The act of hiking, and more particularly, outdoor activities, has become one of the most common past-time and recreation activities. To fully enjoy nature, one must carry the appropriate hiking wear and, most importantly, appropriate-quality hiking shorts.
Hiking shorts need to check a lot of boxes: ventilation, wear resistance, moisture-wicking characteristics of the garment, freedom of movement, pockets, and comfort fit. In fact, there is no shortage of hiking shorts available on the market today, making it difficult to narrow down our options. Below is a breakdown of what to consider, followed by quick reviews of the best hiking shorts out there.
What Features Should Be Expected of Hiking Shorts
Apparel synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester are capable of absorbing moisture and quick drying. Cotton should be avoided because it is porous and retains sweat for a long time.
Length: Choose a pant length that hugs your calf comfortably but doesn’t constrict your movement excessively. This flexibility is enabled by the presence of details such as gusseted crotch, articulated knees and stretch-woven fabrics incorporated into the garments.
Length: The fit of the trousers for men’s hiking shorts is 5-10 inches, while that of women’s hiking shorts is 3-8 inches. The shorter the inseam, the less material rubs against your legs.
Several pockets are ideal for the safe transportation of gear when hiking.
Vents: Mesh vents enable the flow of fresh air, especially at the back of the knee, in case one gets too hot. A few shy shorts also have vent constructions down the inside seam.
Sun Protection UPF: The UPF tells how effectively the fabric protects from UV rays. UPF 50+ is recommended.
This article features the best collection of hiking shorts for men.
PrAna Stretch Zion Short
The Stretch Zion is made of 97% nylon and 3% spandex, making these lightweight shorts durable and comfortable for hundreds of miles of trail. Therefore, they are recommended for any neutral or warm-weather activity. Their features include a relaxed fitting, a breathable and ventilated inseam gusset, and a 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
The main cargo pockets are large enough to accommodate hiking equipment and wallets. The exact design allows full motion while climbing, resulting in a closer fit for the respective climbing trips.
If I were to choose one popular interest item today, I would buy the Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Short.
Thanks to Columbia’s excellent wicking technology, the Silver Ridge shorts keep moisture away from your skin, while the mesh venting at the hips manages the heat in warm weather. Omni-Shade UPF 50 is especially useful for protecting from the dangerous impact of UV radiation. Omni-Wick, on the other hand, quickly drives the moisture away.
This garment offers more than enough pockets: besides the standard side pockets, there are mesh cargo pockets and a secure zip pocket, which makes it possible to keep all necessary things within accessible reach on a trail.
Kuhl Kontra Short
The Kontra is a standard offering from Kuhl, and the brand has used lightweight but highly robust material for hardcore hiking shorts. The Kontra fabric, made of 91% nylon with 9% spandex, ensures better stretch and recovery capacities. This way, the mesh pockets make it possible to carry gear without running the risk of our kits and gear getting too hot. The large side cargo pockets are perfectly sized to hold phones, snacks, and other things you would want to have within arm’s reach while on the trail.
Marmot PreCip Short
Moreover, Marmot’s PreCip fabric technology included in these shorts makes them water resistant in the unlikely scenario that you’ll hike in light rain. It has a durable nylon fabric that dries very fast while having abrasion, giving the fabric the needed strength. Applying loads of breathable fabric and using a relaxed design ensures high comfort and airflow when cycling for an extended time. Big pockets that elicit a zip keep equipment secure, yet the user has simple access to the contents under certain circumstances.
PrAna Zogger Short
Built for summer backpacking, the Zogger is made of Prana’s lightweight, four-way stretch Zion for freedom of movement on warm trails. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish makes items water-resistant to a light shower. Large front pockets and small side leg pockets are other minute details that are probably permanent for housing hiking. Through placements of mesh inserts in the lining and the built-in brief, these shorts are breathable in hot climates.
Best Women’s Hiking Shorts
Planning and Organisation of Columbia Saturday Trail II Short
Columbia’s advanced wicking fabric with UPF 50 is used in Variable Yeti Fabric technology in these shorts for optimum coolness. Mesh panels give more air circulation, while on the other hand, the articulated knees make it possible to cover a larger area of terrain with ease. Altogether, it is suitable for lighter, hot-climate camping or hiking activities.
White Sierra Trail Short
Perfect for hiking during summer, the women’s trail short of White Sierra features quick-drying fabric technology for moisture management. Eight compartments, including a zip security pocket for your phone and other small stuff, allow you to carry your hiking gear. Carabiners fit easily onto utility loops for ready gear access. A freer country-style fit ensures that you are comfortable as you hike through moderate to steep terrain.
Marmot ROM Short
There is comfort with enough stretch in the lightweight nylon of Marmot’s ROM shorts for hiking, climbing or even backpacking. It does not end there by being quick-drying clothes and UPF 50+ sun protection wear. Back real compartments are safe but also quickly accessible. Taslan liner is a soft mesh for maximum breathability to help the consumer stay cool during high temperatures. It provides the mobility you need for any summer backcountry activity with a straightforward profile.
Patagonia Baggies Short
These are the latest Baggies: Patagonia’s lightweight nylon shorts, which have been refined for their latest release. For men outdoors people, the fabric is made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon fabric that does not stick on the skin as it dries very fast, has a DWR finish, and is very breathable and accommodating with so much mobility. Stretchy material allows the accommodation of different sizes of hand-held items, and large front zip pockets effectively secure the contents. However, the design does not allow pockets to be bulky. They are ideally worn while hiking, at the beach or lounging in the backyard.
PrAna Halle II Short
Halle shorts by PrAna, made from stretch Zion fabric, offer casual, lightweight wear appropriate for warm-climate hiking and backpacking. They’re versatile with multi-fabric panels, side leg vents, and moisture-control inseam panels that provide comfort to your legs, especially in hot weather. The fabric has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment to make light moisture slip off easily and is UPF 50+ for sun protection. An adjustable waist gives you some flexibility in the side tension when fitted.
FAQ About Hiking Shorts
What hiking short material is ideal for?
Adopt quick-drying synthetic materials tailored to your outfit’s needs, such as nylon and polyester. Clothes and accessories made with spandex must be stretchy. Many shorts currently contain blends of synthetic fabric to enhance breathability and rapid drying.
Is a pair of shorts advised for hiking? What is the length of the inseam in hiking shorts?
Traditionally، men typically wear shorts with inseams ranging from 5 to 10 inches.
Most men’s shorts have an inseam of 5 to 10 inches. Various lengths are common. A measure longer than 10 inches limits movement.
Several inches to keep women’s thighs from getting irritated. Are they partial to relaxed pants or tight pants like ours?
Quality hiking shorts allow for a comfortable fit to the hip area and have crotches designed for ease of movement. When the temperature rises, vents and lightweight fabrics will enable it to air out and dry quickly after moisture. Fitting shorts that are too loose may disrupt growth since they catch on limbs and block vital blood flow from constricting shorts. The right combination relies on where you are and the trails you follow.
In what quantity should hiking shorts feature pockets?
Hiking tools and vital accessories are stored. You can take two to ten short walks. It is preferable to have two pockets in the back and two hand pockets. Several come with extra-big cargo pockets with zips or Velcro for locators and food.
Are hiking shorts with sun protection against UV rays suggested?
Ultraviolet Radiation Protection Factor (UPF) quantifies how effectively it covers skin against UVA and UVB rays. UPFs greater than 30 blocks just 1/30 of sunlight from hitting your skin. Every 1/50th of UV rays to reach you is the equivalent of 1 centimetre per minute, as rated by UPF 50.
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