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Warm days call for lighter gear, top to bottom, and the right pair of shorts is a great place to start. Not only can they help keep you cool, but they can also help keep you dry, reducing friction and chaffing on the trail. We've sought out the best hiking shorts to help keep you moving comfortably all year long.
After researching more than 60 models, our expert hikers purchased and tested the most popular hiking shorts among them, meticulously analyzing and rating each pair's performance across various conditions and trail settings. Using this data, we selected several award winners so you'll know exactly which hiking shorts to grab for your next adventure.
After logging hundreds of hours on the trail, the Patagonia Quandary Short earned the honors as the best of the bunch because it combines comfort, durability, and performance. The REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short is your best option if you're looking to save some money.
Editor's Note: We updated our hiking shorts review on April 12, 2025, after adding several new models to the lineup and retesting and re-scoring the newest versions of many of our award winners.
Lightweight, airy, reasonably comfortable and flexible, drawstring tie allows for belt-less wear, dries quickly, breathable, two zippered pockets, great color options
Super flexible, soft waist liner, drawstring, comfy, reasonably breathable, tough, metal button closure, dries well, deep hand pockets, nice zippers
Tons of pockets, gusseted crotch, comfortable, easy to move in, durable, well-built, breathable enough, appealing style, lots of available colors
Very comfortable, integrated belt, discrete crotch vents, stretch nylon, double and triple-stitched seams, soft but very tough, zippered stash pockets
Stretchy and comfortable, reasonably breathable, metal button closure, riveted pocket reinforcements, dries well
Tough, deep pockets, swimsuit liner, simple to wear, dry easily, relaxed fit
Less expensive, soft, deep front pockets, shorter length accommodates legs, reasonably durable, dries quickly, breathable, classic cargo look
Breathable, great fabric, elastic drawstring waist, great pockets, quick to dry, easy to move in, great price
Durable, deep front pockets, integrated stretch fabrics, stylish, leather accents, good color options, made to last
Stretchy and accommodating, good pockets, rugged enough, reasonably stylish, great price
Decent price, fairly rugged, lightweight, airy, dries quickly, good sun protection, great pockets, belt included
Cons
Shallow front pockets, stubborn zippers, plain style, a little tight when bending or stretching
Basic stitching, material could snag, drawstring loosens over time
A little heavier fabric, wears a little warm
A little heavier, longer dry time, back pockets sit a little too high, not as breathable in humid climates
No zippered pockets, lightweight stitching, shallower front hand pockets
Stiff material, very basic, a little pricey, fabric does not stretch, very basic, cuffs not double stitched
Not as stylish, fabric not as stretchy, cargo pockets aren't very secure, belt might be required, may be too short for some users
On the shorter side, lacks a bit of style, not for everyday wear
Expensive, heavy, not as breathable, not great in warmer temps, no back pockets
Heavier, warmer, doesn't breathe as well, so-so stitching, longer dry time
Fabric doesn't stretch, a little tight in the midsection, cheaper stitching
Bottom Line
A very lightweight, recycled nylon option that dries quickly, wears comfortably for days, and is quite tough
Airy, lightweight, and stretchy, these versatile shorts will hold up for long days on the trail but will equally play well for any other outdoor activities you may dream up
Our fave model, when it comes to style, is perfect for bagging peaks or hitting the streets
A comfortable, feature-filled pair of shorts with a unique array of pockets and an integrated belt
Very comfortable and reasonably rugged, these shorts are a great option for multiple days on the trail
These simple shorts are roomy, tough, airy, and come with a built-in liner, which makes them the perfect minimalistic option for thru-hikers or ounce-counters
Lightweight hiking shorts that are reasonably priced, comfortable, and perform well on the trail
Great for trails or other activities that include water because they're lightweight and fast-drying
A highly engineered pair of shorts with a unique style that lends itself to daily wear as well as hiking
Super stretchy, comfortable, and a reasonable price makes these shorts a great option for any trail-seeker
A lightweight, breathable option that is reasonably priced and rugged enough to handle the trail
The Patagonia Quandary offers an exceptional combination of comfort and versatility. They are thoughtfully constructed, delivering excellent strength in design and a true-to-size fit. They are also a great choice for those who want to be conscious of their purchases' human and environmental impact; the fabric is 96% recycled nylon, sourced from retired fishing nets. Not only does this pair look good, but they feel great on, too. Our lead tester Jason Wanlass raves, “I love the cotton-like feel of these shorts — it's super comfortable to hike in all day.” Although they aren't as stylish as the Kuhl Renegade Short, the Quandary shorts make up for it by being lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. These shorts perform admirably on the trail and comfortably double as swim trunks for cooling down in cold alpine lakes. “My favorite thing about these shorts,” says Jason, “is their lightweight fabric since it dries so quickly and can keep you cool on hot days.”
