Women's hiking shorts: how to choose the right pair

When the sunny days roll in, walking shorts quickly become your go-to for days out: more freedom in the legs, less heat, a lighter pack. But shorts built for the trail are nothing like your average pair of city shorts — they need to dry fast, stay out of your way on climbs and offer a bit of protection. Here's how to choose the right pair for you, and when to go for trousers instead.

To keep it simple: a good pair of women's walking shorts comes down to fabric, length and fit, depending on where you're headed. Here's our step-by-step guide.

Our pick of women's walking shorts

Before we get into the advice, here are three safe bets: the long shorts with a modest cut and stretch fabric, the cargo shorts loaded with pockets, and the lightweight summer walking trousers for those cooler days. Three ways to kit yourself out for summer adventures — and you can browse our full collection of women's walking shorts to compare styles:

BESTSELLER

Long fit, stretch fabric, dries fast

Women's Long Walking Shorts

£58.90

MODEL

Beige / XS — £58.90 Beige / S — £58.90 Beige / M — £58.90 Beige / L — £58.90 Beige / XL — £58.90 Beige / XXL — £58.90 Beige / 3XL — £58.90 Light Khaki / XS — £58.90 Light Khaki / S — £58.90 Light Khaki / M — £58.90 Light Khaki / L — £58.90 Light Khaki / XL — £58.90 Light Khaki / XXL — £58.90 Light Khaki / 3XL — £58.90 Grey / XS — £58.90 Grey / S — £58.90 Grey / M — £58.90 Grey / L — £58.90 Grey / XL — £58.90 Grey / XXL — £58.90 Grey / 3XL — £58.90 Black / XS — £58.90 Black / S — £58.90 Black / M — £58.90 Black / L — £58.90 Black / XL — £58.90 Black / XXL — £58.90 Black / 3XL — £58.90 Navy Blue / XS — £58.90 Navy Blue / S — £58.90 Navy Blue / M — £58.90 Navy Blue / L — £58.90 Navy Blue / XL — £58.90 Navy Blue / XXL — £58.90 Navy Blue / 3XL — £58.90 Military Green / XS — £58.90 Military Green / S — £58.90 Military Green / M — £58.90 Military Green / L — £58.90 Military Green / XL — £58.90 Military Green / XXL — £58.90 Military Green / 3XL — £58.90

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POCKETS

Cargo: everything within reach

Women's Cargo Walking Shorts

£76.90

MODEL

Khaki / XS — £76.90 Khaki / S — £76.90 Khaki / M — £76.90 Khaki / L — £76.90 Khaki / XL — £76.90 Khaki / XXL — £76.90 Light Grey / XS — £76.90 Light Grey / S — £76.90 Light Grey / M — £76.90 Light Grey / L — £76.90 Light Grey / XL — £76.90 Light Grey / XXL — £76.90 Blue / XS — £76.90 Blue / S — £76.90 Blue / M — £76.90 Blue / L — £76.90 Blue / XL — £76.90 Blue / XXL — £76.90 Purple / XS — £76.90 Purple / S — £76.90 Purple / M — £76.90 Purple / L — £76.90 Purple / XL — £76.90 Purple / XXL — £76.90 Pink / XS — £76.90 Pink / S — £76.90 Pink / M — £76.90 Pink / L — £76.90 Pink / XL — £76.90 Pink / XXL — £76.90 Army Green / XS — £76.90 Army Green / S — £76.90 Army Green / M — £76.90 Army Green / L — £76.90 Army Green / XL — £76.90 Army Green / XXL — £76.90 Navy Blue / XS — £76.90 Navy Blue / S — £76.90 Navy Blue / M — £76.90 Navy Blue / L — £76.90 Navy Blue / XL — £76.90 Navy Blue / XXL — £76.90 Dark Grey / XS — £76.90 Dark Grey / S — £76.90 Dark Grey / M — £76.90 Dark Grey / L — £76.90 Dark Grey / XL — £76.90 Dark Grey / XXL — £76.90 Black / XS — £76.90 Black / S — £76.90 Black / M — £76.90 Black / L — £76.90 Black / XL — £76.90 Black / XXL — £76.90

