A good pair of hiking shorts is a quintessential part of any hiker’s outfit in the summer. Getting a comfortable pair that breathes well, fits nicely, and withstands the demands of trail is key.
We’ve put up over 10,000 miles in more than 30 pairs of hiking shorts – analyzing their durability, functionality, and comfort – and we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes the absolute best hiking shorts. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect pair of shorts to keep you looking good and feeling good on trail.
If you plan to go adventuring in the shoulder seasons, we also suggest checking out our guides to the best women’s hiking pants and rain pants. And if you aren’t sold on traditional pants or even shorts, then a pair of our favorite leggings for hiking might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Quick Picks for Women’s Hiking Shorts
Check out this quick list of our favorites if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list of the best hiking shorts with in-depth reviews.
Best hiking shorts overall: Outdoor Research Ferrosi ($79)
Best athletic shorts for hiking: Nike Dri-FIT Tempo ($38)
Best budget hiking shorts: Columbia Sandy River Cargo ($50)
Durable hiking shorts with a mid-rise fit: Patagonia Quandary ($75)
Hiking shorts with a flat, comfy waistband that doesn’t pinch: Goal Five Excel ($54)
Ultralight hiking shorts with a comfy liner: Patagonia Multi Trails ($69)
Affordable hiking shorts with a flat waistband: The North Face Wander ($50)
Best town-to-trail shorts: prAna Halle II ($69)
What’s new
The weather is warming up, so we’ve been hitting the trail in some new hiking shorts to ensure we’re recommending the best of the best.
- There’s an updated version of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts, and they’re still holding down our number one spot.
- The Patagonia Multi Trails shorts have replaced the old Patagonia Nine Trails shorts. The Multi Trails are bit longer and have two zippered hand pockets.
- A new version of the Patagonia Quandary shorts is on the market – they’re made with more recycled material and have a higher rise.
Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi
Best hiking shorts overall
Price: $79
Weight: 7.4 oz.
Inseam: 5 in., 7 in.
Pros
- Stretchy
- Breathable
- Durable
- Great pockets
- Versatile
- Dries quickly
- Includes belt
- Stylish
Cons
- Expensive
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.
Women’s Nike Dri-FIT Tempo
Best athletic shoes for hiking
Price: $38 (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
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.
Women’s Columbia Sandy River Cargo
Best budget hiking shorts
Price: $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
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.
Women’s Patagonia Quandary
Durable hiking shorts with a mid-rise fit
Price: $75
Weight: 5 oz.
Inseam: 5 in., 7 in.
Pros
- Durable
- Good value
- Stretchy
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- Style may be a bit bland for some
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.
Women’s Goal Five Excel
Hiking shorts with a flat, comfy waistband that doesn’t pinch
Price: $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
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.
Women’s Patagonia Multi Trails
Ultralight hiking shorts with a comfy liner
Price: $69
Weight: 3.8 oz.
Inseam: 5.5 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
The Patagonia Multi 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 Multi Trails win out is in their more flattering fit, the inclusion of a zippered back pocket, and the thinner seams on the liner. The Multi Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. The lightweight material of the Multi 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.
Women’s REI Sahara Bermuda
Highly versatile knee-length shorts
Price: $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
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.
Women’s North Face Wander
Affordable hiking shorts with a flat waistband
Price: $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
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.
Women’s prAna Halle II
Best town-to-trail shorts
Price: $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
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.
Women’s REI Trailmade Amphib
Quick drying cross between board shorts & hiking shorts
Price: $50
Weight: 5.7 oz.
Inseam: 5 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Breathable
- Dries quickly
- Useful pockets
- Inclusive sizing
Cons
- Slightly boxy fit
The REI Trailmade Amphib 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.
What’s Most Important to You in a Pair of Hiking Shorts?
PRICE
Pricier shorts tend to be more durable and more feature-rich, but we’ve had some budget-friendly bottoms last us for thousands of miles.
Comfort, durability, and a well-designed fit usually trump cost in our books, but we have recommendation for every budget among our trail-tested picks below.
Best value hiking shorts
Best budget hiking shorts
WEIGHT
While weight isn’t our top concern when it comes to hiking shorts – since most pairs are similarly light – going lighter is a good idea for particularly hot climates and for hikers who carry both hiking pants and shorts on backpacking trips.
Lightweight shorts are often more breathable and comfy, but they’ll typically have fewer pockets and features. Shorts that’re a bit heavier may be more durable and have more useful pockets, but they may also have bulkier seams that aren’t as comfy. We almost always opt for lightweight athletic shorts because we prefer the simplicity of the design.
Best ultralight hiking shorts
Best lightweight hiking shorts
Best heavy-duty hiking shorts
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.
Best minimal hiking shorts
Hiking shorts with more pockets
Hiking shorts that transition well from town to trail
INCLUSIVE SIZING
Everyone deserves to have performance outdoor clothing that makes them look and feel good. The shorts below are increasing accessibility to the outdoors by offering a wider range of size options.
Hiking shorts with inclusive sizing
Goal Five Excel – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Columbia Sandy River Cargo – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Patagonia Multi Trails – PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER ELDRIDGE (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Patagonia Baggies – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Nike Dri-FIT Tempo (left) & The North Face Wander (right) – PHOTO CREDIT: CASEY HANDLEY (CLEVERHIKER.COM)
Shorts Vs. Pants Vs. Leggings
SHORTS
Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable which is why they’re our first choice for warm weather adventures. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty.
On the flipside, 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.
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.
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. Check out our favorite hiking leggings to see which ones are the most trail-worthy.
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 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 also more comfortable and provides a greater range of motion.
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.
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.
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’ll 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.
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:
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 Amphib 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.
