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Take a summertime wander into the expansive beauty of nature without working up (as much of) a sweat! Check out TFG readers’ picks for walking shorts that will look good and be functionable for your next hike!
Best Women’s Hiking Shorts
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
Travel Girl Fashion help! A reader asks:
Looking for a good hiking short. More fitted rather than flared, stretchy or at least flexible, 4-5″ inseam, preferably pull on (not a fan of zip and button types), and functional pockets that can actually hold my phone. Does this exist?!
Summertime is great for exploring the wilderness and taking advantage of the beauty found in nature, but it can also get pretty hot! When the temperature is peaking, you’ll want to stay cool. So, if you’re in the market for a pair of ladies hiking shorts, there are a few qualities to look out for compared to typical summer shorts you have in your closet.
Hiking shorts need to be: durable, protective, water-repellent, cool, comfy, well-fitted and have a ton of pockets. And as our reader requests, also a pull-on fit (we’re not asking for a lot, right!?).
So never fear—TFG readers are here to help! Let them share their top ladies walking shorts picks with you!
Best Womens Hiking Shorts
Shop: Amazon | Columbia (XS-XXL | Plus 1X-3X)
Columbia Anytime Outdoor Women Drawstring Shorts
Columbia is a brand that’s always a winner when it comes to outdoor gear, and these Anytime Outdoor shorts are a TFG reader top pick!
These women’s drawstring shorts hit the brief perfectly, having a more tailored fit with a mid-rise waist and tapered legend areas (but a couple of reviews share that if you need more thigh room, as they can be a bit too snug).
TFG readers rave with approval for these lightweight shorts womens, one reader shares, “Columbia makes just what you’re looking for,” and another explains, “Love my Columbia Anytime shorts (although I hate tight things, so I size up).”
Comes in a longer length, and also in regular and plus sizes.
Shop Sizes 2-24: Amazon | Zappos
Columbia Saturday Trail II Knee Shorts Women’s
The Columbia Saturday knee pant is made of durable nylon and elastane and is lightweight for whatever activity you have in mind. If you’ll be in the sun all day UPF 50 will help block and shield you from UVA and UVB sun rays. With an 18” inseam, you’ll have tons of coverage not to mention articulated knees to run or jump.
One TFG reader says, “This stretchy shorts womens style really holds its shape very well—no elephant knees at the end of the day! They’re lightweight but offer more coverage than typical shorts without feeling too hot.”
Check out this awesome list of the best hiking shirts womens styles!
Shop Sizes 0-24: Amazon | Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Flex Hiker Shorts
Talk about cute shorts for women hikers! Readers love Eddie Bauer, and these Pro Flex women hiking shorts have an elasticated waist, which is a pull-on version of the Guide pro shorts that has a zip and button closure. They’re designed to be tough in the great outdoors, having all the features you need for a summer hike.
They’re also lightweight, have a great stretch, are water-repellent, and have UPF sun protection. Grab them in a neutral gray, or natural green olive shorts womens style.
A TFG reader shares, “Eddie Bauer Pro Flex Shorts are awesome! I have a couple of pairs. Super comfortable!”
Comes in a regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Amazon | Zappos
The North Face Aphrodite Motion Walking Shorts Ladies
The North Face women’s hiking shorts are a great pick for when the temperature rises. These womens pull on walking shorts are thin and stretchy, keeping you covered for scrambling across boulders and tough terrains. They are moisture-wicking, keeping both sweat and water away so you stay cool and dry.
One TFG reader gushes, “I love my North Face Aphrodite shorts. So comfy and amazing!”
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Amazon │Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Outdoor Shorts Womens
Look cute but be comfy in these Mountain Hardware Dynama women’s walking shorts. Their pull-on fit is made with a stretchy comfort that is feminine, but tough for when you need it. They are water repellent, have great UPF protection, and as one review writes “deliciously deep pockets”.
TFG readers recommend these womens walking shorts, with one reader explaining, “Mountain Hardwear Dynama shorts are my faves! Super comfy waist and all four pockets are big enough for my iPhone XR in a Lifeproof case. None of the pockets zip or fasten closed though.”
