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Best Hiking Shorts

Best Hiking Shorts


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Your hiking shorts are a crucial piece of gear to staying comfortable on your next adventure. From keeping cool as you work hard during that tough ascent to providing essential ventilation on those hot days, the best hiking shorts will be comfortable, durable, and seamlessly move with you through every step, scramble, and potential end-of-day swim that your adventure entails. In fact, nearly all Wildland hiking vacations include a good pair of shorts on the packing list for all these reasons, no matter if you’re heading out to the desert on our Utah hiking tours or conquering mountains on our Olympic National Park hiking tours.

But how are you supposed to find the best hiking shorts for your adventure? Not to fret! We’ve done all the research and testing for you already. Simply read on for our top hiking shorts recommendations, along with buying advice as you begin to expand your hiking wardrobe.

If you’re more interested in full-length hiking pants, take a look at our roundup of the best hiking pants on the market.

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QUICK LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Honorable Mentions

KEY CONSIDERATIONS for the best hiking Shorts

Material and Thickness

As with most hiking legwear, the primary materials we’ll see in the best hiking shorts are synthetic nylon and/or polyester. These materials offer a good balance of durability, quick drying, and moisture-wicking capability. We’ll see some shorts that opt for a thicker design with a tough, burly feel that is designed to take a beating on the trail – this option tends to be heavier and feel a little more “stiff” than other options, but they’re very durable and tend to include a plethora of pockets.

Meanwhile, thinner hiking short options will feel more flowy and often include a smattering of elastane or spandex thrown in for a little stretch. We’ve found the extra stretch to be very helpful on the trail to not limit your range of motion and allow you to scramble with ease when the need arises. Additionally, hiking shorts with thinner material are more quick drying, making them ideal if you get caught in a surprise rain shower or decide on an impromptu river or lake swim.

Warmth/Climate

Hiking shorts are fantastic for the trail during warm or hot days as they keep you cool and comfortable even when working hard. However, it’s important to think about your legwear for cooler days or in the evenings when the temperatures start to drop. It’s for these reasons that we don’t recommend your hiking shorts to be your only legwear for your hiking trip.

In addition to your shorts, consider bringing along long underwear/wool bottoms to stay nice and warm while sleeping (especially in the backcountry), or a pair of full-length hiking pants that you can throw on if the temperature drops.

Fit

The industry has been moving away from the bulky and baggy cargo style of hiking shorts and has instead been focusing on a more athletic fit with gussets and elastic materials to ensure top performance and range of motion. Within this criteria, however, we’ll still see some variation in fit and style, and we highly recommend trying on a few pairs to get a feel for the type of shorts that will work best for you.

The most variation in the type of fit for hiking shorts can often be found in the waist. Here, we see everything from a simple elastic band (like running shorts), to a string cinch, to a built-in belt. Think about your preference in this category and try on every type if you’re unsure of what you want.

Inseam Length

The best hiking shorts come with a range of inseam options – where the inseam refers to the length of the seam that runs from the crotch to the bottom of the leg. In other words, the inseam is the length of the shorts. In this category, we often see options from 12 inches. (which sit at about knee-length) and working upward to 10, 7, and 5 inches that incrementally sit higher and higher on the thigh.

Everyone has their own preference for inseam, so once again, try on a few options to get a feel for what works for you if you’re unsure of what length to opt for. Additionally, it’s worth remembering that longer inseams tend to provide more protection from the sun, bugs, and branches/rocks, while shorter inseams allow for improved freedom of movement and ventilation.

Pockets

Some hikers love a lot of pockets to store snacks, maps, and other items in, while others prefer to move light and fast with minimal pockets. Luckily, the outdoor industry caters to both tastes, and you’ll see plenty of options with cavernous pockets and others with a much more streamlined approach. The main differentiator that we’ll see is shorts that include large thigh pockets and those that don’t. Additionally, back pockets can range from two to just one or none for the more lightweight options.

So think about how you like to hike and if you like to have a lot of items accessible, and decide on what type of hiking shorts will work best for you.

