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We tested 13 hiking shorts for women from Mountain Hardwear, Prana, Patagonia, Columbia, and other top brands to determine the best for your next adventure
From shorter to longer, these award winners each offer something different depending on your hiking needs.
Credit: Sara Aranda
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 23, 2026
A great pair of hiking shorts should be breathable, comfortable, and allow for easy movement. While comfort and mobility are key, other factors are worth considering, too. From quick-drying material to plenty of pockets for trail snacks, we've done the hands-on testing so choosing a pair is easier for you.
Based on our results, the best hiking shorts are the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short. These practical shorts have a long inseam and flexible fabric that lends them excellent comfort and mobility. The style transfers well from trail to town, and we appreciate that the pockets are both functional and sleek.
If you're more cost-conscious, the decently priced REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts are comfy, water-resistant, and have a ton of pockets. The Hugut Lightweight Cargo is even better for the budget, plus we found the fabric impressively quick to dry. Both are great choices for all sorts of hiking adventures.
We've been testing women's hiking shorts since 2019. We hike in each pair, explore other activities like biking or jogging, run errands in them, and even sit at our desks in them. For this review, we've gathered 13 top hiking shorts for women with various inseam lengths to compare head-to-head, so keep reading to find out more.
Editor's Note: We updated our women's hiking shorts review on September 23, 2026, to add new pairs from Cotopaxi and Kuhl and to re-test the REI Active Pursuits after it got some design tweaks.
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda checks all our boxes for a pair of great hiking shorts. They're comfortable, with flexible and relatively breathable fabric. The wide elastic waistband is easy to pull over our hips and lays flat at the waist. Three well-sized pockets hold essentials, including a phone. There's a smaller accessory pocket on the right thigh. “I fell in love with the versatility and all-around comfort, whether on a casual stroll or a strenuous, all-day hike,” our lead reviewer commented.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
94% nylon, 6% elastane
Water Resistance
PFC-free DWR
Number of Pockets
4
Inseam Options Available
9.0 in
Sun Protection Rating
UPF 50+
We've tested different iterations of the Dynama Bermuda over the years, and it still remains at the top of the heap. It offers sun protection (UPF 50+) and decent water resistance. Plus, the 9-inch inseam length doesn't impede our mobility, even when cycling and climbing. “The length is actually great for more than just hiking,” our tester noted, “I can easily fit a climbing harness over them, and the fabric doesn't bunch or ride up.” We love the smooth look of the Dynama, but if you want something with a little more structure and tailored style, the 5-inch-inseamed Prana Stretch Zion Cargo Shorts may fit the bill.
The REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts are most notable for taking pockets seriously. All six pockets are relatively spacious, but the front two hand pockets are the largest we've ever encountered in a hiking short, reaching all the way to the bottom of the 5-inch inseam. “I can actually fit a small notebook in there,” said our tester. Beyond this perk, the Trailmade yielded high marks for comfort and mobility, and above-average marks for fabric performance and construction quality. Water resistance is a key feature, along with a UPF sun protection rating of 50+.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
94% nylon, 6% spandex
Water Resistance
DWR (nonfluorinated)
Number of Pockets
6
Inseam Options Available
5.0 in
Sun Protection Rating
UPF 50+
Our critiques for this model have to do with more subjective qualities like style and versatility. The design is clearly for trekking, but we appreciate the color options and the relatively clean seams (despite all the pockets). The elastic waistband can be loosened or tightened with a drawcord and plastic toggle, lending to a better fit. “Hiking is a breeze in these, and while I can get away with riding a bike and jogging, they wouldn't be my first choice as a do-anything short,” our lead reviewer said.
The REI Co-op Active Pursuits shorts are an ultralight pair of shorts with minimalism in mind. Their poly-spandex fabric blend is comfortable and offers tons of mobility — a perfect pick for trail runs and distance hiking. This pair has undergone multiple design updates over the years, and it now feels more like a traditional running short, even in length. Whether that's a plus or a minus depends on your sport of choice. We felt the best aspects are the wide leg openings, the lightweight feel, and the improvement of the accessory pocket, which is now larger and can fit a standard smartphone. Our lead tester, Sara Aranda, is an avid trail runner and noted, “This pair has quickly become a part of the running rotation, and while I also enjoyed backpacking in them, I think they're honestly better for running now.” Whether backpacking, fastpacking, or simply jogging local trails, the Active Pursuits are a technical, breezy choice for those who don't need to carry or store much.
