Like your favorite pair of trail trousers, the best hiking shorts can help shield against weather, protect your skin from abrasions, wick away moisture and stow all your must-have pocket-sized hiking gear (like a map, lip balm, keys and GPS device) for easy access when you’re in the great outdoors.
But like an uncomfortable pair of hiking boots, the wrong shorts can transform an otherwise perfect outdoor outing into a painful slog, whether it’s because of chafing or flimsy, cheap materials. So we asked experienced hikers for their favorite trail shorts, along with what they look for when they’re shopping for their next pair.
What to look for in hiking shorts
“Like every piece of gear you wear or use when hiking, first and foremost you want to find what you are comfortable with,” says Maggie Peikon, manager of communications at the American Hiking Society. That said, Peikon says that all hikers should pay attention to a few things, namely fit, features, material and length.
When it comes to fit, the best pairs of hiking shorts will be — no surprise here — comfortable. Shorts that ride up, fall off, chafe or keep you wet in stormy weather are a no-go. Instead, you’ll want shorts that feel lightweight, are breathable and quickly wick sweat and moisture to keep your legs comfortable and dry.
As for the best materials, Peikon recommends nylon, spandex and polyester. These synthetic fabrics “provide functional movement because of their capacity to stretch, and they’ll provide durability against the elements — like catching branches as you walk a trail, or abrasions that may come from scooting across rocks and rough surfaces.”
A higher-denier weave means that a product is less likely to scuff or get abrasions when you’re scrambling around on Joshua Tree’s boulders or pushing through brush on an unmaintained trail. Contrarily, an ultra-lightweight synthetic fabric will dry quicker after water sports and river crossings.
But as Peikon says, finding the right hiking shorts is a personal preference. If you’re the type who likes to crush big miles on rugged terrain or enjoys backpacking through warm climates, a more traditional shorts profile, with belt loops and zippered, jeans-style pockets, might be worth the extra weight for the features offered. Likewise, if you know you’ll only be out for a quick jaunt or a one-hour trail run, a slimmer-profile, legging-style short with minimal pockets and enough length to prevent chafing may suffice (hot pants not recommended).
“Sometimes finding the right option for you is a guess, test and revise system,” Peikon explains. “Don’t be afraid to try various options out until you find what works best for you in terms of comfort, function and style.”
But, enough with the technical details. We asked our favorite outdoor writers and adventurers what shorts they grab first when they’re hitting the trail.
Here are the best expert-backed hiking shorts for your next warm weather journey.
Best men’s hiking shorts
Cris Hazzard, also known as the "Hiking Guy," has more than 25 years of hiking experience, including trekking through 12 inches of mud during a difficult hike in New Zealand. This seasoned hiker's favorite pair of shorts is Kuhl's Renegade, also an REI member favorite. "The material is soft and stretchy, repels water and is incredibly durable. I love all the pockets, especially the zippered ones, to make sure I don't lose my wallet on the trail," Hazzard says. Bonus tip: "I find they run small; try going one size up."
An offshoot of its bestselling Zion pants line, Prana has done it again with these sustainably made cargo shorts that are rated UPF 50+ to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. “The fabric is robust and durable yet lightweight and stretchy in all the right places,” says photographer Steven Rimlinger. “The 10-inch length sits perfectly on my body, and I appreciate the flap on the right rear to prevent my phone from falling out.”
When he's on less technical trails where "comfort is more important than durability," Hazzard goes for Vuori's Ripstop Shorts, which he says feel "soft and almost feel like something I'd wear around the house." However, we'd advise against taking these on longer journeys, as they're made of organic cotton. While cotton is comfortable, Peikon says it doesn't wick moisture as well as synthetic fabrics, which can be dangerous if you're hiking in cold conditions.
