets are a little small, not as durable as some

BOTTOM LINE: Cargo shorts have a tendency to look bulky, but the Columbia Sandy River Cargo are a trimmed down take on utilitarian bottoms. These stylish shorts have a secure pocket on each thigh that we find really useful for storing important small items, like a key or an ID. But they’re not very deep - and neither are the hand pockets - so their usefulness is a bit limited. That said, we don’t like hiking with a bunch of stuff in our pockets anyway. These affordable shorts are some of the most breathable on our list, so they’re a great choice for long days on trail and hiking in hot climates.

BEST VALUE HIKING SHORTS

MSRP: $65

WEIGHT: 5 oz.

INSEAM: 5 in., 7 in.

PROS: Durable, good value, stretchy, versatile, lightweight

CONS: Style may be a bit bland for some

BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are an awesome value with a great balance of durability and casual style. These classic shorts are some of our favorites for day hiking since they have a nice town-to-trail look. And the breathable, stretchy fabric is also great for long-term comfort and mobility on backpacking trips. The Quandaries are pretty lightweight for traditional shorts, but they’re still made with the durability we’ve come to expect from Patagonia clothing.

HIKING SHORTS WITH A COMFY FLAT WAISTBAND THAT DOESN’T PINCH

MSRP: $54

WEIGHT: 3.5 oz.

INSEAM: 5 in.

PROS: Affordable, flat waistband sits nicely under a hipbelt, stretchy, breathable

CONS: Fit is a little tight if you have wider hips, no hand pockets

BOTTOM LINE: A lot of athletic shorts have a slim elastic waistband that can dig in at your hips, but the Goal Five Excels have a wide, flat waistband that’s soft and pinch-free. These mid-rise shorts hug the curves of your body and move with you no matter how active you get thanks to the four-way stretch fabric. Besides a hidden stash pocket, these shorts are pretty simple. So they’re great for hikers who prioritize comfort and don’t want the added bulk of unnecessary pockets.

ULTRALIGHT HIKING SHORTS WITH A COMFY LINER

MSRP: $69

WEIGHT: 3.9 oz.

INSEAM: 6 in.

PROS: Stretchy, dries quickly, breathable, ultralight, back zipper pocket is larger than that of other athletic shorts, built-in liner

CONS: Not as durable

BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Nine Trails are a close second to our go-to athletic shorts, the Nike Dri-Fit Tempos above. We ranked the Nikes higher for their friendlier price point and wider range of size offerings, but where the Nine Trails win out is in their more flattering fit, the inclusion of a zippered back pocket, and the thinner seams on the liner. The Nine Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. The lightweight material of the Nine Trails is a little thin, so they may not be the best choice for trails that include a lot of butt-scooting down rock. But we think the tradeoff in durability is worth it for the soft, comfy fabric and non-cumbersome fit.

HIGHLY VERSATILE KNEE-LENGTH SHORTS

MSRP: $60

WEIGHT: 5.7 oz.

INSEAM: 9 in.

PROS: Comfortable, good value, durable, versatile, inclusive sizing

CONS: May be a bit long for some people’s taste

BOTTOM LINE: We typically prefer a shorter inseam on our hiking shorts, but we were really blown away by how comfortable we felt in the REI Sahara Bermudas. We often find that longer, more traditional hiking shorts can feel like you’re wearing an entire toolbox with all of their bulky pockets. But these knee-length shorts feel more balanced with just two deep, flat-laying front pockets and two back pockets. The Saharas are versatile enough for everything from hiking, to urban walks, to travel, so we think they’re a great choice for folks looking for a single pair of shorts that works great for any occasion.

AFFORDABLE HIKING SHORTS WITH A FLAT WAISTBAND

MSRP: $50

WEIGHT: 4.4 oz.

INSEAM: 3 in., 5 in.

PROS: Flat waistband sits nicely under a hipbelt, affordable, lightweight, built-in liner, dries quickly, inclusive sizing

CONS: Fabric is swishy & stiff, no way to cinch the waist

BOTTOM LINE: The affordable Wander Shorts from The North Face are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between an athletic short and a casual short. We found the flat waistband of the Wanders to be one of the most comfy under a hipbelt, and the single pocket keeps the legs bulk-free as well. We just wish the Wanders were made with a softer fabric, because the stiff polyester has a tendency to bunch up a bit. That said, we still find these shorts to be exceptionally comfortable - so comfy that we even lounge around in them at home.