Overall, we find the Active Pursuits to deliver a broad balance of comfort and technical qualities. However, the material has no apparent water resistance, so these shorts soak through quickly when exposed to water. This is not always a bad thing on a hot day when you want to cool off, but it creates the potential for discomfort in the cold if temperatures drop. Sara has tested several versions of this short now and noted, “This newest waistband iteration is probably my least favorite. It's tighter and less comfortable than the previous model.” We also saw other user reviews on REI asking for the old waistband back, so we know we're not alone here. We still think this is a decent short for a great price, but if you're looking for a lightweight running-style short with hand pockets and you're willing to spend more, the Patagonia Multi Trails might be the better choice for you.
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts offer great mobility and have deep pockets, with a comfortable fit you can wear all day. The Ferrosi fabric, a combination of nylon and spandex, fared well in our snag testing. The waistband has a 2-inch-wide integrated belt that's easy to tighten and loosen, and it was more comfortable than other similar belted models, like the belted Columbia Sandy River. “It's irritating when elastic waistbands bunch around the waist too much, but the Ferrosi didn't do that to me at all,” our lead tester noted. The 5-inch inseam and wide leg openings create an athletic but casual look that works for more than just hiking.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
86% nylon (46% recycled), 14% spandex
Water Resistance
Yes
Number of Pockets
4
Inseam Options Available
5.0 in (tested), 7 in button fly, 9.0 in plus sizes
Sun Protection Rating
UPF 50+
We found the Ferrosi fabric relatively slow to absorb water when sweating or in unexpected downpours, but were surprised that the material took nearly an hour to dry during our controlled tests. Additionally, finding the right size might be tricky, especially if you're between sizes. We suggest sizing up to allow for a looser waistband. Plus, the overall cut isn't so baggy that it throws off the fit if you size based on the waist. If you're not psyched on a belted design, check out a pair with a drawstring or drawcord, which many in our lineup have (externally or internally), such as the budget design SANTINY Cargo.
The Hugut Lightweight Cargo is a somewhat classic pair of shorts in terms of style. The material is stretchy, and the cut allows for ample mobility, breathability, and relative comfort. The poly-spandex fabric is slow-ish to soak up water and impressively quick to dry — among the fastest in our tests. These shorts also did well in our snag test, which means we don't have to worry as much about twigs or rough boulders abrading the fabric. Style-wise, our lead reviewer said, “The blending of a multi-pocket cargo look with the cut of loose basketball shorts is something you'll either love or not.” The longer 9.5-inch inseam length offers versatility across multiple activities and for varied conditions. Of similar design, the SANTINY Cargo is a fair and even cheaper alternative, but it did not always perform as well as the Hugut during testing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material
90% polyester, 10% spandex
Water Resistance
DWR
Number of Pockets
5
Inseam Options Available
9.5 in
Sun Protection Rating
UPF 50+
The waistband is our biggest gripe with the Hugut Lightweight Cargo shorts. We found the elastic surprisingly tight, creating discomfort with extended wear. “The fit was fine for my legs but felt almost too small for my waist, which may imply that they run small overall,” our lead reviewer said. We like that there are plenty of pockets for stowing essentials, with zippers and pull tabs galore. However, those zippers felt bulky and would sometimes get stuck, making the pockets less accessible and functional. Ultimately, the Hugut Cargos stand out for their affordability. If you want a similar inseam length and can spend a little more, the REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda performed comparably well but offered more comfort.
The Hugut shorts are very casual, basic, and affordable. Credit: Sara Aranda
Product Comparison Table
There are many kinds of design features and styles, which make this category quite the abyss to dive into. Credit: Sara Aranda
How We Tested
This review started with a comb-through of current offerings from various manufacturers. We selected and purchased the strongest contenders from an initial group of over 75 pairs, then tested and scored them according to metrics we consider fundamental to this gear category. We hiked and performed various activities in each pair, and our lab-style testing included a paperclip snag test, a saturation test, a blow dryer test, and a variety of objective measurements such as weight, inseam length, stitch density, etc. We also wore each pair an entire day to gain a more thorough understanding of their relative comfort, regardless of whether we were sweating up a mountain, sitting at the computer, or running errands.
We break down our testing across four rating metrics:
Comfort and Mobility (40% of overall score weighting)
Fabric Performance (25% weighting)
Versatility and Style (20% weighting)
Construction Quality (15% weighting)
From standardized measurements and tests to in-field experience, we gather as much data as we can. Credit: Sara Aranda
Why Trust GearLab
This comparison of women's hiking shorts is brought to you by OutdoorGearLab Review Editor Sara Aranda. Sara is a writer by trade, as well as a dedicated trail runner and climber. She divides her time between California and Colorado, where there is ample opportunity for adventure. As a creative writer, she has been published by magazines like Alpinist. Sara's background as an outdoor athlete, from setting Fastest Known Times to having thru-hiked the first 700 north-bound miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, has equipped her well to identify the fundamentals of women's activewear and assess the finer points of great performance.