With all these great attributes, it's hard to find downsides. That said, we don't like the front hand pockets. They're simply too shallow, and we were afraid to put much in them for fear of the contents falling out. However, we really like the newly added zippers on the leg and right rear pockets — a nice improvement over previously tested versions. Their price is a bit high, but you certainly get your money's worth. The Quandary shorts are our go-to choice for day hikes, long trips, and water activities. We also love the comfortable stretchy fabrics of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short, which includes a zippered cargo pocket, and we think the Prana Brion II Short are a really comfortable pair if fit is most important to you.
Wearing our Quandary Shorts in mountain lakes, rocky trails, and public squares. They are super versatile and comfortable, and they are tough and quick to dry.
The REI Co-Op Sahara Cargo Short offers many excellent features for its price. This pair is lightweight and has six useful pockets, including two cargo pockets. The elastic swatches incorporated into the waist accommodate a range of sizes if your weight fluctuates slightly. Given their utility and variety of features, we are surprised by their breathability and water resistance. They are one of the lightest pairs we tested and a highly practical option for many uses. Our lead tester sums it up best: “I wouldn't say these are the most stylish of the bunch, but they're comfortable and easy to move in.” That makes them a great value in our book. Another notably low-cost option that rivals the performance of the Sahara Cargo Short across all metrics is the REI Co-op Trailmade, although they are an inch shorter in length.
We love all the pockets the REI Sahara features. However, many of these openings are small and not as easy to use as we'd like. In particular, the cargo and rear pockets all have security flaps over their tops, which makes getting items in or out of them challenging. Also, the corner of the fabric near the button is surprisingly sharp and can sometimes rub uncomfortably. We should note that previous iterations had a superior fabric and a nice cinchable belt. Regardless, these shorts are still highly functional at a reasonable price, making them great for those who prioritize practicality and price. If you need to pinch pennies even more, check out the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo. They are quite inexpensive, and we were very impressed with their function and durability, considering their remarkably low price point.
We loved wearing the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short. The higher content of spandex (14%) woven into the nylon-based fabric allows these amazing shorts to stretch easily in every direction. Their narrower, tailored fit goes practically unnoticed because they are so thin and move effortlessly with your body, whether you're putting in long days on the trail. Similarly, this superior design combo works great for golfing, climbing, biking, rafting, or even playing pickleball. One tester commented, “I could wear these shorts all day. It barely feels like you're wearing anything at all.” Such amazing comfort and flexibility make the Ferrosi one of the most versatile shorts of the entire bunch — they are a dream to wear no matter what you're doing. We also really enjoyed the overall feel of the Prana Stretch Zion II Short across a wide range of activities, although they come in a baggier fit.
The one thing we worried about when donning the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short on brushy trails was snags. Although our Ferrosi shorts held up great during dozens of hikes over several months, the fabric has 10 percent less nylon than many of the top performers in our lineup. It's also very stretchy, so this combination could lead to more snags and scuffs from things like rocky outcrops, tree branches, or sitting on a log. Shorts made from 100-percent nylon, like the Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts, are far less likely to have this problem. But, that comfort though… We think the trade-off for less durability isn't that bad of a deal. We also really liked the stretchy feel of the Prana Brion II Short and the fashionable, highly wearable versatility of the Kuhl Renegade Short.
