I'm an Avid Hiker and These 10 Hiking Shorts for Women Are Trail-tested and Approved

Travel + Leisure

02-07-2025

Between growing up in the Pacific Northwest and taking summer vacations to practically every national park in the western United States, I spent my childhood developing a deep love for the outdoors. Hiking is something that I have become particularly passionate about, and I've been fortunate enough to hike in some of the most beautiful parts of the world, from Olympic National Park to the Scottish Highlands to Zhangjiajie National Forest.
I've tested dozens of pieces of outdoor gear, from backpacks to pants, and as such, I know what to look for in hiking products. Hiking shorts are some of my favorite pieces to try out, since I prefer them over hiking pants when the weather permits. A good pair of hiking shorts should be comfortable, breathable, and functional, and able to withstand the rigors of frequent outdoor use. We've tested 23 pairs of women's hiking shorts on hiking trips around the world, evaluating each on fit, comfort, design, durability, and value. These are the pairs we'll be packing for all of our upcoming trips.
Credit: REI
I'm a long-time fan of the REI Co-op brand, so I was excited to test the most updated version of their Trailmade Shorts. I wore these on several hikes in Washington and found them to be perfect for just about any warm-weather trail. First and foremost, they are the most comfortable pair of hiking shorts I've ever worn, with a five-inch inseam that prevents thigh chafing, a slightly baggy fit, and a stretchy waistband without buttons or zippers. The two-way stretch fabric is made from a blend of nylon and spandex that keeps them light, breathable, and slightly stretchy for a great range of motion. The elastic waistband comes with a bungee cord that can tighten or loosen the waist as needed, too.
I also appreciated the six pockets on these shorts (two in the back, two slide-ins on the front, and two small ones just below the front) that made these shorts feel more functional. All pockets are relatively small, but were useful for small items like keys, snacks, or a phone. Although these shorts are lightweight and breathable, they still feel quite durable—the stitching looks high-quality and after several wears and washes, they don't have any snags, tears, or fading. The cherry on top is the price, which is among the lowest we tested, making these feel like an excellent value. These shorts are fairly basic, but they get the job done, and are an excellent option for beginner and expert hikers alike.
The Details: Size XS-3X | 5-inch inseam | Nylon and spandex | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Made from high-quality nylon and spandex, these shorts felt durable throughout our entire testing period, including many wears and washes. This is thanks to a design that prevents strain on seams and a double-stitched, serger-reinforced construction. The hardy fabric feels thick, yet breathable, and similar to that of a rain jacket (though they are water-resistant, not waterproof). They haven't shown any changes in fit, texture, or color, and are easy to clean and dry.
The shorts offer a four-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and UPF 50+ sun protection. They feature two deep, zipper-secured front pockets and two back pockets, providing secure storage for small essentials. They have an elastic waist and come equipped with an adjustable belt, which we really appreciated—it kept our desired adjustment in place and gave the shorts a sleek appearance. The shorts are also quick-drying and have a stylish, comfortable design with a playful '70s-inspired vibe. Everything from the durability to the design made these shorts quite versatile as well. Throughout our testing period, we wore these for a variety of situations ranging from high incline hikes that required climbing, to gardening, to running errands, to lounging around the house.
The Details: Size XS-2X | 3-inch inseam | Nylon and spandex ripstop | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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We tested the Columbia Women's Weekend Rays Water Shorts on hikes in Washington and found them to be true to size with a relaxed, comfortable fit that allowed for easy movement. We were particularly impressed with the quick-drying features, which kept us cool and dry while wearing. They're also designed with a special fabric that resists water and staining, making them ideal for water-related activities like boating or lounging on the beach. The shorts also feature drainage holes to help quickly remove excess water.
These shorts are functional with multiple pockets, including two hand pockets, a zippered security pocket, hook-and-loop closure pockets, and a drop-in pocket, all strategically placed for easy access. Belt loops are also included, offering the option to add a belt or attach a carabiner. The elastic waistband with a drawcord provides a secure and adjustable fit without feeling restrictive. They felt lightweight, yet durable while testing, and we haven't noticed any signs of wear or tear after using, washing, and drying them. We would love to see more than one inseam option to suit personal preferences, but overall think these are an excellent choice for active hikers and beyond.
