Patagonia is the leader in sustainable and capable outdoor apparel, and its Everyday Shorts make good on the promise to be more environmentally friendly, without sacrificing performance. For as long as we've been walking, we've been hiking.
You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Safest and Most Functional Life Vests of 2022, Beat the Heat With These Top Ranked Beach Tents. Athleta's hiker is a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice style or performance for cost. The Rippy is expensive, but I've been hiking and traveling in my Satisfy shorts for over a year now, and don't see any wear and tear.
Satisfy, well, satisfies the requirement of those that crave the marriage of performance and art in their athletic gear. If you're a quality over quantity type of person, don't sleep on these shorts. They're comfortable, they're cute, they're capable: Discover the best hiking shorts for women on the market. I admire the mission of the Electa, but I found upon wearing that the material was too thick, and not breathable enough, for my taste. Features: 4-inch inseam, woven adjustable belt, two back pockets, side liner pockets, This Panerai Hits the Adventure Watch Sweet Spot, Brighten Your Summer with July's New Fitness Gear, Perform Better with Tommy John 360 Sport Underwear, Dad Grass Tinctures: Sleep, Chill and Recover, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. I recently saw their new and improved Front Runner Shorts at this summer's Outdoor Retailer, and I was impressed by the feel of the fabric and overall look of the short. Nathan launched its apparel line in 2021, but the new line is already gaining traction. Some shorts feel too luxe to actually get dirty in, but the merino and nylon blend of Allbirds' hikers is durable enough that I can focus on my hike, not my apparel when I'm in them. I considered the three F's as I tested in each environment. The shorts look as good as they feel, and I can easily wear them from the trail to town if I don't have time to change.
Materials: Ripstop Tech-Silk, proprietary Justice lining, Features: Six pockets, expandable sweat-proof phone pocket, expandable nutrition pockets, sweat-proof zipper back pocket, reflective print. The pockets are also deep enough that I can fit my phone, wallet and keys and don't have to bring a pack with me for shorter hikes.
Built for: Hiking, trail running, mountaineering, Features: Cargo pocket, rear phone pocket, reflective details.
Silky smooth fabric compresses without discomfort, So lightweight, you'll forget you have them on, Run at least a size big; not ideal for petite frames. Built for: Hiking, trail running, backpacking, Features: Elastic waistband with adjustable internal drawcord; two side snap hand pockets with reverse entry pocket flaps; secure zip pocket at left thigh.
Polyester, nylon and elastane are the three most common fabrics and materials in hiking shorts, but if you're into more natural fibers, consider merino wool, hemp or cotton. If you're going out sans backpack but want to have certain necessities like hydration packs, snacks, a pocket knife, smartphone and keys with you, invest in a pair with more pockets and a more supportive waistband that can support the weight of your items. Materials: Recycled nylon, nylon, elastane, Features: 4 pockets, quick-dry ripstop fabric, UPF protection, moisture wicking.
The most important feature in my book is the elastic belt: it can be adjusted to cinch in or expand and is exposed in the back so you can tuck your shirt in.
That's the name of the game with this boutique running brand. I took each of these shorts out for at least one month at a time. Six pockets, an inner liner, drawcord closure, mini carabiner and a double waistband, all in 100 grams (0.2 pounds). Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. In my opinion, merino wool is the gold standard of fabrics, and in many people's opinion, Smartwool is the gold standard in merino so odds are, if you like this soft, thin, naturally antimicrobial material, you're going to dig Smartwool.
The 4-inch inseam provides enough coverage without cramping your style, and the multiple pockets provide plenty of storage for essentials on the trail. Hiking shorts have a few common fits: the cargo style short, which typically has a longer inseam and more pockets; the bike short, which is compressive, supportive and offers minimal storage; the running-inspired short, which can come in lined and unlined versions and typically features a 3-inch inseam, and the hybrid, a 2-in-1 short that often combines the anti-chafing and supportive qualities of a compressive liner with the style and breathability of a running short.
Which features you require depend entirely on the length and location of your hike. The first time I put them on, I was struck at how accurate the fit is the Off Roads Short are proof that investing in quality products oftentimes means a better fit.
Materials: Merino wool, recycled nylon, nylon, elastane, Features: Moisture wicking, quick drying, drawcord waistband, front and back pockets, carbon neutral.
Mountain Hardwear is well known for its cold-weather gear if you're a fan of the brand's puffy jackets and shells, you should definitely get your hands on a pair of their new hiking shorts.I like these shorts for multiple reasons: they're lightweight to the point where I barely remember I have them on but don't be fooled by their feathery feel the ripstop fabric makes them just as durable as other options on this list. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. Like many hiking-oriented shorts, the Merino Sport Hike Short is comfortable and capable, but there are a few features that separate it from the pack. The Outdoor Everyday Short is a classic cargo-style short, without being frumpy or unappealing to wear. The Rippy's inseam is 3 inches, so if you like a shorter short for moving fast down the trail, this is your pick. The short is constructed from fabric made with recycled fishing nets from the ocean but has a soft next-to-skin feel despite its past life as ocean trash. (This applies less to merino wool, which is softer and thinner than its traditional counterpart).
