The question of whether or not hiking shorts are worth it is a question that has been debated among hikers for years. Some people swear by them, while others find them to be uncomfortable and prefer to stick with traditional pants. So, what is the verdict? Are hiking shorts worth it?
Hiking shorts: the pros
Hiking shorts have a lot of pros that make them worth considering for your next hike. First, they’re extremely comfortable. The lightweight fabric and loose fit help to keep you cool and allow you to move freely. Second, they provide great sun protection. Most hiking shorts are made from quick-drying fabric that has an SPF rating, so you can stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Third, they have lots of storage options. Most hiking shorts have multiple pockets that are perfect for holding snacks, your phone, or a small first-aid kit. Finally, they’re versatile. Hiking shorts can be worn on their own or with a pair of leggings or tights underneath for added warmth in cooler weather.
Hiking shorts: the cons
There are a few downsides to hiking shorts that you should be aware of before making a purchase. First, they are generally more expensive than regular shorts. You can expect to pay $50 or more for a good pair of hiking shorts. Second, they tend to be less comfortable than regular shorts. The seams and pockets can rub and chafe, and the fabric is often not as soft as regular shorts fabric. Finally, hiking shorts tend to be less stylish than regular shorts. They often have large pockets and visible stitching that can make them look a bit frumpy.
The bottom line on hiking shorts
The bottom line on hiking shorts is that they are a great investment if you hike regularly. They provide many benefits that regular shorts cannot, such as increased breathability, comfort, and protection from the elements. They also tend to be more durable, which means you will get more use out of them in the long run. If you are on the fence about whether or not to purchase hiking shorts, consider all of the above factors before making your final decision.
How to choose the right hiking shorts for you
When it comes to choosing the right shorts for your hike, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the type of fabric you want. A synthetic blend will be lightweight and quick-drying, making it ideal for humid conditions. However, if you’re hiking in cold weather, a pair of wool or fleece-lined shorts will help to keep you warm.
Secondly, consider the fit. Hiking shorts should be loose-fitting and comfortable, with a waistband that won’t dig in when you’re carrying a heavy backpack.Finally, think about the features you need. If you’re planning on doing a lot of bushwhacking, a pair of shorts with built-in UV protection and insect repellent will offer valuable protection against the elements.
With all of these factors in mind, it’s time to start shopping for your perfect pair of hiking shorts!
The best hiking shorts for women
We all know the feeling— hot, sticky, and uncomfortable. Hiking in the summer can be tough on even the most adventurous woman. The last thing you want to worry about is your clothing. But the right pair of hiking shorts can make all the difference on a hot summer day.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best hiking shorts for women:
-Material: You want something light and breathable like nylon or polyester. Avoid cotton— it will absorb sweat and take forever to dry.
-Length: Most women prefer shorts that come down to about mid-thigh. This offers good coverage without being too restricting.
-Fit: Look for a pair of shorts with a comfortable waistband that won’t dig in when you’re carrying a backpack.
-Features: Many hiking shorts come with pockets, which can be helpful for carrying essentials like your phone or a granola bar. Some also have UPF protection, which is great for long days in the sun.
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of our favorite hiking shorts for women:
-The North Face Women’s Dewey Shorts are made from lightweight nylon with a UPF rating of 50+. They have two hand pockets and two back pockets, so you can easily carry your essentials.
-REI Co-op Savanna Shorts are made from quick-drying polyester with UPF 30 protection. They have a relaxed fit and come in several different colors.
-Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts are made from recycled polyester with 50+ UPF sun protection. They have an adjustable waistband and three pockets— one on each hip and one on the back right leg.
The best hiking shorts for men
Choosing the best hiking shorts for men can be a tough task. There are so many different brands and styles out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your money. However, we’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the best hiking shorts for men, based on customer reviews and ratings.
Here are our top picks:
- Patagonia Men’s Quandary Shorts: These shorts are made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, making them ideal for hikes in warm weather. They also have a lot of pockets, including a zippered pocket on the leg, so you can keep your belongings close at hand.
- Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Lite Shorts: These shorts are perfect for hikes in hot weather, as they’re made from a light and airy fabric. They also have UPF 50 sun protection, so you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned on your hike.
- prAna Men’s Stretch Zion Shorts: These shorts are made from a stretchy fabric that moves with you, making them ideal for hikes that involve scrambling or climbing. They also have several pockets, including a zippered pocket on the thigh, so you can keep your belongings close at hand.
- Mountain Hardwear Men’s Plasmic Ion Shorts: These shorts are made from a water-resistant fabric, making them ideal for hikes in wet or humid conditions. They also have several pockets, including an integrated waist belt with pocket, so you can keep your belongings close at hand.
- REI Co-op Sahale Shorts: These versatile shorts can be used for both casual wear and hiking. They’re made from a lightweight and quick-drying fabric, making them ideal for hikes in warm weather. They also have several pockets, including two zippered pockets on the thighs, so you can keep your belongings close at hand
The best hiking shorts for kids
Boys and girls will both enjoy the comfort of these quick-dry hiking shorts. With an elastic waist and drawstring, they can be pulled on quickly for impromptu hikes and worn all day without complaints. The fabric is also UPF 50+, so you know they’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
For a more stylish pair of shorts that can still stand up to some serious play, check out these khaki-colored ones with roll-up legs. They look great with a polo shirt or T-shirt and can easily transition from the playground to a backyard barbecue. The lightweight fabric is perfect for hot summer days, and the deep pockets are ideal for stashing snacks or treasures.
The best hiking shorts for plus-sized hikers
We know how hard it is to find good hiking gear when you don’t fit the “standard” size, so we did the legwork for you and found the best plus-size hiking shorts out there. All of these shorts come in sizes 14-32, and they’re designed to fit women with curvier figures.
We considered a variety of factors when choosing the best plus-size hiking shorts, including comfort, durability, breathability, and style. We also read through hundreds of customer reviews to see what real plus-size hikers had to say about each pair of shorts.
After careful consideration, we selected the Columbia Saturday Trail Stretch Shorts as our top pick. These versatile shorts are made from a stretchy yet durable fabric, and they have an adjustable waistband that ensures a comfortable fit. They also have plenty of pockets for storing your essentials on the trail.
If you’re looking for a pair of plus-size hiking shorts that will keep you cool and comfortable on even the hottest days, we recommend the prAna Halle Shorts. These lightweight shorts are made from a quick-drying fabric that wicks away moisture, and they have built-in UPF 50 sun protection to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of shorts for an easy day hike or a challenging backpacking trip, we’re confident that one of these pairs of plus-size hiking shorts will be perfect for your needs.