Seeing how shorts feel while sweating is a key element of our field testing. Credit: Sara Aranda
Analysis and Test Results
The best hiking shorts will be comfortable and functional. While style and total inseam length determine first impressions, overall performance matters to us most. The shorts assessed in our review offer unique blends of fashion, function, and practical feel. Across the four metrics defined and explored below, we dive into what scores well and what doesn't. Comparing measurement data, test results, and field notes, we've ranked each contender to help you better understand their relative performance not only to one another but relative to what we believe makes a standout pair of shorts. With so much to choose from in today's apparel landscape, we strive to help you approach the hiking category with greater ease. Read on for how we define value and to see how each short compares.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Our lineup spans a range of prices, from inexpensive, lesser-known brands to higher-priced name brands commonly associated with the big outdoor industry. The most affordable short we tested, the Santiny Cargo, are comfortable, have big pockets, and might fit the bill for casual hikers who may only need this type of short occasionally. We preferred the Hugut Lightweight Cargo as the best short on a shoestring budget; you can get this short for under $40 and it's quick drying and offers good mobility.
The Hugut are a very unassuming but functional pair with the right price tag. Credit: Sara Aranda
We think the best values overall lie within a couple pairs of REI shorts, the REI Co-op Active Pursuits and the Trailmade Shorts. The Active Pursuits are a few dollars cheaper and lean more towards a minimalist running-style pair, while the Trailmade is better suited for carrying all your goodies (lots of functional, deep pockets). Both are comfortable, in the $50 range, and carry REI's 1-year warranty.
The REI Trailmade are comfy, with great mobility and deep pockets, and they don't cost an arm and a leg. Credit: Sara Aranda
The Columbia Sandy River shorts weren't a favorite, but they're often on sale, come in fun colors, and are lightweight and quick-drying. If you like the style and find them comfortable enough, they provide decent bang for the buck.
The Columbia Sandy River shorts are a basic and affordable option. Credit: Sara Aranda
Comfort and Mobility
Comfort and mobility are essential qualities in any piece of outdoor clothing. We base our testing on all-day wear, general comfort, fit, the fabric's flexibility and cut, range of motion, and, of course, our own experiences on the trails. Other tangential facets of comfort include the rise of the shorts, the inseam length, and how the use of pockets may impact mobility. The length of a short doesn't always impact range of motion, but it sometimes can. For example, we appreciate flexible shorts that don't ride up or bunch up as we move. In assessing pockets, we see whether carrying heavier items like a phone changes things, among other key components of their usability.
A common critique in this category regards waistbands. We love wide, knit waistbands that have stretch to them, like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda. Sizing can get tricky with designs that have high-waisted elastic waistbands, like the Hugut Lightweight Cargo and Columbia Sandy River Cargo shorts. It's hard to determine how the waistband will feel based on pictures, so our lead tester tends to size up in these cases to account for this consistent dilemma. The Prana Stretch Zion Cargo shorts are high-waisted, yet they have adjusters, one on each side, to fine-tune the waistband fit. The REI Co-op Active Pursuits, a wrapped elastic waistband that we previously loved, recently got a design update, and the new elastic waistband is less flexible and tighter-fitting than previous iterations.
A closer look at one of the webbing adjusters on the waistband, designed to help customize the waist fit. Credit: Sara Aranda
The Sandy River Cargo shorts feature a high-rise waistband that combines a belt with heavy elastic. While secure, this design can feel quite snug, potentially leading to pressure marks and skin pinching during extended wear. Opting for a larger size may alleviate these issues for some users. Credit: Sara Aranda
A wrapped elastic and integrated belt are integral features of the OR Ferrosi shorts. Although we found other waistbands of this type became uncomfortable with extended wear, the Ferrosi's is far wider in its design, better distributing the pressure around one's middle and reducing the chance of irritation. Credit: Sara Aranda
Mobility doesn't necessarily decrease as inseam lengths grow longer. Factors like the elasticity of the materials and the size of the leg openings also make a difference. Many pairs of course feel great with empty pockets, so we also check to see if that changes once a phone is stashed in the pocket. Restrictions while trying to high-step are a big no-no for us. In addition to hiking up an incline or stairs, we also do multiple deep squats to feel this out. We've learned that if something doesn't sit, fit, or move right within the first mile or so, it'll likely only feel all the more annoying by day's end.
This Mountain Hardwear design is easy to move around in, with gentle and stretchy fabric.
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda handles scrambles and hikes with ease. For a longer pair, they're super comfortable and flexible, with a soft, pliable material that features elastane for added stretch. The 9-inch inseam provides more coverage and comfort while remaining functional. The wide waistband is simple but form-fitting, contouring around the curves of our body. The cuts for the legs are somewhat tapered, but we didn't find them constricting. A similar Bermuda-style short, the 9-inch REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda, didn't feel quite as free-flowing or have as comfortable of a waistband.