The brand behind the Renegade Short is Kuhl, pronounced “cool.” And, after months of wearing this pair on trails, in airports and cafes, and through countless city streets, we think cool is the perfect adjective to describe one of our favorite pairs of shorts in the lineup. The Renegades are very stylish, come in three inseam lengths (12", 10", 8"), and are available in several colors. We tested the longest length, and although they are less breathable than the Patagonia Quandary or the REI Co-op Trailmade, we still felt they were very comfortable, even after four days in the backcountry. What we loved most about them was the ability to continue wearing them off trail, no matter where we were headed, once we got back home. They are super stylish and are perfect for any casual setting. They quickly also became our favorite travel shorts.
Although they are perfect to transition from trail to town, the Renegade shorts have some limitations, one being their weight. Built to last, these shorts are a little heavier than traditional lightweight hiking shorts, which makes them wear a little warmer and a bit more of a commitment in your travel bag. However, we were only bothered by this on very hot and humid days. One tester remarked, “These are heavier and don't breathe as well as some, but I still enjoyed wearing them in the backcountry.” They also seem more outdoor fashion than outdoor gear, so we almost hated scuffing them up on the trail. However, they are super tough, have tons of cool pockets, and a great look that will appeal to many shoppers. We think the Fjallraven Abisko Short is another pair that also lands squarely in more of an outdoor fashion category since they have a distinctive look and are fun to wear. The Prana Stretch Zion II Short also have a very stylish vibe, but they are baggier and feel more legitimately like hiking shorts.
Planning to spend weeks or months on the trail? The Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts are worth considering as your go-to trunks for the journey. They aren't as soft as the REI Co-op Trailmade, but these shorts are super tough, fast-drying, and lightweight. They also have a built-in liner, so you can cut out the extra weight of underwear. Made from 100-percent recycled nylon, these shorts are the real deal — no spandex. They are dense, old school, and can handle the rigors of the trail for long periods. Additionally, their baggy fit is roomy, reasonably comfortable, and has enough space to throw on a pair of leggings during cold snaps. These shorts are beltless and instead have a full elastic waistband with a simple shoe-string tie. So, if you prefer a belted style, the Trailmade is a better bet since it has belt loops and a bungee drawstring.
Call us weird, but the thing we geeked out the most over the Patagonia Baggies Longs were their super deep front pockets, each can easily swallow an entire one-liter bottle of water, and still have room leftover. What we didn't like about the Baggies Longs was the stiffness of their fabric. These nylon shorts have literally no give or stretch, and they are a tad abrasive compared to the comfy stretch fabric available on other pairs like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short. Our lead tester called them out for this combo, saying, “Yeah, I found them to be a little stiff and slightly abrasive, but wow, these shorts sure are tough.” Luckily, the Patagonia Baggies Longs are roomy and very airy. But you will still notice the lack of stretch when squatting or sitting, which takes a bit of getting used to. Another lightweight option made of 100-percent ripstop nylon is the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo. It's worth looking at if you prefer a longer, cargo-style but like the benefits of an extra tough material.
Headed for hikes with water? The REI Co-op Trailmade shorts are the perfect choice because they're fast-drying, lightweight, and comfortable to wear wet or dry. These shorts are about the same thickness as the Patagonia Quandary Short, so they breathe well and keep you cooler, even on hotter days. We loved the full elastic waistband, which is complimented with belt loops and a bungee drawstring, allowing hikers to go beltless. These shorts have a straighter, tailored fit but are accommodating enough for larger movements like stooping, bending, lunging, or squatting. They are reasonably comfortable enough to run in, and on colder transitional days, they offer just enough extra room to add a pair of leggings for early morning starts.
