Proper equipment and clothing like the best hiking shorts for women can elevate or depreciate your experience when you go hiking. Potable water, wearing the right supportive shoes, and having a suitable outfit can inspire you to move. When your cute hiking outfit isn’t comfortable, your hike might end quicker than anticipated.
If you’re looking for suggestions on the best hiking shorts for women, you’ve come to the right place. With several retailers selling a vast collection of camping and hiking gear, like Helinox, or The North Face vs Columbia Jackets it’s easy to get confused. In this article, we’ll share some of the top-rated hiking shorts for women that are functional and stylish.
We reviewed several hiking shorts for women and made this definitive list of shorts you can use on the trail, at home, or around town.
Table of contents
- 8 Best Hiking Shorts for Women
- 1. Columbia Anytime Casual Short – Best Overall
- 2. Eddie Bauer Rainier Shorts – Best for Comfort
- 3. The North Face Aphrodite Motion Shorts – Best for Staying Dry
- 4. Mountain Hardwear Dynama Shorts
- 5. prAna Halle II Shorts Hiking Shorts for Women
- 6. Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts
- 7. KUHL TREKR Shorts 8″ – Women’s
- 8. Columbia Saturday Trail Knee Pant – An Alternative to Hiking Shorts
- Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Shorts for Women
- Conclusion for best hiking shorts for women
- FAQs
- Stock Up On Hiking Clothes and Socks Before Your Next Hike:
8 Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Summertime is a great time to explore the beauty of nature. But it can also be pretty hot! If you are in the market for the best hiking shorts for women, there are a few qualities to look out for compared to typical summer shorts.
After choosing a suitable hiking vest, your hiking shorts must be durable, water-repellant, protective, comfy, well-fitted, and have a ton of pockets.
Below are recommended stylish hiking shorts for women worth checking out in 2024.
1. Columbia Anytime Casual Short – Best Overall
The Columbia Anytime casual short is an excellent fitness short for women. It features the signature UPF 50 fabric, a combination of 96% nylon and 4% elastane, giving this short maximum protection against the sun.
Also, it offers advanced water and stain repellency, keeping it clean and dry while on the trail. The proprietary omni-shield fabric of this short is a two-way comfort stretch fabric. Its material is cut for an active fit which allows for comfortable movement.
Caring for the fabric of this short is easy as it is machine washable. So, after every use, you can easily wash and dry the towel without worrying about its color bleeding or producing a lot of lint.
The waistband of this short features an adjustable drawcord waistband, allowing you to fit the shorts to what is most comfortable for you. Also, the short comes with two side hand pockets that are well-positioned to conveniently store items like your smartphone, compass, pocket knife, and so on.
What we like:
- High-quality Omni-shield and Omni-shade fabric
- Two easy-access side pockets
- Drawstring waistband closure
- Machine washable
What we don’t like:
- A notch in the hem to make more room for thighs will have been great
2. Eddie Bauer Rainier Shorts – Best for Comfort
With over a century of manufacturing outdoor gear and outfits, Eddie Bauer is a standout brand. Its Women’s Rainier Pro shorts are a go-to silhouette for hiking and other warmer outdoor adventures.
Eddie Bauer partners with Bluesign to create a safe and sustainable textile production that follows safety protocols. This short is a mixture of 94% nylon and 6% spandex, which balances comfort, performance, and durability. Also, this fabric supports two-way stretching, which allows it to stand up to strenuous activities and harsh terrain.
Also featured on this short is the StormRepel DWR finish that repairs moisture and the FreeShade UPF50 that makes this short provide UV ray protection. The slight curvy fit of this short makes it sit on you naturally. And with different sizes available, you will always find the perfect fit.
Furthermore, this Eddie Bauer short has two side pockets and a secure zipper on the left thigh. Also, caring for this fabric is easy as this short support machine is washed with cold water but not with bleach or fabric softeners.
What we like:
- Strategically placed pockets
- Offers great stretchability
- Zipper and button closure designed for the tough outdoors
- Easy to care for
What we don’t like:
- The zipper pocket is too small
3. The North Face Aphrodite Motion Shorts – Best for Staying Dry
This North Face Aphrodite motion short is a great pick when the temperature is too high. These women’s shorts use 95% nylon and 5% elastane. This North Face short is a 4-inch inseam, so it’s ideal for hot weather.
Moreover, the fabric is an excellent moisture wicking, keeping both water and sweat at bay. Designed as a pull-on walking short, this North Face short is ultra-comfortable. Its fabric strength in all directions gives you maximum mobility with no restriction.