Inseam, Waistband, and Leg Opening Comparison
Inseam Tested
Waistband Design
Measured Leg Opening Circumference
Cotopaxi Brinco Skort
3 in
Wrapped elastic with integrated webbing belt
27.5 in
REI Co-op Active Pursuits
4 in
Elastic with internal drawstring
27.5 in
REI Co-op Trailmade
5 in
Elastic with bungee adjustment
27 in
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
5 in
Wrapped elastic with integrated web belt
25.5 in
Patagonia Baggies
5 in
Elastic with internal drawstring
27 in
Prana Stretch Zion Cargo
5 in
Zipper fly with metal button closure, side webbing adjusters
26 in
Patagonia Multi Trails
5.5 in
Elastic with external drawstring
29 in
Columbia Sandy River Cargo
6 in
Wrapped elastic, zipper fly and plastic snap, removable belt
25 in
SANTINY Cargo
7 in
Elastic with external drawstring
22.75 in
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda
9 in
Stretch knit waistband with internal drawstring
20.75 in
REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda
9 in
Zipper fly with plastic button and internal drawstring, partial elastic wasitband
22.5 in
Hugut Lightweight Cargo
9.5 in
Wrapped elastic with external drawstring
23 in
Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo
11 in
Rib-knit elastic with external drawcord
23 in
No matter the inseam, being able to move well in the outdoors is a requirement for us. The REI Sahara Bermuda shorts are flexible. Credit: Sara Aranda
Be Sure to Assess Comfort and Fit with Your Pack
It is important to consider how a pair of hiking shorts might feel beneath the hip belt of a backpack if you're planning overnight trips. Long-term comfort may be drastically impacted if the waistband is bulky due to large buttons, thick belt loops, or if it has a hefty zipper. Similarly, an elastic waistband that is already sitting tightly will undoubtedly leave pressure marks on the abdomen and may become insufferable beneath a hip belt over long periods of time.
Having a waistband design that isn't bulky makes a huge difference when wearing packs with hip belts, such as the wide and simple design on the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda. Credit: Sara Aranda
The Patagonia Baggies were recently redesigned with a softer, more comfortable elastic band, an improvement we applaud. However, they have a slightly thicker fabric than many of the others in the lineup, and our testers found that they tend to ride up, creating an unwanted wedgie situation. The fabric isn't super stretchy, so despite their very wide leg openings, there's some constriction when high-stepping. The wedgie scenario similarly occurred for our lead tester with the REI Co-op Trailmade shorts, but not quite as much, as the Trailmade's fabric is far more flexible.
A loose fit and large leg holes can make a world of difference in releasing the heat from the body when moving on hot days. But if the cut and fit aren't just right, sometimes that baggy fabric turns into an obstacle, bunching up with each step and becoming an uncomfortable distraction. Credit: Sara Aranda
The fabric of the Outdoor Research Ferrosi is lightweight and allows for breathability and easy movement. Credit: Sara Aranda
The REI Co-op Active Pursuits was updated with a shorter inseam. While half an inch doesn't sound like much on paper, the difference is noticeable. Our lead tester didn't mind the shortening since she's already used to running shorts, but there are many contentious comments online about this being a major design setback. We understand the disapproval from the perspective of the hiking world, as folks enjoyed the hybrid take between being ultralight and still having a longer inseam. Essentially, they are now deemed less hiking-aligned and more running-aligned. The zippered accessory pocket has been improved somewhat, though, and can now fit a standard smartphone.
These Active Pursuits are simple, sporty, and light. The scalloped hemline cut at the sides is more pronounced in the newest design update, as is the narrower/tighter waistband. Credit: Sara Aranda
Fabric Performance
We consider the general breathability of the shorts, any venting features, the soak and dry times, and any extra technical perks that could improve the overall performance of the shorts. We take note of features like sun protection (a UPF rating), durable water repellent (DWR) treatments, and odor control treatments. Nearly every pair uses a synthetic blend of polyester, nylon, spandex, or elastane, offering some degree of stretch, breathability, and quick-dry and/or wicking benefits.
Choosing a material
Polyester is generally known for its quick-dry and moisture-wicking properties, which can come at the expense of breathability unless otherwise accounted for in the design.
Nylon is known for its exceptionally smooth, light, durable, moisture-wicking nature, but it can also struggle with breathability. While nylon has some stretch to it, nothing compares to what spandex and elastane can deliver.
Cotton is not a common material for outdoor apparel for a couple of main reasons: it does not dry quickly and can hold on to moisture and sweat in ways that can contribute to safety issues in the backcountry. On the other hand, cotton can become your best friend in extremely hot environments where soaking your clothing to stay cool (and having them stay soaked) can be a benefit.
