Bonus points if the material has anti-stink properties, which a number of brands offer but with different names, she adds. As a bonus, this skort is made from sustainable materials in Fair Trade Certified Factories and built-in UPF 50 sun protection. Best of all, theyre comfortable as they have a loose cut that looks fantastic. The drawstring makes for an easy adjustment, and the spandex does an excellent job of hugging your hips. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The color options from Topo Designs are great with the Glacier blue or Mustard yellow. Home Recommendations Outdoor Gear BEST Hiking Shorts for Women on the Trail. We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. 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 thats soft and pinch-free. We got ahold of experts who know exactly what to look for in your hunt for the right hiking shorts for women. But the experts say in most cases, youre better off with water-resistant and wind-resistant clothing. Theyre lightweight without the baggy cut you find in most outdoor shorts. The most significant drawbacks come with the high price tag for shorts and the slightly coarse material. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us: Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. The Outdoor Research Ferrosis (left) and Patagonia Happy Hikes (right) are some of our favorite comfy hiking pants. Its more a three-season short when combined with hiking leggings or thermals. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. PROS: Durable, good value, stretchy, versatile, lightweight. These classic shorts are some of our favorites for day hiking since they have a nice town-to-trail look. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. However, if that is the case, you may want to consider some of the more athletic options on this list. It absorbs less water than nylon and wicks moisture more effectively. Most shorts we tested have two-way stretch, which means they stretch in one direction (typically crosswise). The cut is short on these pants, making them incredibly lightweight and flattering for those with nice legs. And if its warm out, that means youll need a good pair of hiking shorts. That said, shorts will leave your skin vulnerable to hazards like scrapes, sunburn, and mosquitoes. No brand is more synonymous with trail running than Salomon, and their Sense shorts are exceptional. These pretreatments arent permanent, and they up the cost. Back pockets - We almost never use back pockets on trail because theyre hard to access with a backpack on, and things stored there get in the way when we want to sit down. The Nine Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. These amphibious shorts are perfect for those who never miss a chance to dip into a lake on trail, as theyll be dry shortly after you resume hiking. They also offer four pockets, two deep hand pockets in the front, an invisible zippered pocket in the back, and two back pockets with tabs for extra security and a more flattering fit. BOTTOM LINE: The affordable Wander Shorts from The North Face are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between an athletic short and a casual short. FABRICS MATTER - Synthetic materials are great for outdoor clothing since theyre durable and dont absorb moisture. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Having a flat, wide, elastic waistband also makes this skirt comfortable for long periods of time, and it has an internal drawstring to help adjust the fit as needed. Because of the way nylon is made, it tends to be a bit pricier. For those who love the idea of a regular hiking skirt, this liner-free mid-thigh skirt may be a good fit for you. Finding comfortable, plus-sized hiking shorts that come with important features like quick-drying or UV resistance can be tricky. The material in the shorts provides just enough stretch to move comfortably on the trail. It comes down to comfortable material that moves with your body. That said, we dont like hiking with a bunch of stuff in our pockets anyway. Unfortunately, we found the inseam to be a tad too short and the tight fit made them ride up. While this doesnt have the most significant impact on performance on the trail, you still want a decent-looking pair of shorts. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. For the eco-conscious buyer looking for a lighter pair of hiking shorts, this may be the right fit for you. They also contain two front hand pockets with a mesh lining that allows water through to make for drainage and quicker drying. Kathryn Van Waes, the executive director of the American Hiking Society, says most workout clothing from almost any brand nowadays has these properties. 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 2.0. The Prana arch skort looks like a regular sport skirt from the outside, but offers the support of mesh-lined shorts inside, making it a versatile pick good for more strenuous or urban hiking. The skirt is also moisture-wicking and water and stain repellent, and comes with built-in UPF 50. Polyester - Polyester is very durable (although slightly less so than nylon) and naturally hydrophobic. One of the most comfortable shorts you can hit the trail or climbing wall are the prAna Kanab shorts. They also offer excellent protection from the sun with built-in UPF 50 protection and anti-stink properties. It does have limitations for hiking with a large backpack as you can not access the waistband with a hip belt. Thanks to their flex, its easy to appreciate how much movement they offer while hiking. It also comes with two deep hand pockets in the front as well as two cargo pockets, one on each side, towards the bottom of the skort. Notable features on The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Shorts are the wide soft waistband, drawstring cord, and multiple pockets, including a zippered one. Van Waes says pockets or no pockets is a personal preference. It also comes with the slight drawback of fewer pockets, loose material, and a short inseam. They also offer built-in UPF 30 for some sun protection. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. The biggest complaint is that they arent super stretchy, so that they may restrict your movement a tad bit. Some hiking shorts even have a waterproof lining in their pockets or zipper for added security. Only wash when you really need to - A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldnt hold odors. Kelly Roberts Lane, with Fix It Physical Therapy, says your hiking shorts should have room to enough to move around in easily. If shorts arent your thing, many hiking gear companies make skirts, or skorts (skirts with built-in shorts), these days. The Saharas are versatile enough for everything from hiking, to urban walks, to travel, so we think theyre a great choice for folks looking for a single pair of shorts that works great for any occasion. Despite the cotton material, the blend of elastane and relaxed cut keeps the shorts fresh for days on end. It also plays a vital role in the way shorts handle water. Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine suggests that hiking can reduce blood pressure, lower stress levels, restore attention, and enhance the immune system. 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 experts say that your choice of fabric is one of the most important considerations when looking for hiking shorts. Unlike most of the other shorts on this list, these shorts have a firmer waistband with two snaps in the front and an inner drawstring to help get the right fit. Overall, we love these shorts and think theyre some of the best. When hiking, you spend a lot of time moving uphill with large strides, steps over and under logs, over rocks, through the brush and even scrambling. Jennifer holds a BS Hons Biology, a BA Hons English, and an MS in Journalism from Columbia University. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty. These 100 percent recycle nylon Patagonia shorts are breathable, moisture-wicking, and water repellent. These high-waisted shorts are flattering and offer plenty of room to move freely no matter the activity. Despite its lightweight nature, the fabric is durable and shows minor signs of wear. The one drawback is that they dont have pockets, but we often find that items in pockets can feel a bit bulky and uncomfortable anyway. The flat waistband of the Goal Five Excel shorts sits comfortably under a hipbelt. PROS: Comfortable, good value, durable, versatile, inclusive sizing, CONS: May be a bit long for some peoples taste. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. If youre looking more for a cross between running or biking shorts and hiking shorts, look no further! For added comfort, these shorts have a wide, flat elastic waistband with a drawstring that allows you to get the perfect fit every time you wear them. These shorts are for everyday hiking, so they should act accordingly. Unlike many hiking shorts, these also offer stain resistance. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. She adds that in non-breathable waterproof hiking attire, you will likely become so sweaty youll end up just as wet as you would have hiking in the rain. She has been traveling for over 10 years experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Check out our Best Hiking Pants for Women list to see our top picks. PROS: Affordable, breathable, stylish, includes belt, lightweight, CONS: Pockets are a little small, not as durable as some. prAna makes tremendous hiking shorts for outdoor professionals or anyone who wants a more professional short. But we think the tradeoff in durability is worth it for the soft, comfy fabric and non-cumbersome fit. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. No one cares about the thin line created from a pocket. Some have four-way stretch, which means the fabric stretches crosswise and lengthwise. Best hiking shorts overall: Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Best athletic shorts for hiking: Nike Dri-FIT Tempo, Best budget hiking shorts: Columbia Sandy River Cargo, Best value hiking shorts: Patagonia Quandary, Hiking shorts with a flat, comfy waistband that doesnt pinch: Goal Five Excel, Ultralight hiking shorts with a comfy liner: Patagonia Nine Trails, Highly versatile knee-length shorts: REI Sahara Bermuda, Affordable hiking shorts with a flat waistband: The North Face Wander, Best town-to-trail shorts: Prana Halle II, Cross between board shorts & hiking shorts: REI Sahara Amphib, Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts have performed beautifully on some of the most rugged trails in the world. We need hiking shorts that can check off just about every box, so most of the shorts on this list are for the outdoor specific. Its also worth noting that the fabric holds moisture longer than other shorts on this list. At this price point, you can also get a pair of these shorts for the same cost as shorts that are lower quality or from less reputable brands. Dr. Lane says she normally hikes in a skirt or skort. Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. The shorts have one large back pocket and two elastic hip pockets. Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. PROS: Very durable, stretchy, stylish, inclusive sizing, CONS: Runs a bit large, not as comfy under a hipbelt. They have a low-rise waistband, so if you prefer more coverage, you may want other shorts for hiking. If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are a good choice for workout clothes because they wick moisture away from the skin and allow it to pass through the material so it can release into the air. The following hiking shorts didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. These REI shorts sit higher and looser than some other hiking shorts for women, offering excellent air flow and reducing the risk of chaffing without being revealing. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. Her favorite things include the crinkle of a new Dyneema tent, the smell of Doug fir trees, and shaving an ounce off her pack weight. Supportive Plus is one brand offering more variety of plus-sized outdoor attire than many other leading hiking brands and designed specifically for extra curves and sizes. It is why none of these are those old clunky cargo shorts. We both own a pair of shorts from Topo Designs, and theyre our go-to shorts in the summer. Use these shorts for other activities like running, walking, or cycling. Anyone who has experienced chafing knows the pain involved in poor clothing. If you found this guide helpful, please share on social media and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five! So theyre great for hikers who prioritize comfort and dont want the added bulk of unnecessary pockets. The Patagonia Quandary (left) & REI Sahara Amphib (right) shorts have a casual look that works well on trail & in town. Nikwax Tech Wash or a gentle detergent, like Woolite, will keep your technical clothing performing better for longer. There is no need for endless cargo pockets; give us something comfortable to handle the dirt, sand, water, and rock. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. & Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo, Hiking shorts that transition well from town to trail:Prana Halle II, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Columbia Sandy River, REI Sahara Amphib & Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies, The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish shorts thatre perfect for hiking adventures that include swimming. So here are some of the best hiking shorts for women based on expert advice. According to the American Hiking Society, there are some 1,244 National Recreation Trails within the National Trails System in the United States. She recommends picking shorts with an elastic waist or a button that has cloth behind it for comfort. Patagonias Strider trail running shorts are a great option for hiking. The fabric is stretchy and easy to move in, and its thick yet breathable for all-day comfort and long-haul toughness. Read on to find your new favorite pair of hiking shorts. These mid-length hiking shorts for women from Columbia are designed for water sports and hiking in wet environments. Navigating the various featureswhen buying hiking shorts for women can be tricky. The experts recommend picking shorts with a flat, wide waistband for even pressure distribution. They are 100 percent nylon, providing an excellent fit while also wicking away moisture and being breathable, and quick-drying. They also contain four zippered pockets, two hand pockets in the front around the waist and two that contour to the arch of the bum in the back. BOTTOM LINE: Hiking can be quite the workout, so we often opt to wear athletic shorts on the trail. The style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but these are our favorites in each category. We love Title Nine products, and theyve managed to nail fit and style. 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. Say whatever you want about hiking shorts, but they are not great for hiking if theyre not comfortable. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. If youre not hiking for miles on end, shorts like these work well into everyday life. Price: $59 | Material: 62% Organic Cotton | 36% Nylon | 2% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Four. If the pants feel restrictive, its probably one of the most significant negatives. Front pockets - Front pockets can be useful around town, but we rarely use them on trail because theyre hard to access with a hip belt on. Spandex/elastane - We prefer hiking shorts with some spandex/elastane content for mobility. 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. This article may contain affiliate links. Van Waes says waterproof and windproof clothing that is also breathable usually come with a higher price tag and more inexpensive versions dont allow airflow. These shorts, which come in sizes 00-3X, tick off almost all the boxes when it comes to expert-recommend features of hiking shorts for women. AFFORDABLE HIKING SHORTS WITH A FLAT WAISTBAND, 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. Mountain Hardware is a company the experts recommend for top hiking attire. Because of these downsides, cotton is generally not recommended for outdoor activities. We love the bottoms by prAna, and they make some of our favorite hiking pants for women. There are several vital elements that any pair of hiking shorts should provide. Despite having a minimal looking design, they come with two deep pockets in the front, a zip pocket on the left thigh, and a pocket on the back, right-hand side to stash extra gear, snacks, or as Van Waes points out, treasures your kids may come across on the trek. Unfortunately, these shorts do not contain hand pockets, but they do come with one small pocket built into the inner lining to hold things. PRICE - We think its worth spending a bit more on high-quality clothing that you plan to wear a lot. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. With some gyms and workout rooms still closed, theres never been a better time to get outdoors for some exercise. They say to avoid cotton or other fabrics that tend to absorb moisture and dont dry quickly. Price: $58 | Material: 98% Cotton / 2% Elastane | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. Heres what they had to say. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. Make sure you zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings before washing in a front loader to prevent wear and tear. Great hiking shorts for men stand up against movement, dirt, sand, and mud while keeping me cool. The first consideration is comfort and mobility on the course, which can significantly impact a hikers enjoyment. 