11 Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026

Five zippered pockets – two front, two back, one thigh – keep a passport, phone, snacks, and even a small map secure without bulk. The lightweight nylon dries in under an hour after a sink wash, making this the obvious pick for multi-day trips where laundry is a challenge. Compared to the top pick’s more tailored fit and wrinkle-resistance, the tradeoff here is a looser, baggier cut and fabric that arrives heavily wrinkled. The baggy legs can look frumpy on slimmer frames, and the wrinkles are stubborn despite a ‘do not iron’ tag that many find impractical.

These shorts suit travelers and hikers who value pocket space and quick-dry performance over a polished appearance. If you need a short that packs flat, dries fast, and keeps every item zipped away, this design is a clear win. The relaxed fit and wrinkling are non-issues for someone who prioritizes function over fashion – just don’t expect a sleek, tapered look.

A 15- or 17-inch inseam covers the entire thigh without reaching capri territory, a design that stands out in a market dominated by 5-to-9-inch shorts. This length suits anyone who wants sun protection on the legs or prefers a modest fit for mixed-use hikes and casual outings. The tradeoff is a thinner quick-dry fabric that can show through in lighter colors, and sizing that runs snug — planning to size up avoids the tightness.

Best for hikers who prioritize coverage over style or weight savings, and for travelers who want one pair that works on the trail and at a café. The lightweight material packs well and dries quickly, but if you need a rugged fabric for bushwhacking or a shorter, sportier cut, another pair in this set may suit better.

The high-waisted elastic waistband with drawstring keeps these shorts in place during runs, and the 7-inch inseam provides modest coverage without feeling restrictive. The back zippered pocket secures a phone or key while running, and the side pockets are deep enough for casual strolls. Where these shorts differ from a dedicated hiking short is in pocket priority: only one zippered side pocket means you’ll choose between a phone and a snack pouch, and the thin polyester fabric is better suited to pavement than brushy trails where snags are possible.

These shorts suit active women who want one pair for both running and light hiking on well-maintained trails. The material dries quickly after a sweat session and doesn’t chafe during movement. However, sizing can vary between batches – your usual size may fit differently from a pair bought a year ago – and the lightweight fabric can appear sheer in darker colors under direct sunlight. If you need cargo pockets, thicker fabric, or a more rugged build, a dedicated hiking short is a better fit.

The Rainier Short’s stretch nylon fabric with DWR finish and belt-loop styling sets it apart from more utilitarian hiking shorts. Unlike many lightweight hiking shorts that look like gym wear, the Rainier maintains a structured, tailored appearance that earns compliments off the trail. It offers a polished look that works for post-hike meals, but comes with concessions that matter for certain use cases.

This short suits women who value a premium outdoor brand and a tailored fit over pocket capacity and cost. The side utility pocket is too small for larger smartphones—those needing secure phone storage should rely on the front zip pockets. The higher price also means value is lower than many alternatives, making it a choice for brand-loyal hikers who don’t mind the premium. The 7-inch inseam and belt loops create a classic silhouette that works for trail and town alike.

These shorts deliver deep zippered pockets that hold large phones securely and solid stitching for the price. The quick-dry fabric works well for light trails and travel. However, the crotch area runs short, making them a poor fit for women with curvier hips or fuller thighs. For narrow-hipped buyers who prioritize secure storage over trail toughness, this is a decent option that falls short of the top pick’s fit versatility.

The high-waisted elastic waistband with drawstring stays put during hikes, and the 7-inch inseam offers good coverage without restricting movement. Four zippered pockets keep phone and keys secure, while the lightweight fabric dries quickly after stream crossings. However, sizing tends to run a full size larger than expected, so ordering a size down is usually necessary, and some buyers have noted pilling after multiple washes. That makes this a reasonable pick for budget-minded hikers who prioritize fit and pocket security over long-term fabric durability.

Deep pockets and a comfortable 6-inch inseam that doesn’t ride up make these shorts functional for carrying gear on a hike. The quick-dry fabric keeps you cool on warm days. However, the material produces a loud swishing sound with each step, and sizing can vary between pairs, so fit may be a gamble. For buyers who can accept these trade-offs, the pocket space and secure fit still deliver value.

The 15-inch inseam of the Viodia Bermuda shorts provides full knee coverage for sun protection or modesty on groomed trails. The lightweight fabric feels airy in heat and packs compactly for travel. However, the material is thin and can snag on branches during off-trail use, and the loose, baggy fit runs large — a look that may not suit those wanting a trimmer silhouette. This is a functional choice when coverage is the priority, but durability and fit limit its suitability for rugged hiking.

The MAGCOMSEN delivers the core hiking features—quick-dry water-resistant nylon, an 8-inch inseam, and three zippered pockets—at a price that beats everything else here. Where the top pick offers deeper pockets and a quieter fabric, these shorts trade a bit of refinement for substantial savings. The elastic waist with drawstring fits without fuss, and the nylon fabric dries fast after a stream crossing or sweat.

This is the right call for hikers on a tight budget who need functional features without paying for extras. The fabric can produce a swishing sound on quiet trails, and the side pocket openings are narrow—larger phones may require a careful angle to slide in. Those willing to accept these tradeoffs get a genuinely capable hiking short that can handle day hikes and travel.

These shorts prioritize breathability above all else – the fabric feels airy and dries quickly, making them a strong choice for hiking in extreme heat. Multiple zippered and Velcro pockets keep essentials secure. However, the lightweight material is thin enough that lighter colors may appear sheer, and sizing can vary between colors (e.g., navy versus black) so try-on is important. For hikers who need durability for rough terrain or consistent fit across colors, these are a compromise; they excel specifically in hot, sweaty conditions where every gram of fabric weight matters.