13 Best Hiking Shorts by The North Face

If we were to choose only one outdoor activity, we would choose hiking. This is our favorite thing to do in the wild for different reasons. We get closer to nature, we do exercise and sore our muscles, and we have time to explore and enjoy the surroundings. Thus, we spent too much time searching for suitable gear for hiking. One of the things we recently tried is hiking shorts North Face brand. We tried men’s and women’s shorts from this brand to prepare this list of the 13 best shorts we will go for when it’s time to hit the trails.

While we can wear any shorts for hiking, we have a list of features we look for before buying any shorts. For example, we look for comfortable shorts, preferably with pockets and, best of all, zippered pockets. Further, shorts with elastic waistbands are better as they offer more versatility. We also check the fabrics before buying. Don’t get confused; we have a detailed list of how we chose the best North Face shorts down below. Let’s get ahead to our top 13 list.

Men’s Rolling Sun Packable Short

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At first, the Men’s Rolling Sun Packable Short seems like traditional shorts we might wear on outings. However, when we tried the shorts for hiking, we found them very practical and comfortable. The material is a blend of polyester and elastane. Polyester is our favorite for any kind of exercise as it wicks away moisture and resists water as well. In addition, this special fabric has great breathability. Hence, it’s the best for summer days. Apart from the fabrics, the shorts are too lightweight and too thin that they can be packed inside themselves. When we went on a camping trip, these shorts were the most suitable choice to pack. We put them inside a small fanny pack for hiking, and they fit seamlessly. Wearing them while hiking was better than we thought, as they allowed for a full range of motion. We were so comfortable in them.

Women’s Westbrae Knit Shorts

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The second option we’re recommending this time is North Face ladies’ hiking shorts. Women’s Westbrae Knit Shorts are a nice addition to our wardrobe. We used them for casual wear, running, and hiking. Even more, they’re suitable for lounging indoors or outdoors. They’re so versatile that we wanted to get multiple colors, but we only found two colors available.

The shorts felt so lightweight on the skin. They’re made of polyester to suit outdoor activities. Moreover, the elastic waistband with the drawcord is better for us for an adjustable fit. We liked how these shorts run from the waist towards mid-thigh. They look so feminine without adding weight to the thighs. Above all, the two pockets were so deep that we could place a mobile phone and a wallet inside. We also didn’t pay a lot to get these shorts.

Men’s Motion Shorts

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Although we believe we paid a lot to get Men’s Motion Shorts, we didn’t regret doing so as the shorts are really great for hiking. The shorts are made of durable cotton fabrics. It isn’t 100% cotton as we thought at first, but this is better as cotton is very absorbent and won’t be the best if we sweat in these shorts. The shorts looked so chic that we also decided to wear them for casual outings.

They weren’t very loose and not very tight either. Moreover, we could add a bit of style by wearing a belt with these shorts. The grey color is very wonderful; it’s dark, so no stains appear on the fabric easily. We usually face this problem of spotting with our hiking clothes. If you’re okay with the price, you have to consider these shorts. You can read some of the reviews on the official website here, and don’t forget to check the size chart too.

Women’s Paramount Trail Hiking Shorts

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Wearing Women’s Paramount Trail Hiking Shorts, we felt we had found the best hiking shorts ever. We could hike in those every day with no problems. These shorts have everything we need for summer hikes. The best thing about the shorts is the fabric. It’s made of polyester with FlashDry technology that wicks away moisture in seconds. Thus, they helped keep our bodies’ temperatures regulated and kept us content.

Aside from the material, the design of the shorts is so nice and appealing to us. We loved the built-in belt that allowed us to adjust the waist without having to add an external belt. Also, the deep pockets are so useful for dropping in our essentials. There is another zippered pocket for valuable items such as cards or wallets. We wore beige shorts with a lightweight white hoodie, and both looked perfect and in style. Don’t forget to check some of the reviews again on The North Face’s official website, as these shorts are so popular among buyers.

