Credit:
Columbia
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Credit:
Columbia
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These shorts are wide on the leg, long, and stretchy, making them ideal for every body type. Read More
These flowy summer shorts are made from ripstop stretch cotton, meaning they’re durable and let you move freely. Read More
If you need a pair of shorts to wear to a casual lunch as well as on an exposed ridge, these super versatile hiking shorts may be perfect for you. Read More
These breezy, quick-to-dry hiking shorts are great for hot and humid days, according to reviewers. Read More
The merino in these shorts controls moisture, temperature, and resists odor, while the polyester makes them resilient to damage and quick to dry. Read More
Summer is a great time to go hiking—from experiencing beautiful weather to longer days in the mountains. Plus, you can carry less gear and wear lighter clothes. For those days when it’s extra hot, humid, or maybe even rainy, having a comfortable, high-performance pair of women’s hiking shorts is important.
When it comes to finding the right pair of hiking or walking shorts for women, you’ll want to find some that fit comfortably, breathe easily, feel lightweight, are quick to dry, and as a bonus, have some type of water resistance.
To help you find the right pair of hiking shorts for women, we explored a variety of options available online. Based on our research, these are some of the best women’s hiking shorts available online. And if you need a great pair of hiking pants for cooler days, we’ve got you covered with our top picks there as well.
Supple fit
Stretchy
Functional
None that we could find
Supple fit
Stylish
Include secure pockets
Safety concerns with cotton
Hiking shorts should dry quickly, have abrasion resistance, feel lightweight, and breathe easy. Therefore, any that are made with spandex, nylon, or polyester would work well. Avoid cotton unless you’re just going for an easy walk in comfortable temperatures. If you plan on climbing to higher elevations or in hot conditions, cotton is not the most comfortable choice because it does not wick away moisture.
While you’re hiking, you may brush up against objects like roots and rocks. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a pair of shorts for hiking that are rated for their durability and hold their quality, especially after multiple washes. This means that they should resist wear and tear and hold up against rugged terrain.
You’ll want to feel comfortable while hiking. It is one of the most important aspects of hiking clothes and gear. Hiking shorts that keep you cool and dry are best. In addition, you should consider shorts that are stretchy, soft, lightweight, and breathable, but it really comes down to personal preference.
If you think about the way your body moves while hiking, you aren’t always walking in a straight line. In fact, you’ll often be taking deep steps up and moving side to side. Therefore, you’ll want some trail shorts that allow for a deep range of motion. Shorts with two-way stretch (horizontal) or four-way stretch (horizontal and vertical) are great for that, They’re also a lot more comfortable!
Even if it’s supposed to be sunny the day you go hiking, the weather can change in an instant up in the mountains, whether it be unexpected rain or wind. Before buying a pair of hiking shorts, consider their resistance properties.
Waterproof and windproof shorts will block water and wind in order to keep you dry. Water- and wind-resistant hiking shorts will help keep these elements off, but won’t block them completely. Waterproof and windproof layers, such as hard shells, are especially important on wet and windy days.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.
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