A good pair of shorts is not enough to withstand the harsh terrain when hiking.
You need the best hiking shorts to help protect your lower body and allow you to move freely without restrictions.
We’ve searched the market for some of the finest hiking shorts for men and women that are both affordable and high-quality.
Best Hiking Shorts for Women
1. ODODOs High Waist Yoga Shorts
ODODOs offer some of the finest yoga shorts and leggings in the market.
Women are starting to get crazy over these products because they come in different colors and designs.
Product Highlights
The ODODOs High Waist Yoga Shorts is made from 87% polyester and 13% spandex.
It is made from the best quality fabrics designed to remove moisture from your body while working out, offering the ultimate comfort you are looking for.
The ODODOs High Waist Yoga Shorts has two side pockets where you can place your valuable items while doing your workout.
They are deep enough to keep a 5.5” phone safe.
You can also find two zippered side pockets where you can keep your keys, cards, and other small items.
Its four-way stretch, non-see-through fabric makes these shorts the perfect choice for running, exercise, and hiking.
It also features an elastic waistband and an adjustable drawcord to give you a custom fit.
ODODOs offer a full money-back guarantee, so you can send it back within 30 days if you don't like the product.
What We Like
The best thing about the ODODOs High Waist Yoga Shorts is the four-way stretch fabric.
Whether you are striding or just walking leisurely on the trail, the fabric will stretch and recover so it won’t get damaged easily.
What We Don’t Like
The design and the fabric of the ODODOs High Waist Yoga Shorts are both great, but it is not meant for women with large body sizes.
The shorts are very small, so you should ask around before you buy one.
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2. Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts
Willit offers a wide range of sports and fitness clothing that are made from the best quality fabrics.
The Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts is only one of the best athletic shorts on their arsenal.
Product Highlights
The Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts is made from 80% nylon and 20% spandex.
It is extremely light, cool, and breathable, making it a perfect choice for various athletic activities.
You can use it for yoga, travel, running, hiking, jogging, or daily wear.
With the ultra-soft and lightweight fabric that can wick moisture away, you will feel cool and fresh the whole day.
The Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts features flatlock stitching that would reduce chafing.
Thus, this pair of shorts provides a soft and comfortable feeling while doing your daily activities.
It has hand pockets where you can put your small items like a card, cash, or keys.
The comfy and wide waistband will make sure that you are comfortable the whole day, while the adjustable drawcord will give you a custom fit.
The Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts also comes in 14 different colors, including pink, brown, black, and several shades of blue, green, and gray.
What We Like
The length of the Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts is what made it a popular choice for women.
It is very comfortable to wear and more breathable than other yoga shorts or pants.
If you plan to go hiking with your friends, this will give you a soft and breathable feeling the whole day.
What We Don’t Like
If you are a bit large, it might get tight around the waist since the shorts are not made for larger women.
It is better to ask around before buying the Willit Women's Yoga Lounge Shorts.
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3. Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants
Columbia Sportswear is one of the most popular sportswear company in the USA.
They have been creating innovative sports gears for more than 80 years, making them one of the world's premier sports companies.
Although not really a typical pair of shorts, the Saturday Trail II Knee Pants is ideal for women who prefer covering their thighs.
Product Highlights
The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants is made from the company's signature fabric.
It's a two-way stretch fabric that will make movement easier.
It also has an amazing Omni-shield feature that helps you stay clean and dry by preventing liquid absorption.
It can repel moisture and dries fast so you can avoid stains.
The addition of UPF 50 provides more protection against the harmful rays of the sun.
The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants has two side pockets located at both sides, with a hook-and-loop closure.
You can also find two back pockets that you can use to secure smaller items like keys and cash.
A partial elastic waistband and articulated knee were added to provide more comfort and allow you to move freely.
The product is also made through Columbia’s classic fit.
What We Like
The Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants is a perfect choice for hiking because of the articulated knee feature.
The Omni-shield is also an amazing addition since it can keep your lower body cool, dry, and fresh.
What We Don’t Like
The size of the Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants runs a bit small, so don’t make the mistake of ordering a smaller size.
You can get it replaced and asked for a larger size, but the price would go up.
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4. Little Donkey Andy Women's Shorts
When it comes to sportswear, Little Donkey Andy is one of the best manufacturers that you can consider.
They have a wide range of women’s shorts meant for hiking, sports, exercises, and more.
Product Highlights
The Little Donkey Andy Women's Shorts is made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
It features a four-way stretch fabric that would enhance your movement and provide comfort.
It would freely stretch depending on the type of movement you're making without damaging the fabric.