Men’s Sprag 5-Pocket Hiking Shorts

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We could get dressed up or down with these Men’s Sprag 5-Pocket Hiking Shorts. One day, we went classy and wore these shorts with a tucked-in shirt and a belt. On another day, we wore the same shorts with a basic T-shirt for hiking. Both styles looked perfect and suitable for what we were up to. The fabrics of the shorts made them versatile and suitable for different occasions. We noticed some stretch in the fabric, so don’t worry about fit at all.
Speaking of fit, there are several short sizes, and each size is available as regular, short, or long. We usually go for the regular fit as we believe this is the most comfortable option for hiking. The shorts are available in many colors; we went for the khaki and navy blue ones. We love these shades as they match shirts of almost any color. The New Taupe Green color is also another lovely color option that suits hiking nature.

“The shorts hold up like champs! They fit great and look great too. We think we don’t need to buy any other shorts as we can wear those almost everywhere.”

WOW Travel

Men’s Elevation Short

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Now, with a simple one, here is Men’s Elevation Short. We would wear these shorts if we are short on time and need the simplest and easiest-to-style hiking wear. Although the shorts are available in different patterns and colors, we went for the black ones to match them with any shirt we already have. However, we’re still thinking of buying another pair as their price is very reasonable.

The shorts have an elastic waistband. We didn’t think they would look nice with a shirt tucked in, so we wore them with a regular T-shirt. We also made sure that the T-shirt wasn’t too oversized and not too tight to match the shorts. They’re mid-rise and run regularly, then narrow slightly above the knees, so we believe they look the best with a similar regular top.

Never Stop Men’s Shorts

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Thanks to the elastic waistband, we didn’t struggle to find a comfortable fit of Never Stop Men’s Shorts. The shorts are a bit larger than other shorts from the same brand, yet we love loose designs for hiking. We felt more comfortable wearing them, and the mid-rise design added to our comfort. Needless to say, the material is quick-dry, similar to most North Face hiking clothes.

We also believe that the shorts will be suitable for lounging as they’re soft on the skin. Even more, we wore them for running. The fabrics are similar to sportswear in general. We rocked with these shorts paired with a t-shirt, hiking shoes, and a backpack. We could create several outfits with them by changing the footwear or the bag. If you need help, we have a list of the best backpacks for day hiking and a list of the best men’s waterproof hiking shoes.

Class V Hike Short

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Best style. Class V Hike Short is one of the most stylish North Face ladies’ hiking shorts we have ever tried. We think of wearing them on day outings as they don’t look like sports shorts at all. The low-rise design, side pockets, and webbing belt all made these shorts look classy. They also fit very well; we followed the size chart, and the shorts came very true to size.

When we bought the shorts, we didn’t think they’d be a good option for hiking. They didn’t seem comfortable, yet we found the exact opposite thing. The shorts are very lightweight and very soft. The material isn’t see-through despite the light color. It also allows for a full range of motion. For now, these shorts are on top of all women’s hiking shorts we have ever tried from all the known brands.

Women Aphrodite Motion Short

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Best for plus sizes. Say hello to the Women Aphrodite Motion Short, the first women’s hiking shorts in plus sizes on our list. These shorts aren’t only available in all the sizes you might be thinking of but they’re also one of the most comfortable. They’re made of a lightweight fabric with an elastic waistband and a drawcord, allowing for great adjustability. We had one of our best hikes thanks to these shorts. We moved with no restrictions at all, plus the fabrics were water-repellent.

For more options, the shorts are available in different colors. There are beige, navy, and grey, and our favorite was the purple one. They call this color lunar slate, in case you want to search for it. The pair we got was a purple one to match a white shirt and grey hiking shoes. One of the things we usually make sure of when buying hiking shorts is the washing instructions. These shorts are machine-washable, so taking care of them after each adventure shouldn’t be a problem.

Men’s Limitless Run Short

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Men’s Limitless Run Short is mainly a running short, but we found it suitable for hiking too. What attracted us to buy these shorts was the available patterns that made us feel we were wearing something special. It was a bit restrictive in how we styled the shorts, but we ultimately loved the whole outfit. The shorts come in a standard fit with regular and long lengths. We chose the regular length for hiking as it offers more ease of movement.

The day we were hiking was a bit cloudy, and the air was full of moisture. These shorts made the best choice as the material was super moisture-wicking. However, when we make certain movements, the material produces a swooshing sound. Further, the back pocket was very helpful to place our mobile phone inside and never worry about it. It’s a zippered pocket, so everything is safe inside.