BEST TOWN-TO-TRAIL SHORTS

MSRP: $69

WEIGHT: 7.6 oz.

INSEAM: 5 in., 7 in.

PROS: Very durable, stretchy, stylish, inclusive sizing

CONS: Runs a bit large, not as comfy under a hipbelt

BOTTOM LINE: prAna clothing is known for having a great balance of style and durability, and the Halle II shorts certainly live up to that reputation. The fabric is stretchy and easy to move in, and it’s thick yet breathable for all-day comfort and long-haul toughness. That said, the Halles wouldn’t be our first choice for backpacking, since the button closure and belt loops are less comfortable under a hipbelt. But for day hikes and urban walks, these are some of the most stylish casual hiking shorts on our list.

QUICK DRYING CROSS BETWEEN BOARD SHORTS & HIKING SHORTS

MSRP: $45

WEIGHT: 5.7 oz.

INSEAM: 5 in.

PROS: Affordable, breathable, dries quickly, useful pockets, inclusive sizing

CONS: Slightly boxy fit

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Trailmade shorts are versatile bottoms that sit somewhere between board shorts, hiking shorts, and casual everyday shorts. They’re perfect for those who never miss a chance to dip into a lake on the trail, as they’ll be dry shortly after you resume hiking. The Trailmades are very similar to the popular Patagonia Baggies (in Honorable Mentions below), but these are a bit more affordable, they have more pockets, and the fabric feels softer than the Baggies. The Trailmade shorts are nice looking, comfortable, and versatile for all types of outdoor adventure.

Two people wearing hiking shorts walking towards a river with a cooler

The Nike Dri-FIT Tempo (left) & The North Face Wander (right) are some of our favorite minimal shorts

Honorable Mentions

The following hiking shorts didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, a pair of these shorts might be perfect for you:

  • Vuori Clementine - Stylish athletic shorts with soft, comfy fabric. Unfortunately, we found the inseam to be a tad too short and the tight fit made them ride up.

  • Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies - Very similar to the REI Trailmade shorts - the Baggies are quick drying board short/hiking short crossovers with a stylish look. The Baggies have a 5 inch in-seam, and the Barely Baggies have a 2.5 inch in-seam. Many people, us included, have reported having trouble with the fit of these shorts due to the lack of stretch. 

A close up of Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts on a hiker in the desert

The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish and versatile shorts that dry very quickly

Shorts Vs. Pants Vs. Leggings

SHORTS - Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable which is why they’re our first choice for fairweather adventures. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty.

That said, shorts will leave your skin vulnerable to hazards like scrapes, sunburn, and mosquitoes. Most shorts don’t have as many pockets for storing things either.

A backpacker wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts in Glacier National Park

The Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts have been our go-tos for backpacking for a long time because they’re so light & comfy

PANTS - Hiking pants offer the most protection from the elements, bugs, and spiky/stinging plants. If you’re hiking in an area with thick brush or where the threat of pests such as ticks is increased, pants are probably the better choice.

Of course there are some downsides - it’s harder to regulate your body temperature in pants, they’re heavier, and they can limit your movement a bit more than shorts. Convertible and roll-up pants give you more control over temperature; we tend to prefer roll-ups for their more flattering fit. Check out our Best Hiking Pants for Women list to see our top picks.

Two hikers standing on rocks next to a lake

The Outdoor Research Ferrosis (left) and Patagonia Happy Hikes (right) are some of our favorite comfy hiking pants

LEGGINGS - Leggings are super comfy and offer more protection than shorts. They shield you from the elements like pants do, but they don’t limit movement because they’re stretchy. 

Leggings can be just as durable as thick hiking pants for less weight, but they aren’t quite as breezy as shorts. Some hiking leggings include a pocket for a phone, but most have no pockets beyond that.

Here are some of our favorite hiking leggings:

A hiker walking on a foggy trail in Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are super durable & comfy

Critical Hiking Shorts Considerations

FABRICS MATTER - Synthetic materials are great for outdoor clothing since they’re durable and don’t absorb moisture. We prefer shorts made with stretchy fabrics to allow for easy movement.

  • Nylon - Nylon is an exceptionally durable synthetic fabric that dries quickly. It tends to feel slightly softer on the skin than other synthetic fabrics. Because of the way nylon is made, it tends to be a bit pricier.

