Many shorts will also add a durable water repellant finish to keep water from penetrating the fabric, but keep in mind that this can degrade over time. But the Halle certainly wins out for casual usewe wear our pair just as much around town as we do on the trail.See the prAna Halle II Short 5" See the prAna Halle II Short 7". And finally, while the front pockets are reasonably deep, the back pockets are too small for a smartphone (not to mention that the flaps get in the way), and the shorts dont feature any zippered storage. The Topo Designs Dirt Shorts for example, are made with 98-percent cotton, a rarity these days in outdoor clothing. plus-size version, too). They can withstand light moisture and stains, making them a great pick for brisk mornings on the trail, and they have pockets, so you'll be able to store a few essentials that are too much of a hassle to reach for in your hiking backpack. We wore the Quandary shorts on a four-day trek through Patagonias Ro Elctrico valley and were impressed with their mobile and quick-drying nature: After soaking the shorts on a river crossing, they were completely dry in just 20 minutes. In 2022, the line between trail runners and hiking shoes is growing increasingly blurry,and for good reason. Choose between camo and smoky blue. Over the years, REI Co-op has vastly improved their in-house offerings, and their Sahara Bermuda shorts are case in point. The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda checks all of the boxes better than most, with lightweight fabric that dries quickly after a dousing, two deep hand pockets and zippered stashes on the rear and thigh, and a modest 9-inch inseam. Whether youre looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka Lets face it: it rains, and sometimes it pours. The Quandary is a great option for women looking for standard hiking-short fare (complete with your choice of drab colorways), andlike most of Patagonias offeringstheyre well built and feature high-quality materials. Whats more, the bulky drawstring will cause pressure points under a backpack hipbelt, and its sewn-in design makes it a pain to remove. Any of these options will help you stay dry and comfy. Don't miss a story! We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Todays offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs to casually minded numbers that look the part both on and off the trail. BALEAF's shorts are made of 74% nylon and 26% Spandex, making them stretchy and they won't chafe. Inseams: 2.5 , 5 in.Materials: 100% nylonWaist: Elastic & drawcordWhat we like: Fun styling; quick-drying fabric is great for hiking and water-based activities.What we dont: Storage is lacking and fit doesnt work for everyone. Inseam: 6, 9 in.Materials: 88% nylon, 12% elastaneWaist: Snap/built-in belt &flyWhat we like: Premium fit and finish, highly durable, functional storage.What we dont: Expensive and too thick for hot weather. On the other hand, thicker synthetic shorts or those with more added stretch (for example, the Arc'teryx Gamma LT and TNF Motivation High-Rise) tend to absorb more water, and cotton is the worst culprit of all. Further, it lacks the airy and free-flowing feel of synthetic blendsyou wont want to wear these on particularly hot days. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. Inseam: 3.5 in.Materials: 95% nylon, 5% spandexWaist: ElasticWhat we like: Extremely comfortable and free-flowing; large front zip pockets fit a smartphone.What we dont: Minimal coverage and youll likely need to size down. Like the Baggies, they feature a stretch-free design that prioritizes moisture wicking, and their deep hand pockets are lined with mesh for quick draining. However, we werent huge fans of the waistband designgetting it over our hips required a lot of wiggling and pulling (similar to our experience with the Patagonia Baggies)although the shorts did fit quite well once on. Most of the hiking shorts above will dry out fairly quickly in warm and sunny conditions, but thin, nylon designs are the best tool for the job, including the Patagonia Baggies and REI Sahara Amphib. Shorts like the Patagonia Baggies and Outdoor Research Ferrosi also build a strip of elastic into their waistbands, but theyre overall less sleek and fitted than the panel-like designs seen in more modern offerings. But we do have a few gripes, including storage, comfort, and fit. With a 10-inch inseam, the Freeflex Cargo are the longest shorts on this list, which translates to protection from the elements and a modest fit for a range of body types (the shorts are available in 11 sizes from 0 to 22). Finally, with short inseams and minimal fabric, running shorts will do little to protect your legs from the elements, including the sun, wind and cold, pesky bugs, and sharp branches. But the upside is that the Topo Designs is impressively comfortable and stylish, which is all some hikers need for casual days on the trail. in ten sizes from 0 to 18. You get an elastic waistband along with a built-in belt, and in our opinion, the 4-inch inseam provides a nice middle ground between the 5-inch Baggies and shorter options here. They're lightweight, don't restrict mobility, and even better, come in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes. Scarpas new Rush collection No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. Inseam: 10 in.Materials: 100% polyesterWaist: Snap/drawcord& flyWhat we like: An inclusive hiking short with modest coverage and a range of sizes from 0 to 22.What we dont: Dated styling and fabric; pockets are difficult to access. That's quite the job description, and yet shes pulling it off, brush stroke by brush stroke. For years, the Baggies have been our short of choice for hot-weather hiking and guiding, namely due to their fun vibe and quick-drying design. Further, the side-seam