Wander Shorts

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Best colors. Wander Shorts are not necessarily hiking shorts. They can be worn for running and any kind of outdoor exercise. The shorts are made of polyester and elastane to allow some stretch. When we wore them, we felt how moisture-wicking they were. That’s why we believe they can be worn for any kind of sport, especially during the summer season. We found this video from North Park very useful. It briefly describes all the features of the shorts, so watch it before you buy.

There are options for men and women, but the most notable thing we love about these shorts is the wide selection of colors. They’re available in more than 30 colors. Thus, we could look so fashionable wearing them. All the shorts come with pockets. If you think the pockets aren’t enough for your stuff, you can wear one of the best women’s backpacks for hiking to carry your things inside.

Men’s Pull-On Adventure Short

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If you love long shorts, Men’s Pull On Adventure Shorts are suitable for you. We found these shorts in three different lengths to satisfy all needs. The shorts aren’t the cheapest but not expensive given the quality and other features. Instead of buying several cheaper pairs of shorts, one pair for hiking and another for running or the gym, we would buy this pair and wear it for all purposes.

After trying the shorts while hiking, we concluded that shorts with elastic waistbands and zippered pockets are the best. Luckily, we have everything in these shorts: two side pockets, a back zippered pocket, and an elastic waistband. In addition, the material is amazing. We could also machine wash the shorts. Best of all, there are some unique colors, such as green, blue, and rusted bronze. The hues differ from what we have seen in other shorts, so give them all a look before you make up your mind.

Women Aphrodite Motion Bermuda Short

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Most comfortable. Hiking in lengthier shorts is definitely better and more comfortable. Hence, Women Aphrodite Motion Bermuda Short is unbeatable. These shorts are the comfiest among all the others we already tested from the North Face. Everything is designed to keep the wearer as comfortable as possible, whether it’s about the material, the fit, or the wide elastic waistband.

The shorts fit perfectly, and the waistband has a draw cord for extra adjustability. Moreover, the material wasn’t only durable and moisture-wicking but also easy to clean. Although the shorts pilled a little bit after several wash cycles, we could remove the lint using a sweater shaver. All the other features compensate for this small issue. Now, we’re completely satisfied.

Our Verdict!

The below shorts are the best, in our opinion, based on certain things you might be looking for. For example, the best fabrics or the most practical, etc. Check out these four options if you’re looking for something special.

• Most comfortable: Women Aphrodite Motion Bermuda Short
• Best colors: Wander Shorts
• Best for plus sizes: Women Aphrodite Motion Short 
• Best style: Class V Hike Short

How To Choose The Best North Face Hiking Shorts?

While we concentrated our search on North Face options, the features are the same when it comes to hiking garments. This list is a summary of the criteria we were checking in each of the shorts recommended above. You can use it as a guide when searching for your hiking shorts.

Material

Needless to say, the material is the first thing we check in any outdoor or exercise clothes. For hiking shorts, we want a sweatproof material that doesn’t absorb sweat and gets moist, especially in hot weather. We prefer quick-drying fabrics in such weather. Further, the best shorts are the ones made of high-quality and durable materials that withstand the environment we face while hiking.

Practicality

We searched for practical shorts that would help us during our hiking trip. For example, the ones with pockets are so helpful as we can toss a snack or a mobile phone inside. Speaking of mini snacks, check out our list of the best energy bars for hiking. In this case, we also want our shorts to have zippered pockets so our stuff is safe inside. Another point is the elastic waistband that allows for a versatile fit.

Comfort

While comfort is somehow related to the material and practicality mentioned above, other things can also determine whether the shorts are comfortable for us or not. For example, the length and fit. Shorts shouldn’t ride up while moving. They should be loose enough to move freely but not too loose that they keep falling off. Tight shorts aren’t suitable for hiking, also, too short shorts can be annoying for some people.

Are shorts a good option for hiking?

Shorts are more comfortable for many people while hiking. In summer, shorts are better, but some people might prefer pants for extra coverage and to keep their skin safe from direct sunlight or other hazards. We have a list of the best women’s hiking pants and men’s hiking pants as well.

Are hiking shorts suitable for running?

You can run in hiking shorts if they’re sweatproof and quick-dry. It all depends on their fabrics.

What is the best material for hiking shorts?

Materials like polyester and nylon are perfect, especially for summer hiking shorts. Some people might wear cotton, but it isn’t the best option if it’s too humid, as cotton absorbs liquid and doesn’t dry quickly.