Our testers didn't like the overall style of the REI Co-op Trailmade, or lack thereof. They aren't something we'd wear to run errands or grab lunch with a friend. However, they were designed more for function than fashion. They are perfect for day hikers, backpackers, or thru-hikers looking for a solid pair of shorts with reasonable durability. And we liked that they made water-crossings easier. Lead tester Jason Wanlass says, “These shorties are not going to be my choice for days around town, but they are particularly easy to wear when wet, so they are perfect whenever I know I'll be transitioning from river to trail.” The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo and the Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts compare well against the Trailmade shorts for different reasons, but neither are as comfortable. Likewise, there are plenty of reasons to consider the Patagonia Quandary Short, one being they're longer and have more zippered pockets.
Quick drying and super lightweight make these shorts the perfect choice for hikes with water, but also for hikers who like shorter trunks.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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It's all uphill from here. Crushing our first day of trekking in the Italian Dolomites.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
We have been testing hiking shorts for over six years. To put this review together, we researched nearly 60 models before choosing and purchasing the most promising to test, hands-on. We took to the trails, hiking, running, and backpacking on trails all over the U.S. and abroad. We took note of their comfort, compared their mobility, examined all the features, determined how well they vented, tested their drying time, and even considered the versatility of their style, considering their appropriateness for everything from a trail run to post-hike social activities (though we know this one is subjective).
Our hiking shorts testing is divided across four rating metrics:
Comfort & Mobility (35% of overall score weighting)
Fabric Performance (25% weighting)
Versatility and Style (25% weighting)
Construction Quality (15% weighting)
An early morning in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. We tested shorts side by side in order to paint an accurate picture of which ones were best.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
Our expert testers have decades of experience in the backcountry. Our lead hiker and reviewer is full-time Utah resident Jason Wanlass. Jason has been an avid trail-seeker for more than 25 years, having hiked or backpacked in hiking shorts across thousands of miles of trail in almost every state in the West, including most of the National Parks. Jason has also backpacked the wilds of Iceland, Chile, and Argentina and traversed trails in Nepal, the Alps, eastern Europe, and more. It's safe to say that he knows a thing or two about all things gear, especially high-quality outdoor clothing. Ben Applebaum-Bauch has hiked well over 5,000 miles along both coasts of the United States. He began his professional career in the outdoors as a trip guide, leading backcountry backpacking adventures through the most rugged portions of the Appalachian Trail in New England, including Maine's 100-mile Wilderness. After gnarly scrambles through the unrelenting humidity of dozens of East Coast summers, he developed an acute awareness of key comfort features in hiking shorts (as well as those that bog you down).
Counting stitches per inch.
Dunking the bottom half of these shorts for three minutes to see how quickly they absorb water.
Each model is weighed to determined how light or bulky it is relative to the rest.
We buy everything we review to eliminate any potential bias and then test each side by side with our hands.
Analysis and Test Results
Our testing gave us valuable insight into the performance and quality of our contenders. Though many hiking shorts share similar design features, the devil is in the details. From waist closures to leg seams and the angle and orientation of pocket zippers, we consider every element that makes a difference. We appreciate it when a company takes a user-centered approach to its products. Below, we discuss standouts in each scoring metric: comfort and mobility, features, versatility and style, weather resistance and dry time, and venting and breathability.
What's the Best Value?
Though it's not a part of our quantitative rating metrics, we recognize that value is an important component of many purchasing decisions. In our reviews, we quantify value in a basic way to give you some sense of whether or not you are getting your money's worth with any given pair of hiking shorts. We compare a product's overall score with its cost to understand how your spending translates to what you get. Some items might be incredibly expensive but have the quality to back them up, while others are more affordable but still score highly.
Many of our award winners offer excellent value. The Patagonia Quandary isn't necessarily a budget buy, but it's our favorite pair, and Patagonia's great warranty makes them a great long-term value. The REI Sahara Cargo is one of the most affordable shorts we tested that maintains all the required functions for a pair of trail shorts. We also feel the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short, Kuhl Renegade Short, and Prana Stretch Zion II Short are worth their price tags for many reasons, one of them being that they are also fashionable enough to be worn casually around home. Lastly, the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo didn't get as much fanfare, nor did it score particularly well in all areas, but these shorts are a great buy for the price.
