Like many Columbia hiking shorts, these also come in plus sizes. Material is not super stretchy, which allows them to hold their shape and resist wrinkles. Style is a strong suit with these pants as they look more casual but offer plenty of performance for most casual users. Comfort, durability, and a well-designed fit usually trump cost in our books, but we recommend quality options for every budget below. Supportive Plus is one brand offering more variety of plus-sized outdoor attire than many other leading hiking brands and designed specifically for extra curves and sizes. Leg pockets - Zippered pockets on the thigh tend to be the most useful in our opinion. Despite having a minimal looking design, they come with two deep pockets in the front, a zip pocket on the left thigh, and a pocket on the back, right-hand side to stash extra gear, snacks, or as Van Waes points out, treasures your kids may come across on the trek. QUICK DRYING CROSS BETWEEN BOARD SHORTS & HIKING SHORTS, PROS: Dries quickly, stylish, inclusive sizing, CONS: Not stretchy, included belt is low quality. It does have limitations for hiking with a large backpack as you can not access the waistband with a hip belt. Navigating the various featureswhen buying hiking shorts for women can be tricky. It absorbs less water than nylon and wicks moisture more effectively. The flat waistband of the Goal Five Excel shorts sits comfortably under a hipbelt.
The best hiking bra for you will support your breasts comfortably throughout, Seeking out the best hiking poles? So here are some of the best hiking shorts for women based on expert advice. Van Waes says pockets or no pockets is a personal preference.
Keep in mind that this wont make your shorts completely waterproof, since moisture can still get through the seams. 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. Here are some of our favorite hiking leggings: The Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are super durable & comfy. BOTTOM LINE: The affordable Wander Shorts from The North Face are minimalist bottoms that fall somewhere between an athletic short and a casual short.
A pair of hiking shorts women for should be able to handle a warm summer day, whether thats running through a rainstorm, climbing over a boulder, or pushing up a hill. It repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and chiggers. Adjustment is easy with the drawstring and can help hold the shorts higher. Best value hiking shorts:Patagonia Quandary & REI Sahara Bermuda, Best budget hiking shorts:Nike Dri-FIT Tempo, Columbia Sandy River Cargo, The North Face Wander & REI Sahara Amphib, Best high-end hiking shorts:Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Nine Trails & Prana Halle II, The classic Patagonia Quandary are a great value because theyre lightweight, durable & versatile.
According to the American Hiking Society, there are some 1,244 National Recreation Trails within the National Trails System in the United States. They also come in plus sizes to meet the needs of people with a variety of body sizes. Learn more about Natasha Alden on The World Pursuit About Us Page. They also offer built-in UPF 30 for some sun protection. If youre planning on hiking in very wet or windy conditions, you may want to consider waterproof and windproof shorts. Nikwax Tech Wash or a gentle detergent, like Woolite, will keep your technical clothing performing better for longer. Black Lives Matter They are lightweight, but they double as a bathing suit if you feel like taking a dip in a lake or need to cross a river. The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish and versatile shorts that dry very quickly. The waistband is 1-inch thick, sits comfortably around the waist, and can still adjust thanks to an inner drawstring. If shorts arent your thing, many hiking gear companies make skirts, or skorts (skirts with built-in shorts), these days. 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. You can also use a gentle detergent, like Woolite. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. 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. Price: $58 | Material: 98% Cotton / 2% Elastane | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. Thanks guy . Price: $40 | Material: 95% Nylon / 5% Elastane | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. If youre not hiking for miles on end, shorts like these work well into everyday life. She is an expert in travel, budgeting, and finding unique experiences. Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. 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. Weight follows in line with comfort and mobility, but if a pair of shorts are heavy and restricting, theyll affect their performance on the trail. Most shorts dont have as many pockets for storing things either. The Nike Dri-FIT Tempos have been our go-to for many years since they're affordable, lightweight, breathable, and they dry very quickly. We recommend our users to update the browser. For added comfort, these shorts have a wide, flat elastic waistband with a drawstring that allows you to get the perfect fit every time you wear them. Patagonias Strider trail running shorts are a great option for hiking. This treatment will maintain breathability while effectively causing water to bead and roll off the fabric. It helps that theyre super comfortable too! Read more Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter. Bug-proofing - To maintain or add bug repellant to your clothing we recommend Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray. Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. The Nine Trails are less billowy, but still plenty breathable and airy for toasty days on trail. 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. Their simple design makes them easy to move in, and despite being lighter than traditional shorts, weve found them to be plenty durable. We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. PRETREATED FABRICS/ MAINTENANCE - Some technical clothing comes pretreated with water or bug repellent. 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. The color options from Topo Designs are great with the Glacier blue or Mustard yellow.