It has a quick-dry feature and a water-repellant finish.
As such, even if you accidentally spill water on your shorts or it started raining on the track, it would dry fast.
The Little Donkey Andy Women's Shorts is also UPF 50+ rated so it can protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.
Its elastic waistband and the belt loops are there for better adjustability and custom fit.
The side zippers and rear zipped pocket would give you adequate storage space for your mobile phone and other small items.
What We Like
The best feature of the Little Donkey Andy Women's Shorts is the four-way stretch fabric.
You can freely move and run on different terrains without worrying about tearing the fabric of your shorts.
What We Don’t Like
The sizing is a bit problematic because it might be too big if you don’t know the shorts' exact size.
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5. VAYAGER Women's Lightweight Cargo Shorts
When it comes to athletic shorts and gears, VAYAGER is one of the best choices.
Their products are very affordable and they provide a wide range of designs and features that would make your sports activities more comfortable.
Product Highlights
The VAYAGER Women's Lightweight Cargo Shorts is made from 90% nylon and 10% spandex.
It is the only sports shorts for women on this list with more than four pockets: two pockets in the front, two pockets at the back, and two side pockets for small items.
It is a cargo-type pair of shorts, but it is very lightweight compared with other brands.
It also provides amazing sun protection and will dry quickly if you accidentally spilled liquid on it.
The VAYAGER Women's Lightweight Cargo Shorts features a durable fabrication with a water-repellent finish.
Hence, it won't be soaked in sweat or rainwater.
What We Like
The best thing about the VAYAGER Women's Lightweight Cargo Shorts would be its six pockets.
It is always better to have more storage spaces on your shorts when traveling.
That is because you can put other important items in the pockets for easy access.
What We Don’t Like
The sizing of the VAYAGER Women's Lightweight Cargo Shorts is a bit off.
If you are a large woman, it would be hard to find the right fit for you. Sometimes, the size is too big or too small.
As such, you need to do your research before buying so you won’t make a mistake.
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Best Hiking Shorts for Men
1. Little Donkey Andy Men's Cargo Shorts
We have another entry from Little Donkey Andy, but this time, it's meant for males.
The company is known for its innovative and high-quality athletic shorts.
This pair of cargo shorts that they are offering is made for hiking, sports, and other activities.
Product Highlights
Little Donkey Andy Men's Cargo Shorts is stylish lower-body clothing made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
It features two-way stretch fabric to improve comfort and movement while doing exercises.
It has a quick-dry fabric with a water-repellent finish.
As such, it would dry quickly and keep you dry for a long time, even if it is raining on the trail or your drenching in sweat.
The Little Donkey Andy Men's Cargo Shorts also has a UPF 50+ rating so it can protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.
Additionally, with its elastic waistband and belt loops, it would be easier to find the right fit for you.
Its side and rear zipper pockets will also give you enough storage space for your mobile phone and other small items.
What We Like
The best thing about the Little Donkey Andy Men's Cargo Shorts is its stylish design.
It doesn’t look like a pair of athletic shorts, but the features are definitely there.
What We Don’t Like
The fabric of the Little Donkey Andy Men's Cargo Shorts may start fraying early.
Therefore, you need to be very careful when washing it.
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2. Columbia Men's Extended Brewha II Shorts
Columbia Sportswear has been in the industry for over 80 years, making them one of the premier providers of sports gear in the market.
Columbia Men's Extended Brewha II Shorts is currently one of the best sellers in their collection.
Product Highlights
Columbia Men's Extended Brewha II Shorts is extremely durable and comfortable to wear while providing the protection that you need during your activities.
It is made from soft cotton that is very soft on the skin.
It has a built-in UPF 50 that can block UVB and UVA sun rays and prevent sunburns while you are hiking.
Since it is made from 100% cotton, it provides more comfort and breathability to ensure your lower body will feel fresh and cool.
The Columbia Men's Extended Brewha II Short has cargo pockets that offer sufficient storage for your personal items like wallet, mobile phone, cards, and more.
What We Like
The Columbia Men's Extended Brewha II Shorts is the perfect example of an athletic short that provides comfort, protection, and style.
What We Don’t Like
It’s a great pair of hiking shorts, but the only issue is the cheap zippers.
If you are not careful, you might damage it at your first use.
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3. FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts
Whether you are looking for sports or hiking gears, Free Soldier is one of the best brands to consider.
The FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts is currently one of their best products and most popular for hikers.
Product Highlights
The FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts is made from 89% nylon and 11% spandex.
It has a quick-dry, breathable fabric that is also scratch-resistant.
