The right hiking shorts stop chafing, drain sweat fast, and carry your phone securely — the wrong ones turn a 10-mile day into a miserable one. There are verified options starting at $22 that outperform cotton cargo shorts in every condition, and a premium pair from prAna that hikers have trusted for 20+ years.
| Photo |
Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
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Best for Reliability
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | prAna Men's Stretch Zion Short | The North Face Paramount Short | Columbia Men's Trail Splash Shorts | Willit Women's 7" Hiking Cargo Shorts | Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 7" |
| Inseam | 10" | 7" | 8" | 7" | 7" |
| Quick dry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Upf rating | UPF 50+ | UPF 50+ | UPF 50 | UPF 50+ | ✗ |
| Water resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Size up one if you plan to wear a base layer or run warm — hiking shorts cut trim to reduce chafe but can bind on steep switchbacks.
A DWR finish repels a creek crossing or light rain; it's not waterproofing — don't rely on it for sustained wet weather.
Inseam length affects thigh chafe more than most reviews mention: 5" is fast-and-cool but rubs on long climbs; 9" runs warmer but solves the friction problem.
Test pocket depth before the trailhead — a phone that fits in the store but bounces out on the descent is useless; zipper closure is non-negotiable for anything above class 2 terrain.
prAna Men's Stretch Zion Short
Best for all-day miles on technical terrain
prAna Men's Stretch Zion Short
Best for all-day miles on technical terrain
What we like
- Stretch Zion nylon fabric is abrasion-resistant enough to handle scrambles without shredding at contact points.
- Ventilated inseam gusset adds mobility that flat-cut shorts simply can't replicate on steep terrain.
- Adjustable webbing waistband stays put without a belt loop or elastic fuss on multi-mile days.
- UPF 50+ rating holds up after repeated washing better than DWR-only finishes on cheaper shorts.
What we don't
- Premium price puts them out of budget-pick range for casual weekend hikers.
- 10" inseam runs long for shorter hikers — check sizing before ordering.
- Heavier than ultralight-focused shorts; not the right call for fast-and-light days.
If you've ever had shorts that rode up on a long descent or blew out at the inseam on a scramble, the Stretch Zion solves both problems — the gusseted crotch and abrasion-resistant nylon handle the movement demands that destroy cheaper shorts. Buy these if you put in 10+ miles on technical trails and want one pair that lasts multiple seasons.
If your hikes are mostly flat or under 5 miles, the budget picks below will do the same job for a third of the price.
The North Face Paramount Short
Best for warm-weather day hikes with a clean look
The North Face Paramount Short
Best for warm-weather day hikes with a clean look
What we like
- FlashDry-XD fabric dries visibly faster than standard polyester after creek crossings or heavy sweat.
- Slim modern cut works on trail and off — easy to wear from trailhead to town without changing.
- Non-PFC DWR finish sheds light rain without the environmental concerns of older chemical treatments.
- Zippered welt back pocket secures essentials even on loose, fast terrain.
What we don't
- Slim fit cuts small — size up at least one, possibly two, from your usual waist size.
- Shallow side pockets frustrate hikers used to deep cargo storage.
- Not the best choice if you need rugged abrasion resistance for off-trail scrambling.
The Paramount's FlashDry-XD fabric dries faster than almost anything at this price point — if you're doing creek crossings, waterfall approaches, or just sweating hard in summer heat, that matters more than an extra pocket. Pick these if you want a short that transitions from trail to lunch without looking like you just rolled out of a gear closet.
Skip them if you need cargo capacity or regularly push through brush and rock.
Columbia Men's Trail Splash Shorts
Best for humid climates and multi-day trail use
Columbia Men's Trail Splash Shorts
Best for humid climates and multi-day trail use
What we like
- Omni-WICK moisture management keeps fabric from clinging to skin during sustained exertion in heat.
- Integrated belt with elastic waistband solves the 'sagging after miles' problem that elastic-only shorts develop.
- Self-draining zippered cargo pocket keeps your phone secured and dry on water crossings.
- Gusseting detail adds enough hip mobility for steep step-ups without bulk.
What we don't
- UPF 50 (not 50+) — adequate for most uses but not the top rating if sun exposure is your primary concern.
- Integrated belt is non-removable — if you hate the feel, you're stuck with it.
- Color selection is more limited than competitor options at this price point.
Columbia's Omni-WICK system actually earns its name here — these dry fast enough that a mid-hike stream crossing stops being a miserable 2-hour experience and becomes a non-issue. The self-draining cargo pocket is the kind of detail that sounds minor until your phone survives a dunking and your friends' doesn't.
These are the right buy if you hike regularly in humid or wet conditions and don't want to spend prAna prices. If you're hiking in dry alpine terrain and care less about draining water than about pure abrasion resistance, the Stretch Zion above handles that better.