pockets are massive and positioned perfectly, and you get two stylish rear pockets, too. But youd be hard pressed to find a more durable and functional hiking short, making the Gamma LT the crme de la crme for mountain-goers, guides, and outdoor professionals looking for a premium daily driver. Pants generally offer more storage as well, don't bunch up when worn underneath a harness, and can guard against debris getting into your hiking shoes or boots. See the Athleta Trekkie North Shorts. In general, cotton lacks the durability and mobility of nylon or polyester, and unlike the synthetic blends it absorbs water, meaning its not as quick-drying and can get heavy when wet. Regardless of the style, most hiking-specific shorts feature durable, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics, functional storage, and a customizable fit at the waist. They're also the best option if you're mixing in a little running with your hiking: with less fabric overall, shorts won't weigh you down as much as pants, and you won't have to deal with the legs brushing up against each other with each stride. Like hiking pants, we recommend trying on a number of shorts before you buy, but to assist online shoppers we make sure to call out sizing and fit discrepancies in the write-ups above. Made with stretch-infused cotton, the Vuori are high on comfort and maintain an easy-breezy casual appearance, but a Teflon finish adds durability and stain resistance. Finally, some shorts use a drawstring at the waist, which allows you to get a good fit but does add some extra bulk near the belly button. Another issue we have is regarding the thigh pockets, which are too shallow for our iPhone 11 (over a third of it pokes out). Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. It all adds up to a comfortable and stylish design for hot-weather hikes. Many reviewers say that fit comfortably at the waist and are very happy with their new shorts. A run through a hiking trail is one tough (but super fun) workout. We don't recommend these for long treks or climbing, especially in climates where rain can be spontaneous. And in 2022, the Baggies are now made with Patagonias NetPlus fabric, which is constructed completely from recycled fishing nets. And it's also worth noting that there are some exceptions to these rules: The Vuori Ripstop Shorts (98% cotton), for example, feature a strong Teflon coating for tear and stain resistance that far exceeds most cotton designs. Second, while the thin fabric excels in terms of mobility and breathability, it lacks the premium feel of offerings from Patagonia and Arcteryx (our shorts have already started to pill). But if you can nail the fit, its hard to find fault with the Ferrosi fabric, which moves well with your body and will stand the test of time.See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts 5" See the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts 7". Tack on a full set of pockets (including secure zippered storage at the rear and on the leg) and an adjustable elastic waistband, and the Vuori Ripstop shorts are the full package both on and off the trail. Finally, Vuori only offers the shorts in five sizes from XS to XLif youre looking for a more inclusive size range, its worth checking out the Athleta Trekkie North or prAna Halle II above. And finally, fit can be difficult for women with hourglass shapes (the shorts are a pain to pull on and narrow in the hip region), although the newest version does offer some improvement with a higher rise. Inseam: 9 in.Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandexWaist: Button/drawcord & flyWhat we like: Quick-drying, traditional hiking short design; available in 14 sizes.What we dont: Not particularly durable and will stretch out in between washings. The Patagonia Baggies are just about as classic as it gets. But youd be hard pressed to find a more functional and protective short for warm days on the trail, earning the Abisko Midsummer Shorts a spot on our list.See the Fjallraven Abisko Midsummer Shorts. But we do love the comfort they provide, and think that hiking shorts should take some tips from running shorts when it comes to simple yet comfortable waistbands and free-flowing designs. Further, the Baggies are a little stiff and tend to ride up around the crotch (we find that were often pulling ours down), and the elastic waistband isnt as comfortable as sleeker designs like the Dynama/2 above. But the Dynama/2 Bermuda isnt ideal for every woman on the trail, for a few key reasons. No short is perfect, and if the Baggie fits, its a wonderful and quick-drying companion for hot days both on the trail and in town.See the Patagonia Baggies Shorts See the Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts. Like the rest of their apparel, Columbia puts comfort first in their women's hiking shorts. However, this style of hiking short wont appeal to everyone, especially when a stylish design like the prAna Halle above offers similar performance. For more information, see our buying advice and comparison table below the picks. Tack on a long 9.5-inch inseam and some of the best pockets here (including one with a nice snap closure), and the Abisko Midsummer Shorts are high on both utility and style. These span from the Patagonia Barely Baggies (2.5 in.) Notably, the shorts are also built with a wide, stretchy waistband, which slides smoothly over our hips (some elastic waistbands are painstakingly hard to get on) and does a great job keeping the shorts in place while minimizing bulk and pressure points under a backpack hipbelt. Regardless of which model you choose, youre getting a durable short with a bit more heft than thinner models like the Dynama/2 and Sahara Bermuda above. On the other hand, shorts are by far the more ventilated choice, and their more minimalist design