Best Women’s Hiking Shorts
Ladies, want to enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about the fit of your clothing? Take a look at the best women's hiking shorts you can add to your outdoor clothing.
Ladies, want to enjoy your outdoor adventures without worrying about the fit of your clothing?
Take a look at the best women's hiking shorts you can add to your outdoor clothing. The lightweight and stretchy fabric will move with you wherever you go so that you can feel comfortable and keep focused on the task ahead. Not only do our shorts provide flexibility but they also have built-in protection against rocks, debris, or plant life while maintaining an optimal balance between breathability and durability.
Leave behind bulky trousers or confining leggings - explore the outdoors in style with this range of chic yet practical outdoor gear designs! Finish off any outfit with our wide selection of pockets and zippered pockets for keeping all your essentials close by when needed.
Check out the best women's hiking shorts now to find the perfect pair that fits all your needs from a traditional hiking short design to the best lightweight hiking shorts! With our trustworthy gear advice, you can get ready to embark on your outdoor adventure this summer without having to worry about what clothes you'll wear every time. Don't miss out on comfort and convenience - create your own unique combination for this summer.
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Women’s Hiking Shorts
Womens hiking shorts, just like hiking pants, are designed to offer the perfect balance of durability and comfort. They should be lightweight, breathable, four way stretch, and made from water-resistant materials that can keep moisture out while still allowing your skin to breathe. The best hiking shorts come equipped with multiple hand pockets that provide ample storage options for essential items like keys and a cell phone.
Style is also an important consideration when choosing the right pair of hiking shorts; opt for designs with modern finishes such as drawstring hem, mid rise, high waistline, and even belt loops that look stylish enough to wear both on and off the trail. With their combination of breathable fabrics, lightweight materials, a removable belt, and stylish looks, women’s hiking shorts are designed to help keep you comfortable during long days on the trail by keeping you cool and protected from the elements.
Your hiking adventures will be so much more exciting even if you are casual hiking. Your favorite hiking shorts will give you moisture wicking sun protection and long term durability. And today these versatile shorts are built to your personal preference with inclusive sizing available. A great balance between a stylish look and more protection for a better personal experience.
How We Choose Women’s Hiking Shorts
Hiking shorts are perfect for summer days and warm weather adventures but can be difficult to find a pair that is both comfortable and protects your legs from scratches and other outdoor hazards.
It can be hard to find the perfect hiking short because you want something that is comfortable and provides protection against outdoor hazards. You don't want anything too tight or restricting, but you also need some level of protection against rocks, scree and foliage.
Outdoor Verified offers the perfect solution with our trustworthy gear advice for hiking shorts that have been designed with stretch fabric and a gusseted crotch to provide extra movement and comfort. Use our expertise to help you find the perfect trail shorts.
Keep in mind, we consider the use of the product with features and benefits and THEN price when recommending the best value. We do NOT simply find the least-expensive item out there and suggest it is a good value. The purpose being accomplished reasonably well is always first and foremost.
What we like
Going on an outdoor adventure? The Mountain Hardwear Design Women's Dynama/2 Bermuda was designed with the female explorer in mind! Crafted with a feminine fit, you'll look and feel your best while you tackle any terrain in these womens hiking shorts with pockets. From the grocery store to the backcountry, this bermuda short transitions seamlessly so that no matter where you go, you can wear something stylish and confident.
Take a hike—literally—in these rugged yet stylish shorts that provide both form and function. The stretch factor allows for greater mobility when going over rocks and hills while they retain their shape throughout your travels.
Plus, its moisture-wicking material will help keep sweat at bay even during those especially sweaty hikes. When the temperature rises and bugs come out to play, bonus UPF sun protection will make sure that you stay safe from insect bites as well as UV rays all day long.
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The Mountain Hardwear Women's Dynama/2 Bermuda features a lightweight fabric for added mobility and comfort, UPF 50 to shield you from harsh UV rays, a PFC-free DWR finish so you stay dry no matter the weather, plus an anti-microbial fabric that prevents odors. The flat and wide low-profile stretch waistband ensures extra security while two pocket design gives ample storage space. When your journey comes to an end, simply machine wash on cold to keep it looking like new. Bring on the wild side of life - grab your Mountain Hardwear Women's Dynama/2 Bermuda. Our best overall pick.
What we like
If you love exploring the outdoors but want to hedge your bets and remain in style, then you need the prAna Halle Shorts II. These perfect play shorts have been designed to give you both comfort and confidence while on a hike, camping trip, or other adventure.
With a feminine fit tailored to flatter your figure, you won't want to take them off after your next big trek. And their ReZion™ fabric ensures that they can handle any challenges that come their way — built for all-day endurance.