Value is a combination of price, durability, and how each pair performs in a variety of terrain and climates.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Comfort and Mobility
Comfort and mobility are interconnected. Together, they are the highest-priority metric for us. We assess the fit and adjustability of the waist, the amount of space in the crotch, and whether or not the crotch is gusseted. We also look for design elements such as anti-chafing waist liners and low-profile seams that reduce rubbing. We consider the softness of the fabric as well.
We think of mobility as 'active comfort.' That is the degree to which each pair of shorts facilitates or limits our ability to do an activity. It includes the cut of the shorts and whether they ride up when stepping up (or sitting down). We consider factors such as crotch space and things like the fabric blend and the amount and direction of stretch each pair offers. Some fabrics are manufactured in a way that only permits mobility in a single plane, while others have a quality often marketed as “4-way stretch.”
Sitting on a log while trying to get our bearings in Acadia National Park.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our testing revealed two top performers; the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short led the way, followed closely by the Patagonia Quandary Short. We found both to be extremely accommodating and comfortable. The fabric of the Ferrosi shorts stretches in every direction, making them very versatile and easy to move in. We also enjoyed wearing the Prana Stretch Zion II Short and the Kuhl Renegade Short. If we had to choose between the two, we'd pick the Zion II shorts to hike in, especially for longer distances.
Five days into a 10-day trek in the Italian Dolomites. Although long, and a little baggy, we absolutely loved wearing the Prana Stretch Zion II Shorts.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Another decent scorer in this metric is the Fjallraven Abisko, which has ultra-stretchy material incorporated into the design via strategically positioned panels. Rounding out our top scorers are the REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short and the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo. Considering their lower price, we feel the Wrangler shorts are surprisingly very comfortable and allow for a wide range of movement.
Coming in hot. Showing off the Wrangler's stretch fabric.
The Wrangler shorts stretch and move well in any direction.
For the price, we were impressed with the comfort and flexibility of the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargos.
Lastly, although we found the Prana Brion II Short to be a little tighter-fitting around the waist and butt, the fabric itself is very soft, stretchy and accommodating, allowing us to bend, squat, or lunge with relative ease.
The Prana Brion II Shorts have excellent flexibility and are extremely comfortable.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Fabric Performance
When comparing the key components that define this metric, we think four are the most important: Dry time, overall hiking comfort, zipper function, and special features. Particular features we look for are the number, placement, size, and shape of the pockets, how they close, and how easy or difficult it is to access something you put in them. We also consider waist fastening mechanisms like buttons versus snaps and waist tightening systems, with integrated belts, drawstrings, or traditional belt loops being the most common.
The Patagonia Quandary Short and Outdoor Research Ferrosishare the top spot in this metric, followed closely by the REI Co-op Trailmade. Each pair has decent pockets and is breathable, airy, and fast drying; both the Quandary and the Ferrosi also sport drawstring ties that allow hikers to go beltless.
We loved the Quandary's fabric. For being nylon, it has a softer, cotton, feel. These shorts also have great pockets, and a very convenient drawstring waist.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Trailmade has a shorter inseam, so it's easy to wear. It also is one of our fastest drying models and sports a bungee-style drawstring and elastic waistband, so it wears a lot like a swimsuit.
The Trailmade's elastic waist was a fan favorite, and it made trail life comfortable and easy.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Additional high scorers in this metric are the Prana Stretch Zion II, Prana Brion II Short, Kuhl Renegade Short, and the Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts. Of the four, based on this metric alone, we'd choose the Brion II Shorts, followed by the Baggie Longs, because they have faster drying times.
