5 Women's Hiking Shorts for Camping
When it comes to outdoor adventures, finding the perfect women’s hiking shorts can make or break your trail experience. Whether you’re tackling challenging mountain paths, exploring scenic nature trails, or embarking on multi-day backpacking trips, the right pair of hiking shorts for women provides essential comfort, durability, and performance. From moisture-wicking fabrics and strategic ventilation to secure pockets and chafe-free seams, today’s best women’s outdoor shorts combine technical innovation with practical design. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top features to look for in ladies’ hiking shorts, review the most popular brands, and help you choose the ideal pair for your next camping or hiking adventure.
Columbia Women’s Sandier Short
The Columbia Women’s Sandy River Shorts are designed for comfort, protection, and everyday versatility. Featuring Omni-Shade™ UPF 30 sun protection and Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency, these lightweight shorts help keep you protected from the sun while resisting light moisture and stains. The elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord ensures a comfortable, customizable fit, while handy side pockets make them perfect for travel, walking, hiking, or casual daily wear.
SANTINY Women’s 7″/9″ Lightweight Hiking Cargo Shorts
Lightweight & Quick Dry Fabric: Lightweight, breathable, quick dry and stretch woven fabric keeps you cool and comfortable with sweat-wicking performance, ideal for summer hikes.
5 Zipper Pockets: 2 side pockets, 2 pleated cargo pockets, and 1 rear pocket securely store essentials such as phone, keys, and wallet without worrying about anything falling out during daily activities.
Water Resistant & Sun Protection: Designed for active sports, the hiking shorts combine water resistant material with built-in UPF50+ sun protection. These shorts offer protection against unpredictable weather conditions and shield you from UV rays on outdoor adventures.
7″/9″ Inseam: Crafted for all-day versatility, the 7″ bermuda shorts provide greater flexibility of movement, and 9″ version prevents the direct sunlight with more coverage. Ideal for hiking, walking, camping, golf, traveling, running, fishing, kayaking, pickleball, jogging, biking, water sports, or daily wear.
Eddie Bauer Womens Rainier Short
EDDIE BAUER LIFESTYLE: Built on a legacy of adventure-driven innovation, Eddie Bauer is committed to a sustainable and inclusive future for all. By utilizing materials and methods that minimize environmental impact, we strive to build an outdoor culture that is open, welcoming, and accessible to every explorer.
CONQUER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Experience the perfect balance of comfort and performance in any warm-weather setting. Crafted from a high-quality nylon and spandex blend, these lightweight, quick-dry shorts offer unrestricted mobility for alpine scrambling, hiking, or backcountry travel.
SHIELD FROM THE ELEMENTS: Stay protected and dry with integrated high-performance finishes. These bluesign certified shorts feature a StormRepel DWR finish to shed moisture and FreeShade UPF 50 sun protection to block harmful UV rays, ensuring a safe and sustainable solution for your active lifestyle.
ORGANIZE YOUR TRAIL ESSENTIALS: Maximize your storage with strategically placed pockets. Equipped with front slash pockets and a secure zip cargo pocket on the left thigh, these stretchable, machine-washable shorts pair perfectly with performance tees or sun hoodies for trail-to-town versatility.
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Capri
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Capri
Featuring ultra-comfy, water-repellent herringbone fabric with four-way stretch, the durable Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Capri makes it easy to do what you love.
These athletic pants are made from comfortable herringbone fabric with moisture-wicking FlashDry technology and a non-PFC Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish. Stay dry, comfortable and focused on the adventure ahead.
Featuring a tailored feel, these women’s capris are both flattering and unrestrictive. A ribbed knit waistband with a drawcord, and shirring on the legs with stretch drawcords at the openings, allow you to customize the fit. Inseam: R 22″.
Never Stop Exploring with thoughtful features that help you go further — drop-in slant hand pockets (with a concealed zip-pocket inside the right) store small valuables, while UPF 40+ adds an extra layer of sun protection.
An essential closet staple, these capri joggers are a go-to classic for outdoor exploration. Start living your outdoor lifestyle while proudly wearing the badge of exploration with The North Face.
The North Face Women’s Class V Pathfinder Pull-on Shorts 3″
The North Face Women’s Class V Pathfinder Pull-on Shorts 3″
ADVENTURE READY. When the weather warms up and it’s time to hike and hang out by the water, it’s time for the Class V Pathfinder Pull-On Short, which is ready for whatever the day may bring.
RELAXED FIT. Designed with a flattering style and unrestricted range of motion, this athletic short has a generous fit in the seat and is roomy through the hip and thigh. Easing down the leg, it features a slight taper at the mid-thigh.
WATER-RESISTANT. Made from premium 94% recycled nylon with a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish, this soft and durable workout short delivers quality comfort on your most active days.
OUTDOOR VERSATILITY. Never Stop Exploring with features that help you go further — hand pockets and a zip back pocket protect your small valuables, while the comfortable elastic draw cord waistband allows you to find the perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Investing in high-quality women’s hiking shorts is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your outdoor gear collection. The right pair of hiking shorts will keep you comfortable mile after mile, whether you’re day hiking local trails or tackling ambitious backpacking expeditions. Remember to prioritize features like moisture management, durability, and fit over fashion trends, and don’t forget to consider the specific demands of your favorite outdoor activities. With proper care, a great pair of women’s outdoor shorts will serve you well for countless adventures to come. Ready to hit the trails? Choose shorts that match your hiking style, and prepare to experience the difference that quality outdoor gear makes in your camping and hiking experiences.