It's four-way stretching for more flexibility and comfort.
It also uses a DuPont Teflon fabric that provides amazing water-repellant properties to prevent stains from liquids.
The UPF 50+ rating offers sun protection and blocks UVA and UVB rays that can cause skin damage.
Its two slanted pockets and the two Flap hook-and-loop pockets provide sufficient storage space for your important items while you're hiking or working out.
The pockets are made from CoolMax mesh fabric to provide better breathability.
There are two other Bellows Pockets with zippers where you can place your mobile phones.
The FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts also features a removable nylon belt that you can adjust based on your waist circumference.
What We Like
In terms of design and overall features, the FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts is definitely an amazing pick.
The multiple pockets and UPF protection are the best if you are always hiking.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with the FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts is the sizing.
It is not applicable for men with large waists since it won’t fit even if you get the largest size.
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4. XKTTAC Men's Stretchy Shorts
If you prefer hiking shorts that are both stylish and full of pockets, XKTTAC Men's Stretchy Shorts is your best bet.
It is perfect for different kinds of activities, like hiking, sports, and workouts.
Product Highlights
The XKTTAC Men's Stretchy Shorts offers a six-pocket and reflective design.
There are four big and deep side zipper pockets and two front pockets where you can put your important belongings while hiking or exercising.
There are reflective strips attached to the shorts to ensure your safety when hiking early in the morning or late evening.
The elastic and adjustable waistband offers a good fit since it would hug your waist perfectly.
The fabric is breathable and will guarantee that sweat won’t stay there for a long time.
It has a quick-dry feature for better water resistance and UPF 50+ that would protect you from the sun's harmful rays.
The XKTTAC Men's Stretchy Shorts is extremely lightweight and durable, so you won’t have to worry about the trail.
What We Like
One of the best reasons to opt for the XKTTAC Men's Stretchy Shorts is the pockets.
Only a few athletic shorts can offer many deep pockets, which means that you can put more items inside while walking or running.
What We Don’t Like
Although this pair of hiking shorts is supposed to be lightweight, it is still heavier than other brands.
It is because of the pockets added to the shorts.
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5. Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts
If you prefer hiking shorts with a simple design and not too short, the Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts is the best option.
It is one of the most popular choices because of its features and style.
Product Highlights
Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts is made from 88% nylon and 12% spandex.
It features a quick-dry feature with sun protection.
It is made from soft and lightweight nylon along with spandex with a water-resistant coat.
The UPF 50+ can repel water and help resist the harmful rays of the sun.
It would dry really fast, so you don’t need to change your hiking shorts in case of rain.
It is also very comfortable and flexible with its four-way stretch woven fabric.
It provides better mobility and offers more comfort, even if you are hiking for the whole day.
It contains six large pockets, which is also one reason it is a popular choice.
There are two thigh zipper pockets, two slash hand pockets, and two back zipper pockets to keep all of your important items.
Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts is not too loose and not too tight, so it gives you better mobility during camping, trekking, climbing, traveling, and more.
It comes with an elastic side waistband and two-inch belt loops for a more custom fit.
What We Like
The best thing about Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts is its six pockets.
Men usually bring many things with them, and most of them would want these items to be accessible anytime.
By having several pockets, you can put in smaller items and access them anytime, anywhere.
What We Don’t Like
The only issue with Libin Men's Outdoor Hiking Shorts is the zipper since it is cheaply made.
You need to be very careful when opening and closing the zip pockets since it might accidentally damage the zippers.
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Buyers Guide
You can wear whatever shorts you want when hiking, but you have to be prepared to change them anytime during the hike.
There are instances where you will need to climb rocks or traverse tall grasses, so it is not good just to wear any kind of shorts.
You need the best hiking shorts if you want to have a great experience on your hike.
Here are the things that you need to know if you want to find the best one.
1. Fabric
When choosing hiking shorts, the fabric is always the first thing you need to check since it would affect its performance.
Below are some of the fabrics that you can choose from if you want to buy hiking shorts.
Polyester
This is a soft fabric often used as a base layer for most clothes.
Stretchy and wicking clothes are usually made from this material.
This is a great material for hiking shorts, especially when combined with lycra.
Nylon
If you prefer durability, nylon is the best material to consider.
Most hiking shorts are made from nylon because the manufacturers pay attention to the harsh environment during a hike.
Although they are durable, they are not as breathable as polyester fabric, so other fabrics are combined with nylon.
Lycra
This is not a fabric used to make shorts exclusively.
This material is used to blend with polyester and nylon.