  • Polyester - Polyester is very durable (although slightly less so than nylon) and naturally hydrophobic. It absorbs less water than nylon and wicks moisture more effectively. It’s also less prone to pilling, so it will stay looking nice for longer.

  • Cotton - Cotton is soft and comfortable, but it absorbs water. It dries very slowly, sticks to the skin and causes chafing when wet, and can be potentially dangerous in cold/wet climates. Because of these downsides, cotton is generally not recommended for outdoor activities.

  • Spandex/elastane - We prefer hiking shorts with some spandex/elastane content for mobility. Most shorts we tested have two-way stretch, which means they stretch in one direction (typically crosswise). Some have four-way stretch, which means the fabric stretches crosswise and lengthwise. Four-way stretch is usually more expensive, but it’s more comfortable and provides a greater range of motion.

A hiker wearing the Goal Five Excel shorts while looking through a backpack in the desert

The Goal Five Excel shorts have four-way stretch, so they’re very easy to move in

POCKETS -We tend not to use most of the pockets on hiking shorts because items stored in them can feel bothersome and can impede movement. We prefer shorts with minimal pockets, because they look more sleek and feel more comfortable.

  • Back pockets - We almost never use back pockets on trail because they’re hard to access with a backpack on, and things stored there get in the way when we want to sit down.

  • Front pockets - Front pockets can be useful around town, but we rarely use them on trail because they’re hard to access with a hip belt on. Items stored in front pockets can also be uncomfortable when you have to lift your legs high for scrambling.

  • Leg pockets - Zippered pockets on the thigh tend to be the most useful in our opinion. We’ll keep small items like chapstick, a lighter, or a little multitool in there for quick access.

If you prefer more coverage & deep pockets, the knee-length REI Sahara Bermudas are an excellent choice

Technical Fabric Care

PRETREATED FABRICS/ MAINTENANCE - Some technical clothing comes pretreated with water or bug repellent. These pretreatments aren’t permanent, and they up the cost. You can easily maintain a treatment or add one to your shorts with these products:

  • Water repellency - To maintain or add water resistance to hiking shorts we recommend using Nikwax Softshell Proof. This treatment will maintain breathability while effectively causing water to bead and roll off the fabric. Keep in mind that this won’t make your shorts completely waterproof, since moisture can still get through the seams.

  • Bug-proofing - To maintain or add bug repellant to your clothing we recommend Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. It lasts about six weeks or six washes before you need to reapply it.

  • Repairing tears/holes - To patch holes and tears, we recommend using the Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit. These patches don’t require any sewing or ironing, can withstand repeated machine washes, and are UV protective and waterproof.

A hiker wearing the Patagonia Quandary Shorts holding up a map with some tents and mountains in the background

The classic Patagonia Quandary are a great value because they’re lightweight, durable & versatile

GENERAL CARE - Technical fabrics require some special care to keep them performing their best for years. Always follow the washing directions on the tags carefully, but we outline some general tips below:

  • Use a front loading washer - The agitator in a top loading washer can be hard on seams and can snag zippers or drawstrings. Make sure you zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings before washing in a front loader to prevent wear and tear.

  • Use a technical fabric wash - We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash for washing any technical fabrics. You can also use a gentle detergent, like Woolite.

  • Only wash when you really need to - A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldn’t hold odors. Hiking clothing doesn’t necessarily need to be washed after every trip. Try airing your clothing out first to see if that does the trick before washing.

  • Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets - Fabric softener and dryer sheets can deposit residue on the fabric and affect the overall performance.

  • Hang dry when possible - Heat and agitation in the dryer can damage technical fabrics. 

Closeup of a backpacker's lower half in the Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts

We use Nikwax Tech Wash or a gentle detergent to wash technical clothing like our Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts

Need More Gear advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

A woman wearing the REI Trailmade shorts and pouring water into a cookpot in front of a backpacking tent

The REI Trailmade shorts are very affordable, so you could pick up a couple of pairs for camping, hiking & water sports

WHY TRUST US?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. 

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. 

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

A hiker crossing a river in Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts

Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts are great for hiking long distances because they’re ultralight, breathable & comfortable

More Information

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

 
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About the Author
About the Author

Casey Handley is an avid backpacker and self-described gear nerd. She’s hiked thousands of miles on long distance trails across the country including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and Long Trail. The crinkle of a new Dyneema tent, the smell of Doug fir trees, and shaving an ounce off her pack weight are a few of her favorite things.

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