7 Incredible Women’s Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry and Pockets)

Hiking Gear

Aug 22

We’ve tested dozens of hiking shorts and running shorts over miles of trails and narrowed down our list to seven best hiking shorts for women.

These aren’t just any pair of gym shorts either, they have all the hiking necessities like quick-drying, zippered pockets, non-riding, and all-day comfort.

This list of shorts is also catered to women with hips and thicker thighs who cannot just put on any pair of daisy dukes and walk for miles.

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Quick Picks - Women’s Hiking Shorts

Best hiking shorts overall: Athleta Trekkie
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Most durable: prAna Halle II
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Long hiking shorts: Baleaf 9” Hiking Short
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Quickest-Drying Shorts: lululemon Track 5”
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Buying Tips - Hiking Shorts

For a great pair of hiking shorts, look for abrasion-resistant fabric and a four-way stretch so they move with you as you traverse.

The length of the hiking shorts also will play a considerable role in comfort as too short can lead to chafing and discomfort. I personally love mid to high-rise hiking shorts with a 4-5 inch inseam.

Lastly, you’ll also want to consider how important pockets are to you. At least having one zipper pocket to store any essentials safely like your phone and keys is perfect.

Best Women’s Hiking Shorts

Athleta Trekkie Hiking Shorts

Best for: Those who love an high waist and zippered pockets

best hiking shorts — — *Editor’s Top Choice* —

**SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** Yes
**Inseam:** 3.5” and 9”
**Waist-Length:** just below belly button
**Pockets:** 4 total, 3 with Zippers
**MSRP**: $59
**TOP FEATURES**
Quick-dry and moisture-wicking
Rated UPF 50+
Durable Fabric
Most comfortable waistband

If you like a higher waistband to feel held in but don’t want to actually feel it holding you in (if you know, you know) then you need to try these shorts.
A 3.5 inch inseam may seem short, and normally it is for me personally, but for some reason these don’t feel short and they have enough opening at the leg to not bunch up or cling to your thighs.
For those of you who like a longer inseam, Athleta now makes a longer Bermuda Shorts version that has a 9 inch inseam.
I can also attest these are in fact very durable, dry-quickly and are abrasion resistant after hundreds of miles of hiking in them.

Athleta - 3.5" Trekkie

Athleta - 9” Trekkie

Kuhl Freeflex™ Hiking Shorts

Best for: a mid-rise waistband with abrasion resistance

women hiking shorts with zippers — **SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** Yes
**Inseam:** 4” and 8”
**Waist-Length:** mid-rise
**Pockets:** 4 total, 2 with Zippers
**MSRP**: $69
**TOP FEATURES**
Very lightweight, durable fabric
Wide waistband with drawstring
Quick-dry
UPF 50+ Sun Protection

The Freeflex™ shorts are the best lightweight hiking shorts on the market. The material is as light as running shorts, but the fabric is more durable as they are abrasion-resistant.
The concealed zipper pockets on the sides are perfect and the two inseam length options of 4 and 8 inches are the best lengths for hiking shorts.
I do like the waistband on the Athleta Trekkie shorts better as it seems to contour with my body more, but the waistband on these Freeflex™ is still very comfortable and there is a drawstring to help with the back gap (if that is a problem for you as well).
These shorts also fit true to size and have a nice size leg opening for anyone with thicker thighs.

Buy on Kuhl

Backcountry.com

prAna Halle II Short

Best for: a durable for hiking and stylish for daily wear

best hiking shorts women — **SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** Yes
**Inseam:** 5”
**Waist-Length:** mid-rise
**Pockets:** 4 total, no zippers
**MSRP**: $75

**TOP FEATURES**
Versatile use from hiking to daily wear
4-way stretch
Belt Loops
Durable fabric

prAna is an industry leader in making activewear durable yet versatile enough to go from the hiking trails to daily activities and these shorts are no exception.
The fit is still very comfortable and breathable for being a thicker material.
The leg opening is wide enough to be comfortable and doesn’t ride up as you walk. These shorts fit true to size and you always have the option to add a belt if needed.