The Details: Size XS-3X | 5-inch inseam | Polyester and elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Senior testing editor Jackie Cucco was thoroughly impressed with the versatility of these hiking shorts from Helly Hansen, noting the stylish fit and useful pockets as standout features. Their high-waisted design with a zipper and button closure, along with belt loops, gives them a polished look that works on the hiking trail and beyond. There are four pockets in the front and two pockets in the back, with two on the front being notably deep. 'I wish all of my shorts had pockets this deep,' Cucco says, explaining that she can fit both a wallet and a phone with room to spare in just one of the pockets. 'This is so helpful for hiking, so I don't have to continually stop and take my hiking backpack off every time I need to get something because I can keep all of my essentials in my shorts pockets instead.'
The ripstop fabric of the shorts is durable and protective, and we found it resisted snags while hiking and maintained its shape after washing. The fabric also has two-way stretch and is plenty breathable, effectively wicking away sweat in moderate temperatures. The shorts also incorporate protective features, including UPF 50+ and a water-repellent finish. Our only gripe is that we wish the bottom cuffs were stretchier for better movement when climbing or rock scrambling, but otherwise would recommend them to anyone looking for durable and versatile hiking shorts.
The Details: Size XS-XL | Polyamide and elastane | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Credit: Outdoor Research $79 $52 at Amazon View on REI $79 at Nordstrom
We wore these on multiple outings in the Pacific Northwest, finding them to be remarkably comfortable thanks to a few key details. First was the fabric—these are quite stretchy and allowed us to move easily across various obstacles. We had no issues with the shorts riding up or feeling too tight, as they stretched to accommodate our movement. We also liked the mid-thigh length that prevents chafing while walking, as well as the adjustable belt that adds a fun pop of color to the shorts. They are also lightweight and breathable, adding to their comfort level.
These shorts are quite functional with four pockets, including two deep front pockets that easily hold a phone and sunglasses, and a zippered back pocket for storing smaller items. As a bonus, they have UPF 50+ protection. Beyond hiking, the quick-dry material and lightweight design make them versatile for activities like paddleboarding, rock climbing (thanks to the stretch and durability), and casual outdoor events. These are a little pricey, but we feel they are completely worth the money—T+L editorial director Jamie Hergenrader immediately purchased a second pair after testing these shorts.
The Details: Size XS-2X | 5-inch inseam | Nylon and spandex | UPF 50 Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Hikers who prefer longer shorts will appreciate the design of the Kuhl Freeflex Cargo Short with a 10-inch inseam that extends to the top of the knees. We were impressed with the entire design of the shorts, which includes a combination of a zipper, sturdy metal button, and a stretchy tie at the waist for a secure and adjustable fit, along with belt loops. The fabric is soft against the skin, offers four-way stretch, and includes an extra panel between the legs for an improved fit, preventing chafing and improving overall comfort.
These shorts are quite functional, with multiple secure pockets throughout, including flat front trouser pockets, back pockets with flaps and snaps, and two side pockets large enough for a phone. The double- and triple-stitching throughout feels high-quality and adds to the durability of the shorts, which show zero signs of wear after several hikes through the Pyrenees mountains in France. They are also made with moisture-wicking materials and have a UPF 50+ rating for extra sun protection. We did notice some minor pilling on the seat area after repeated use, but we are otherwise impressed with the quality and functionality of these hiking shorts.
The Details: Size 0-22W | 10-inch inseam | Polyester | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Credit: Mountain Hardwear $65 at Amazon View on REI $70 at Backcountry
If you tend to get very sweaty while hiking, you'll appreciate the anti-odor treatment that has been applied to these shorts. We noticed no odor or funkiness after a two-hour hike, and the shorts felt plenty breathable, leading us to believe they'd be effective at odor control during longer walks as well. The fabric is also stretchy, which allows for full range of motion while hiking, and offers UPF 50 sun protection. The bermuda-length fit also provides more coverage on the legs.