Shorts that breathed well also tended to have a high-performance feel while hiking: the REI Co-op Trailmade, Columbia Sandy River Cargo, REI Co-op Active Pursuits, and the REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda. Each one has a different inseam length and synthetic blend fabric, but all felt light and breezy when worn, regardless of the intensity of the hiking or how warm it was outside. The size of the leg openings and any venting features, like mesh in the pockets, also contribute to breathability.
The wide leg openings of the Pursuits allow for ample airflow and greater breathability. Credit: Sara Aranda
Wide, 25.5-inch leg openings and a high-tech nylon-spandex material do a great job of facilitating airflow and venting the OR Ferrosi shorts to keep us cool and dry on our test hikes. Credit: Sara Aranda
Having wide leg openings helps cool us off, and the fabric of the Multi Trails is thin and breathable. Credit: Sara Aranda
The Patagonia Multi Trails is notable for having a wide leg opening circumference of 29 inches, a significant contributor to their great airflow. In contrast, as inseams lengthen, leg openings tend to reduce in size, tapering down toward the knee. The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda shorts only measure approximately 20.75 inches in circumference with a 9-inch inseam that ends just above the knee. This model relies much more on their high-tech, synthetic blend fabric (a 94% nylon and 6% elastane weave) to ensure their breathability. The SANTINY Cargo and Patagonia Baggies have wider leg openings, but the materials themselves for these models didn't feel as breathable to us.
Even with a longer inseam, the Dynama Bermuda shorts demonstrate breathability in the field due to the fabric, which does a great job of wicking away moisture from the skin. Credit: Sara Aranda
Though we found the fabric of the KUHL Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo Shorts to perform well, we had a bone to pick with the material used for its waist drawstring. The drawstrings were so stretchy that it was difficult to tighten the waistband. We had to fully stretch the strings out before they would begin cinching.
The Trekr's drawstring was overly stretchy, making it harder to tighten the waist. Credit: Sara Aranda
The other critical component for fabric performance is the result of our soak and dry time tests. (We outline the exact details on how we ran this test in our How We Test article.) In short, we placed a small section of fabric in water and timed how long it took to completely soak through. Then, we timed how long it took to dry the soaked area with a hairdryer set to its “no heat” setting (meant to replicate air drying under average conditions while in motion with no direct sunlight). Some of these results were quite surprising, while others were as expected.
Saturation and Dry Time
Saturation Time
Drying Time
Columbia Sandy River Cargo
3.00 min
22 min
Patagonia Baggies
1.33 min
23 min
Hugut Lightweight Cargo
3.00 min
26 min
REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda
3.00 min
28 min
Kuhl Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo
1.33 min
32 min
REI Co-op Trailmade
0.92 min
38 min
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda
0.67 min
41 min
Cotopaxi Brinco Skort
0.08 min
45 min
SANTINY Cargo
0.42 min
46 min
Patagonia Multi Trails
0.83 min
53 min
REI Co-op Active Pursuits
0.08 min
55 min
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
2.50 min
56 min
Prana Stretch Zion Cargo
0.08 min
85 min
The Columbia Sandy River Cargo and Patagonia Baggies dried in just 22 and 23 minutes, respectively. However, there was a big distinction between the two: the Sandy River Cargo shorts took a solid three minutes to soak through in our water test, while the Baggies reached saturation in less than half that time. Differences in saturation time largely depend on the extent of the fabric's water-repellent treatment.
The Patagonia Baggies are made of a thicker nylon faille fabric that provides limited breathability beyond its loose fit. However, it was one of the quickest shorts to dry in our tests. Credit: Sara Aranda
For the pairs that took longer to thoroughly soak, like the REI Co-op Trailmade, the DWR treatment was much more apparent and effective. Alternatively, it was very apparent when pairs had no DWR treatment whatsoever, like the REI Co-op Active Pursuits, which soaked through instantly.
The Prana Stretch Zion Cargo took well over an hour to dry, and we didn't like that the water left a stain on the Prana shorts after drying.
Our final metric scores are a combination of our field testing results plus objective lab tests to explore manufacturer claims of water-resistant and quick-drying features.
For sun protection, most of the shorts we tested have a UPF rating ranging from 30-50+. When a model doesn't explicitly state a UPF rating, we mark sun protection as minimal, because of course there's still some inherent protection based on the very existence of the fabric as a barrier from the sun.
Understanding UPF Ratings in Clothing
UPF 30 means that 1/30th (about 3%) of available UV radiation can pass through the fabric to reach the skin. UPF 50 means 1/50th, or about 2%, makes it through. Adding a plus sign, such as UPF 50+, means that less than 2% of UV transmission takes place.
