The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails

Whether you're setting out for a multi-day mountain mission or a quick up and down your local peak, the best hiking shorts, teamed with the best hiking tops and shirts, will keep you cool and comfy while still offering your legs a little protection.

These easy-to-wear pieces of kit are designed to allow great ease of movement and use technical fabrics that allow air to circulate and prevent chaffing.

Most in this round-up deal with water well and will dry quickly after a rain shower. They are great for river and stream crossings, and some will even handle coasteering or canyoning adventures. Team with a pair of the best hiking shoes and you're all set for summertime outdoor odysseys.

The best hiking shorts will give you some pocket storage, and should sit comfortably on your waist, even with the best hiking backpacks. We've tested our favourite pairs on the mountain trails and coastal paths of the UK and the craggy mountains of Gran Canaria in the hot-weather months to see how they rate for comfort, functionality and breathability.

Don't forget a hiking hat and hiking socks to keep you walking for longer in the heat.

The quick list

This is our quick list, a snapshot of the best hiking shorts around. To find out more about the features and qualities of each pair, see our detailed reviews further down the guide.

The best hiking shorts comparison table

The best hiking shorts overall

We love Swedish brand Fjällräven for its superb-quality hiking pants, and it turns out that its hiking shorts are every bit as thoughtfully designed and well made. The Abiskos have a lovely simple, unfussy look, despite being heavily featured.

If you like easy access to accessories as you walk, you'll love the amount of storage. There are two cargo pouches: the one on the left leg is big enough to take a map, and it has a subpocket; the one on the right is specifically sized to carry your smartphone or GPS device. The front pockets are lovely and deep.

The shorts are made from Fjällräven’s durable G-1000 material (which tough and water-resistant while still being breathable and offering plenty of stretch). There are lots of extra features that reveal the that they have actually been designed by keen hikers. For example, the waistband is slightly at the back, so it sits tight under a backpack, preventing rainwater from seeping underneath. The pockets are accessible, even when wearing hip fins of a big backpack, and extra material has been thoughtfully placed on seams and gusset, to prevent rubbing. There is a light version of these shorts for summer walking, too.

They really are go–anywhere, take-on-anything shorts for proper outdoor adventures.

Read our full Fjällräven Abisko hiking shorts review

The best value hiking shorts

These versatile shorts from Inov8 are ideal for a range of outdoor adventures and activities, including day walking, hiking and trekking in the summer, late spring and early autumn. Given the brand’s background, it should come as no surprise to discover that the Train Lite shorts are not designed for dawdlers, however. They're intended for fleet-footed adventures, including fastpacking. Indeed, at glance you could be forgiven for thinking they are running shorts (and they can be employed as exactly that). Made with a large component of stretchy elastane, they have little 9-inch legs with a split at the bottom, so you can leap over logs and scramble across rocks with no problems.

They’re secured around the waist by a combination of an elastic hem and a drawcord (no fly), and they wick moisture away with aplomb when you work up a sweat. However, they also feature a couple of hand pockets (albeit very shallow ones – don’t entrust your car keys to these puny pouches), as well as a centrally located zipped back pocket for keeping things safe (it will fit a smart phone, at a squeeze). There’s also no inner lining, so they can be worn over several days with underwear. While you could wear them running all year round (if you’re hardy), as walking shorts they are very much intended for fair weather adventures. They offer excellent ventilation in the heat, with perforated panels making them extra breathable, but provide little in the way of thermal protection, nor cover for fending off aggressive flora such as nettles and brambles. Worn in the appropriate conditions, however, they’re good for galloping along the trails.

The best long hiking shorts

For serious outdoor adventurers who want one pair of shorts that will do it all, the Trailjammers from The North Face are the pair to get hold of. They are built for multi-activities and will stand up to anything including rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking.

They have a reasonably long cut for sun and trail protection, but the nylon fabric gives good breathability and is enhanced with laser-cut holes to encourage air ventilation. They are comfy to wear under a climbing harness and loose enough to pull on over padded shorts for biking.

The really great thing about these shorts is the pockets. There are two hip pockets, which are handy when hiking, and two thigh pockets for easy access to phones when biking. All four roomy pockets are zipped to keep your belongings secure.

The shorts are incredibly quick-drying, so fine even to wear for some watersports. It would be good to see recycled materials on the label, but apart from that it's hard to fault them.

Read our full The North Face Trailjammer Shorts review

The best hiking shorts for warm weather

If you're a fan of barely there gear, you'll appreciate the light weight and soft feel of these well-made shorts from British outdoor brand, Montane. The fabric is thin, cool and smooth next to your skin, and the relaxed fit keeps things breezy as you scale warm and dusty slopes.