"I like shorter shorts," travel writer Keith Langston says. Less fabric means more flexibility, he explains, which is why he's a fan of this pair. "Cotopaxi's Brinco shorts have a 5-inch inseam, making them one of the shorter hiking shorts I own. They're also made almost entirely from recycled nylon, so they're sustainable to boot. Plus, with their mesh lining and snap back pocket that comes complete with a drain hole, they're perfect for hikes that might involve you getting a little wet."
Anyone who’s tried Outdoor Research’s iconic Ferrosi fabric knows that it is a best-in-class lightweight softshell weave, made with 46% recycled materials. On the trail, that means these shorts are stretchy and quick-drying, and they shed light weather (like a quick afternoon thunderstorm) with ease. Even better? This item is backed by OR’s lifetime guarantee.
Pockets, pockets, pockets. That's what Underscored's outdoors editor, Kai Burkhardt, loves most about these shorts. "The first time I wore them, I was so happy because there were pockets in every single spot I wanted them," he says. With two side pockets, two back pockets and two cargo pockets (one of which has an additional mesh pocket on the outside), you can truly find a spot for all the random knick-knacks you end up with on a hike. Not to mention, the Merced shorts are made with a breezy, lightweight and incredibly comfortable blend of nylon and elastane that makes them perfect for hot hikes and watersports alike.
On top of using quick-drying, stretchy nylon, the Topo Designs Global Shorts come with four pockets, including two with zippers. "I love these shorts because they combine performance with comfort," Langston says, adding that they feel like "a hybrid between trail shorts and running shorts."
Sometimes a mellow hike or an extra-sweltering day requires a simple, lightweight short, which is why Emmy-nominated makeup artist and lifestyle writer Karim Orange turns to Eddie Bauer’s Resonance Lite Training Shorts. She often prefers men’s shorts designs for their superior pocket options, noting that she loved wearing this pair during her land and sea explorations in the Galápagos Islands. “That was the type of trip where you sometimes get wet before the hike, and I found they dried very quickly,” she says.
On truly scorching days, it’s OK to skip the synthetic fabrics for a classic cotton/poly blend, and Langston loves Buck Mason’s Deck Shorts for their four-way stretch and quick-dry finish. “They look great with a tank top for the beach, or a button-up for a restaurant,” he says, adding, “I love multitasking clothes because it means less to pack, so these shorts always go on every trip with me.”
As leaders in the sustainable clothing industry, it’s no surprise that Patagonia’s Quandary Shorts are such a fan favorite. With their street-friendly style, front zippered pocket for stowing valuables and stretchy UPF 50+ fabric (composed with recycled nylon), these shorts should be a staple in any warm weather hiker’s closet. An 8-inch version is also available.
This is the ultimate amphibian short for all you water-loving hikers out there. Made with a Bluesign-approved and Fair Trade Certified ultralight polyester blend, these babies boast a secret inner drawstring, key loop and flap-protected back pockets. “The build is solid yet flexible and light,” says Rimlinger. “I have hiked and danced on the beach with them, and they feel great.”
Lululemon has been on a fashion-forward tear recently, using traditional outdoor gear fabrics to create thoughtful, street-styled gear that seamlessly transitions from trail to town. The License to Train Linerless Short is a fabulous example of this, boasting three zippered pockets and coming in loads of fun colors. “The material is thicker than Lulu's other shorts, so you don’t feel like you're traveling around in nothing but tissue paper,” says Langston. “Plus, the fabric is sweat-wicking and quick-drying, so you can wear them all day long, whether it’s on a hiking trail or exploring the Upper East Side.”
As purveyors of some of the finest-quality alpine climbing clothing in the business, it’s impressive to see that Arc’teryx also delivers in the summer shorts department. Just as their name implies, the Gamma Shorts are made with quick-dry TerraTex nylon that’s super wind-resistant and has got just the right amount of stretch. Five secure, zippered pockets stash your favorite small gear safely, whether you’re scaling a 14er or learning to climb at your local crag.
