13 Best Women’s Hiking Shorts

Ladies, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, finding the right pair of shorts is essential. We’ve hiked countless times, and trust us, these shorts can make or break your hike. This is why we’re always religiously looking for the next great pair of shorts to add to our collection. We’ve tried tons of different models on the market, and today, we want to show you the best women’s lightweight hiking shorts. They’re comfortable, durable, and can make your hike more enjoyable. Not only that, but they also have a flattering silhouette and charming design, so you can always go for a hike without sacrificing style. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our favorites below for your next alpine adventure!

Eddie Bauer Women’s Rainier Shorts

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Say hello to the Eddie Bauer Women’s Rainier Shorts, the first pair of shorts on this list that can make your upcoming hike much more comfortable. These shorts are made of a durable and lightweight fabric. When we wore these shorts, we were able to move freely without any restrictions. This special fabric is UPF 50+, meaning it’s effective in blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays.

These shorts are available in a wide array of different sizes and colors. That way, you’ll never have to worry about running out of options. Additionally, all of the pockets are strategically placed. We were able to access our phones and compass easily. Taking care of them is also easy, as they’re machine-washable.

G Gradual Women’s Long Hiking Cargo Shorts

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Best Coverage. Longer than most shorts, the G Gradual Women’s Long Hiking Cargo Shorts are another highly recommended option. These shorts provide you with more coverage without the extra weight. They’re still lightweight and quick-drying, just like many of their competitors. Not to mention, the button closure promises a secure fit no matter what your activity is.

Another thing worth mentioning about these shorts is the special features of the fabric. Unlike the cookie-cutter ones, these shorts are water-resistant and provide you with UPF 50+ protection. Also, we were thrilled when we found that there were five pockets in total. We were able to keep our stuff safe and put less stuff in our backpack.

Nike Tempo Women’s Brief-Lined Running Shorts

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Technically, these are running shorts. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t be worn for hiking. The Nike Tempo Women’s Brief-Lined Running Shorts are soft, lightweight, and comfortable. When we first wore them, we were amazed at how the fabric could wick sweat away and dry quickly. We immediately knew why runners love to wear them.

The highlight of these shorts, though, must be the built-in brief designed to give the wearer added support and coverage. It also makes the shorts look more fashionable! Also, there are so many different colors to choose from. Moreover, the waistband keeps the shorts in place, and the inner drawcord allows you to adjust the fit easily.

GOAL FIVE Excel Shorts

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Best Waistband. If you want something with a slim, elastic waistband, take a look at the GOAL FIVE Excel Shorts. These shorts are a favorite among fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. The waistband is wide, soft, and pinch-free. It hugged our waist snugly without making us feel uncomfortable. Plus, it did a great job at making sure the shorts stayed in place no matter how active we were.

Known for their comfortable, body-skimming fit, these shorts are amazing. The four-way stretch fabric is extremely breathable and moisture-wicking. Additionally, it’s also durable enough to withstand the abuse from hiking. Best of all, these shorts are available in a wide array of colors, though we think the Black variant is the most versatile model.

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prAna Double Peak Shorts

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Whether you want to hike, run errands, or just lounge around the house, the prAna Double Peak Shorts can be your go-to shorts. These shorts are made from lightweight and durable fabric. It’s a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, meaning these shorts are eco-friendly. Speaking of the fabric, we also liked how stretchy and breathable it was. It made the shorts ideal for active pursuits.

One of the things that stood out the most to us was the shorts’ elastic waistband. It was elasticated and offered us a snug, comfy fit. Unlike some shorts, this pair comes with zippered pockets, which means you can finally keep your things safe without the fear of them falling out of the pocket. And while these shorts are available in several colors, the Antique Bronze must be the most charming. Learn more about these shorts on its official product page!

The North Face Women’s Wander Shorts

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If you love these garment bags and fleece jackets from The North Face, you’ll also love these shorts! The North Face Women’s Wander Shorts are affordable, but they don’t sacrifice quality so that you can save a few bucks. These are minimalist shorts that have everything you need from a pair of hiking shorts. After testing the shorts, we came to the conclusion that the flat waistband was among the best. It was comfy and didn’t leave any marks on our skin.

Additionally, these shorts are tough as hell. The fabric is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of hiking. Meanwhile, the FlashDry technology will always keep you dry throughout your journey to the top. While it doesn’t have that many pockets, we loved the zip pocket on the right that could keep our small essentials safe. Take a look at the reviews on the official website.

AFITNE Women’s Hiking Shorts

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Best Budget. Just because they’re cheap, it doesn’t mean you should ignore the AFITNE Women’s Hiking Shorts. They’re a gem that deserves more recognition. One of the biggest flexes of these shorts is their material. The 90% nylon and 10% spandex fabric is to die for. The nylon contributes to the shorts’ durability and moisture-wicking properties, while the spandex makes the shorts stretchy.

You should note that the fabric has amazing UPF 50+ sun protection, making it perfect for summer hikes. When we tested these women’s lightweight hiking shorts, we were awed by their elastic waistband, which provided us with a comfortable fit. With a drawstring, we were also able to adjust the fit of the shorts easily. The best part? There are so many colors to choose from!

Brooks Chaser 5″ Shorts

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Though made for running, the Brooks Chaser 5″ Shorts are also great for hiking. There are so many reasons why I included these shorts on this list. For one, we loved their fit and comfort. With a semi-fitted cut, we were able to hike without being restricted at all. We also felt the shorts had the right amount of snugness; it wasn’t too tight at all. That said, you can easily adjust the fit with the inner drawcord.