Versatility and Style
A multi-functional design is beneficial to the wearer for several reasons. If you're trying to streamline your wardrobe, if you enjoy doing less laundry, or if you live in a place with distinct seasons, versatility is something to pay attention to. Achieving the right balance between function, fashion, and utility ensures you will get the most out of your apparel. We weigh style into our scoring process, yet we will always admit how subjective style is. Trendier designs transfer well to city environments and can stand on their own as casual in-town wear. The more straightforward, athletic designs might not be considered as stylish in some circles, but to each their own. We do our best to take an objective approach, assigning scores based on the range of potential uses a single design can realistically accommodate, as well as the number and variety of colors and inseam variations available.
We find that the most versatile pairs tend to be those with longer inseams. While style points can prove to be imperfect regarding inseam lengths, we believe longer-inseamed models like the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda, REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda, and Hugut Lightweight Cargo shorts are going to generally provide more flexibility between trail and city destinations, better coverage in shoulder seasons when temperatures drop, and more versatility and abrasion protection for use in a variety of outdoor environments. They tend to be more practical for a bike ride, too, and provide more coverage for activities like yoga or rock climbing (though this also very much depends on how stretchy the shorts are). The Dynama Bermudas were so comfortable and easy to move in that one tester bounced from trail time over to a rock face and harness without hesitation.
The Cotopaxi Brinco Skort is an interesting mix of styles. It looks like a miniskirt from the front, but typical shorts from the back. Our lead tester lamented that she would have enjoyed the style of the Brinco more if the design fully committed to being a true skort. The half-skort design received mixed reviews from others. Overall, we think this is a cute option that will move from trail to town (especially in an outdoorsy town) quite nicely, but it's not likely the choice we'd make for a week-long backpacking trip.
We like how bright and playful the color choices are for the Brinco Skort, and even the belt is thoughtfully color-coordinated. Credit: Sara Aranda
The back of the Brinco Skort looks like a normal pair of shorts, which is either a novel idea or a strange take on the skort. Credit: Sara Aranda
Overall, middle-of-the-road style points typically go to competitors we (subjectively) feel have rather one-dimensional designs (they didn't overtly give off "cute town vibes"). It's not a bad thing for a design to commit to its purpose, but in order to rank style this way, we had to at least imagine what the fashion police might say.
Other activities we considered for this metric include rock climbing, running, cycling, and floor workout routines. Not all of the shorts are practical for every one of these physical activities because of the varied movements required, so we took note of where we encountered limitations and why we felt a particular pair could not meet the demands. Since this review is focused on hiking, we honed in on activities that prioritize mobility in the legs. One exception to this is considering versatility with water-sports/play, and the pair that stands out in this regard is the Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts, which, among our lineup of testing, were the quickest to dry and also the lightest in weight (if the belt is removed).
The high waist on this pair is still comfortable and gives off a more elegant than athletic vibe. Credit: Sara Aranda
Of a more traditional cargo style, the Trekr isn't the lightest we've tested, but maybe minimalism isn't what you need. Credit: Sara Aranda
A great way to test for mobility and versatility is to hop on the spin bike. Credit: Sara Aranda
The Patagonia Multi Trails and REI Co-op Active Pursuits are minimalist examples of how long-distance or thru-hiking endeavors may warrant a different sort of apparel altogether. When everything you need to carry will be stored in a backpack or vest anyway, pockets become less critical as waistband comfort, overall breathability, and mobility in the legs take priority. Our lead tester has personal experience selecting running shorts for backpacking trips in rugged terrain (like on the Pacific Crest Trail) and can attest to the appeal of a minimalist, trail-running-inspired hybrid style vs. a more traditional cargo or Bermuda cut. But this isn't the case for everyone! The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda would make an excellent backpacking short.
Prepping for a jog in the REI Active Pursuits, we stashed a variety of snacks and a house key into the accessory pocket. Credit: Sara Aranda
Construction Quality
Testing for this metric involves examining physical attributes of each short and assessing them for their build quality and relative durability. This includes components such as stitching density and the fabric's resistance to abrasion and snags. We also assess the construction of pockets, accessory loops, belts, zippers, etc.
We performed a snag test by dragging the sharp end of a paperclip across the fabric and a section of stitching for each pair. We found that the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, REI Co-op Active Pursuits, REI Co-op Trailmade, and Hugut Lightweight Cargo yielded little to no markings at all from the paperclip. These fabrics remained smooth and didn't catch, nor did the stitching loops fray or break. Other shorts like the Patagonia Multi Trails, Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda, and SANTINY Cargo only showed very faint marks from the paperclip, but nothing caught or frayed. The Prana Stretch Zion Cargo snagged rather easily, but not enough to damage the usability of the shorts.