There’s also lots of give in the material, for when you’re surmounting stiles or attempting a scramble. And although light, it is treated with a PFC-free DWR coating which will repel light levels of rain.

The shorts come with reliable button, popper and zip for fastening, as well as a belt that's nice and thin that you can adjust using an aluminum hook-style buckle. The only thing the shorts are missing are decent-sized pockets. They only have two small hand pockets and a zipped back pocket for securing cash or a card.

On hot trails the shorts stay cool and comfy next to your skin, even in high humidity when others may start to stick and scratch. And there's enough stretch to wear them on summer scrambles or even fair-weather rock climbs.

They're not going to keep you dry in thundery downpours, but if you get soaked, they will dry out quickly.

They pack down small and barely bother the scales so are ideal to throw in a bag for multi-day adventures that include anything from casual strolling to hardcore hill treks.

Read our full Montane Terra Lite Shorts review

The best hiking shorts for women

When it comes to hiking shorts for women, there hasn't been a huge amount of choice in the past, with a big gap in the market for technical shorts able to deal with rugged treks. Excitingly, the Stolemberg Alpine Slim Straight shorts from The North Face are here to satiate demand.

The cut gives great coverage to just above the knee and the polyester fabric is stretchy and breathable. While they won't keep ticks at bay, they will protect against less-wily trail hazards, such as branches and brambles. With an elasticated waistband, they'll suit lots of body shapes and give you plenty of freedom to explore steep slopes and scrambles. In fact, the material seems so durable you can perch on rocks for snack breaks and not worry about snagging them.

There are two zipped hand pockets that are great for stashing a mini sunscreen and phone, or anything else you might need to hand. The only thing our expert hiker Julia Clarke wasn't initially completely sold on was the adjustable draw cord on the waist, which caused some bunching. However, over time she's grown to appreciate it over a more traditional zip and button for its comfort and slimline finish that's less bulky than a proper belt.

Choose the Stolemberg Alpine Slim Straight shorts for warm-day adventures when you want your legs to breathe; they'll also keep you dry in light showers.

Read our full Stolemberg Alpine Slim Straight shorts review

The best quick-drying hiking shorts

It's a great feeling when hiking shorts look as good on you as they do on the hanger, and these lightweight ones from Columbia are loose enough on the thigh to feel comfy as you stride while giving a flattering outline. You may find the size a little larger than with other brands, but they do have belt loops if you want the extra room on the legs but need to cinch in the waist.

While on first look the shorts have a simple design, they feature nicely thought-out details. There are lots of handy pockets – two hip pockets, a rear pocket and the all-important thigh pocket. The traditional fly fastening makes it easy to get them on and off.

The stretchy, breathable fabric allows airflow to keep you comfy on the trails. However, things can get a little clammy while sitting down on hot transport.

The fabric is treated so it can repel a little rain, making these shorts great for showery days. If a heavier downpour comes along, they dry in double-quick time. They're also stain-resistant, which is good if you opt for a pair in a light colorway, such as the Canoe shade our expert hiker Julia Clarke tested. She liked it for its retro safari look.

With their flattering design, water-resistance and nice amount of pockets, the Summit Valleys are a functional choice for hiking vacations and summer trails.

Read our full Columbia Women's Summit Valley Hiking Shorts review

The most comfortable hiking shorts

Fans of Merino wool will be happy to see these airy shorts from Smartwool have made the cut in our buying guide. The wool lining is brilliant at wicking sweat to keep you dry and comfy on the hottest days; the outer polyester layer is quick-drying and makes the shorts more durable than wool alone.

Unlike most of the plain-coloured shorts on test here, these have a nice, bright design that comes in two colourways – the blue, pictured, or a pink. They also have reflective elements to keep you better seen in the dark.

Designed for running but ideal for quick-paced hikes too, they have a relaxed fit with a wide, adjustable waistband. Our trail-running aficionado Julia Clarke liked the original shape that sets them apart from other sporty-look shorts on the market.

The 4in inseam is a good length for quick-paced adventures in the sun and the liner has a little give. The shorts felt comfy and secure as Julia put them through their paces on a hot and dusty active trip to Gran Canaria.

Her only gripe was that they lacked storage, offering nothing more than one small pocket big enough for a key or a gel. Those who like to carry a phone may need to hunt for a different pair.

Read our full Smartwool Women's Active Lined 4" Short review

The best hiking shorts for water sports

There's nothing more joyous than encountering a glistening plunge pool or river during a hike on a hot and dusty trail and being able to jump straight in to cool off. Often, if you haven't brought swimmers with you, you have to do it in your underwear. However, these stylish hybrid shorts from Finisterre allow you to wade right in.

