5 Best Women’s Hiking Shorts (with Pockets)

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: Crz Yoga Hike Shorts
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Most durable: prAna Stretch Zion
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Long hiking shorts:  Mountain Hardwear Bermuda
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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

Crz Yoga Hiking Shorts

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

SPECS

• Abrasion-Resistant: Yes

• Inseam: 4”

• Waist-Length: at belly button

• Pockets: 3 total, 2 with Zippers

• MSRP: $32

TOP FEATURES

• Quick-dry and moisture-wicking

• Perfect length

• Durable Fabric

• Most comfortable waistband

• REVIEW:

  These are my go-to hiking shorts now that Athleta updated the fit on the Trekkie style short and they no longer fit well.

  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.

  My thighs are too thick to feel comfortable wearing most shorts on the market, but for some reason these don’t feel short and they have enough opening at the leg to not bunch up or cling to my thighs as I walk.

  I can also attest these are in fact very durable, dry-quickly and are abrasion resistant after hundreds of miles of hiking in them.

  You really can’t beat the price either for the quality of these shorts!

prAna Stretch Zion Short

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

SPECS

• Abrasion-Resistant: Yes

• Inseam: 3” or 5”

• Waist-Length: high-rise

• Pockets: 6 total, 3 zippers

• MSRP: $78

TOP FEATURES

• Versatile: hiking to daily wear

• structured but still stretches

• spacious pockets

• adjustable belt to dial in the fit

• REVIEW:

  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.

  I love the perfect amount of stretch in these to make it so they are comfortable for all day wear on the mountain or around town.

  The leg opening is wide enough to be comfortable and doesn’t ride up as you walk. These shorts fit true to size and they’re is an added belt adjustment to really dial in the fit.

Mountain Hardwear Bermuda Hiking Shorts

Best for: lightweight, long, and stretchy

SPECS

• Abrasion-Resistant: Yes

• Inseam: 9”

• Waist-Length: mid-rise

• Pockets: 3 total, 1 zipper

• MSRP: $70

TOP FEATURES

• Very lightweight, durable fabric

• Wide waistband with drawstring

• Water-repellent

• UPF 50+ Sun Protection

• Anti-odor fabric

• REVIEW:

  The perfect longer hiking short for summer! Because sometimes you just need a longer short to guarantee no riding up the thighs as you hike.

  These hiking shorts are as light as running shorts, but the fabric is more durable and coated to be water repellent and anti-odor! They really thought of it all.

  The pockets are definitely bigger on these shorts, which I prefer to easily drop my phone into and there is one zippered pocket on the side for keys or chapstick.

  These shorts also fit true to size and have a nice size leg opening for anyone with thicker thighs.

BALEAF Bermuda Hiking Short

Best for: longer hiking short with 4-way stretch

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

• REVIEW:

  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 lightweight, but not as durable or breathable as the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda shorts.

  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.

➔ Read next: Best Women’s Hiking Gear 

lululemon Track That Short 5”

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

SPECS

• Abrasion-Resistant: no

• Inseam: 5”

• Waist-Length: just below belly button

• Pockets: 2 with Zippers

• MSRP: $68

TOP FEATURES

• Extremely Comfortable

• Quick-dry and moisture-wicking

• Rated UPF 50+

• Most 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.