The Ferrosi fabric basically showed no marking at all, let alone a snag. Credit: Sara Aranda
We also measured sections of seams for each pair, looking specifically at how many stitching loops were sewn per inch. Since each design utilizes different stitching densities, depending on the part of the shorts under evaluation, we collected a range. In general, we have concluded that 16 stitches per inch reflects an exceptional sewing quality with strong seams. 12 stitches per inch is great, 10 is good, but anything below 10 is when we start to become suspicious of construction quality.
The shorts that are on the more exceptional side of the scale are the REI Co-op Active Pursuits, with 13-15 stitches per inch of seam. The Patagonia Multi Trails have 10-16 stitches per inch of seam. Many of the other models have a variety of combinations, but largely stay above 10 as their minimums. Regardless of stitch count, we liked seeing reinforced stitching in high-stress areas (for pockets, belt loops, zippers, and buttons) across all pairs tested.
We sample various seams to determine stitching densities and every short had its own unique range. Credit: Sara Aranda
The pairs of shorts we feel have the best combination of pocket size, number of pockets, and strength of construction are the REI Co-op Trailmade, REI Co-op Sahara Bermuda, Outdoor Research Ferrosi, Patagonia Multi Trails, and the Prana Stretch Zion Cargo. Each pair has multiple deep pockets that fit our phones well, yet the fabric allows for mobility, even when the phone is placed in the front pocket. The Multi Trails have a bit more stretch, so the weight of the phone caused some pulling at the front. However, it wasn't significant, and the waistband has an inner drawstring to help secure the shorts against potential sagging.
The quality of the pockets on the Baggies is notable, from being deep to having lightweight mesh to having a little extra accessory loop for your keys. Credit: Sara Aranda
We have some construction dislikes with the Hugut Lightweight Cargo and SANTINY Cargo shorts. Four of the five pockets on the Hugut model are big enough to hold a phone, but all of its pockets have zippers. During our testing, the zippers would catch on the pocket fabric, which was annoying and meant pockets could be hard to access. Their pull tabs are very bulky and stick out awkwardly. The SANTINY Cargo shorts suffer from similar critiques: bulky and awkward zipper pull tabs, and a bulky external drawstring, but their zippers didn't catch or snag during our testing.
The zipper pulls on the SANTINY are rather bulky and long. Credit: Sara Aranda
Although the Hugut Lightweight Cargo shorts have several good-sized pockets, they do not prove particularly user-friendly with zippers that catch easily on fabric and clunky pulls. They also sag substantially when heavier items like phones are placed inside, creating a pull that impacts fit and comfort overall. Credit: Sara Aranda
The top scorer for construction quality overall is the REI Co-op Active Pursuits. It may have only one pocket, an accessory pocket, but it is of high quality, with a great zipper and mesh lining for venting. The pocket is large enough to carry a standard smartphone. The stitch count remains high despite the iteration's changes, and the fabric didn't fray during our paperclip test. It is an excellent role model for our high standards and expectations. One catch to this praise is that there is a seam that rolls into the zipper zone, and thus the zipper will catch on this seam. Our lead tester noted that she was unable to reliably zip and unzip with one hand because of this.
We love the updated pocket on the Active Pursuits short because it now fits a phone, but the seam can get in the way of zipping the pocket.
How to Pick the Best Hiking Shorts for You
Imagine yourself on the hikes you're planning for: What type of difficulty? What type of terrain? What is the climate like? How many hours will you be hiking? Do you want lots of pockets, or extra sun protection? Will you also be wearing them before or after the hike to somewhere social and prefer thinking about style? Would you like your shorts to function for activities other than hiking? Once you've determined your must-haves vs. your maybes, then it's easier to gauge how a particular pair of shorts fits in with these priorities. If you have no idea where to start, we've answered some questions below to help you get started.
Shorts are shorts, right? In the simplest of terms, yes, they are, and nothing is stopping you from hiking in whatever shorts you already own. But if you're interested in apparel designed to make hiking all the more enjoyable, then there is a difference between hiking shorts and fashion shorts (or even trail running shorts). Fashion shorts are made to look a certain way, with little focus placed on how the shorts will feel or perform when you're sweating or walking for hours up and down a mountain. Trail running shorts are designed for higher rates of movement and sweat, and they tend to be as minimalistic as possible, focusing on ultralight and ultra-breathable design features and fabric.
Hiking shorts aim to be lightweight and performance-ready while still offering useful storage features. Pockets are typically a central feature in trekking apparel, thoughtfully added to make it easy to carry essentials like snacks, portable sunscreen, keys, or your phone. The fabrics chosen may incorporate certain “technology” like sun protection (UPF rating), water resistance, enhanced abrasion resistance, odor control, or a certain ratio of fabric types for a stretchy weave. Some pairs are worthy of many activities, with hybrid features that make them a great choice for all sorts of outdoor activities.