They are made from nylon, which is lightweight and quick-drying, and our expert hiker Pat Kinsella found them equally as comfy to wear with nothing underneath as with your go-to briefs. They are designed to be just at home in water as they are on land. Although, they do have a zip, so if you do want to go commando all day, be aware of this.

The shorts are pleasant to walk in, with a non-abrasive finish to the fabric, and there is enough give in them, thanks to the elastane content, to not restrict, whether you’re clambering over a stile or scaling rock.

As well as the zip, there is a button to fasten them, and you can adjust the waist using an integrated belt and two pull-forward plastic buckles located on the sides. On test, Pat found that the buckles didn't always hold fast – this can be alleviated, however, by adding a twist to the belt.

There are two deep hand pockets for carrying essentials, and one zipped pocket on the right buttock for keeping important things more secure.

Read our full Finisterre Walker Hybrid Shorts review

The most versatile hiking shorts

Here's a pair of hiking shorts that are different to others on test. The Montane Ineo Lites are designed for those who love the fit and feel of leggings but want a cooler version for the summer months.

From a distance, they may resemble lycra cycling shorts. However, up close they're not overly tight and have a nice-height waist (not too high or low) so you feel supported but not squeezed.

They are reasonably technical too. They sit comfortably on the mid-thigh without budging when you're navigating over trail objects, and they have a thigh pocket, which is ample for a phone. You might not think it, but they actually have excellent odour control, too. The Polygiene treatment manages to halt the growth of odour-creating bacteria, meaning you don't have to wash them after every wear.

The shorts are cool enough if you want to break into a trail run, and because of the excellent wicking capabilities, they won't rub. The flat seams and a gusseted crotch help with this, too, and there are no awkward areas where fabric could dig into your skin. They'll also sit flat behind a backpack.

All in all, you'll be surprised by how well the Ineo Lites manage temperature and moisture and what a versatile addition they'll be to your wardrobe.

Read our full Montane Women's Ineo Lite shorts review

The best fit hiking shorts

Maybe it’s simply because they’re made by Salomon – a highly respected running brand – but there’s something about the Wayfarer shorts that encourages you to walk fast. They’re unquestionably hiking, rather than running shorts, but they still have a distinctly sporty feel to them. The four-way stretch in the main material certainly allows for plenty of high-energy movement when you’re roaming around on the hillsides and peaks, and there’s no excess fabric flapping around to annoy or slow you down. During testing we found them well ventilated, with mesh webbing behind the pockets allowing air to get through and cool you down when things threaten to get sticky. They’re water repellent (enough to deal with light showers), but also quick drying, and don’t get weighed down by retaining water when you get caught out in a heavier downpour.

Fastened with a single popper and zipper, the waist is slightly elasticated, making belts (extra unwelcome weight for many) optional, but there are hoops if you do want to wear one. The Wayfarer is designed for people who don’t want to waddle around with pockets full of stuff; the men’s version has just three pockets: one jeans-style hand pocket on each side, and a modest-sized zipped pocket on the right thigh, while the women’s shorts has one small back pocket and one on the thigh, both with zips.

The best hiking shorts for active travel

The Maui are incredibly comfy, lightweight, cargo-style shorts that are great for hiking in the summer and shoulder seasons.

On test in the UK hills, hiking aficionado Pat Kinsella loved the amount of stretch in the fabric and a shaped gusset that aided freedom of movement. He was pleased with the generous carry capacity is generous, which includes two hand pockets at the front, a rear pocket with zip and a cargo pocket on the right thigh that holds a paper map. There are five pockets in total, including a secret pocket within with cargo pocket, for safely stashing small valuables.

The waist is slightly elasticated and features belt loops, so you have the option to wear a belt if you want, or ditch it if you're comfortable with the fit as it. There's also a button-and-fly fastening.

The blended cotton fabric dries fast and provides high protection from UV rays as well as fending off biting insects. As well as being reasonably rugged, these shorts have a classy look, ideal for the pub or evenings on active holidays.

Páramo’s manufacturing ethics are good, and they offer to recycle old gear with their label on it, giving cash back in return. The only downside about the shorts is that they're only available in one shade – charcoal grey.

Read our full Páramo Maui Shorts review

The best eco-friendly hiking shorts

British brand Craghoppers has produced a really decent pair of hard-wearing hiking shorts here, made largely from recycled materials. As with their long-legged cousins (ie pants), the Kiwi Pro shorts are constructed with a splash-proof finish, which is both lightweight and quick drying. On test we found there isn’t quite as much movement in the fabric of these shorts as there has been with some others on test, but neither do they feel restrictive when you’re out hiking on the hills and clambering across crags.

