Leggings can be just as durable as thick hiking pants for less weight, but they arent quite as breezy as shorts. 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. 
Theyre technically the best shorts on this list, but like most things from Arcteryx, they come with a high price tag. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. The following hiking shorts didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. Great hiking shorts for men stand up against movement, dirt, sand, and mud while keeping me cool. Bug-proofing - To maintain or add bug repellant to your clothing we recommend Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray. If youre hiking in an area with thick brush or where the threat of pests such as ticks is increased, pants are probably the better choice. shorts kuhl rei splash hiking zoom womens The experts say its especially great when hiking shorts have a zippered pouch in the waist or back of the shorts to store things like keys, cash, or cards. 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. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty. That said, we still find these shorts to be exceptionally comfortable - so comfy that we even lounge around in them at home. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Jennifer now lives in the U.S. with her absurdly-unique rescue cat Jim Carrey and a jungle's worth of houseplants. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. 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. Aerotech mesh fabric in the shorts is super lightweight and wicks away sweat super fast. PRETREATED FABRICS/ MAINTENANCE - Some technical clothing comes pretreated with water or bug repellent. We love Title Nine products, and theyve managed to nail fit and style.
Overall, we love these shorts and think theyre some of the best. The Quandaries are pretty lightweight for traditional shorts, but theyre still made with the durability weve come to expect from Patagonia clothing. These lightweight hiking shorts for women are very comfortable on the trail. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. This REI skirt allows tons of breathability and movement, made of a mixture of sustainable nylon and spandex on the front and back and polyester and spandex on the sides. The recycled polyester fabric is treated with DWR and reliably wicks away moisture. Theyre lightweight without the baggy cut you find in most outdoor shorts. We prefer to hike in shorts for most of our adventures since they make it easier to stay cool and allow for a full range of movement. Best of all, theyre comfortable as they have a loose cut that looks fantastic. 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. The CleverHiker team has worn dozens of different shorts on hikes all over the world, so its safe to say weve become experts on the subject over the years. If youre not hiking for miles on end, shorts like these work well into everyday life. Convertible and roll-up pants give you more control over temperature; we tend to prefer roll-ups for their more flattering fit. It is why none of these are those old clunky cargo shorts. And if its warm out, that means youll need a good pair of hiking shorts. That said, we dont like hiking with a bunch of stuff in our pockets anyway. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. We both own a pair of shorts from Topo Designs, and theyre our go-to shorts in the summer. These are a fantastic pair of hiking shorts for women and one of our top picks. There is no need for endless cargo pockets; give us something comfortable to handle the dirt, sand, water, and rock. Two functional deep front pockets are great for holding the essentials and two pockets on the back are the perfect compliment. We love the slimline pockets with zippers that give the practicality of cargo shorts without the ugly style. But heavier shorts may be the better choice for long-term durability. The waistband is 1-inch thick, sits comfortably around the waist, and can still adjust thanks to an inner drawstring. 
They shield you from the elements like pants do, but they dont limit movement because theyre stretchy. HIKING SHORTS WITH A COMFY FLAT WAISTBAND THAT DOESNT PINCH, PROS: Affordable, flat waistband sits nicely under a hipbelt, stretchy, breathable, CONS: Fit is a little tight if you have wider hips, no hand pockets. Finding comfortable, plus-sized hiking shorts that come with important features like quick-drying or UV resistance can be tricky. Because of these downsides, cotton is generally not recommended for outdoor activities. These shorts also offer good sun protection with built-in UPF 50. The experts note that if youre hiking in an area where youre likely to come into contact with ticks, try wearing white or lighter colored clothes so you can spot ticks easily. With two-way stretch, made out of a mix of nylon and elastane, these shorts provide comfort during movement and wick moisture away from the skin. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Quandary Shorts are an awesome value with a great balance of durability and casual style. 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. These shorts come with built-in UPF 50 to block out most of the suns rays. The experts recommend picking shorts with a flat, wide waistband for even pressure distribution. The best hiking bra for you will support your breasts comfortably throughout, Seeking out the best hiking poles? Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. Price: $49 | Material: Recycled Polyester | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Three. I wish these shorts were a little more affordable. These stylish shorts have a secure pocket on each thigh that we find really useful for storing important small items, like a key or an ID. They also offer excellent protection from the sun with built-in UPF 50 protection and anti-stink properties. The biggest complaint is that they arent super stretchy, so that they may restrict your movement a tad bit. These shorts fit loose with a comfortable elastic waist and an inner drawstring to help fit better as swelling and sweating occur. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Here are some of our favorite hiking leggings: The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are super durable & comfy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Price: $69 | Material: 88% Nylon / 12% Spandex | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 9 Ways Trauma-Informed Exercise Is Different, Says an Abuse Survivor-Turned-Trainer, Weekend-Only Workouts Are Just as Effective as Daily Exercise, Says New Study, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. FABRICS MATTER - Synthetic materials are great for outdoor clothing since theyre durable and dont absorb moisture. Home Recommendations Outdoor Gear BEST Hiking Shorts for Women on the Trail. It does have limitations for hiking with a large backpack as you can not access the waistband with a hip belt. The fit is exceptional, and once on, they feel like a glove. Keep in mind that this wont make your shorts completely waterproof, since moisture can still get through the seams. Price: $99 | Material: 87% Nylon / 13% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Two. The shorts have a mesh liner that does a great job at moisture management, keeping you feeling fresh and avoiding chafing. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. 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. Deep patch front pockets and envelope-flap back pockets provide a decent amount of storage functionality. The color options from Topo Designs are great with the Glacier blue or Mustard yellow. The Amphibs are nice looking, but since theyre not stretchy we typically only use them for short, easy hikes. A pair of hiking shorts for men need to be worn comfortably for days. They also come in plus sizes to meet the needs of people with a variety of body sizes. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. They also offer built-in UPF 30 for some sun protection.