dries out quickly after getting wet. Get them in an XS-3X. Most hiking shorts check in around $60 to $70, so you know the Gamma LT Short must have something different up its sleeve. Notably, the Ferrosi shorts are available in two different stylesthe 5- and 9-inch models have an elastic waistband with built-in belt, while the 7-inch design has a more traditional button and fly closure with internal drawcord. Theres certainly no rulebook on hiking attire, and in 2022, women take to the trail in everything from running shorts and high-waisted biker shorts to quick-drying water-ready designs. In our experience (weve worn the women's pants and men's shorts), the Ripstop fabric is impressively tough and decently water-resistant, too. See the Patagonia Quandary Shorts 5" See the Patagonia Quandary Shorts 7". They're made of Spandex and nylon and feature UPF 50+ sun protection to keep your skin safe from harmful sun rays. But if the Sabria fits (were looking at you, women with narrow hips), its a premium and comfortable hiking short thats built to last. You want breathable shorts that are comfy, stretchy, and most of all, you need shorts that won't chafe. The hand pockets arent attached to the legsmeaning the contents can hang below the hemand aside from the key loop theres no security for essentials like a wallet or phone (by contrast, REIs similar Sahara Amphib has a rear zippered pocket). The rest of the Sabria follows a similarly streamlined formula, with a notably trim fit and 8-inch inseam, hidden thigh pockets with zips, and lightweight stretch-nylon fabric that repels water and dries extremely quickly. For those who like the idea of hiking in a running short, there are a few designs that stand out to us as more capable than others. Finally, it doesnt hurt that Arcteryxs offerings are reliably well fitting, and the Gamma LT (which comes in both 6- and 9-in. Ideally, we want a pair of shorts to be able to fit a smartphone in at least one of its pockets, and secure items like a key or chapstick in a zip pocket. For just $55, you get a stylish waistband, compressive fit throughout, and two generously sized thigh pockets that fit everything from your phone and wallet to a small camera. Added up, the Dynama/2 Bermuda is the most well-rounded short weve tested for hikers who prioritize both comfort and performance. Athleta is a major player in yoga and athleisure wear, and their Trekkie North Short takes that know-howto the trail. But the Quandary is nevertheless a durable and functional option for just $59, and Patagonia offers two inseams (5 and 7 in.) Unfortunately, these features arent always present; if storage is important to you, youll have to shop discriminately. Many designslike our top-ranked Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda and prAna Halle IIalso incorporate a small amount of built-in stretch via elastane (spandex), which is a real boon for everything from high-stepping over logs to setting up camp. If you're looking for the best performing and longest-lasting tool for the job, hiking shorts are a great place to start. to the KUHL Freeflex Cargo (10 in.). A final note on sizing: We wear a size extra small in the Dynama/2 pants, but found that a small fit us best in the shorts.See the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda. Our favorite hiking shorts are durable, breathable, and quick-drying, offer great fit and mobility, feature a range of storage options, and look good too. But for casual outings and mild summer days, high-waisted biker shorts can certainly lend a stylish flair without giving up much in the way of performance.See the TNF Motivation High-Rise Pocket Shorts. We appreciate the look, but similar to the Ferossi above, the buckle is unnecessary when combined with the snug elastic waistband, and we found it rather cumbersome to operate (others have reported it breaking or coming off in the wash). We'll be honest: you'll often catch us wearing running shorts while hiking. The added give and thickness also makes these shorts among the most durable here, great for brushing up against rock and branches, sitting on rough surfaces, and withstanding the wear and tear of a heavy backpack. Given that the topic of pockets and storage is so important to us, we make sure to call it out in the write-ups above. One customer said she was hiking in these shorts when a thunderstorm came in and they repelled water and kept her cool all summer long. Considering the factors above, one of the most durable shorts here is the Arc'teryx Gamma LT, which features a stretchy and relatively thick softshell fabric. The shorts are built with a combination of Fjallravens G-1000 Air Stretch fabric (35% cotton) and contrasting panels of polyester, resulting in a surprisingly lightweight design that offers the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and moisture wicking. We tested the 5-inch Ferrosi Shorts, which comes in six fun colorways and six sizes from XS to XXL (the same design comes in a 9-in. Read more about us. Oftentimes, we'll bring shorts for the hiking portion of our day, but pack a pair of pants for our destination, whether it's a climbing route, a campsite, or an exposed mountaintop. In almost every case, we prefer the sleekness of the latter styles over the bulkiness of an added belt. Priced at $60 and available in 14 sizes, the Sahara Bermuda is an excellent all-rounder that gets the job done for women looking for a functional and modest short for summer adventuring. The prAna Halle Short II is a shoo-in for this pick, featuring a nice balance of trail-ready features alongside a stylish look (offered in four modern colorways and two lengths), traditional zip fly and button closure, and a modest mid-rise waist that lends great coverage for high-stepping over boulders or bending over while setting up a tent.