Find the best waterproof hiking boots for your needs!
Shop REI: Sizes 0-16 | 18W-26W
REI Co-op Sahara Womens Bermuda Shorts
REI is synonymous with all things outdoors, and you can add these Sahara REI shorts are beloved by female hikers (including our readers!). They do everything you need a hiking short to do, with a comfy wide waistband and they even have a secure back pocket. They’re breathable, water-repellent, and sun-protective too.
One TFG reader explains, “I just got the REI Sahara shorts and love them! Great lightweight fabric and lots of pockets. Perfect for hiking, traveling, biking, etc,” and another agrees, “I love my REI womens shorts for hiking.”
Prefer to keep your legs covered? Check out these top hiking pants for women!
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Amazon | Baleaf
BALEAF Quick Dry 4″ Walking Shorts For Women
These BALEAF women’s shorts are a comfy fit and cool for a hot day of activities. They are thin and quick-drying, with a liner that wicks away sweat and moisture, making them great for hiking and running.
One reviewer shares, “These are great all-around shorts. Comfortable and quick-drying. Zippered pocket is great for a wallet, keys, or mask. Love the liner which can be washed daily and quickly dries. Wish they came in more colors!”
Choose from our list of top hiking sandals!
Shop: prAna (Sizes 0-16 | 18W-22W) | Backcountry
prAna Halle Womens Walking Shorts With Pockets
So, not a pull-on option, but TFG reader recommended nonetheless, are these prAna Halle women’s hiking shorts with pockets. Their special ‘Zion fabric’ is made of a hardy nylon weave that is tough enough for all of Mother Nature’s adventures, being water resistant, stretchy, and UPF 50 protective. There’s coverage with 7” long inseam womens hiking shorts, but they also come in shorter 5” inseam womens camping shorts too.
A TFG reader explains, “The prAna Halle are my go-to shorts for hiking and even every day. They’re super comfy and durable without looking like ‘hiking shorts’.”
Shop Sizes 0-26: Amazon | Lands’ End
Lands’ End 5″ Colorful Shorts For Women
TFG readers are clever and creative, and one suggested these Lands End womens shorts, and we think they would make a great option for a hike on a warm summer’s day—especially if there’s a water hole or spot on route where you could go for a midway dip!
They’re technically ‘board shorts’ and have a built in panty, but the quick dry stretchy fabric, with a wide waistband make these womens patterned shorts comfy enough to wear for all of your fun in the sun. And, they come in regular, petite, and plus sizes too!
A TFG reviewer explains, “These Lands’ End shorts have a 5” inseam that works for me. They pull on with an elastic waist, have functional pockets, and are very comfy. I really like them.”
Shop Sizes 0-20: Lululemon
Lululemon Wonder Train Shorts
These Lululemon stretchy shorts for womens are designed for runners, but as a TFG reader shares that they can also be great for a hike too. The high rise waistband makes them incredibly comfortable, and the sweat-wicking, stretchy Nulux fabric will move with you through any situation. And even though they are tighter, they still have functional pockets.
A reader shares, “Not cheap but worth EVERY penny. I actually learned about these lightweight hiking shorts from someone here on TFG. The pockets are amazing and the performance of the fabric is unparalleled!”
Find out the best trekking poles for your next adventure!
Hiking Shorts Women’s Product Comparison Chart
How to Pack Your Hiking Shorts
If you’re ready to tackle some trails either locally or internationally, and you’ve chosen a pair of cute womens shorts to take on a trip, start with packing cubes, they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. This is the secret to packing carry-on only!
What do you think are the best hiking shorts womens styles? Share and comment below!
For more tips on what to pack for hiking, please read:
- Need the Best Hiking Gear List for Female Trekkers? Here it is!
- Hiking and Camping Supplies List for Overnight Trips
- How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots and Shoes
- Best Sun Protective Clothing for Women
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The Eddie Bauer shorts are also available at Kohls! I got some yesterday for ~$30
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5899085/womens-eddie-bauer-rainier-waterproof-active-shorts.jsp?prdPV=1
That’s so helpful to know, thanks Caroline!