The fabric of this North Face short comes with FlashDry, which enhances the moisture-handling property of the short. Its 2×2 rib-knit waistband provides a good fit on the waist. It also comes with a stretch drawcord, allowing you to adjust the waistband to fit. Additionally, this North Face short comes with two side pockets to store items while in the wild.
What we like:
- Stretching shorts improve mobility
- Features several pockets
- Adjustable waistband for a snug fit
- Water and stain repellent
What we don’t like:
- Pocket too small
4. Mountain Hardwear Dynama Shorts
If you are looking for best hiking shorts for women, ultra-comfortable stretching shorts, then this Mountain Hardwear Dynama is a good fit. It combines feminine fit and stretchable fabrics woven to promote maximum mobility. And also, Mountain Hardwear uses stretch plain weave material, a combination of 94% nylon and 6% elastane, giving it exceptional features.
The material allows this short to be PFC-free, and with the DWF finish, the short repels water and stain. Also, the short provides UV ray protection thanks to its UPF 50 fabric feature.
Also, the fabric has anti-odor properties, which keep the smell out after a long day using the shorts. Mountain Hardwear featured on this short a flat and wide low-profile stretchable waistband.
As such, the short is a pull-on walking short that is still stylish and comfortable for any outdoor activity. At the side of this short are two pockets with zippers, ensuring your items are safe and close by while hiking.
What we like:
- Two zipper pockets keep small belongings safe and close by
- Stretchable fabrics improve mobility
- Anti-odor fabrics
- Machine washable
What we don’t like:
- Waistband is not adjustable
5. prAna Halle II Shorts Hiking Shorts for Women
The prAna Halle II shorts is one of the most versatile hiking shorts you can get for hiking. Its mid-rise design is suitable for warm weather. Furthermore, it has a durable fabric that guarantees you will not be disappointed while in the wild.
Its material combines 95% ReZion recycled nylon and 5% elastane, providing four-directional stretchability. Also, the inseam of this cross-sectional short is 5 inches, which protects a good portion of your lap while in the wild.
Bluesign approves the Halle II short fabrics, which have several benefits, like its UPF 50+ rating, moisture wicking, abrasion resistance, etc. Additionally, the design of the Halle II is such that it features two front pockets and two back pockets with buttons.
The waistband of this prAna short is not stretchable, but it features a button, hole, and belt hock in case the short does not snugly fit you.
What we like:
- Cross-sectional stretchability to improve mobility
- Features up to four pockets
- Functional zipper fly and button closure
- ReZion fabrics for added comfort and compatibility
What we don’t like:
- Waistband is not elastic
6. Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts are comfortable and versatile shorts for active women. Since Made from a blend of elastane and nylon, these shorts are quick-drying and stretching, making them the perfect hiking shorts.
Also, you can use these shorts for climbing and various outdoor activities. Aside from their functionality, these hiking shorts are stylish, so you can wear them year-round and add them to your summer wardrobe.
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 features a drawcord waistband with a low-profile stretch option for a secure and comfortable fit. Also, these shorts have two front pockets with a zipper pocket on the tight, providing you with ample storage space to store small items like your phone or keys.
The fabric on these shorts provides a four-way stretch fabric, which allows a full range of motions. As such, it is perfect for high-intensity activities. Additionally, the fabric is durable and can resist abrasion and snagging, which is essential for outdoor activities. Therefore, The Dynama2 Bermuda Shorts is an excellent choice for women and a great investment for any summer wardrobe.
What we like:
- Stretchy material provides a great range of motion
- Durable fabric resists abrasion and snagging
- Quick-drying material
- Multiple pockets provide ample storage
What we don’t like:
- Limited color option
7. KUHL TREKR Shorts 8″ – Women’s
Price at publish: $75.00
Are you searching for a pair of hiking shorts that perfectly balance comfort and style for your outdoor adventures? The KUHL Trekr Short 8″ might just be what you need. Ideal for hikers, travelers, and casual wear, these shorts offer durability and flexibility for any activity.
The KUHL Trekr Short 8″ for women are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of the trail. Made with KUHL’s innovative REKOIL fabric, these shorts stretch and recover to maintain shape and structure after long hours of wear. They also feature a brushed face for a soft touch against the skin.
These shorts boast a flattering 8-inch inseam and a relaxed fit that doesn’t restrict movement, making them perfect for hiking, climbing, or just running errands around town. Their high-rise back provides extra coverage while bending and moving, and the snap closure ensures a secure fit.