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The prAna Halle Shorts II combines strength and style with features like vents at each side seam hem, as well as a functional zip fly and updated belly button closure. No more worrying about losing your items with two deep back pockets with flap/snap closures and deeper and more secure front pockets—you’ll feel safe and secure while keeping your hauls close.
The added left coin pocket is convenient for holding small items—like keys! Not to mention, you won't have to worry about sweaty clothes thanks to their moisture wicking properties alongside UPF 50+ sun protection. The prAna Halle ShortsII checks all boxes! Plus, they are made with bluesign® approved materials, which ensures low environmental impact with almost zero chemicals; it's also Fair Trade Certified™ in a factory that's committed to employee health & safety standards.
And lastly, don’t forget that the fabric contains recycled content. With the prAna Halle Short II, you get the perfect combination of fashion and function so you can take on any adventure thrown your way in comfort and style.
What we like
The Arc'teryx Gamma LT Short 9 Women's – designed to be as free and unrestricted as you wanted from your hiking clothing. Versatile, lightweight, and made with Fortius™ DW 2.0 softshell technology that is abrasion resistant, you can trust in your shorts to keep you comfy during any activity.
From granite-clad summits to local trails, these shorts won't let you down. The waistband can be comfortably worn under your harness or hip belt for optimum stability and support no matter what terrain awaits you. These shorts also come with secure pockets, including one easily accessible at the thigh for a convenience that just adds to their streamlined design.
For women who want to hike, camp, or backpack without worrying about uncomfortable restrictions of movement from their clothing this is our top pick for endurance activities like long hikes and trail running.
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These shorts are made with highly breathable, abrasion-resistant, and weather-resistant mid or outer layers with stretch. You'll appreciate the high performance, minimalist design as it will stay put while you're taking on alpine environments and any rock climbing endeavors. Arcteryx's synthetic fibers offer enhanced properties or performance to keep you going forward with ease and security.
No matter if you're out camping, hiking, or backpacking, these shorts will keep up with your wonderful memories of the outdoors. These will even work well as running shorts. The Arc'teryx Gamma LT Short 9 Women's isn't just protective; they look great. Get ready for your next exciting outdoor adventure.
What we like
The Columbia Women's Backcast Water Short is a must-have for serious outdoor adventurers, especially if water is involved. Featuring 100% breathable nylon fabric and a built-in UPF 50 Sun Protection, these shorts offer an unbeatable combination of protection and comfort in a lightweight hiking short.
The Quick Dry technology ensures that you're ready to tackle the next adventure in no time – whether it's hopping on board a boat, kayaking down a fast-moving river, or navigating off-road terrain in these barely baggies. With their slim fit and perfect length, they work well for both land and water activities, you won't have to sacrifice performance with these.
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Crafted from 100% nylon and polyester fabric, they are designed to offer a classic fit while drying quickly to keep you feeling refreshed no matter where your travels take you. The built-in partial wide elastic waistband provides a personalized fit with a maximum range of motion. There is plenty of room in the legs if you have thicker thighs. Plus the handy zipper pocket is perfect for keeping any small items secure as you explore.
Complete your ensemble with the latest in sun protection technology in lightweight material: our Omni-Shade UPF 30 blocks against UVA and UVB rays so you can enjoy being outdoors without fear of sunburns or long-term skin damage! Enjoy the sea and land this summer with the Columbia Women's Backcast Water Shorts.
What we like
Get ready for your outdoor adventures this season with Eddie Bauer Women's Guide Pro shorts. Built for whatever activity you take part in, these shorts are designed to keep you comfortable and protected. The two-way stretch nylon/spandex material ensures durability through even the toughest of outdoor pursuits, and it features a water-repellent finish along with UPF sun protection to keep you safe from all elements.
Plus, Eddie Bauer has teamed up with Bluesign to make sure their textile production is both responsible and sustainable—so you can be sure that no harmful chemicals get near your skin or the environment. These shorts are slightly curvy and sit just below your natural waistline with belt loops just in case for an effortless look that doesn’t compromise performance.
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The Eddie Bauer Women's Guide Pro shorts are crafted from ultra-lightweight yet durable fabric with a touch of spandex. These figure-flattering shorts move with your body so that you'll stay comfortable and covered against nature's elements. The drawstring waistband design ensures a perfect fit every time, allowing room to breathe and even store your essential items in the convenient zip cargo pocket on the left thigh.
Treks don't have to be drab - choose bold colors to brighten up any path and add a bit of flair! Enjoy machine washable convenience and fast-drying materials that keep dirt at bay so that you can keep adventuring all day long.