UPF Ratings

We’ll occasionally see hiking shorts with their own UPF protection – which measures the material’s ability to block UV sun rays. Having UPF-resistant shorts increases their longevity since the material will resist sun damage and also protect your leg from harmful sun rays.

However, the sun protection offered by hiking shorts only runs as far as its coverage. This means that your lower legs are still exposed to the sun, and you’ll need to consider applying sunscreen to this area if your shorts have a good UPF rating.

Price

The best hiking shorts will typically range from about $40 to $100, depending on features and brand. Therefore, there’s plenty of opportunity to opt for a more budget-friendly pair of hiking shorts that will still perform well in the backcountry if you’re concerned about cost. Conversely, if you know you’ll use your hiking shorts often and also know exactly what you need, then it may be worth spending a little extra to get the precise pair of hiking shorts that you want.

Outdoor Research Ferrosi

Best Hiking Shorts Overall

PROS: Light and stretchy design – Excellent range of motion – Durable – Built-in belt on some models

CONS: Pricey – Less pocket storage space than other options

LOOKING CLOSER: The Ferrosi shorts from Outdoor Research embody several of our most valued features as we look for the best hiking shorts on the market. Most importantly, they include a generous amount of spandex to provide an ultra-comfortable and flexible feel that won’t hold you back on the trail yet manage to stay remarkably durable and hardwearing at the same time. What’s more, the belt-in belt on some of the models is reliable and low profile, eliminating the need for bringing a more bulky belt of your own. We’re also particularly fond of the fact that the Ferrosi is available in a number of inseam lengths with both men’s and women’s specific models. These shorts boast a streamlined and casual fit that makes them well-suited for around town in addition to tough backcountry adventures, and if you’re willing to pay a premium-level price, these shorts are likely to be a fantastic addition to your hiking wardrobe.

View At Outdoor Research

7″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’s

View on REI.com

7″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’s

View on Backcountry.com

7″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’s

Patagonia Baggies

Best Quick Drying Hiking SHorts For Water Activities  

PROS: Loose, relaxed fit for good range of motion – Very quick drying – Made from 100% recycled fishing nets – Mesh-lined pockets for good drainage – Fun color options

CONS: Baggy fit may not be for everyone – No thigh pockets

LOOKING CLOSER: The Patagonia Baggies are a reliable and versatile short option that will perform well for any number of outdoor activities (not just hiking). Most notably, the 100% nylon design is very quick drying, making these shorts ideal if you plan on hiking in wet conditions or if you’re hiking near water and anticipate plenty of refreshing swims. Indeed, the Baggies are designed with swimming in mind and include mesh pocket liners for easy drainage and faster drying. Since they’re 100% nylon, the Baggies don’t have any inherent stretchiness; instead, these shorts have a relaxed and – as the name implies – baggy fit that allows for plenty of leg movement without feeling constricting. Some hikers may find this loose fit somewhat off-putting, however, so it’s worth being aware of before purchasing. But the Patagonia Baggies’ versatile and durable build, combined with plenty of fun color options and the fact that they’re crafted from recycled fishing nets, makes them some of the best hiking shorts in our book.

View At Patagonia

5″ Inseam – MEN’S7″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s2.5″ Inseam – Women’s

View on REI.com

5″ Inseam – MEN’S7″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s2.5″ Inseam – Women’s

View on Backcountry.com

5″ Inseam – MEN’S7″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s2.5″ Inseam – Women’s

Prana Stretch Zion II (Men’s) And Halle II (Women’s)

Best Hiking Shorts For Fit Options 

PROS: Integrated belt (for men’s) – Thick, sturdy design – Nice features – Skort option

CONS: Finicky button design – Material thinner than previous iterations

LOOKING CLOSER: Prana has done a lot of work the make the Stretch Zion II and Halle II shorts a well rounded option for the trail with a healthy balance of features and function. The nylon-elastane blend offers decent durability for hiking (more on this below) while providing a comfortable, stretchy, and breathable feel that works fantastically while racking up miles. We’re also very pleased with all the sizing options here with three inseam lengths for both men’s and women’s version plus an extra skort option for women. Within these sizing options, we also have an integrated belt for the men and a classic button closure or elastic waist for the women’s options. One interesting feature we’d like to highlight in the thigh cargo pocket on the Zion II for which Prana adopted a unique dual-access design, and this approach may be convenient for some and a nuisance for others, so keep that feature in mind.