When we opt for a pair of shorts, its summertime, and Im likely getting wet. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. I am enjoying the skirt experience, she says. She has been traveling for over 10 years experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. 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. After all, the outdoors is there for people of all shapes and sizes! Of course there are some downsides - its harder to regulate your body temperature in pants, theyre heavier, and they can limit your movement a bit more than shorts. They are also super stretchy containing 14 percent sustainable spandex, quick-drying, have an inner moisture-wicking layer, and offer UPF 50 sun protection. The goal was to select shorts that keep us cool and handle the trail elements like a boss. If youre looking more for a cross between running or biking shorts and hiking shorts, look no further! We got ahold of experts who know exactly what to look for in your hunt for the right hiking shorts for women. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. Skorts, or a skirt exterior with a short interior, offer a wide range of movement. But theyre not very deep - and neither are the hand pockets - so their usefulness is a bit limited. Below are our picks for the best hiking shorts for women. But for day hikes and urban walks, these are some of the most stylish casual hiking shorts on our list. Most notable is the wide waistband that is super comfortable and keeps the shorts in place. Kathryn Van Waes, the executive director of the American Hiking Society, says most workout clothing from almost any brand nowadays has these properties. One of the most comfortable shorts you can hit the trail or climbing wall are the prAna Kanab shorts. 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. When it comes to fit, the experts say whatever feels comfortable is likely a good fit. According to the American Hiking Society, there are some 1,244 National Recreation Trails within the National Trails System in the United States. These 100 percent recycle nylon Patagonia shorts are breathable, moisture-wicking, and water repellent. It absorbs less water than nylon and wicks moisture more effectively. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. No brand is more synonymous with trail running than Salomon, and their Sense shorts are exceptional. 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. 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. Stitching throughout the hiking shorts feels durable and should hold up to long thru-hikes. Four-way stretch is usually more expensive, but its more comfortable and provides a greater range of motion. Many people, us included, have reported having trouble with the fit of these shorts due to the lack of stretch. If youre planning on hiking in very wet or windy conditions, you may want to consider waterproof and windproof shorts. 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. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Adjustment is easy with the drawstring and can help hold the shorts higher. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. These shorts are a bit pricer than others, but they are quick-drying, and breathable, made of 94 percent nylon and 6 percent elastane, and are water-resistant. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. Price: $59 | Material: 62% Organic Cotton | 36% Nylon | 2% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Four. WEIGHT - We look for lightweight clothing thats easy to move in, breathes well, and dries quickly for most of our hikes. Unfortunately, we found the inseam to be a tad too short and the tight fit made them ride up. We found the flat waistband of the Wanders to be one of the most comfy under a hipbelt, and the single pocket keeps the legs bulk-free as well. The material also holds up well with decent moisture-wicking ability, water resistance, durability. If you have more questions or a suggestion, wed love to hear from you! To top things off, these shorts have a flat, wide, low-profile elastic waistband for extra comfort and do not contain an enclosure like a button or Velcro patch that can cause irritation or indentations in the skin. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. For the eco-conscious buyer, these shorts feature a recycled nylon blend. Most shorts dont have as many pockets for storing things either. 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. Notable features on The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Shorts are the wide soft waistband, drawstring cord, and multiple pockets, including a zippered one. PROS: Affordable, breathable, stylish, includes belt, lightweight, CONS: Pockets are a little small, not as durable as some. Price: $69 | Material: 98% Organic Cotton / 2% Spandex | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four.