What we like
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi skort is the perfect choice for any adventurous woman looking to get out and explore more uniquely. Crafted with an ultra-comfortable and performance-focused Ferrosi Fabric, this skort will provide stretchy fabrics comfort and movement mirroring that lets you move freely.
With a UPF 50+ rating, you can head out knowing you're protected from the harsh sunlight on those hot days. Whether you're climbing up a mountain or going for a hike, the Women's Ferrosi Skort has got your back! The distinct style combines flattering construction with outdoor-inspired details for an ultra-fashionable look.
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Designed with performance in mind, this incredible skort features a unique blend of comfort and versatility. It's crafted from water-resistant, wind-resistant, and breathable fabrics to keep you warm and dry on any adventure. Top that off with a pull-on design with an external drawcord waist to keep it in place while exploring or hiking.
Plus, its convenient drop-in hand pockets, back right zippered pocket, and left back pocket make sure all your essentials are within easy reach. So if you're looking for a practical yet stylish way to stand out during your next outing, the Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi Skort just might be what you're looking for.
FAQs For Women's Hiking Shorts
Hiking shorts are perfect for the warmer weather, but it can be difficult to the right balance when it is colder out.
Most people wear hiking shorts because that is what the label says, but knowing which pair really is right for you and your activities can be a challenge.
At Outdoor Verified, we get it and we have your back. Beyond what we have already chatted about, here are some FAQs to help give even more information to make the right choice.
Is hiking in shorts a good thing?
Shorts are a great way to get that feeling of ultimate freedom and coolness on hot summer days, especially when you're going on a low-altitude hike. Your legs are now completely independent, assuming they are free flowing and not tight fitting, but you'll also stay cool and comfy -all the while looking fashionable. Designs can be high waisted, have a wide waistband, include an integrated belt design, be made of synthetic blends, come in shorter inseam lengths, have a cargo shorts design, and built in stretch. So if you're planning to take a seasonal stroll in the great outdoors, be sure to wear your shorts!
How can I look stylish while hiking?
Want to look good on the trail? Here are some great tips for fashionable hikers! Choose hiking boots and shoes over regular sneakers, as they provide better support and traction. Layer up with clothes that are fashionable and functional, from a warm base layer in cooler months to lightweight shirts in warmer weather. Play around with prints like floral or tie-dye for a fun look, but be sure to wear sun-protective clothing when trekking in high-altitude areas. Accessorize your outfit with practical items like hats, bandanas, and sunglasses - but leave jewelry at home as it can be a hassle.
What do ladies wear for hiking?
For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, all you need is an awesome pair of sneakers, shorts, and a medium-support sports bra to get you going. On the other hand, hardcore hikers will require more robust gear such as long pants, waterproof hiking boots, a belt bag, a hiking short, and an insulated water bottle that can last for the entire journey. Make sure you get the women hikng short for summer.
Can I wear bike shorts for hiking?
Spandex clothing is an ideal choice for those long hikes in the wilderness. Spandex bike shorts, capris, and leggings are great for a full range of motion and movement while hiking, plus they sit so snugly to your body that you won't have to worry about any loose fabric accidentally getting snagged on branches or bushes.
What do you wear hiking in 70-degree weather?
When the weather is nice and warm, it's best to opt for a hiking short or hiking pants made from synthetic fabrics - such as nylon, spandex, and polyester - when you're heading out on a hike. If you're looking for maximum convenience and comfort during your trek, you can opt for convertible hiking pants that provide the option of converting the pants into a hiking short as your body temperature rises. Additionally, make sure to choose light, wicking wool or synthetic socks to complete your outfit, as this will help keep your feet comfortable throughout the journey.
What are some other shorts available?
There are a huge variety of shorts out there from REI co op, Nine trails, Trailmade shorts, Kanab shorts, sahara bermuda shorts, to prAna quandary shorts, Freeflex cargo shorts, Patagonia Baggies, and more. They are made with synthetic materials. Some have integrated belts but that's not a deal breaker. The options are almost limitless.
Final Thoughts
With all the available hiking shorts, it can be hard to decide on just one pair. That’s why we have conducted our own research and have put together a fantastic list of the best women's hiking shorts on the market. Whether you're looking for something lightweight, with or without pockets, or something easy to move in, we have you covered.
Find trustworthy gear advice in our suggestions that are stylish so you can look chic as you explore! So don't hesitate: read up on each product below and find out which pair is the best for your needs! Don't miss out—tap on the buttons below each product to check current pricing and availability so you can get your hands on the perfect pair of women’s hiking shorts in no time. BTW...who says you even need just one pair? Happy trails!
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~ Ron
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