Just like finding a great pair of hiking boots, finding the perfect pair of hiking shorts can make the difference in a great day on the trail or a miserable one. This is why we are here today. There are many things to put into consideration when buying a pair of hiking shorts and we know that women, just like men, need a solid pair of hiking shorts.
What makes a pair of shorts suitable for hiking is their thermoregulatory characteristics. Everyone needs a pair of shorts that are fast drying, repels dirt, durable and lightweight. These are shorts that are moisture wicking so you don’t have to be uncomfortable while you are conducting your outdoors activities. These shorts need to repel, defend and protect. Protect you from sharp surfaces if you bump them, defend against UV rays that might give you sunburn and repel water to keep you dry.
With all that said, we know there are a lot of options out there and we want to make sure the shopping journey is a lot easier than the journey you will be embarking on in your new hiking shorts. Because of those reasons, we’ve created a list of some of the best women’s hiking shorts of the year. All of these shorts are highly rated and will perform well when you need them the most.
- 1. Columbia Saturday Trail Short
- 2. White Sierra Women’s Crystal Cove River Shorts
- 3. Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Quick Dry Shorts
- 4. MIER Women’s Lightweight Cargo Shorts
- 5. Prana Halle Short
Columbia Saturday Trail Short
The Columbia Saturday Trail Shorts are a great option for any woman and you can pick these up for an affordable price. Columbia has always created quality outdoor products and the Saturday Trail Shorts are no different. These shorts are stylish, modest and most of all, functional. We’ve seen a lot of shorts that are this comfortable go for a lot more money so that is one thing we love about them. They are athletic, silky and made of a quick dry material. They have UV protection, they are lightweight and they will wick away any moisture that accumulates over your trip. Overall, they are a great pair of hiking shorts for women.
Features
– Offer Omni Shield advanced repellency
– UPF 50+ sun protection with the Omni Shade
– They have a great stretch that allows them to stay comfortable the whole day
– These are midrise shorts – modest and comfortable
White Sierra Women’s Crystal Cove River Shorts
The White Sierra Women’s Crystal Cove River Shorts make our list of some of one of the best women’s hiking shorts of the season. You can pick these up in a black or bark color so you can look great while getting all the functionality that come with these shorts. The Crystal Cove River Shorts are great for any outdoor activity. They dry fast and they have many pockets where you can store any of your valuable without having to worry about losing them. They are water repellent, offer UPF 30+ protection from the sun, have a flat front waistband with elastic back and flap back pockets with bungee closure.
Features
– Built with 100% nylon
– UPF 30+ protection from the sun
– Side elastic is comfort fit
– Quick dry material
– Water repellent fabric that fights against moisture
– Bungee cording on patch double fap pockets
– Safe zip pocket
– Shorts have a 6 inch inseam
Little Donkey Andy Women’s Stretch Quick Dry Shorts
The Women’s Stretch Quick Dry Shorts by Little Donkey Andy can be had for just around $20. These shorts come in four different colors and are great for all kinds of travel, camping and hiking. One of the nice thing about these shorts is the comfort. They features stretch, lightweight fabric with a belt loop. Not only are they lightweight but they are made with quick dry materials and they offer UPF 50+ sun protection. There are many pockets to choose from when trying to store your valuables. Like many other hiking shorts, you are getting the essential features that will make sure you are good and comfortable outdoors, but for a lot less money.
Features
– 90% polyester and 10% spandex
– 4-way stretch and lightweight fabric that gives you enhance comfort and movement
– Water repellent and when they do get wet, they dry fast
– UPF 50+ protection from the sun
– Rear and side zipper pockets
MIER Women’s Lightweight Cargo Shorts Outdoor Stretchy Hiking Shorts
The MIER Women’s Lightweight Cargo Shorts offer everything you need in a pair of hiking shorts for women. They are made of a stretchy material for comfort, have zipper pockets for your valuable, made of quick dry material and have an adjustable waist. They work great for hiking, running, trekking and general travel because they are comfortable and moisture wicking. The 9.5 inch inseam offers a modest and durable feel because of the 4-way stretch material and midrise cut. The buttons and zippers are built tough and made to last so you won’t have to worry about one of these popping off.
Features
– Partial elastic sides
– 4-way comfort stretch
– Strong metal button and zip fly
– Three zipper pockets that are secure and safe
– There shorts are very versatile and suitable for work while working great for the outdoors
– Water resistant and quick drying
Prana Halle Short
The Prana Halle Short make your list of one of the best women’s hiking shorts for the year because of all the great features it offers. In most cases, a great pair of hiking shorts are going to have many of the same features, so you are probably going to look for features and feel that make you feel good when you wear them. These shorts are moisture wicking as well as offer stretch Zion performance. Stretch Zion is a fabric that Prana created that is both flexible and lightweight. However, it is strong enough to stand up to any rugged adventure you can think of. This is one of their best selling products.
Features
– Water repellent
– Offer 4-way stretch
– Sun protection with UPF 50+
– Quick drying material
– Button front fly and internal drawcord for waist
– Hidden stash pocket that zips and is on the right leg