These shorts are made from the brand’s lightweight DriLayer fabric. It’s moisture-wicking and breathable, which explains why many hikers wear them. Moreover, they come with two side pockets perfect for storing keys and other small items. Overall, we think these are amazing running gear that also cater to hikers’ needs. Learn more about the Chaser shorts collection by watching this YouTube video.

BALEAF Women’s Athletic Long Hiking Shorts

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Those looking for highly comfortable and functional hiking shorts should pay attention to the BALEAF Women’s Athletic Long Hiking Shorts. These shorts are perfect for hiking and many other outdoor activities. One of their highlights is their knit waistband that comes with a drawstring, promising a secure fit. We also loved the seven-inch inseam, which provided us with plenty of coverage.

Like many other high-quality hiking shorts, this pair is breathable, soft, and quick-drying. The lightweight woven fabric makes wearing the shorts so enjoyable. Moreover, there are three pockets in total. Two side pockets and a back zipped pocket can hold most phones safely. And since they’re available in tons of different shades, have fun choosing the one that matches you best!

prAna Olivia Shorts

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Most Versatile. Thanks to their quality and stylish design, we think the prAna Olivia Shorts are the most versatile option on this list. We had a blast wearing these shorts. They were both flattering and comfortable to wear with a mid-rise fit and a slightly relaxed silhouette. Not to mention, the fabric is moisture-wicking and quick-drying.

Aside from hiking, we also think they can be worn for a variety of other activities. Depending on the occasion, they can be dressed up or down easily. Since we’re suckers for casual looks, we think the best way to rock them is by pairing them with a t-shirt and sneakers. Don’t worry; you’ll find a pair that matches your style since they’re available in many colors.

CRZ YOGA Women’s Lightweight Mid-Rise Hiking Shorts

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Lightweight and versatile, you won’t go wrong with the CRZ YOGA Women’s Lightweight Mid-Rise Hiking Shorts. These shorts are made from a 92% polyamide, 8% elastane blend that’s not only lightweight but also stretchy and quick-drying. Also, thanks to the mid-rise waist and the four-inch inseam, we were able to hike with these shorts comfortably. They also offered us a flattering fit.

In addition, the lightweight fabric is perfect for hot weather hikes. Another feature that makes the shorts ideal for hiking is the zippered pockets that you can use to store small items like sunscreen or a phone. On top of that, the shorts are available in a variety of sizes, so women of all body types can find a pair that fits them well.

SANTINY Women’s Hiking Cargo Shorts

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Best Value for Money. A popular choice for female hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the SANTINY Women’s Hiking Cargo Shorts offer many things. With more than 7,000 fantastic Amazon reviews, we’re sure you’ll at least find one big reason to get them. First of all, let’s talk about the material. The 94% polyester and 6% spandex fabric are extremely lightweight and breathable. We were glad we had the chance to spend a day out there with these shorts. They told us what it felt like to wear high-quality hiking shorts without spending much.

In addition to that, we also loved the zipped pockets. There are two side pockets and two cargo pockets with zipper closures to keep our valuables safe. They were also deep enough for our phones. Meanwhile, the elastic waistband and the adjustable drawstring offered us a snug but comfy fit.

Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Shorts

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Best Overall. When it comes to hiking shorts, the Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Shorts are hard to beat. They’re a pair of lightweight, comfortable, and versatile shorts that are perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking. They’re made from Perfecta Plus II quick-drying nylon. We were very curious about this special material, and during testing, we were awed by its properties. The fabric wasn’t only breathable but also durable and stain-resistant.

“As expected from Columbia, these shorts are amazing. After testing them, some of us immediately prdered a few pairs in different colors.”

WOW Travel

The regular fit of these shorts allowed us to hike comfortably without anything restricting our movements. Apart from that, the partially elastic waistband and belt all let us have a personalized fit. Also, we never ran out of storage thanks to the multiple pockets. Best of all, these shorts are available in many sizes, from regular to large ones.

Our Verdict!

Stylish, cheap, and lightweight, the Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Shorts are our best overall pick. They have everything you need and possibly more from a pair of hiking shorts. However, the rest are also worth considering and may even be better, especially if you have something specific in mind. We’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria: take a look!

• Best Value for Money: SANTINY Women’s Hiking Cargo Shorts
• Most Versatile: prAna Olivia Shorts
• Best Budget: AFITNE Women’s Hiking Shorts
• Best Waistband: GOAL FIVE Excel Shorts
• Best Coverage: G Gradual Women’s Long Hiking Cargo Shorts

How To Choose The Best Women’s Hiking Shorts

We’ve searched and worn tons of different hiking shorts and found many bad ones, too. So, to make sure the pair that you get won’t disappoint, consider the following things!

Fit

Your hiking shorts should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. You don’t want them too tight or loose, and they should not ride up when you hike. So, make sure to check the size chart properly.

Fabric

The best hiking shorts should be made from a durable, quick-drying fabric. This is especially important if you plan on hiking in hot, humid weather. Some popular fabrics for hiking shorts include nylon, polyester, and spandex.

Length

Of course, hiking shorts are available in various lengths, from short to long shorts. That’s why you’ll want to choose a length that you feel comfortable in, and that will provide the coverage you need.

Pockets

Hiking shorts typically have pockets for storing small items such as energy bars, keys, and a phone. Consider how many pockets you need and where you want them to be located.

Is it OK to wear shorts when hiking?

Of course! Many people choose to hike wearing shorts because they’re more comfortable, especially during hot weather. However, whether it is okay or not to wear shorts when hiking depends on your preferences.

What material should hiking shorts be?

As we said earlier, the material should be lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. This is why most hiking shorts on the market are made of materials like nylon or polyester.

How can I look cute while hiking?

Don’t worry; the shorts above are nothing short of stylish and can make you look cute. Want to look even more dashing? Pair them with one of our best quick-dry tops and sports bras.