How can we improve GearLab? Additionally, the cut of the legs are roomier, flowing with the legs as opposed to creating points of constriction. Read on to find your new favorite pair of hiking shorts. Even the stretch is minimal for high-stepping, yet the 3-inch inseam helps mitigate this issue.

The Columbia Sandy River Cargo and REI Active Pursuits shorts are both examples of how we celebrate the high value of an item that also doesn't break the bank. A more traditional style includes belt loops and a button/zipper fly closure, like the Skyline Traveler. Having a wider waistband can be more comfortable but can also create a greater pocket of heat around the abdomen. Feature-wise they're fairly standard as well, but they do provide UPF 50+ and they are made with recycled nylon. Breathability is crucial for body temperature regulation. Campaign Zero PROS: Very durable, stretchy, stylish, inclusive sizing, CONS: Runs a bit large, not as comfy under a hipbelt. After researching more than 75 pairs available today, we purchased the best 10 women's hiking shorts for head-to-head testing. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. All trademarks property of their respective owners It's likely the case that shorts not labeled as having explicit UV resistance are below this mark. We determined the second-most important metric to be a combination of venting and breathability. Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies - Very similar to the REI Sahara Amphib Shorts - the Baggies are quick drying board short/hiking short crossovers with a stylish look. Being restricted while trying to high-step, hike up a long incline, or simply walk out and about in a casual setting is a massive strike. Our most popular products based on sales. But these knee-length shorts feel more balanced with just two deep, flat-laying front pockets and two back pockets. We also have critique over the small, almost non-usable stash pocket on the Columbia Sandy River Cargo. We focus on comfort, function, breathability, versatility, and style to rank each model against one another.

Best minimal hiking shorts:Nike Dri-FIT Tempo, Goal Five Excel, Patagonia Nine Trails & The North Face Wander, Hiking shorts with more pockets: Outdoor Research Ferrosi 7 in. The Houdini Wadi is notable for its extra-deep pockets and gusseted crotch, but there isn't much else going on. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. The thicker fabric of the Patagonia Standup isn't the most fluid to move around in and feels bulky around the hips. Water beads extraordinarily well on the DWR coated Patagonia Skyline Traveler. Added perks are sun protection and water resistance. The style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but these are our favorites in each category. The Patagonia Quandary (left) & REI Sahara Amphib (right) shorts have a casual look that works well on trail & in town. Also, be sure to check out our CleverHiker Gear Guide to see all of our top gear picks. We've built an extensive foundation to find the ideal shorts for specific uses and conditions. Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and the Long Trail. here are some links to popular articles: We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and thats one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation. BOTTOM LINE: We love the Ferrosi Pants from Outdoor Research, so we had high hopes for the Ferrosi Shorts - and they didnt disappoint! But for day hikes and urban walks, these are some of the most stylish casual hiking shorts on our list. We recognize that the longer inseam and overall design might not be appealing, but we rather enjoy the look, especially since it offers added sun protection and doesn't impede our mobility whatsoever. 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 Sandy River Cargo is a pair of high-waisted shorts that are breezy and casual. We feel that the balance between design and utility is important to consider, so we weigh in style as well. 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. Style and the total inseam length leave the first impressions, but overall performance matters to us most. This is a tough call and is admittedly subjective. The fabric is breathable, quick-drying, and offers UPF 50 sun protection. The second notable pair was the Patagonia Baggies, also DWR coated. The best hiking shorts will not only keep you comfortable but will be the most functional for your outdoor needs. Some have four-way stretch, which means the fabric stretches crosswise and lengthwise. Of these longer shorts, the Dynama 2 is hands-down the most versatile option. We often find that longer, more traditional hiking shorts can feel like youre wearing an entire toolbox with all of their bulky pockets. The first two models have high breathability and less venting, but they still accomplish excellent temperature regulation for us. Quirky and yet functional, these shorts are technical and easy to move around in. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They perform well for all sorts of adventures, and we highly recommend this Bermuda. Other pairs that don't fare so well here are the Columbia Sandy River Cargo and Patagonia Baggies, which earned average scores for their shorter inseams and baggy nature, which can limit, in our opinion, their varieties of use, season, and style. The Arc'teryx Sabria is another example of a pair with a long inseam (8.75 inches) and slim cut that doesn't restrict movement necessarily but does have some issues with fit. Style might be the only drawback for some people. They tend to be more comfortable on a bike ride, too, and provide more coverage for activities like yoga. All the models utilize synthetic materials, whether it be a hint of spandex with cotton or a durable fabric entirely constructed with nylon. That said, we dont like hiking with a bunch of stuff in our pockets anyway. Sara's background as an outdoor athlete, from setting Fastest Known Times to wandering local trails with friends, has equipped her well to identify the fundamentals and finer points of women's hiking short performance. With flexible fabric and a relaxed fit, the Dynama 2 Bermuda doesn't shy away from activities requiring mobility, such as bouldering, scrambling, or yoga. Overall, shorts with minimal distinctive features, like the REI Active Pursuits or OR Wadi Rum are still quality options. 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. BOTTOM LINE: Hiking can be quite the workout, so we often opt to wear athletic shorts on the trail. When it comes to extra pockets and neat material perks, every pair ends up being unique in its own way. When it comes to sun protection, the majority of the shorts explicitly have UPF ratings from 30-50. Pockets are the most obvious storage feature, and we make sure to critique the quality, depth, and security of the pockets. The versatility is also high when it comes to cross-sport activity due to its baggy, and therefore roomy, nature. The thicker fabric also helps increase the style points for the Alana, as it doesn't scream "I love hiking" as much as other pairs. For example, the Arc'teryx Sabria only has two pockets on the thighs but scores high for sun protection and quick drying time. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. 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. Regardless, the athletic and versatile nature of these shorts is what ranks them near the top. While many of the competitors appear to score the same, there are distinct nuances between them. Some hiking leggings include a pocket for a phone, but most have no pockets beyond that. The Patagonia Baggies have the same issue with the waistband design. We ranked the Nikes higher for their friendlier price point and wider range of size offerings, but where the Nine Trails win out is in their more flattering fit, the inclusion of a zippered back pocket, and the thinner seams on the liner. 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. With an inseam of 9 inches for the size Small we tested, there isn't much to complain about when it comes to comfort. With a variety of inseam lengths, from short to long, we also hope to cater to a wider spectrum of wants and needs, as well as uses beyond purely hiking. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Bug-proofing - To maintain or add bug repellant to your clothing we recommend Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray.