View at REI

➔ Read next: Best Women’s Hiking Gear

BALEAF Bermuda Hiking Short

Best for: longer hiking short with 4-way stretch

long hiking short women — **SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** No
**Inseam:**9”
**Waist-Length:** just below belly button
**Pockets:** 4 with zippers
**MSRP**: $35

**TOP FEATURES**
Quick-dry and moisture-wicking
Wide waistband with drawstring
Sleek and deep pockets
UPF 50+ Sun Protection

This brand is my favorite outdoor apparel brand on Amazon. It actually delivers quality fabric and performance for a much more affordable price.
If you prefer a longer hiking short, you’ll definitely want to give these a try. The fabric weight is similar to the Kuhl Freeflex shorts and is very breathable.
The waistband is wide and very comfortable for hiking all day. Additionally, these shorts were built for more pear shapes so if you are slender I would recommend sizing down, otherwise order your true size.
If you prefer a hiking short with a liner then check out their 7" running short with a wide waistband as well.

Buy on Amazon

lululemon Cinchable Waist

Best for: breathable hiking short that are versatile from hiking to travel

hiking shorts for women — **SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** No
**Inseam:** 3.5”
**Waist-Length:** just below belly button
**Pockets:** 2 with Zippers
**MSRP**: $28
**TOP FEATURES**
Sweat-wicking
Quick-drying
Relaxed Fit, roomy thru thighs
Mid to High-rise
Durable fabric

I have found myself grabbing for these lightweight shorts more and more from summer hikes, travel days and everyday errands.
The fabric weight is similar to the Kuhl or Athleta shorts listed above, but feels a little more starchy (if that makes sense) and therefore feels more durable.
If you have curves or thicker thighs I think you’ll really love how roomy these shorts are and the high-rise waist is very comfortable. If you are more of a petite frame, these shorts may fit over-sized no matter how small you size down.
While I wouldn’t advise getting the light color for hiking like I did, the fabric has held up very well on many hikes in rocky terrain. They also dry fairly fast if it rains mid-hike.

Buy on lululemon

lululemon Track That Short 5”

Best for: quick-drying and lightweight short with a comfortable liner

REVIEW: If you don’t plan on hiking on tough rocky terrain or through trees these running shorts from lululemon are hands down the most comfortable athletic shorts on the market!

They are the perfect length at 5 inches and they come with two zipper pockets to securely stash your keys or snacks. Additionally, the liner on the Track That Short is the most comfortable liner I’ve ever tried and doesn’t cause any chafing or uncomfortable wedgies.

The wider waistband sits 1-2” below your belly button and doesn’t cause any discomfort, even after a full day of hiking and eating.

The shorts come in both a mid-rise and high-rise version. I prefer the high-rise personally because I have a very long torso but the mid-rise (pictured above) still sits just below your belly button for most.

While they are definitely at a higher price point, these shorts will last for years to come and will probably become your go-to for any non-technical hiking.

lululemon: Mid-Rise

lululemon: High-rise

➔ Read next: 30 Cute Hiking Outfits

CRZ YOGA Mid-Rise 3” Short

Best for: budget-friendly quick-dry hiking short

**SPECS**
**Abrasion-Resistant:** No
**Inseam:** 3”
**Waist-Length:** just below belly button
**Pockets:** 2 with Zippers
**MSRP**: $28
**TOP FEATURES**
Removable Belt for custom fit
Water-resistant & Quick-drying
Flowy and loose fit

If you like a shorter inseam (3 inch) that is breathable and flowy, you will love these shorts. The waistband is elastic and you also get a removable belt to really dial in your fit.
While the fabric itself is very lightweight and it isn’t as nice as other lightweight shorts on this list, the price at least reflects that difference.
The color options are very pretty also if you want to switch it up from the standard black and grey shorts.
I personally prefer a bit longer of a short but if you are comfortable with a 3-inch inseam then definitely give these a try! The leg opening is generous and great for hiking all day.