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VERSATILE

The lightweight trousers for cooler days

Summer Walking Trousers

£68.90

MODEL

Military Green / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Military Green / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Military Green / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Military Green / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Military Green / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Military Green / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Red / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Red / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Red / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Red / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Red / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Red / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Light Blue / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Light Blue / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Light Blue / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Light Blue / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Light Blue / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Light Blue / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Navy Blue / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Navy Blue / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Navy Blue / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Navy Blue / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Navy Blue / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Navy Blue / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Khaki / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Khaki / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Khaki / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Khaki / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Khaki / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Khaki / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Purple / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Purple / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Purple / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Purple / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Purple / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Purple / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Sky Blue / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Sky Blue / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Sky Blue / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Sky Blue / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Sky Blue / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Sky Blue / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Dark Grey / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Dark Grey / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Dark Grey / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Dark Grey / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Dark Grey / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Dark Grey / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Black / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Black / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Black / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Black / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Black / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Black / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Orange / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Orange / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Orange / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Orange / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Orange / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Orange / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90 Light Grey / XS (FR 34/36) — £68.90 Light Grey / S (FR 36/38) — £68.90 Light Grey / M (FR 38/40) — £68.90 Light Grey / L (FR 42/44) — £68.90 Light Grey / XL (FR 44/46) — £68.90 Light Grey / 2XL (FR 48/50) — £68.90

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Why choose walking shorts (and not everyday shorts)

A cotton pair of casual shorts, however comfortable at first, quickly becomes a nightmare on the trail: it soaks up sweat, clings to the skin, takes hours to dry and chafes with every step. Shorts designed for walking rely on technical fabrics that wick away moisture and dry fast, a fit built for movement (climbs, long strides, scrambling over obstacles) and handy details like secure pockets or a water-repellent finish. The result: you stay dry, comfortable, and the garment lasts for seasons to come.

Which fabric to choose

Fabric is the number one factor for walking shorts. You want something light, breathable and quick-drying.

• Polyester: light, breathable, it wicks away sweat and dries very quickly — this synthetic fibre is the benchmark for activity. The default choice.
• Nylon (polyamide): highly resistant to abrasion and also quick-drying — ideal on rough terrain or amongst scrub.
• Avoid cotton: comfortable at rest, but it holds onto moisture, dries slowly and turns cold the moment you sweat.

A good tip: look for a touch of elastane (just a few %) for stretch — it's what makes shorts genuinely comfortable on climbs. And if you're walking under the sun, a fabric with a UPF rating protects exposed skin.

Which length and fit

The length comes down to how you hike and what feels comfortable. Too short, and you lose protection; too long, and you lose freedom of movement.

• Short: maximum freedom of movement around the thighs, ideal for hot weather and well-maintained trails.
• Long / cropped: comes down to the knee, protecting you from the sun and scratchy undergrowth — handy on paths that bite back.
• Fit: go for an elasticated waist or an adjustable belt, and a stretchy fabric so you're never restricted.

Sizing tip: the figure that really matters is the inseam length. The most reliable approach is to measure a pair of shorts you already love wearing and compare it to the measurement given by the brand, rather than relying on the size label alone.

Other details that matter

Once you've settled on the fabric and fit, a few details make all the difference out on the trail: zipped pockets to keep your phone and keys secure, a comfortable waistband that doesn't dig in under your rucksack, and for summer, built-in cycling shorts or an anti-chafe underlayer that's a real help on long outings. Cargo shorts, with their side pockets, are especially handy for storage if you like to keep everything close at hand.

Shorts, cargo or trousers: what to choose depending on the outing

Shorts aren't always the right choice: it all depends on the weather and the terrain. In hot weather on clear trails, shorts (long or cargo) reign supreme. But as soon as the weather turns, the vegetation gets dense, or altitude cools the air, a pair of walking trousers offers better protection. For uncertain outings, lightweight water-repellent or waterproof trousers tucked in your rucksack are a safeguard that weighs almost nothing:

Waterproof Walking Trousers

£48.90

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MODEL

Dark Grey / S — £48.90 Dark Grey / M — £48.90 Dark Grey / L — £48.90 Dark Grey / XL — £48.90 Dark Grey / XXL — £48.90 Dark Grey / XXXL — £48.90 Dark Grey / 4XL — £48.90 Black / S — £48.90 Black / M — £48.90 Black / L — £48.90 Black / XL — £48.90 Black / XXL — £48.90 Black / XXXL — £48.90 Black / 4XL — £48.90 Sky Blue / S — £48.90 Sky Blue / M — £48.90 Sky Blue / L — £48.90 Sky Blue / XL — £48.90 Sky Blue / XXL — £48.90 Sky Blue / XXXL — £48.90 Sky Blue / 4XL — £48.90 Turquoise / S — £48.90 Turquoise / M — £48.90 Turquoise / L — £48.90 Turquoise / XL — £48.90 Turquoise / XXL — £48.90 Turquoise / XXXL — £48.90 Turquoise / 4XL — £48.90 Red / S - £48.90 Red / M - £48.90 Red / L - £48.90 Red / XL - £48.90 Red / XXL - £48.90 Red / XXXL - £48.90 Red / 4XL - £48.90Add to Basket

In mid-season or in the mountains, a water-repellent pair keeps your legs dry without sacrificing breathability - the ideal compromise when you can't decide between shorts and warm trousers:

Women's Water-Repellent Walking Trousers

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 (1 review)

£70.90

Pay in 4 instalments of £17.73 with no fees via Shop Pay

MODEL

Fuchsia Purple / M - £70.90 Fuchsia Purple / L - £70.90 Fuchsia Purple / XL - £70.90 Fuchsia Purple / XXL - £70.90 Fuchsia Purple / 3XL - £70.90 Navy Blue / M - £70.90 Navy Blue / L - £70.90 Navy Blue / XL - £70.90 Navy Blue / XXL - £70.90 Navy Blue / 3XL - £70.90 Black / M - £70.90 Black / L - £70.90 Black / XL - £70.90 Black / XXL - £70.90 Black / 3XL - £70.90Add to Basket

And to fine-tune your full outfit (top, layers, protection), take a look at our guides on what to wear for a hike and what to pack in your hiking rucksack.

So, what's the best pair of women's walking shorts?

There's no single "best women's walking shorts" in absolute terms: the best model is the one that fits your style of walking. Here's our verdict, after weighing up the criteria:

• The best all-rounder: the long walking shorts. Their coverage protects you from sun and scrub, while the stretch fabric dries quickly - it's the most popular choice in our selection, the one that suits the widest range of outings.
• The best for storage: the cargo shorts. Their side pockets keep your phone, map and snacks within easy reach - ideal if you'd rather walk than rummage through your rucksack.
• The best option for cool weather: the summer walking trousers. Light and breathable, they take over when the weather's uncertain or the vegetation gets dense.

Either way, the hierarchy of criteria stays the same: first a quick-drying technical fabric, then the length suited to your trails, and finally the stretch cut and pockets. A pair of shorts that ticks all three boxes will see you through plenty of walking seasons - see the models featured in the selection at the start of this article.

The summary for choosing well

To give you a clear picture at a glance before you decide, here are the criteria that really make a difference when choosing women's hiking shorts. The idea isn't to tick every box, but to start from your actual outings: the season, the climate, the type of terrain and the duration. A pair of short polyester shorts is plenty for a summer walk on a clear trail, while a longer style or lightweight trousers will suit mountain conditions or changeable weather better. Keep in mind that fabric and stretch matter just as much as length - that's what lets you forget you're wearing shorts at all and simply enjoy the walk. Here's the summary:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose women's hiking shorts? Start with the fabric (polyester or nylon, quick-drying), the length suited to how you hike (short for freedom of movement, long for protection), and a stretch cut with an adjustable waist. Add zipped pockets and, in summer, UPF protection or built-in anti-chafe liner shorts.

What fabric is best for hiking shorts? Polyester is the go-to choice: lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. Nylon is more resistant to abrasion. Avoid cotton, which holds onto moisture and dries slowly. A touch of elastane adds stretch.

What length of hiking shorts should you choose? Shorter shorts give you maximum freedom of movement in hot weather; a longer style (or three-quarter length) offers better protection from the sun and scrub. Go by inseam length when choosing your size.

Shorts or trousers for hiking? Shorts win out in warm weather and on clear trails; trousers offer better protection in cool weather, dense vegetation or at altitude. Packing a lightweight water-repellent pair of trousers in your rucksack is a smart safety net for unpredictable outings - check out our full selection in our guide to the best women's hiking trousers.

What's the best pair of hiking shorts for women? It depends on how you hike: long stretch quick-drying shorts are the most versatile choice, a cargo style wins for storage, and lightweight trousers are still the better option in cool weather or dense vegetation. Check the technical fabric, inseam length and zipped pockets before anything else.