For the latest iteration released this year, we have some very important updates to discuss. First and foremost, Prana switched to fully recycled nylon for these shorts along with trying to make the material thinner/lighter without sacrificing durability. To us, it seems that the Zion II and Halle II are definitely lighter and move fantastically on the trail, but they’ve certainly lost some of that bombproof feel that they used to have. Don’t get us wrong, the material is still great for hiking and comparable to the competition, but it used to be in a class of its own for durability and we’ve downgraded that distinction due to the updates – but conversely, the range of motion and breathability have improved. Lastly, Prana has introduced a new button that some find very finicky to use while closing the shorts. This is a minor gripe but worth considering.

View on REI.com

8″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s12″ Inseam – Men’s

3″ Inseam – Women’s5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’sSkort – Women’s

View on Backcountry.com

8″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s12″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s

REI Sahara Shorts

Best Classic Cargo Shorts

PROS: Excellent storage – Durable build – Decent price

CONS: Baggy fit may not be for everyone

LOOKING CLOSER: If you’re a fan of the classic cargo short style, then the REI Sahara hiking shorts may be for you. The cavernous thigh pockets provide plenty of room to stash anything you may need, and the baggy fit helps provide a decent amount of ventilation on those warmer hikes. Of course, the baggy fit isn’t for everyone, and folks who want a more athletic cut may be more interested in our other recommendations. But if cargo shorts are for you, then the recycled material, accessible price, and solid build of the REI Sahara make them some of the best hiking shorts out there.

View on REI.com

MEN’S Women’s

REI Sahara Convertible

Best Convertable Hiking Shorts

  • best hiking shorts rei convertible MSRP: $79.95
  • MATERIAL: 96% Recycled Nylon – 4% Spandex
  • WAIST:
  • VARIATIONS:

PROS: Versatile zip-off pant legs – Good price – Durable

CONS: Zip-off design is an acquired taste

LOOKING CLOSER: While less popular these days, convertible hiking pants still provide extreme versatility on the trail. Being able to quickly transition from pants to shorts and back again can be very helpful for staying comfortable during changing temperatures or different types of hiking. The REI Sahara convertibles offer this excellent versatility at an approachable price point with causal, loose-fitting pants for cooler weather and classic cargo shorts for warmer conditions. Now, we know that some hikers may scoff at the idea of zip-offs these days, but the convenience is truly fantastic on the trail – as we learned during our testing among the Nicaraguan volcanos.

View on REI.com

MEN’SWomen’s

Honorable Mentions

Best Hiking Shorts

Kuhl Renegade Rock (Men’s) and Freeflex (Women’s)

Best Hiking Shorts for Durability

PROS: Good DWR Coating – Very durable – High quality – UPF 50 rating

CONS: Fewer inseam length options

LOOKING CLOSER: For a durable build that will last season after season, we are never disappointed by Kuhl’s products. In this case, the men’s Renegade and women’s Freeflex shorts provide remarkable toughness with a material blend that preserves a good amount of stretchiness while maintaining a noticeably burly and robust build. These shorts are truly built for tough outdoor adventures, and we greatly appreciate that Kuhl was able to accomplish all these features yet still present the Renegade and FreeFlex shorts with an athletic and streamlined cut as opposed to a more baggy cargo short approach.