Cotton
Cotton might not be the best choice for outdoor shorts, but you can still wear them if the hiking area is not too harsh.
2. Water and Sun Protection
You will notice that most hiking shorts offer water and sun protection, which is pretty good since you will be walking in sunny or rainy areas.
Water protection is a must because it will protect you from the outside and the inside.
It can wick moisture effectively so your lower body will stay cool and fresh throughout the hike.
It is not a requirement for sun protection, but it would be a great addition, especially if you are hiking in sunny places.
If the area doesn’t have a lot of trees or shade, you might need hiking shorts with sun protection.
3. Length
The best length for a pair of hiking shorts depends on who will use it and what type of comfort or protection they need.
For example, women tend to wear shorts with a shorter length, usually above the knee.
They prefer comfort, breathability, and protection combined with style.
Men usually prefer more pockets, so they don’t want shorts that are too short.
They often buy shorts that reach below the knee to get more pockets.
Hiking shorts with a shorter length can provide better mobility and breathability, allowing you to move unhindered.
You won’t also have to worry about your shorts ripping.
Hiking shorts with a longer length provide more protection since they would cover the thigh.
4. Pockets
Yes, pockets are essential, whether you are a man or a woman.
Although some people won’t really care about pockets, this is a vital feature for hiking shorts since it would serve as quick storage for important items.
You can place your mobile phones, GPS, and other important items in your pockets.
That way, you can easily bring them out and use them whenever you want.
The convenience provided by pockets is something that a hiker won’t be able to ignore.
As for the number of pockets, it depends on your preference.
Most women would prefer at least two pockets for their hiking shorts, while men would always opt for at least four pockets.
5. Closure
Hiking shorts have different closure systems, and they all have benefits and disadvantages.
It would be best if you learn about your options before buying a pair of hiking shorts, so here they are:
Zipper
This type of closure is very convenient since you only need to bring the zipper up and down if you want to wear or remove the shorts.
However, zippers can break easily, especially if you force them up or down.
Buttons
This a common closure for most hiking shorts, but there are times when they are difficult to undo.
Stretch Waist
Compared to zippers and buttons, stretch waist is a lot easier to use.
You can adjust the fit, depending on your preference.
That said, it would become difficult once you start losing weight because it will be hard to keep your pants up.
Belt Closure
This is one of the best options since you can tighten and loosen the fit anytime you want.
Even if you get fat or lose weight, it will not have any effect.
6. Fit
When it comes to fit, you have two choices: baggy or slim fitting.
For hiking, you can choose whatever type of shorts you want.
Whether it is baggy or slim fitting, you can wear whatever is more comfortable for you.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is never to wear shorts that are too loose or those starting to fall off.
It will have a big impact on your stamina and mobility since you have to worry about it over and over again.
If you don’t want to make a mistake when it comes to fit, avoid low rise short.
This type of shorts will fall on where the waistband is located, so it would be very uncomfortable.
It would even lead to chaffing, so make sure you check this out before buying.
Hiking Shorts FAQs
1. Can you wear shorts while hiking?
Yes, shorts are the best lower-body clothing that you need to wear for hiking because pants can limit your movement.
Even if you are wearing jogger pants, hiking shorts offer more breathability, comfort, and better movement.
2. Why is cotton not good for hiking?
For hiking, you need clothing that would dry fast and reduce conductive heat loss.
Cotton is heavier compared with other synthetic fabrics since it can absorb moisture.
Once you start sweating, the fabric will become heavier.
3. What should I wear on a long hike?
It is usually better for long hikes to wear hiking pants, but if you want more comfort and breathability, it is better to wear hiking shorts.
4. What is the difference between shorts and Bermudas?
You can differentiate a Bermuda from shorts by its length.
Bermuda's bottom can reach at the top of the knees, while shorts usually come below the buttocks, especially for women.
5. Should you wear a mask while hiking?
It is not advisable to wear masks when hiking, but it became necessary because of the Coronavirus.
You don’t have to wear the mask the whole hike, though.
You can just wear it if you stay in a place where there are other hikers aside from your group.
Our Final Recommendations
There are so many hiking shorts in the market that it is literally difficult to find the brand that would fit your style.
Among the designs and brands mentioned above, the best hiking shorts for women is the Columbia Women's Saturday Trail II Knee Pants.
It has many pockets, is very comfortable to wear, and the drawback is only related to its sizing.
As for the best hiking shorts for men, the FREE SOLDIER Men's Lightweight Hiking Shorts is our top recommendation.
Its design, features, and affordability clearly outperform all the other brands and designs we reviewed above.