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Best Women’s Hiking Shorts

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    What are the best women’s hiking shorts?

    If you are planning to hike in the summer, a decent pair of hiking shorts is a must. Because leggings or hiking pants may be too hot and uncomfortable for a summer hike. Keep in mind that not all shorts are suitable for hiking. A good pair of shorts must be quick-drying, breathable and lightweight. So, denim shorts won’t be your best option. What you should keep in mind when buying a new pair of shorts?

    How to choose the best shorts for hiking? Read on to find out.

    Best Women’s Hiking Shorts

    What are the options? And which one to choose?

    Which are the best women’s hiking shorts?

    1. Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts (click for more details)

    Women’s hiking shorts with pockets and water-resistant finish.

    Overall, the best women’s hiking shorts, our favorite.

    Made of Nylon and Spandex blend, these Eddie Bauer women’s hiking shorts are lightweight and comfortable. They sit below natural waist and are mid-rise. The shorts feature zippered side pockets. The fabric features FreeShade UPF 50+ sun protection and water-resistant StormRepel DWR finish.

    What we like the most about these Eddie Bauer hiking shorts is that you can choose the fit. The shorts come in “petite”, “tall”, “regular” and “plus-size” sizing.

    Wide size range.

    SIZES: 0-14; tall/petite/regular/plus-size

    2. Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short (click for more details)

    Comfortable shorts featuring traditional design.

    One the best shorts for hiking, if you like the traditional outdoor shorts look.

    Made of Polyester, these Columbia women’s hiking shorts are lightweight and quick-drying. Even though the shorts are thin, they are not see-through. The fabric has UPF 30 protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. The shorts are classic fit with a mid rise waist. They feature one pocket with a zipper and two side pockets. There’s a partial elastic waist and included belt. All of that put together makes them perfect for hiking on hot summer days.

    The shorts are available in several colors.

    SIZES: XS-3XL

    3. Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail II Knee Pant (click for more details)

    High quality women’s long hiking shorts.

    Great option if you are looking for long shorts / capris for hiking.

    Made of Nylon (96%) and Elastane (4%) blend, these Columbia knee pants are water and stain repellent, and feature UPF 50 protection against harmful sun rays. There are two side pockets with hook and loop closure and two back pockets. A partial elastic waist, articulated knee and 2-way stretch fabric flexes with your movements and feels comfy even during strenuous hikes.

    These ladies hiking shorts are classic fit and have an elastic drawstring at the bottom of each leg for a better fit.

    SIZES: 2-24

    Read more: Best Leggings For Hiking And Walking

    4. The North Face Paramount Trail Hiking Shorts (click for more details)

    Durable, lightweight hiking shorts with three pockets.

    Overall, one of the very best women’s hiking shorts on the market. The shorts are made of lightweight and quick-drying material that is soft and stretchy. FlashDry technology will keep you cool and dry, while UPF 50 will block harmful sun rays. The North Face Paramount shorts feature an adjustable waist belt, front pockets and a secure zippered pocket at the back.

    SIZES: 2-16

    5. SANTINY Women’s Hiking Cargo Shorts (click for more details)

    Women’s lightweight hiking shorts with an elastic waist.

    Made of Polyester (94%) and Spandex (6%) blend, these shorts will keep you fresh and comfy all day long. They are lightweight, breathable and quick drying. The fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection too. All of this is very important when looking for good hiking shorts. Apart from that, the Santiny cargo shorts have an elastic waist with adjustable drawstring.

    There are 2 zippered side pockets and 2 zippered cargo pockets. If you like having more than a couple of pockets, you’ll love this!

    SIZES: S-XXL

    6. BALEAF Women’s High Waist Compression Exercise Shorts (click for more details)

    Versatile stretchy short leggings for gym, biking, running and hiking.

    In our opinion, the best hiking shorts for women who love leggings.

    Made of Polyester (87%) and Spandex (13%) blend, these high-rise BALEAF shorts feature a wide elastic tummy-flattening waistband. The shorts boast a gusseted crotch and chafe-free flatlock seams for extra comfort and for greater freedom of movement. Longer inseam prevents thighs from rubbing. The shorts are moisture-wicking, breathable and stretchy.

    Are you looking for high waisted hiking shorts? These BALEAF short leggings may be a great option to consider. In addition to that, there are big side pockets that can hold a large smartphone.

    The shorts come in several colors.

    SIZES: XS-3XL

    Turtle Lake hike in Tbilisi

    How to Find the Best Women’s Hiking Shorts?

    What do all best women’s hiking shorts have in common?

    Let’s make this super simple.

    Generally speaking it’s mostly about these 4 simple things.

    1. Style

    What kind of shorts do you prefer? Short, knee-length, capri? Tight or loose-fitting?

    There are several styles you can choose from. If you are hiking during hot summer days, choose short and lightweight shorts. If it’s not that hot or you just prefer more coverage, choose hiking capris or knee-length shorts.

    If you want versatile shorts that you can use for hiking, running and gym, choose short leggings. They are versatile and can be worn on a daily basis.

    To avoid chafing and rubbing, choose shorts with a longer inseam.

    2. Material

    Good hiking shorts should be lightweight, quick-drying and breathable.

    Of course, you can wear any shorts on a hike, but the most comfortable shorts will be the ones made of special synthetic material. They will dry much faster than, let’s say, denim shorts. Unlike denim shorts, special hiking shorts won’t get heavy if they get wet. And lightweight hiking shorts are also much more breathable. You want to keep your bottom dry during the hike to avoid chafing and rubbing.

    Having the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of at least 30 (but better higher — 50+) is very useful. It will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Water resistance is also important. If fabric doesn’t absorb water, but rather repels it, you won’t end up with wet and sagging shorts.

    Last but not least, you want the fabric to be durable.

    So it doesn’t snag on branches and rocks.

    3. Comfort and Mobility

    When you are hiking, you are moving a lot.

    Hence it is important to buy stretchy shorts that won’t restrict your movements. Look if there are a little bit of lycra or spandex added to the material. Don’t forget to read reviews of other hikers — this is where you will find all the answers to your questions.

    4. Price

    Cheap price doesn’t mean low quality.

    However, more expensive shorts are more durable, breathable and lightweight. If you plan to hike often, invest in a better pair of shorts.

    What is your experience with hiking clothing? What are the best hiking shorts you have worn?

    Featured photo by Sergei A from Pexels

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