The latest iteration of these shorts for the new year have some major shifts from previous years. Most notably, Kuhl cut the number of pockets down from eight to an easy to manage four. Overall, we welcome the change (along with some material updates) as all the previous pockets may have been over the top or gratuitous for some hikers. That said, hikers who want lots of pocket space to keep their essentials close while hiking may be disappointed by the change. But overall, the Renegades and FreeFlex are trending to a trim, robust, and reliable pair of shorts that are easily among the best hiking shorts on the market, in our opinion.

View at REI.COM

7″ Inseam – MEN’S9″ Inseam – Men’s

8″ Inseam – Women’s

Patagonia Quandary

PROS: Comfortable – Gusseted crotch for improved movement – Casual design

CONS: Expensive – Lacks the “premium” feel of other options

STRAIGHT TALK: We like almost everything about the Quandary shorts from Patagonia. They’re very comfortable and have a superb range of motion thanks to the spandex-blend and gusseted crotch. The pocket design is also spacious without being overwhelming, which also helps the Quandary Shorts’ overall casual look (making them great for travel or around town). Our only complaint is that we wish these shorts came in more inseam length to provide a greater range of options.

The latest version of these shorts closely follow their predecessors with a solid design that’s both casual yet functional. The material was slightly updated this year to provide extra durability and to ensure that 100% of the nylon used in these shorts comes from recycled sources. The price was sadly increased as well, but the Patagonia Quandary still offers some of the best hiking shorts out there, in our opinion.

View At Patagonia

8″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’s

View At REI.Com

8″ Inseam – MEN’S10″ Inseam – Men’s

5″ Inseam – Women’s7″ Inseam – Women’s

 

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More Information About Hiking Shorts

What About Running Shorts? 

Many folks on the trail prefer the minimalist approach of running shorts for their hiking adventure, but what are the pros and cons of this choice?

Well, running shorts – by necessity – are extremely lightweight and breathable. Therefore, they’re an excellent choice for staying cool and working hard during tough hikes. What’s more, thanks to their lightweight design, running shorts also tend to dry very quickly. In fact, many hikers opt for lightweight running shorts for hiking in the rain instead of putting on rain pants since it eliminates overheating in those heavy pants since the shorts dry so quickly after the rain has stopped.

For downsides, we have two that are worth noting. First, running shorts have very limited pocket space. So folks who like to have items or snacks within reach during a hike may find running shorts lacking in this regard. Second, their extremely lightweight design lessens running shorts’ durability. This makes them susceptible to tears and abrasions – especially when scrambling over rough rocks.

So with these points in mind, it’s clear that running shorts can certainly be a solid choice for hiking in some circumstances. Therefore, think about the adventures you have ahead, along with your personal preferences, to see if they may be a good fit for you.

Why Trust Us?

Choosing the right outdoor gear and apparel can be difficult. But at Wildland Trekking, we live and work with hiking gear every single day. It’s an integral part of what we do, and we understand better than anyone how important it is to have the right equipment. In addition to our vast knowledge of backpacking gear, we also offer:

  • Independence – our recommendations are not influenced by partnerships or sponsorships with outdoor gear and apparel manufacturers.
  • Experience – as one of America’s top guide companies, we take 8,000-10,000 people on hiking and backpacking tours annually. Since our inception in 2005, we have guided more than 75,000 people into the wilderness.
  • Cutting Edge Knowledge – we regularly attend trade shows and pay close attention to the leading edge of new developments.
  • Up To Date Recommendations – we update our recommendations regularly as new products are developed and released.
  • Dedication to our Readers – we know that the gear we select as our top picks will end up in the field with our readers, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We view our readers as guests on our guided trips, just without the guides. We are committed to helping you be as well-outfitted and prepared as possible for your adventures.

*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. At no cost to you, we earn a commission on any products purchased through these links. Any proceeds go to supporting our blog and operations. These affiliate links do not influence the products that we include in our gear round-ups. We only recommend products that we 100% support and that we have used in the field. 

More Gear Recommendations

Check out our Wildland Gear Guide for more recommendations about hiking, trekking, camping and outdoor gear. We are always adding new products to help our guests and readers make the best choices to outfit their adventures.