Got feedback? Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. We understand that different age groups might express different preferences, too, especially for inseam length. Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts are great for hiking long distances because theyre ultralight, breathable & comfortable. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. We spent tested and scored them according to metrics we consider to be fundamental, Best for Trail Running and Distance Hikes, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Comfortable, water-resistant, breathable, versatile for general outdoor recreation, Lightweight, breathable, athletic, low price, Minimal water resistance, minimal features, Lack of stretch in waistband, not as comfortable, A versatile and high-performing pair of shorts with subtle styling and deep pockets, A seeming hybrid between hiking and running shorts, these aerobics-focused shorts offer high comfort but no hand pockets, Style and function combine to offer greater versatility, breathability, and high comfort, Functional and fun, these shorts cover all the basics, A very technical pair of long shorts with added style, 86% polyester/14% spandex (liner: recycled polyester | rib: 91% polyester, 9% spandex), Elastic waistband with plastic snap and zipper fly, optional belt, High versatility, comfort, and breathability come together in all the right ways, The minimalist design skips hand pockets, but offers high comfort and breathability, Stylish and functional, with fair breathability and average features, Functional and light activewear for a great price, Techy and ultralight, but the waistband doesn't stretch well, Light, flexible, and comfy except for the integrated belt system, Technical, versatile, and water-resistant but with a too-slim fit, An urban-inspired, highly comfortable option, A stylish and casual option for warm day hikes. After all, the outdoors is there for people of all shapes and sizes! Here, you'll be able to see for yourself what we feel to be top performers and value purchases. We feel the most versatile pairs to be those with longer inseams. The Goal Five Excel shorts have four-way stretch, so theyre very easy to move in. The REI Active Pursuits are a great alternative to the traditional hiking short design. Other notable pairs include the Houdini Wadi, Prana Alana, and REI Active Pursuits, all made with synthetic blends, such as nylon and elastane or polyester and spandex. With flexible and elastic fabric, they allow for endless movement, yet the waistband itself hardly stretches at all, creating frustration with pulling them over larger hips. Their baggier fit around the legs creates ample room for ventilation. True to size and ultralight, these shorts are nice to move around in and fun to wear. This Mountain Hardwear design is easy to move around in and the fabric is gentle and stretchy. The Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 Bermuda is an excellent value as well, since it provides top-shelf performance while being priced in the middle of the pack. Most shorts dont have as many pockets for storing things either.

The Sabria from Arc'teryx provides. Baggy style might not be appealing to some. Although they appear thick and even denim-like, they actually breathe fairly well. We wore each model all day to get a well-developed notion of their relative comfort. They shield you from the elements like pants do, but they dont limit movement because theyre stretchy. There are so many nuances when it comes to this metric. Only wash when you really need to - A lot of technical fabrics are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldnt hold odors. We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. So, we consider how performance might be affected by a lack of venting or of having highly breathable fabric, which will only lead to discomfort. The Nine Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty. No fear, the Sabria dries quickly. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and self-described gear nerd. 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. Design features we've come across include a gusseted crotch, drawstring closure, button closure, and a contoured waistline. 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. By far, they are the most comfortable and flexible pair of shorts in our test group due to the soft, flexible material. The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish and versatile shorts that dry very quickly. BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Nine Trails are a close second to our go-to athletic shorts, the Nike Dri-Fit Tempos above. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose the Best Hiking Shorts for Women. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. STYLE - Some folks like shorts with a plethora of useful pockets, some look for a pair that transitions well from town to trail, and others want a minimal pair thats light and airy. SHORTS - Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable which is why theyre our first choice for fairweather adventures. Nylon - Nylon is an exceptionally durable synthetic fabric that dries quickly. This comparison of women's hiking shorts is brought to you by OutdoorGearLab Review Editor Sara Aranda. The Patagonia Skyline Traveler is the most restrictive out of our testing group, but they still stretch well nonetheless.

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