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A woman wearing her go-to hiking shorts while camping. Credit: Columbia
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The Best Hiking Shorts for Women of 2026

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A woman wearing her go-to hiking shorts while camping. Credit: Columbia

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Product image of Nike ACG Women's 5" Shorts

Nike ACG Women's 5" Shorts

Currently
Unavailable

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"

Currently
Unavailable

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 Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short

Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short

Check Price at Amazon

These breezy, quick-to-dry hiking shorts are great for hot and humid days, according to reviewers. Read More

Pros

  • Extra comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Great for hot days

Cons

  • May run slightly small
Product image of Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts

Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts

Check Price at Amazon

The merino in these shorts controls moisture, temperature, and resists odor, while the polyester makes them resilient to damage and quick to dry. Read More

Pros

  • Mid-rise fit
  • Mesh waistband
  • Adjustable drawcord

Cons

  • None that we can find

  • Nike ACG Women's 5

  • Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"

  • Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

  • Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short

  • Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts

  • What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shorts

  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

  • Nike ACG Women's 5
  • Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"
  • Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts
  • Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short
  • Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts
  • What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shorts
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy
Lily Hartman
Written by Lily Hartman, staff writer, research expert, and active lifestyle enthusiast.

Updated September 22, 2023

Summer is a great time to go hiking—from experiencing beautiful weather to longer days in the mountains. Plus, you can carry less gear and wear lighter clothes. For those days when it’s extra hot, humid, or maybe even rainy, having a comfortable, high-performance pair of women’s hiking shorts is important.

When it comes to finding the right pair of hiking or walking shorts for women, you’ll want to find some that fit comfortably, breathe easily, feel lightweight, are quick to dry, and as a bonus, have some type of water resistance.

To help you find the right pair of hiking shorts for women, we explored a variety of options available online. Based on our research, these are some of the best women’s hiking shorts available online. And if you need a great pair of hiking pants for cooler days, we’ve got you covered with our top picks 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

With more width, length, and stretch, the Nike ACG 5-inch shorts for women are an easy-to-wear pair of hiking shorts that are made to fit various body types.Their high-waisted design adds some style and their adjustable drawcord makes it easy to customize how snug you want them on your waist.

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

Pros

  • Supple fit

  • Stretchy

  • Functional

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"
Roark Campover Shorts 2.5"

These easy flowing summer shorts are made from ripstop stretch cotton, making them durable and easy to move freely. Their stylish design not only makes them great for summer hikes, but also lifestyle activities, such as grabbing lunch or going for a walk downtown. They have easy-to-access secure pockets, where you can place items like your phone or keys, and an 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

Product image of Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts
Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Shorts

If you need a pair of shorts you can wear to a casual lunch as well as on an exposed ridge, these super versatile hiking shorts may be perfect for you. These shorts are water resistant and have UPF 50+ protection. Plus, they come with handy zippered pockets and are both lightweight and include an elastic waistband. Many reviewers even own these shorts in multiple pairs because of how much they love them for their comfort, easy fit, and durability.

Pros

  • Versatile

  • Lots of convenient pockets

  • Great fit

Cons

  • None that we can find

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short
Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short

These breezy, quick-to-dry cargo shorts are great for hot and humid days, according to reviewers. They’re made of lightweight nylon that will keep you cool when the sun is beaming. Plus, they’re built with just enough sun protection to keep your skin shielded from harmful rays. You can also adjust the wide waistband if it feels too loose.

Overall, these are a great pair of hiking shorts because they fall on your natural waist and have a comfortable six-inch inseam. These shorts run slightly small, so we recommend going one size up.

Pros

  • Extra comfortable

  • Versatile

  • Great for hot days

Cons

  • May run slightly small

Buy now at Amazon

Product image of Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts
Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Shorts

With these classic-fit hiking and running shorts, you’ll reap the benefits of both merino and polyester. The merino in these mid-rise shorts controls moisture, temperature, and resists odor, while the polyester makes them both resilient to damage and quick to dry on rainy or sweaty days.

In addition, these shorts are made to help you move since they’re built with light, stretchy fabric. They also come with two back pockets for your phone and two front zip pockets to secure your cash, keys, or favorite go-to trail snacks.

Pros

  • Mid-rise fit

  • Mesh waistband

  • Adjustable drawcord

Cons

  • None that we can find

Buy now at Amazon

What to Look for in a Pair of Hiking Shorts

Material

Hiking shorts should dry quickly, have abrasion resistance, feel lightweight, and breathe easy. 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 wick away moisture.

Durability

While you’re hiking, you may brush up against objects like roots and rocks. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a pair of shorts for hiking that are rated for their durability and hold their quality, especially after multiple washes. This means that they should resist wear and tear and hold up against rugged terrain.

Comfort

You’ll want to feel comfortable while hiking. It is one of the most important aspects of hiking clothes and gear. Hiking shorts that keep you cool and dry are best. In addition, you should consider shorts that are stretchy, soft, lightweight, and breathable, but it really comes down to personal preference.

Range of Motion

If you think about the way your body moves while hiking, you aren’t always walking in a straight line. In fact, you’ll often be taking deep steps up and moving side to side. Therefore, you’ll want some trail 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, They’re also a lot more comfortable!

Weather Resistance

Even if it’s supposed to be sunny the day you go hiking, the weather can change in an instant up 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 writer

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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