Made with over 70-percent recycled, Bluesign certified materials in a fair trade factory, this 7-inch inseam bike short is designed for a variety of activities, including hiking and climbing. I love them for hiking long distances when I want extra coverage, without the weight or heat of traditional pants. I personally ended up gravitating toward other options on this list more often, but in a pinch, Prana's bike short is a dependable option with an admirable mission. UPF protection is another common feature to look out for, as well as moisture wicking and breathability. The wide, stretchy waistband, multiple pockets and lightweight ripstop fabric come together in an easy-to-wear package, available in six colorways.
One pro of these shorts is the inclusive sizing the Trekkie is available in sizes 00-26, making finding a comfortable and capable shape much easier for hikers of all shapes and sizes. The Front Runner combines both in a lightweight package, so if you're concerned with chafing or modesty, you can rest easy in these hikers. If you're going on a quick hike and don't plan on bringing much, or if you're utilizing a pack and don't need to rely on your shorts for storage, pick a pair that prioritizes comfort over storage. The major thing to note with Mountain Hardwear is fit: I consistently have to size down in their apparel, and if you're petite, you should expect to have an oversize look when you wear the brand's threads. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Everyone has a preference when it comes to fabric: if you've got sensitive skin, think twice before buying wool. The inner drawcord helps combat the limits of the fixed waist and snap closure, but the ties could be a bit more substantial; I had mine cinched down pretty tight, but they still came undone multiple times.
However, it is squat-proof and definitely not see-through, which are two qualities a lot of women like to see in a short. Allbirds is well-known for making cozy and capable shoes made from natural and plant-based materials, but if you've been sleeping on their apparel, it's time to treat yourself. Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane, merino wool, recycled polyester, Features: 5 pockets, a drawcord-adjustable waist, lightweight stretch-woven fabric and a zippered fly. Today's hiking gear is more functional than the gear of the 20th century, with the addition of 21st-century style.
As you begin to shop for this summer's go-to hiking shorts, consider the the F's: fit, fabric and features.
Features: Flatlock construction, triangle Coolmax gusset for added comfort and reinforcement, hidden key pocket inside waist, novelty side pockets, high rise, moisture wicking. The short's other notable features include plenty of pockets for storing fuel, cell phones and keys, as well as quick-drying, UV protective fabric that feels as good as it looks. I'm personally obsessed with the Natural Run Short for its versatility. Bike shorts are continuing to have their moment, and I haven't found a pair as comfortable as these. For anyone that has a slimmer waist and has struggled to find a short that doesn't gap, try these on for size. I found myself swimming in the shorts, even though Smartwool says these run true to size. Built by a boutique running brand for the express purpose of heading out onto the trail, the shorts are the most comfortable lined hiking shorts I've ever worn. The clincher here is the fabric it's smooth and compressive without being uncomfortable or constricting. Features: Quick-dry fabric, 2 side exterior pockets, 1 back zippered pocket, reflective logo and piping, flat lock seams on the interior short to reduce chafing and friction. Despite the sizing, I would wear this short in spring, summer and fall with the right layering on top, the Merino Wool Sport Hike Short is a light, packable, functional option for three-season hiking. It's unlined, but the 4.5-inch inseam paired with the relaxed fit make it so I can bend, run, hike and jump without worrying about exposure or movement.
Although the act of hiking is one of the simplest and oldest forms of outdoor recreation, the apparel certainly is not. In addition to hiking at least 2o miles in each pair, I also traveled, ran and worked in each short. Prana has made a name for itself by putting the environment first in the manufacturing of its products, and the Electa Short II continues that tradition.
Bike shorts can sometimes have an odd fit if they're comfortable in the waist they can often be too tight on the thighs, but Norrona's pair is perfectly proportioned. Although these are technically running shorts, that's okay wear them as a hiker, if it speaks to you.
It's a small touch that goes a long way. The marked trails, well-equipped backpacks and moisture-wicking, quick-drying, durable fabrics may look different than our ancestral wanderers, but the basic concept is the same: one foot in front of the other, up and down hills, through the woods in communion with the natural world. If you want a capable hiker that doesn't slip, slide or ride up, these are the shorts for you. Luxury, baby.
I hiked in the rain, in the sun, and in multiple environments, including the deserts, mountains and beaches of Southern California. The PFC-free DWR finish keeps water at bay, so if you encounter water crossings on a trail, you won't get water logged (or stay damp for long). According to reviews, these shorts run slightly large, so consider sizing down if you're between sizes. More often than not, we're forced to choose between a compressive, but revealing bike short or a cute and comfortable flow short with no protection.
Materials: Recycled nylon; PFC-free DWR finish, Features: Two drop-in side pockets with snap closures, Two slash front pockets secure with zippers, 7.6 ounces. Whether you're new to hiking or just looking to upgrade your kit, there are a few things to consider when it comes to picking out your next pair of trekking shorts.
I appreciated the merino lining on the waistband and inner lining of the pockets the next-to-skin feel is soft and non-abrasive, and the wool provides breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture management.
The Natural Run Short's material has a slightly thicker feel to it, but I like that for hikes when I'm scrambling up rocks, resting on rocky ground or if I take an unexpected spill.
Off trail, wear them with a baggy t-shirt and slides.
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