For stretch-nylon, the Prana Brion II dries quickly, breathes well, and is comfortable enough to wear for multiple days on the trail.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Lastly, the REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short, Fjallraven Abisko Short, and the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo were among our top scorers. The Fjallraven for its pockets and features, the Sahara and Silver Ridge for their drying times, and the Silver Ridge shorts for boasting the fastest drying time of our entire lineup.
Quick-drying fabric and decent pockets were key to the Columbia's good scores in this metric.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Versatility and Style
Versatility is the extent to which the shorts perform well in various activities. We took each pair on hikes, of course, shorter day-long adventures and longer, multi-week trips. We also consider their functionality for activities like canoeing, swimming, running, climbing, and traveling.
Style is a special kind of versatility. Especially with clothing, we recognize that people are likely to make a purchase based not just on function but also on how the apparel item looks. Style is inherently subjective. So, to try and provide a reasonably fair assessment that will help you gauge which options might be right for you, we considered how well a pair of shorts might work for an in-town outing with friends (i.e., no one would think you just came from an afternoon on the trail).
Lining up our shorts in Florence, Italy, in order to award style points.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Here, we find the Patagonia Quandary again on top. It strikes a great balance between form and function, keeping all the essential elements we want in a pair of hiking-specific shorts while also looking pretty darn good in off-trail settings. In particular, we found the soft, lightweight material easy to wear for all sorts of activities: hiking, sightseeing, swimming, climbing, golfing, and more.
From Italy's mountain lakes to its iconic public squares, we loved the versatility of the Patagonia Quandary.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Joining the Quandary is the Kuhl Renegade. They are just a titch too heavy for hiking-only shorts, but many of our testers still swear by wearing them on the trail, especially the shorter in-seam options. What's more, we absolutely love these shorts for their style. They're great for an outdoor concert, walking around town, heading for a picnic or barbeque, or wherever your days may take you. They are also our favorite travel shorts for exactly these reasons.
Shopping day packs at a local gear shop in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Renegades look just as good in the street as they do on the trail.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Other winners in this metric are the Prana Brion II Short, Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts, Prana Stretch Zion II Short, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short. When comparing them all, our favorite versatility feature is the Patagonia Baggies' built-in liner, which works like a swimsuit and makes it a very good minimalistic option for ultralight hikers. Of the four, we often chose the Zion II shorts because they are protective, stretchy, and allow us to do a lot of other activities, including just hanging out. We also really dig their integrated cinch belt.
Our favorite feature on the Prana Stretch Zion II was its built-in cinch belt.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Construction Quality
This metric vets each product in side-by-side testing to gauge how well a pair will hold up over time. Compared to other outdoor sports, hiking could be considered a low-impact activity. However, every trail is surrounded by countless threats to your hiking clothes - namely, branches, rocks, sun, weather, and more. While examining each pair of shorts, we take into account things like fabric density, seam and stitch quality, and the durability of its accessories (zippers, pockets, buttons, and rivets).
The top performer in this metric is the Prana Stretch Zion II Short. We found its stretch nylon body to be extremely durable. Although quite soft and flexible, it thwd off attacks from rock outcroppings, logs, branches, thorns, and more. Our favorite construction feature on the Zion is the double-stitched — and even triple-stitched — seams and reinforcements.
The Prana Stretch Zion II is the only pair in our lineup with triple-stitched seams. It also has double-stitched hems (many brands opt for single stitch).
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Following closely behind the Zion II shorts are the Patagonia Quandary Short, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short, Kuhl Renegade Short, Prana Brion II Short, Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts, and Fjallraven Abisko Short. All received identical scores for this metric for their tough materials and quality stitching. The Prana Brion II's metal button closure, rivets, and double-stitched seams and reinforcements are worth noting.
Solid metal button closure.
Metal rivets reinforce the Brion II's front pockets.
Extra construction features make the Prana Brion II a cut above when it comes to durability.
Other solid performers include the REI Co-op Trailmade and REI Co-op Sahara Cargo Short. Both are made from lightweight stretch-nylon fabric that is thin and soft yet still maintains impressive integrity while defending against snags, tears, and scratches.
