A pair of high-quality shorts is very useful for hiking in warm weather because it provides better ventilation, comfort and freedom of movement than regular pants. However, shorts should be worn only for hiking on well-groomed and technically undemanding trails where protection against vegetation and terrain (rocks, cliffs etc.) is not required.

In this review we selected the best hiking shorts to make your buying decision a little easier. We were especially looking for shorts that provide good durability but are comfortable, lightweight and breathable. Furthermore, all shorts in this selection are moisture-wicking and quick-drying. If you often do technically challenging hikes or think that you might be better off with a pair of long pants, check out our selections of the best hiking pants for men and women respectively. These selections also include convertible pants (the lower part of the legs can be zipped off or rolled up) which are very useful for hiking in changing weather conditions.

1. Our Hiking Shorts Picks

1. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts
2. prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts
3. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
4. Kuhl Renegade Shorts
5. Patagonia Quandary Shorts

2. Comparison of Hiking Shorts

Feature/Product	Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo	prAna Stretch Zion	Outdoor Research Ferrosi	Kuhl Renegade	Patagonia Quandary
Material	100% Nylon	97% Nylon, 3% Spandex (DWR)	86% Nylon, 14% Spandex (DWR)	Duralux (95% nylon, 5% spandex)	95% Nylon, 5% Elastane
Pockets	6	6	5	8	5
Belt Included	Yes	No	No	No	No
Inseam	10 or 12 inches	10 or 12 inches	7 or 10 inches	8, 10 or 12 inches	10 or 12 inches
Average Weight (metric)	10 oz. (283 g)	10 oz. (283 g)	8 oz. (227 g)	9 oz. (255 g) in size 33/12	7 oz. (204 g)
UPF	50	n/a	50	50	50

3. The Selection

1. Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacking
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Everyday use

 

The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts are very popular among hikers as they are very comfortable and durable. They are made of nylon but feature mesh panels (made of polyester) in the crotch area for better freedom of movement and ventilation. The fabric utilizes the Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technologies and thus efficiently blocks UV radiation (UPF 50) and transports the moisture from the skin to the outside. The shorts have 6 pockets – two hand pockets, two back pockets and two side pockets. The side pocket on the left side is zippered and thus perfect for storing valuables. The Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo shorts also have an elastic waist and hook and loop closure.  They are available in six different colors and come with a minimalistic belt.

Women's Version: Available - Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Stretch

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

2. prAna Stretch Zion II Shorts

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacking
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Everyday use

 

The prAna Stretch Zion II shorts provide great freedom of movement and are very comfortable to wear. They are made of a blend of nylon and spandex. Nylon fibers ensure abrasion-resistance and durability while spandex fibers add stretch to the fabric so that the shorts don’t restrict your movement. The durability of the shorts is additionally increased with sturdy stitches (triple stitching). The fabric is also treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellant) and thus repels the water rather than absorbing it. This pair of hiking shorts have an elastic waist and six pockets; two hand pockets, two back pockets and two side pockets. The side pockets are on the left side of the shorts and include a large pocket which is covered with a flap (so that stored items don’t fall out) and a smaller zippered pocket which is placed underneath the large pocket. One of the back pockets is also covered with a flap to prevent the items from falling out. The prAna Stretch Zion II shorts come in 12 different colors and three different inseam lengths.

Women's Version: Available - prAna Women's Halle II Shorts

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

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3. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacking
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Everyday use

 

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are super light and thus great for hiking and mountaineering on warm summer days. The shorts are made of a very thin and stretchy softshell fabric (86% nylon, 14% elastane). The fabric is tightly woven and thus provides great durability, abrasion resistance and sun protection (UPF 50). Due to the tightly woven fabric the shorts are also wind- and water-resistant. They have two hand pockets, two back pockets and a zippered side pocket for valuables. Additionally, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi hiking shorts feature belt loops, button/zipper fly and a low-profile-waist which comfortably fits under a climbing harness. The shorts are available in eight different colors and two different inseam lengths (8” and 10”).

Women's Version: Available - Outdoor Research Women's Ferrosi

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

 

4. Kuhl Renegade Shorts

Suitable for:

• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Trekking
• Backpacking
• Climbing
• Travelling
• Everyday use

 

The Renegade shorts from Canadian Kuhl are available in three inseam lengths – 8, 10 and 12 inches (20, 25 and 30 cm), and thus you are likely to find exactly the length which suits you perfectly. Regardless of length, the Kuhl Renegade shorts are equipped with a whooping eight pockets! Two in the front, two on the back with Velcro closures, two zippered thigh pockets (the right with a 3d drop pocket) and a stealth cell phone pocket. All in all, more than enough for you to arrange all the small essentials you might want to carry on you. In terms of material, the Kuhl Renegade shorts are made of a high-quality DWR-treated nylon fabric with a UPF-50 rating and two-way stretch. For extra freedom of movement and comfort, the Kuhl shorts have a gusseted crotch and the brand’s Free Ryde waistband, which is lined with soft anti-pill micro chamois (≈ fleece).

Women's Version: Available - Kuhl FreeFlex Shorts

Note: Women's version might slightly differ from the men's version.

Material:

Hiking shorts should be made of a breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and durable material. Therefore, hiking shorts are typically made of polyester or nylon. Nylon is more abrasion-resistant (durable) than polyester but polyester, on the other hand, offers slightly better moisture-wicking properties and breathability. Both materials absorb very little moisture and therefore dry very fast. Spandex is often added to these relatively non-stretchy materials to enhance elasticity (for freedom of movement) and recovery performance.

Some shorts feature DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treated fabric so that they repel the water (rain) instead of absorbing it. It is discussable how useful DWR treatments are for shorts, but as they don’t add any additional bulk to the garment there is no reason to avoid DWR-treated shorts. For more information about the qualities of different materials for hiking clothing, check out our Hiking Clothing Guide.

Pockets:

Hiking shorts should have conveniently placed and easily accessible pockets so that you can quickly store and retrieve your hiking accessories. The pockets should also be deep enough (or zippered) to prevent the items from falling out during activities.

Sun Protection (UPF):

Hiking shorts should protect the upper part of your legs against harmful sun rays. The level of sun protection in garments is rated by UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and indicates what percentage of UV rays penetrates through the fabric. For example, a fabric with the UPF of 50 allows 1/50 (2%) of UV radiation through. The UPF rating of a fabric mainly depends on its weave, thickness and fibers (nylon, polyester, cotton etc.). The construction, treatments and condition of a garment also influence the UPF rating. Manufacturers seldom disclose UPF ratings of their garments. For more information about garments and sun protection, check out our article Sun Protective Clothing.  As shorts will only cover the upper part of your legs, don’t forget to apply sun cream to your lower legs before going on a hike.

Weight:

Hiking shorts are typically very light as they are made of relatively thin fabrics. Lightweight garments are recommended for hiking, as they are more comfortable to wear and provide better freedom of movement than heavier garments.