What we like:
- Durable REKOIL fabric that stretches and recovers
- Quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Multiple pockets including a hidden thigh pocket
What we don’t like:
- May fit snugly around the waist
8. Columbia Saturday Trail Knee Pant – An Alternative to Hiking Shorts
This Columbia Saturday Trail Knee Pant is another comfy hiking short worth getting for hikes. It is a long short covering more areas of your legs. As such, with this Columbia pant, you get to protect more areas of your legs from the leaves and branches from the thicket and UV rays.
The fabric of this Columbia hiking pant is the Columbia proprietary Omni-shield composed of 96% polyester and 4% elastane. The exterior layer of this fabric offers excellent stain and water repellency. Also, it comes with UPF 50 protection blocking and shielding you from harmful UV rays.
The fabric’s interior is also pretty comfy and soft on the skin. This short also has a partial elastic waist and a two-way stretch feature, ensuring maximum comfort while on the trail. This pant offers a classic fit thanks to their button closure.
Also, this Columbia pant has two side pockets with two back pockets, giving you all the space you will likely need while hiking. This short is available in a staple of colors and sizes, so there is a high likelihood you’d find the perfect match for you.
Recommended reading: Choosing Hiking Pants For Curvy Figures – The Ultimate Guide, Winter Hiking Outfit and Gear – What to Wear for Your Winter Hike
What we like:
- Two-way stretchable for a broader range of movement
- Machine washable
- Multiple pockets
- Zip fly and two-snap closure
What we don’t like:
- Waistband is not adjustable
Buying Guide for the Best Hiking Shorts for Women
As you prepare your hiking checklist, you must have the best hiking shorts for women. If you are finding it challenging to decide which to buy due to the massive range of options on platforms like Helly Hansen and the like, knowing what features to look out for makes it easier.
Below are features you should always consider when searching for in comfortable hiking shorts for women.
Pockets
Traveling light will help you savor the moment when you are going on a hike. Having pockets on your shorts can help you hike light as you can store things in them rather than carrying an extra bag. Opt for a short with secure pockets, such as deep pockets, or features like zippers or buttons.
Waistband
The short’s waistband is another vital feature to consider to ensure the short is right for you. Some shorts are pull-on shorts featuring elastic waistbands. These types of shorts are easy to wear, but they don’t provide the best experience as the waistband may not be sufficient to hold the shorts in place, especially when you put things in your pockets. But on the contrary, shorts with adjustable waistbands tend to offer the best fitness.
Length
The length of the hiking short is another feature to consider. If the shorts are too short, they may not provide enough coverage when you wear them hiking. Similarly, when the length is too long, it may impact your mobility. If the short you’re getting is too long or short comes with its fair share of pros and cons when it comes to hiking, going for one in the middle ground has more advantages.
Stretchability
Taking the stretchability of the short into consideration when making a choice is helpful. If the short is not very stretchable, it impacts your mobility. Also, it can affect the breathability of the shorts, which can cause a lot of sweating. A stretchable short, especially one stretching in different directions, is handy.
ΩConclusion for best hiking shorts for women
Setting off on a hike with the right gear, particularly shorts tailored for women, can transform your outdoor experiences. Our guide aims to provide you with valuable insights into choosing shorts that offer the ultimate blend of functionality, comfort, and style.
Whether you’re scaling mountains or traversing gentle trails, the best hiking shorts for women can make all the difference. Dive into our recommendations and find your ideal companion for every adventure.
For those in search of a reliable and ultra-lightweight pack, our latest review of the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack provides keen insights into its performance during a challenging hike up Sicily’s famed Mt. Etna.
Remember, the great outdoors awaits, and with the right shorts, you’re well-equipped to meet it head-on. Happy trails!
FAQs
Different materials come with their fair share of pros and cons. But out of all the different types of materials, shorts made of synthetic materials tend to be best suited for hiking. These materials include the likes of nylon, polyester, and soon. They tend to be fused to improve the stretchability and durability of the short.
One of the most important things to consider when hiking is that you need free movement. If it is short, you must restrict your body movement to avoid it. Also, avoid clothes that minimize sweating, like silk. Cotton and denim are not great as they don’t have moisture-wicking properties.
If you are confused about choosing hiking with shorts or leggings, let the weather conditions decide for you. If the weather is cold, then you should wear thermal leggings for cold hikes. Also, if the trail is rocky with thorny bushes, it’s best to wear leggings to protect your legs. But if the weather is hot, wear shorts.