These shorts have four pockets—three open side-entry and one zippered pocket on the right thigh. They are well-placed, spacious, and practical for carrying small items like keys, snacks, or a phone. All seams felt sturdy, and the shorts held their shape well with no sagging or stretching after hiking. After a cold wash and air dry, they looked and felt the same—no shrinkage or fading. We did notice they ran a bit large, although the drawstring on the waist allowed us to adjust the size, so they didn't sag or fall down. If you're between sizes, we recommend going down.
The Details: Size XXS-XL | 9-inch inseam | Nylon and elastane | UPF 50 Credit: Travel + Leisure
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I wore these shorts on at least a dozen hikes over the course of a year. While built-in liners won't be everyone's preference, I find them convenient for warm-weather hikes and particularly active endeavors. The liner is made with lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, so it's ideal for keeping me cool even when I'm sweating during a hike or a run. The only thing I don't love about the liner is that the thick seams show through the otherwise thin fabric of the rest of the shorts. However, it's not so noticeable that I stopped wearing them.
These shorts are great for hot weather hikes, and are comfortable enough for walking and running. There are no zippers or buttons at the waist; instead, they have a stretchy pull-on fit with a high waistband that goes up to the belly button. The waistband is not adjustable, but I found these fit true to size and I had no gaping (which is something I often struggle with when buying pants and shorts). There are also two small zippered pockets on each side that could hold keys, chapstick, or a phone. The bottom portion of the shorts dries quickly and, while the waistband takes a bit longer (as it's made from a thicker material), it still dries fairly quickly as well. I did notice that the color of the waistband has faded a bit after a year of use, but these have otherwise remained in excellent condition after many wears and washes.
The Details: Size XS-2X | 3.5-inch inseam | Nylon, spandex, and polyester | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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Credit: Astral View on Astraldesigns.com
I wore these shorts on a beautiful (and strenuous) hike in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, as well as on several walks with my dog in the city. While trying them on, I wasn't sure how they would hold up on a hike, as there is no stretch to the fairly heavy material. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find them lightweight, breathable, and comfortable throughout the entire seven-mile journey. The breathability comes primarily from the sustainable hemp material, which is also certified fair trade and organic.
The fit of these shorts is slightly baggy with a five-inch inseam. I had an excellent range of motion while wearing them and never felt constricted. The waistband is thick and stretchy, and can be tightened with a drawstring, so I never had issues with them riding up or falling down. There are two large front pockets, each lined with mesh, one zippered back pocket, and a small zippered side pocket. The hemp fabric is thick and sturdy, making these feel incredibly durable, but also soft and smooth on the skin. They also wash well—I got pretty muddy on my hike thanks to my dog, but you never would have been able to tell after a round in the washing machine. I also personally loved the two-tone color option I chose, although I would love these even more if I could buy them in a shorter inseam. That being said, they're great for hikers who value sustainability and don't want to sacrifice quality.
The Details: Size S-XL | 5-inch inseam | Hemp, rPET, and spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure
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If you're more of a skort person, we recommend the AKHG Roadless Skort. We wore it several times while hiking in France and found it fit true to size with stretchy shorts underneath for coverage and a skirt on top that doesn't hinder any motion. The waistband is also adjustable with a belt. The fabric feels tough and durable, but remains lightweight and breezy, making this an excellent choice for warm-weather adventures.
This skort has four pockets: two on the front that are great for a small wallet or phone, and a zippered one on the back for your keys. The fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection, repels light rain, and is odor-resistant, making it a practical choice for travelers and those on extended trips with limited packing space. It also dries quickly, so we think it would be great for water-based activities like paddleboarding or boating. And while it is casual and sporty, the design is simple enough that you can dress it up on vacation.
The Details: Size 4-18 | Nylon, spandex, and polyester | UPF 50+ Credit: Travel + Leisure
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