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A group of three hiking together in the mountains, blue sky stretching out behind them Credit: Getty Images

The Best Hiking Shorts of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

A group of three hiking together in the mountains, blue sky stretching out behind them Credit: Getty Images

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
Product image of Nike ACG Women's 5" Shorts

Nike ACG Women's 5" Shorts

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These shorts are wide on the leg, long, and stretchy, making them ideal for every body type. Read More

Pros

  • Supple fit
  • Stretchy
  • Functional

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"

Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"

Check Price at Roark

These flowy summer shorts are made from ripstop stretch cotton, meaning they’re durable and let you move freely. Read More

Pros

  • Supple fit
  • Stylish
  • Include secure pockets

Cons

  • Safety concerns with cotton
Product image of Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

Check Price at Amazon

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

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Lots of convenient pockets
  • Great fit

Cons

  • None that we can find
Product image of Columbia Men’s Tech Trail 10-Inch Shorts

Columbia Men’s Tech Trail 10-Inch Shorts

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These comfortable hiking shorts are made of lightweight and stretchy fabric components that will allow you to move freely up the mountain. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable fit
  • Lightweight and stretchy
  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • None that we can find
Product image of prAna Men’s Mojo Short

prAna Men’s Mojo Short

Check Price at Amazon

Built for performance, these versatile hiking shorts sound like a great go-to pick for everyday use. Read More

Pros

  • Inseam gusset for more movement
  • Great for performance
  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • Run slightly large
  • Nike ACG Women's 5
  • Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"
  • Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts
  • Columbia Men’s Tech Trail 10-Inch Shorts
  • prAna Men’s Mojo Short
  • The North Face Men’s Paramount Trail Short
  • What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shorts
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

Summer hikes are great for many reasons, like having more daylight for longer adventures and experiencing more comfortable weather where you can carry light gear. But with warm weather hikes also comes the humidity, strong sun rays, and more sweat. That’s why having a high-quality pair of hiking shorts is so important. To help you find the right pair of hiking shorts, we dug through top-picked styles and brands that specialize in the great outdoors.

Here are some of the best hiking shorts you can get online right now. And if you need a great pair of hiking pants for cooler days, we’ve got you covered there as well.

Editor's Note:

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Product image of Nike ACG Women's 5
Nike ACG Women's 5" Shorts

The Nike ACG hiking shorts for women offer the perfect length and fit for every trail lover. These shorts are wide on the leg, long, and stretchy, making them ideal for every body type. Their comfortable high-waisted fit and adjustable drawcord keeps them snug on your waist.

What’s more, these shorts include a loop to attach your hiking essentials and secure hand pockets to store your phone, snacks, and more.

Pros

  • Supple fit

  • Stretchy

  • Functional

Cons

  • None that we could find

Buy now at Nike
Product image of Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"
Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"

These flowy summer shorts are made from ripstop stretch cotton, meaning they’re durable and let you move freely. They’re both functional and stylish, making them ideal for both summer hikes and lifestyle activities. They have easy-to-access zip pockets, where you can place items like chapstick or keys, and a high-rise adjustable belt.

Buy these shorts one size up if you prefer a supple, boyfriend fit or in your normal size if you don’t.

Pros

  • Supple fit

  • Stylish

  • Include secure pockets

Cons

  • Safety concerns with cotton

Buy now at Roark
Product image of Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts
Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

If you need a pair of shorts that you can wear to a casual lunch as well as on an exposed ridge, these versatile hiking shorts may be perfect for you. Many reviewers even own these shorts in multiple pairs because of how much they love them for their comfort, easy fit, and abrasion resistance.

What’s more, these shorts are water repellant and have UPF 50+ protection. Plus, they come with secure cargo pockets and are made of a lightweight and stretchy fabric.

Pros

  • Versatile

  • Lots of convenient pockets

  • Great fit

Cons

  • None that we can find

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of Columbia Men’s Tech Trail 10-Inch Shorts
Columbia Men’s Tech Trail 10-Inch Shorts

These hiking shorts will make your hot hikes feel more bearable with their lightweight and stretchy components that allow you to move freely up the mountain. According to customers, they have a very comfortable and classic fit. Plus, they’re designed with Columbia’s Omni-Shade technology to protect your skin from harmful sunlight and Omni-Shield technology to shield your shorts from rain and stains. What's more, these shorts come with zippered pockets to hold your small essentials.

Pros

  • Comfortable fit

  • Lightweight and stretchy

  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • None that we can find

$55.00 from Amazon
Product image of prAna Men’s Mojo Short
prAna Men’s Mojo Short

Built for performance, these versatile hiking and running shorts are great for everyday use. Reviewers wear them for a wide variety of activities, from rock climbing and day hiking to road running. Many also describe them as being both comfortable and lightweight.

These shorts also provide sun protection, include a quick-drying fabric, and are made of all-recycled polyester. They even have mesh front pockets, secure velcro back pockets, and a no-scratch elastic waistband.

Pros

  • Inseam gusset for more movement

  • Great for performance

  • UPF 50+ protection

Cons

  • Run slightly large

Buy now at Amazon
Product image of The North Face Men’s Paramount Trail Short
The North Face Men’s Paramount Trail Short

These standard hiking shorts are ideal for leisurely hikes in any summer weather condition. They have water-resistant properties that let them dry shortly after light drizzling rain or if you’re sweating on a humid day. They’re made with FlashDry technology, which is The North Face’s name for the feature that helps them stay cool and dry quickly.

These shorts also have hand pockets, a belt and belt loop, and zip side pockets. Many reviewers say they run small, so we recommend going one size up.

Pros

  • Water repellant

  • Dry quickly

Cons

  • Run somewhat small

Buy now at Amazon

What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shorts

Material

Hiking shorts should be quick-drying, resistant to wear and tear, lightweight, and breathable. 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 absorb sweat.

Durability

Brushing against objects like roots and rocks is common when you’re hiking. Therefore, you’ll want to invest in a pair of hiking shorts that are rated for their durability. This means that they’ll be resistant to wear and tear (especially after multiple washes), and be able to hold up against rugged terrain.

Comfort

You want to feel comfortable while hiking. It is one of the most important aspects of hiking clothes and gear. Hiking shorts that are stretchy, soft, lightweight, and breathable will usually feel the best, but it really comes down to how they work for you individually.

Range of Motion

If you think about the way your body moves while hiking, you often take large, deep steps and even move side to side. Therefore, you’ll need hiking 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, as well as comfort.

Weather Resistance

Even if the weather predicts sunny skies, it can change quickly 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.

Meet the tester

Lily Hartman

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.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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