There are four pockets (three in the women’s shorts) – two side ones, a rear pocket and a relatively shallow thigh pouch – all of which have zippers. In the left hand pocket there is a dedicated lens wipe for cleaning sunglasses or camera lenses. The waist, which fastens with a zip and a button, is slightly elasticated, so a belt is purely optional, but there are hoops if you’d like to wear one.

How to choose the best hiking shorts

Just as with long pants, or any other form of outdoor apparel, there are several things to consider when searching for the best hiking shorts, including personal preference and the kind of terrain and conditions you are most likely to encounter on your hiking adventures.

Style

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Think carefully about what is most important to you: would big pockets be an advantage, because you like to carry around numerous gadgets (see: Best hiking technology), tools and snacks, or because you don’t want to take a backpack out for the day? If so, then cargo shorts with large thigh pouches would be ideal. If you still like to use hardcopy cartography, then having shorts that can accommodate a paper map is a real bonus. If, however, you despise putting anything in your pockets because you erroneously think it makes your butt look big, then you may as well dispense with them and go for a sportier short.

Materials

Comfort and protection are the number one priorities when buying apparel, and in the outdoors the two should never be mutually exclusive. Seek out shorts made from materials that don’t rub, and look for products that offer dynamic stretch – there’s only one thing worse than feeling like you’re wrestling with your own clothes when you’re being active in the outdoors, and that’s splitting your pants and having to finish the walk with your undies showing. Water repellency is extremely useful, and all the better if materials are quick to dry and wick moisture. Protection from the sun and biting insects are also considerations (although you’ll still have to look after your lower legs), as explained in our guide to hiking in hot weather.

Sustainability

Increasingly, brands are sitting up and taking notice of the fact that consumers want their clothes to be made as cleanly and greenly as possible, and they are responding accordingly. Look for brands that use recycled and PFC-free fabrics, Bluesign-certified materials or more sustainable yarns such as hemp.

Features

Pockets are an important consideration – many people like to have jeans-style hand pockets on either side of their pants, but aim to have at least one pocket that zips shut, so you can keep car keys or valuables safely stashed. Hidden security pockets can be very useful when you’re travelling. Other features you commonly see on hiking shorts include elasticated waists, which immediately mean that you’re not going to need a heavy belt to keep them up, and integrated belts (of varying quality).

Ventilation

Hikers tend to reach for shorts in the warmer months of the year, obviously, and in lots of places the trails can get seriously hot in the midday sun. Tactical use of mesh in the design of shorts – even if it’s behind the pockets – can really help with airflow and temperature management.

FAQs

Find answers to some of the most common questions our experts get asked when it comes to buying hiking shorts.

Is it safe to wear shorts hiking?

On warm days in summer and the shoulder seasons, shorts are an excellent choice for hiking. The short cut means fresh air can circulate around your legs, and to a certain extent your lower body, preventing overheating. Some people find them more comfy that longer pants, allowing you better freedom of movement.

However, there are some factors to consider before you set out on a hike that might make you choose the best hiking pants over shorts.

Overgrown trails: If there's a chance you'll encounter sections of bushwhacking or overgrown trails where potentially poisonous or thorny plants could damage your skin, you might be better in hiking pants.

Insect risk: Are you hiking in an area where biting insects could put your health at risk? Or are you walking through areas of long grass with high tick populations? If so, you might want to cover up, tucking pant cuffs into socks.

Sun exposure: In intense desert conditions or areas of very exposed trails, protect your skin from the burning sun with long trousers.

Rock climbs and scramble: Long pants will protect skin from sharp rocks and gravel. They provide friction and help keep cuts clean if you are unlucky enough to experience a slip or a fall.

Of course, sunscreen, insect repellent and hiking socks can help negate the above risks if you would still prefer to hike in shorts.

Is it bad to wear tight shorts hiking?

While wearing tight shorts isn't necessarily bad for you, wearing ill-fitting shorts on the trails can cause problems.

In humid conditions or if your skin is clammy, tight and rough fabrics can rub and cause chafing. If not protected this will eventually lead to damaged skin, which can be excruciating and halt your walk. If the shorts are very tight, they'll restrict blood circulation leading to pins and needles.

Our experts like to carry essentials in the pockets of hiking shorts. If your shorts are too tight, the pockets will be stretched and you won't have adequate room to store possessions.

Some shorts on the market, however, are designed to have a tight fit. Take the Montane Women's Ineo Lite Shorts, for example. This style of shorts gives you great freedom of movement, minimizes chafing because of its good sweat-wicking properties, and can double up as running shorts.