"One of my secret weapons for hikes is wearing athletic shorts, especially when it's really hot outside," Langston says. His athletic shorts of choice? This pair from Chubbies. "They're super flexible and lightweight, and are made with an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fabric. They're also lined, and the lining has a protected cell phone pocket (which I sometimes throw my keys in too) and has a zipped back pocket for extra security." They also come in a dozen different configurations, from loud, zany prints to solid colors.
Best women’s hiking shorts
With a cute, no-chafe design and an impressive number of pockets to boot, Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro Shorts are a no-brainer for warm adventure days. “They're treated with a water-repellent finish and are easily packable for multi-day trips in the dirt,” says Orange, who once worked as a concierge in the adventure mecca of Moab. “This was my go-to short while exploring the national parks in Utah. They allowed me to be very comfortable while hiking in 107-degree weather”
Like Lululemon, Vuori is really making waves with its cute, fashion-forward athletic wear, and the Clementine Shorts 2.0 are a wonderful example of ultralight, breezy shorts that are as at home on the beach boardwalk as they are on a scorching day hike (just don’t forget the sunscreen). Adventure photographer and climber Paulina Dao loves the diverse array of bright colors that this design comes in, adding that they are “super flattering for those who carry their weight in their midsection, because the waistband is ultra soft and wide and doesn't give muffin top.”
Patagonia has mastered the art of the no-chafe shortie with this not-too-short, not-so-long-they’re-nerdy design. The women’s Quandary 5-inch Shorts are made with stretch-woven nylon (96% of which is recycled from fishing nets) and spandex, with a durable water-repellant finish to shed weather during those summer afternoon downpours. The front pockets are stylish and unzippered like your favorite pair of jeans, while one of the back pockets offers a security zipper to stash valuables.
If you’re looking for something extra light and you don’t want a crotch-hugging liner, get Vuori’s Dash Short, says Dao. “The inseam is slightly longer than the shortest Clementine, and it has awesome pockets,” she says. Tack on this model’s perforated panels for all-day breathability, and you’ve got yourself a match made in hot hike heaven.
Designed with spring and summer multi-sport adventures in mind (check out the lineup of fresh, new colors), Outdoor Research’s Women’s Ferrosi Shorts are every bit as awesome as the men’s design. Made with improved, 46% recycled quick-dry softshell fabric, this pair comes with a thin waist belt and ample pocket space for your phone, keys and wallet. “If you're looking for something a little more traditionally outdoorsy, I think that the Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are really solid,” says Dao.
Of course, when you’re just going out for an easy stroll or to walk your dog around the neighborhood, sometimes simple is the best solution, which is why Spurrell also recommended Free People’s Good Karma Running Shorts. “When it's hot out, I want something fitted and with a slightly longer inseam (who wants to chafe on a long summer hike?),” she says. “These are a basic that transitions from trail to city run to dinner. They're simple and comfy as can be.”
These durable, lightweight softshell shorts are the ultimate in technical, warm weather hiking gear. Wind- and rain-resistant, the Gamma Short is lightweight and quick-drying, and it boasts three zippered pockets to ensure that your favorite small accessories don’t fall off a craggy cliff face. Plus, it’s made with Bluesign-approved materials, so you can rest assured that your purchase is good for factory workers and the environment.
The next time you want to look flirty and fashionable on the trail (or maybe grab a cocktail In town right afterward), reach for Athleta’s Trekkie North Short, which offers a majority of the technical features hard-hitting hikers require when they’re out all day. Two deep, front zippered pockets easily stow a phone and your keys or a map, plus the stretchy waistband is comfortable and forgiving. Lastly, the brand is committed to sustainability, using high-performance recycled nylon in this design.
One of our favorite hiking designs to come out in the last few years, Livsn has really outdone itself with its Ecotrek Trail Shorts. The 4-inch inseam is long enough to avoid chafing but short enough to look cute in town, and deep front pockets ensure that your phone and wallet are always close at hand. Zippered back and hip pockets add extra security and storage options, plus Livsn uses 70% Blue Ocean fabric (made from discarded recycled plastic bottles) in its proprietary textile blend.