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. This article shares our favorite womens hiking shorts to tackle the trail. Try airing your clothing out first to see if that does the trick before washing. The material also holds up well with decent moisture-wicking ability, water resistance, durability. The Quandaries are pretty lightweight for traditional shorts, but theyre still made with the durability weve come to expect from Patagonia clothing. Like many Columbia hiking shorts, these also come in plus sizes. When it comes to fit, the experts say whatever feels comfortable is likely a good fit. It has plenty of room to move, drys quickly, and is breathable.. Price: $40 | Material: 95% Nylon / 5% Elastane | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. It doesnt impact the shorts too much as theyre minimal. They also come in plus sizes to meet the needs of people with a variety of body sizes. 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. This treatment will maintain breathability while effectively causing water to bead and roll off the fabric. Well keep small items like chapstick, a lighter, or a little multitool in there for quick access. A pair of hiking shorts for men need to be worn comfortably for days. The Amphibs are very similar to the popular Patagonia Baggies/Barely Baggies (in Honorable Mentions below), but these are a bit more affordable, they come with a built-in belt, and the fabric feels a little softer than the Baggies. These shorts have two hand pockets in the front and one zippered pocket in the pack to hold valuable items and a comfortable elastic waistband with an external drawstring to help you get a customized fit. Style is a strong suit with these pants as they look more casual but offer plenty of performance for most casual users. After all, the outdoors is there for people of all shapes and sizes! Osprey packs have come to dominate the travel and hiking backpack market and now they make some of the best day packs and, One of the most important items a woman can have while hiking is a proper hiking sports bra. Act Blue - Bail Funds Its phenomenal for trail running with a running vest or everyday fitness. Patagonias Strider shorts are some of the more affordable hiking shorts for women and offer good value. The result is a pair of shorts that feel durable, ready for years of hiking. You can also use a gentle detergent, like Woolite. Lightweight trail running shorts are a fantastic choice for hiking. Below are our picks for the best hiking shorts for women. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. A drawstring keeps the hiking short secure on your hips and remains comfortable underneath a backpack. SHORTS - Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable which is why theyre our first choice for fairweather adventures. These are a fantastic pair of hiking shorts for women and one of our top picks. Wed also love to have a few more exciting colors than beige and heather grey. The Patagonia baggies also offer a comfort, loose fit and an elastic waistband for added comfort and a drawstring for a more customized, versatile fit. Here are some of our favorite hiking leggings: The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are super durable & comfy. When we opt for a pair of shorts, its summertime, and Im likely getting wet. We love these comfortable and functional shorts ready to tackle miles of challenging terrain. The manufacturer of this product says the skort is a loose fit, so they recommend many people purchase one size smaller than they normally would. This one from Prana is made of a blend of elastane, polyester, and nylon without the look or feel of other hiking shorts. That means an ideal pair of hiking shorts should feel comfortable wading through a river, down a stream in a raft, or taking a dip in the lake. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Price: $69 | Material: 88% Nylon / 12% Spandex | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. We love the comfortable liner that is perfect for replacing underwear. Many people, us included, have reported having trouble with the fit of these shorts due to the lack of stretch. The pants use a blend of organic cotton to provide a healthy mix of stretch and mobility. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. They use a lightweight material that is a blend of Bluesign Nylon and spandex. Cotton - Cotton is soft and comfortable, but it absorbs water. QUICK DRYING CROSS BETWEEN BOARD SHORTS & HIKING SHORTS, PROS: Dries quickly, stylish, inclusive sizing, CONS: Not stretchy, included belt is low quality. Items stored in front pockets can also be uncomfortable when you have to lift your legs high for scrambling. Repairing tears/holes - To patch holes and tears, we recommend using the Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit. Plus, this skirt has a carabiner loop, similar to a bungee loop, for hanging items you want to quickly and easily reach during your hike, like sweat cloths or binoculars. However, a hundred dollars is not crazy when you only need one or two staples in your hiking wardrobe. INCLUSIVE SIZING - Everyone should have high performance options that make them look and feel great. But these knee-length shorts feel more balanced with just two deep, flat-laying front pockets and two back pockets. GENERAL CARE - Technical fabrics require some special care to keep them performing their best for years. If you prefer more protection on the trail, check out our post on the best hiking leggings or hiking pants for women. These shorts have two side hand pockets and one back zippered pocket for stashing your stuff and any other hiking gear essentials you may want to carry.
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