Willit Women's 7" Hiking Cargo Shorts
Willit Women's 7" Hiking Cargo Shorts
What we like
- Women's-specific cut accounts for wider hips and higher rise — noticeably more comfortable than sizing down in men's shorts.
- 5-pocket layout includes two deep zip hand pockets that hold a modern smartphone without bouncing.
- DWR finish handles light rain and mud splatter well enough that a short-duration creek crossing isn't an emergency.
- 4-way stretch nylon moves with the body on technical step-ups and downhill scrambles.
What we don't
- Runs small through the thigh — size up one if you're between sizes.
- Lighter nylon weight than premium options means faster wear at high-friction areas over time.
- Color options limited compared to men's equivalent offerings at this price.
Most women's hiking shorts either run too short, lack real pockets, or fit weird through the hips — the Willit 7" solves all three without requiring a premium budget. The pocket depth alone puts these ahead of options costing twice as much.
Buy these if you want a genuinely functional women's short under $40 that works on real trails. Skip them if you're doing aggressive scrambling or need the most durable abrasion resistance available — that's prAna territory.
Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 7"
Pudolla Men's Hiking Cargo Shorts 7"
What we like
- 5 zipper pockets including two thigh cargo pockets — more secure storage than most shorts at 3x the price.
- Nylon-elastane build dries faster and lasts longer than the cotton-blend budget shorts in the same price range.
- Lightweight enough for full summer day hikes without adding unnecessary carry weight.
- Water-resistant finish handles splashes and light rain better than expected for the price.
What we don't
- No UPF rating — not the call for exposed ridgeline hiking where sun protection matters.
- Thigh cargo pockets add bulk that some hikers find uncomfortable on fast-paced days.
- Build quality trails off after a full season of heavy use — treat these as a 1-2 season short.
For under $30, Pudolla delivers the pocket layout and quick-dry fabric that most casual hikers actually need without requiring them to spend premium prices for a feature set they'll use 5% of the time. If you hike a few times a month in moderate terrain, this is the honest best-value answer.
Buy these as a first pair to figure out what you actually need from a hiking short — or as a dedicated pair for trips where you'd rather not risk your $80 shorts. Don't buy them for serious sun exposure or aggressive off-trail terrain.
What to Look For
Quick-dry fabric is the baseline spec — cotton kills comfort above 5 miles. Look for nylon or nylon-elastane blends rated to dry in under 20 minutes.
UPF 50+ matters on exposed ridgelines and alpine terrain. If you're above treeline for hours, sun protection built into the fabric beats sunscreen reapplication mid-hike.
Pocket design separates real trail shorts from gym repurposes. At minimum you need one zipper pocket deep enough for a modern smartphone — anything else is extra.
Who Should Skip This
Skip dedicated hiking shorts entirely if your hikes are under 3 miles on flat ground — any athletic short will do the job fine. Cotton-blend shorts are fine for casual day hikes in moderate temps; the performance gap only shows up after mile 5 or in heat above 80°F.
If you hike in cold, wet conditions regularly, convertible pants will serve you better than any short.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/hiking, the recurring verdict is that most hikers overspend their first time buying shorts, then land on a mid-price nylon option they re-buy for years. The prAna Stretch Zion comes up constantly as the go-to after people 'graduate' from cheap cargo shorts.
Budget threads almost always surface Pudolla and Willit as the closest thing to a free upgrade over cotton.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Frequently Asked Questions
What inseam length is best for hiking shorts?
7" is the most versatile for most hikers — long enough to prevent inner thigh chafe on climbs, short enough to stay cool on hot days. Go 5" if you hike fast in heat; 9" or 10" if chafe is already a problem for you.
Do I need UPF-rated shorts for hiking?
Not for every hike — but if you're regularly above treeline or hiking in exposed desert terrain, UPF 50+ fabric is worth it. Standard nylon still blocks more UV than cotton even without a rating.
Are hiking shorts different from running shorts?
Yes — hiking shorts are cut wider at the hip, have more substantial pocket systems, and use heavier abrasion-resistant fabric. Running shorts optimize for speed and air flow; hiking shorts optimize for all-day comfort and durability.
How do I keep hiking shorts from chafing?
Inseam length is the biggest factor — longer inseams reduce thigh friction. A gusseted crotch (like on the prAna Stretch Zion) adds critical mobility. Anti-chafe balm handles anything the shorts don't.
Can women wear men's hiking shorts?
Yes, but the fit will differ — men's shorts cut straighter through the hip and thigh. Women's-specific cuts like the Willit 7" account for wider hips and a higher rise, which matters a lot for comfort on longer hikes.
Buying Guide
You need quick-dry fabric that won't chafe on long descents. Zipper pockets that actually hold a phone.
UPF 50+ if you're exposed. Inseam length changes everything — 7" works for most, 9" for hot-weather pacing.
Water-resistant finishes add just enough protection without the bulk. Check the waistband too: elastic with belt loops beats either alone.