Best Hiking Shorts for Women in 2024
Not sure what to wear on your summer hike? When the weather gets warmer, its time to change out your hiking leggings for hiking shorts! Below is a round up of 6 of the best hiking shorts for women in 2024. From Prana to Columbia these shorts range from $45 to $89, averaging around $60 to $70. These shorts have inseams from 3.5 to 10 inches and are the perfect women’s shorts to wear on all of your summer hikes!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
What Makes for Good Women’s Hiking Shorts?
Hiking shorts are usually made of synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. They are usually water resistant without being fully waterproof to allow for some breathability. Something organic like cotton won’t dry quite as quick.
The length of the shorts can vary and are mostly a personal preference. You also may want to take pockets into consideration. Personally I prefer longer shorts because they usually have deeper pockets to fit a phone or small tools in while hiking. An advantage to shorter shorts however is that they are lightweight and easy to pack, especially if you are backpacking.
Best All Around Women’s Hiking Shorts- Prana Halle Shorts II
- Price: $69-$75
- Inseam: 5, 7
- Material: Recycled Nylon/Elastane
- Waist: Button or Elastic
Prana’s Halle II Shorts have everything you would want in a hiking short! They come in a 5 inch or 7 inch inseam and have an elastic waistband option. Prana’s shorts have pockets in both the front and the back. They also look very similiar to normal jean shorts, meaning you can wear them both on and off the trail without looking out of place!
Features: Made from sustainable recycled nylon
Best Cargo Hiking Shorts for Women- Khul Freeflex Cargo Shorts
- Price: $89
- Inseam: 10
- Material: Polyester
- Waist: Button & Internal Drawcord
If you are looking for the best cargo hiking shorts for women, try the Khul Freeflex Cargo Shorts! These shorts are longer, and have large pockets so you can access your essentials while hiking.
Features: Large Cargo Pockets
Best Elastic Shorts- Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts
- Price: $65
- Inseam: 9
- Material: Nylon/Elastane
- Waist: Elastic
If you prefer an elastic waistband on your shorts, the Mountain Hardwear Dynama might be for you. These have roomy front pockets, although no back pockets.
Features: Comfortable and has a side zip pocket
Best Budget Hiking Shorts- REI Trailmade Shorts
- Price: $45
- Inseam: 5
- Material: Nylon/Spandex
- Waist: Elastic and Bungee String
REI’s Trailmade Shorts are perfect for newer hikers on a budget. They have 6 pockets to hold everything you need, and an adjustable waistband. Coming in under $50, they are a great deal if you are looking for affordable women’s hiking shorts!
Features: 6 pockets and a bungee drawstring to fit the shorts better
Best Baggy Shorts for Women- Patagonia Baggies
- Price: $59
- Inseam: 5
- Material: Recycled Nylon
- Waist: Elastic with Drawcord
Patagonia Baggies are often polarizing with some women loving how comfortable they are and easy to move in, and some women disliking how they look on their figure. These are one’s I would recommend trying on before buying to see which category you fall in! They also have the advantage of having more color options and cute patterns than most women’s hiking shorts!
Features: Comfortable with lots of color options
Best Hot Weather Hiking Shorts- Nani Swimwear Hybrid Explorer Shorts
- Price: $45
- Inseam: 3.5
- Material: Polyester
- Waist: Elastic with Belt
Comfortable hiking shorts that can double as a bathing suit are in short supply, but Nani’s Swimwear Hybrid Shorts delivers! I wore these for almost the entirety of my trip to Hawaii and they were perfect for a humid environment. Even on days I wasn’t swimming I often wore these because they were comfortable and would quickly dry of any sweat!
Features: Quick drying and suitable for hiking or swimming
Comparison of Women’s Hiking Shorts
| Brand | Price | Inseam | Material | Waist |
| Prana Halle Short II | $69 | 5, 7 | Nylon/Elastane | Button or Elastic |
| Khul Freeflex Cargo Short | $89 | 10 | Polyester | Button/Drawcord |
| Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts | $65 | 9 | Nylon/Elastane | Elastic |
| REI Trailmade Shorts | $45 | 5 | Nylon/Spandex | Elastic/Bungee |
| Patagonia Baggies | $59 | 5 | Nylon | Elastic/Drawcord |
| Nani Swimwear Hybrid Explorer Shorts | $45 | 3.5 | Polyester | Elastic/Belt |