The real question is whether the inseam matters to you. Do you feel comfortable with more coverage? Do you enjoy having multiple cargo pockets? Do you want to be able to use the shorts for cooler weather? If you've answered yes to any of these, a longer inseam is likely the most suitable choice. On the other hand, if you fare better with less clothing in general (maybe for you, sweating is most comfortably done when your skin is exposed to the air), or you don't care to have more than a couple of pockets, then choosing a longer inseam may not be your ideal.
Some hikers prefer short inseams because they are fairly simple, breezy, and the material stays out of the way when scrambling up steep terrain. But with less material, you lose both sun protection and protection from other variables like being scratched by overgrown shrubbery. The one catch with a longer inseam is that flexibility and stretch of the fabric become absolutely necessary; otherwise, you won't be able to move well. Choose a pair that won't diminish your range of motion, regardless of inseam length. Checking for mobility is a must.
There are a lot of hikers out there who love to weigh their hiking gear and apparel (us included) to see if they can reduce their loads to the bare minimum for comfort and convenience. Why do we do this? Imagine an empty backpack: it's so easy to carry. Now, imagine filling it with stuff. Wouldn't it be nice if that stuff were ultralight and produced little impact on your back as you travel mile after mile? The desire to be lightweight can also apply to apparel. The longer you hike, the more you feel the weight of everything and anything. If you're packing extra shorts for a backpacking trip, their weight and bulk make a difference. If you're just day hiking and want to feel light on your feet the entire time, having a lightweight pair of shorts will feel better than a cumbersome pair, and if you plan to carry things in your pockets, it's nicer when the shorts themselves don't contribute to the bulk of your load. Of course, there is always the potential of going too ultralight. Sometimes, apparel can be so thin that when you add things to a pocket, the fabric sags and bounces uncomfortably, or the overall fit and even durability could be compromised. There is no magic number when it comes to weight, but our lightweight favorites tend to weigh around four or five ounces each.
As long as the shorts are comfortable, flexible, and provide the features you need, you're set. When it comes to technical-sounding keywords like quick-dry, moisture-wicking, UPF ratings (i.e., insert-number-here sun protection), or DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments, it's easy to buy into the idea that such perks are a requirement for an enjoyable hike. That's far from the case, in our opinion. For many, these are nice extras, but may end up playing a nominal role in the joy of someone's overall outdoor experience. However, these perks tend to increase in relevance the more you spend time in the outdoors and learn about the nuances of the why for each feature. Thus, we pay attention to them in our testing and will briefly discuss the most common of these features below.
Moisture wicking implies that a material is quick to pull sweat away from the body. This is often paired with highly breathable features that will cool you down comfortably and initiate the evaporation process. Quick-drying implies that any sweat or water absorbed into the fabric will dry within a reasonable amount of time (i.e., you won't stay wet for hours). Wet fabric can produce a desirable cooling effect on hot days — many alpine hikers love to take advantage of a lake or river dip to cool off — but when temperatures drop at night or in the shade, wet clothing can quickly exacerbate the lowering of your body temperature to dangerous levels. Soaked fabric can also lead to rubbing and chafing of the skin. For these reasons, many hikers seek moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics.
Sun protection diminishes the amount of UV radiation that may penetrate your clothing and reduces the need to apply sunblock on the areas covered by the clothing. The best ratings to keep an eye out for are UPF ratings of 30 and above, notably those listed as “50+”.
A fabric with a DWR treatment has increased water repellency. Whether it is rain, sweat, or missing your mouth with your water bottle again, a good DWR treatment ensures the moisture will bead and roll off the fabric rather than soak right through. Keep in mind that water resistance is very different from waterproofing. So, while DWR-treated materials are helpful, they will not save you from becoming soaked during a consistent downpour or when submerged. Overall, you can still have a great hike without any of these features in your apparel, but adding any one of them can improve your experience when terrain, distance, or climate variations demand more from your gear.
Being versatile and comfortable is great, but choosing something that you will actually want to wear over and over again is important. Credit: Sara Aranda
Conclusion
It's easy to get mixed up in the technicalities, perks, and stylistic features of all available options, and we understand we've dumped a lot of information on you. When in doubt, we suggest you prioritize comfort and mobility, especially if you plan to use your new shorts on extended trips in the backcountry or across technical terrain. Even the most basic-looking shorts can still pack an athletic punch. With both our in-field and lab-based tests, we hope we've given you the information you need to choose the best pair of hiking shorts for your upcoming adventures. Have fun and stay safe out there!