Although thin and lightweight, we were impressed at the Trailmade's ability to wart off sharp dead tree branches and other surprise attacks from Mother Nature.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Finally, we feel the need to mention the Wrangler Authentics Performance Comfort Flex Cargo. Its slightly above-average marks in this metric don't compare well against our top performers; however, when factoring in the Wrangler's incredible low price, we were blown away by its relative construction quality and overall durability. For the cost, these shorts are an absolute bargain.
For their price point, the Wrangler shorts are engineered well and are quite tough.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Pick the Right Pair of Hiking Shorts
Shopping for hiking shorts is far from rocket science. Luckily, modern fabrics allow most shorts to be comfortable and durable enough for just about any hiker. However, there are a few things to consider before forking over your cash and hitting the trail.
How Often Do You Hit the Trail?
The top question you need to ask yourself is how often you will really hike. Are the shorts you're buying for a few nature strolls? Are you headed out on vacay and plannnig to conquer a one-time jaunt to a tourist-packed viewpoint? Or do you plan to hit the hilly terrain on a regular basis? If you fall into the first category, you may want to consider shorts with comfortable stretch fabrics and a versatile style to give you the option to wear them for daily or casual wear too. Likewise, you may want to consider their price if you do not wear your shorts very often. Die-hard hikers will likely be happiest with tougher fabrics and better construction quality to ensure longevity. The answer to this question will whittle down the list of options quickly.
Cruising the streets of a small town in Maine. Heading for the hotel.
Heading for the hills in Utah with plans to hike until the snow gets too deep.
If you're a casual hiker, go with something that you can wear every day. If you're more serious, consider shorts built for going all in.
Comfort vs Breathability
Stretch-nylon fabrics are all the rage. They are the most comfortable to hike in, and they accommodate the largest range of motion. One key drawback to this fabric is that it tends to be slightly heavier than standard nylon or ripstop nylon and runs slightly warmer. It also doesn't breathe as well, which means they may not dry as fast.
Stretch-nylon shorts allow for maximum comfort.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Durability vs Mobility
Standard nylon or ripstop-nylon fabrics were once the industry standard for hiking shorts. These fabrics are very tough, scratch-, scuff-, and tear-resistant, and generally built to last a lifetime (or at least until the stitching finally rots away). The trade-off for this kind of durability, generally, is less mobility. Traditional nylon fabrics have no give or flexibility. Newer, more comfortable stretch-nylon blends are super flexible and allow for maximum mobility but, in turn, are generally not as durable and are more prone to snag, scuff, scratch, and tear.
Although extremely flexible, stretch fabrics are not as durable when it comes to direct, repeated contact with rock, tree branches, or any other abrasive surface.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Knee-length vs short-shorts
Do you like your shorts to hit the knee, or do you prefer the good ol' days when they rode high on the thigh? Longer shorts are more versatile and provide more protection from sun, branches, rocks, or brush. The trade-off for this length is less ventilation, less breathability, and warmer wear. On the contrary, shorter shorts run cooler, breathe better, dry faster, and are generally easier to move in, especially over long, prolonged distances. They also provide less protection to the upper legs and may be considered less fashionable in public places. Many manufacturers offer a variety of lengths. Generally, a 12-inch inseam is the longest, followed by shorter 10-inch and 8-inch options.
Shorter shorts are generally lighter, more breathable, and easier to wear for prolonged periods of time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
It's easy to get caught up in the technical details of materials and design, and sometimes that matters. However, with shorts, you need a pair you can turn to repeatedly without thinking about it. After hours of research and hundreds of trail miles, we are confident we have found the best. Our experts put hundreds of miles on these models to speak to their advantages and drawbacks. We hope this review provides all of the basic information you need to make the informed decision that is most right for you. For more in-depth info on buying a pair of hiking shorts, check our Buying Advice Article. Happy trails.