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. But before you hit the trails, whether its for a brisk hike or an epic trek, its important to think about what youre going to wear. These shorts have two side hand pockets and one back zippered pocket for stashing your stuff and any other hiking gear essentials you may want to carry. PROS: Very durable, stretchy, stylish, inclusive sizing, CONS: Runs a bit large, not as comfy under a hipbelt. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. Because of the way nylon is made, it tends to be a bit pricier. jogging BOTTOM LINE: The Patagonia Nine Trails are a close second to our go-to athletic shorts, the Nike Dri-Fit Tempos above. One of the most comfortable shorts you can hit the trail or climbing wall are the prAna Kanab shorts. The Goal Five Excel shorts have four-way stretch, so theyre very easy to move in. Jennifer is a freelance writer and editor who has worked with many online sites, including Medical News Today, Healthline, Scientific American, Audubon, Love Nature, Yale Medical Magazine, and Mongabay. It also highlights one of our biggest complaints about some womens hiking shorts, those dumb little pockets that can even hold a simple pocket knife. 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. Price: $80 | Material: 73% Polyamide, 27% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Waistband. We got ahold of experts who know exactly what to look for in your hunt for the right hiking shorts for women. 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. 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.
Some hiking leggings include a pocket for a phone, but most have no pockets beyond that.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. The style you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference, but these are our favorites in each category. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. boots hiking custom gorkom van trailspace specs boot WEIGHT - We look for lightweight clothing thats easy to move in, breathes well, and dries quickly for most of our hikes. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. We love Title Nine products, and theyve managed to nail fit and style. That said, shorts will leave your skin vulnerable to hazards like scrapes, sunburn, and mosquitoes. Cotton - Cotton is soft and comfortable, but it absorbs water. Make sure you zip all the zippers and tie the drawstrings before washing in a front loader to prevent wear and tear. These materials also make this skort breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
They also offer excellent protection from the sun with built-in UPF 50 protection and anti-stink properties.
These 100 percent recycle nylon Patagonia shorts are breathable, moisture-wicking, and water repellent. If youre looking for a longer hiking short with more protection and a longer fit, this option from Columbia might be your best bet. 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. Unlike many hiking shorts, these also offer stain resistance. Overall, we love these shorts and think theyre some of the best. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. And the breathable, stretchy fabric is also great for long-term comfort and mobility on backpacking trips. Deep patch front pockets and envelope-flap back pockets provide a decent amount of storage functionality. So theyre great for hikers who prioritize comfort and dont want the added bulk of unnecessary pockets. These shorts, which come in sizes 00-3X, tick off almost all the boxes when it comes to expert-recommend features of hiking shorts for women. This one from Prana is made of a blend of elastane, polyester, and nylon without the look or feel of other hiking shorts. After all, the outdoors is there for people of all shapes and sizes! The Baggies have a 5 inch in-seam, and the Barely Baggies have a 2.5 inch in-seam. 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. Fit is around mid/low rise and sits nicely on the hips. We prefer shorts with minimal pockets, because they look more sleek and feel more comfortable. Hang dry when possible - Heat and agitation in the dryer can damage technical fabrics. But heavier shorts may be the better choice for long-term durability. If you liked this list, youll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. The material should be durable, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable. Dont use fabric softener or dryer sheets - Fabric softener and dryer sheets can deposit residue on the fabric and affect the overall performance. 
Most companies seem to opt for nylon or weird fabric blends. She covers all things science, but her passion projects usually relate to the environment, animals, and mental health. Since you arent guaranteed to be washing your clothes every day, nor should you, we look for pants that have good antimicrobial properties. Despite the cotton material, the blend of elastane and relaxed cut keeps the shorts fresh for days on end. The following hiking shorts didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. SHORTS - Hiking shorts are lightweight, cool, and comfortable which is why theyre our first choice for fairweather adventures. The result is a pair of shorts that feel durable, ready for years of hiking.
Wind river part three.
Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, and the Long Trail. 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 super breathable shorts strike the perfect balance between durability and weight. They use a lightweight material that is a blend of Bluesign Nylon and spandex. The great water resistance and mid-thigh cut make them highly versatile. Hiking is more than a fun and exciting pastime, it is also an activity with serious health benefits. It dries very slowly, sticks to the skin and causes chafing when wet, and can be potentially dangerous in cold/wet climates. Besides a hidden stash pocket, these shorts are pretty simple. Van Waes says waterproof and windproof clothing that is also breathable usually come with a higher price tag and more inexpensive versions dont allow airflow. What are the best hiking shorts for women? BOTTOM LINE: Cargo shorts have a tendency to look bulky, but the Columbia Sandy River Cargo are a trimmed down take on utilitarian bottoms. You never know, a pair of these shorts might be perfect for you: Vuori Clementine - Stylish athletic shorts with soft, comfy fabric. 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. No one cares about the thin line created from a pocket. PROS: Durable, good value, stretchy, versatile, lightweight. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
If you think weve missed a product or got something wrong, wed love to hear your feedback. & Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo, Hiking shorts that transition well from town to trail:Prana Halle II, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Columbia Sandy River, REI Sahara Amphib & Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies, The Patagonia Baggies / Barely Baggies are stylish shorts thatre perfect for hiking adventures that include swimming. You arent embarrassed by those trail photos or can run around town after a hike. Whether youre going for a quick jaunt in a city park or setting off for a thru hike, the breathable and durable Ferrosis are a great choice. Price: $69 | Material: 95% Recycled Nylon / 5% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Five. Price: $99 | Material: 87% Nylon / 13% Elastane | Belt: No | Pockets: Two. 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. A material that feels comfortable, light, flexible, and tough enough makes for shorts that move well with your body. Finding comfortable, plus-sized hiking shorts that come with important features like quick-drying or UV resistance can be tricky. When hiking, you spend a lot of time moving uphill with large strides, steps over and under logs, over rocks, through the brush and even scrambling. FABRICS MATTER - Synthetic materials are great for outdoor clothing since theyre durable and dont absorb moisture. 
Always follow the washing directions on the tags carefully, but we outline some general tips below: Use a front loading washer - The agitator in a top loading washer can be hard on seams and can snag zippers or drawstrings. Were lifelong learners and were always open to constructive criticism. Its more a three-season short when combined with hiking leggings or thermals. It lasts about six weeks or six washes before you need to reapply it. Best ultralight hiking shorts:Nike Dri-FIT Tempo, Goal Five Excel & Patagonia Nine Trails, Best lightweight hiking shorts:Columbia Sandy River Cargo, Patagonia Quandary & The North Face Wander, Best heavy-duty hiking shorts:Outdoor Research Ferrosi & Prana Halle II, The Patagonia Nine Trails shorts are ultralight & breathable. PRICE - We think its worth spending a bit more on high-quality clothing that you plan to wear a lot. She has been traveling for over 10 years experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Cotton is terrible at holding up long-term for numerous days without a wash. The Nike Dri-FIT Tempos are made from polyester, which is very durable & dries quickly. These pretreatments arent permanent, and they up the cost. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. Unlike most of the other shorts on this list, these shorts have a firmer waistband with two snaps in the front and an inner drawstring to help get the right fit. The biggest complaint is that they arent super stretchy, so that they may restrict your movement a tad bit. A drawstring keeps the hiking short secure on your hips and remains comfortable underneath a backpack. That said, the Halles wouldnt be our first choice for backpacking, since the button closure and belt loops are less comfortable under a hipbelt. 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. LEGGINGS - Leggings are super comfy and offer more protection than shorts. These high-waisted shorts are flattering and offer plenty of room to move freely no matter the activity. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are a good choice for workout clothes because they wick moisture away from the skin and allow it to pass through the material so it can release into the air. Campaign Zero Kelly Roberts Lane, with Fix It Physical Therapy, says your hiking shorts should have room to enough to move around in easily. Lighter clothing also tends to absorb less heat from the sun. It doesnt impact the shorts too much as theyre minimal. If the pants feel restrictive, its probably one of the most significant negatives. 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? We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. It has plenty of room to move, drys quickly, and is breathable.. The shorts are a reliable pair of hiking shorts that will hold up to years of wear outdoors. Price: $69 | Material: 98% Organic Cotton / 2% Spandex | Belt: Drawstring | Pockets: Four. For colder months, diehard shorts fans can add a good set of base layer bottoms to their layering system to stay toasty. Dr. Lane says she normally hikes in a skirt or skort. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Use a technical fabric wash - We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash for washing any technical fabrics. 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. Price: $69 | Material: 61% Cotton / 34% Nylon / 5% Spandex | Belt: No | Pockets: Five. The pants use a blend of organic cotton to provide a healthy mix of stretch and mobility. Try airing your clothing out first to see if that does the trick before washing. We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. These shorts also offer good sun protection with built-in UPF 50. Its also worth noting that the fabric holds moisture longer than other shorts on this list. Its enough to hold your phone, keys, chapstick, and a small snack. 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 lightweight material of the Nine Trails is a little thin, so they may not be the best choice for trails that include a lot of butt-scooting down rock. We both own a pair of shorts from Topo Designs, and theyre our go-to shorts in the summer. They will have seen everything on the trail at the end of the day. Polyester - Polyester is very durable (although slightly less so than nylon) and naturally hydrophobic. It comes down to comfortable material that moves with your body. Were proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change.