10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shorts for Thru-Hiking

When you’re out and about, comfort is one of the most important aspects to carry on your day. The best lightweight hiking shorts for thru-hiking comes with the following features: lightweight, waterproof, durable, length, style, and fabric. These are only some of the questions you should ask when buying clothes for hiking. Hiking shorts come in many varieties because of these features. Before you decide to buy a pair, you should find out whether or not you’ve found the most optimal pick.

They should provide you greater flexibility and freedom by being breathable and durable. On top of that, small features such as zippered pockets, a soft waistband, and water-resistant coating can go a long way to improve your hiking experience. In addition, if they happen to look great and to work well for you then all the better.

Ideally, the best hiking shorts are the ones you don’t notice any discomfort and regularly use on a daily basis. Hiking shorts are the best for the summer, celebrating with friends or family during a barbeque outside a nice terrain. 

Top 10 Best Lightweight Hiking Shorts for Thru-Hiking

1. Columbia Sandy River Hiking Shorts

The Columbia Women’s Sandy River shorts are a popular pick for lightweight hiking shorts. They are the classic, do-it-all protection for your legs when you are on the go during a hike, commute, and spending time with friends. They utilize stretch nylon and spandex, allowing you to move in a very comfortable and flexible way.

The stretchy waist, casual shorts for women to use for hikes, camping, beaches, or your home. These comfy shorts are all about the pockets and the fabric, containing two front-hand pockets and two back-hand pockets with a drop-down zipper pocket on the thigh area.

No one can have too many pockets, especially during an eventful hike. The women’s version only has four pockets, as well as one back pocket with a zipper for storage. The 100% nylon fabric provides the best experience with material for quick-dry, providing a combination of the UPF and efficient fabric work to provide you the best and comfortable protection. Rest assured, these inexpensive and high-quality shorts will provide you the best bang out of your buck.

2. prAna Stretch Zion Hiking Shorts

The prAna Zion Shorts allows you to obtain movement alongside the breeze outside. The high-quality, iconic hiking shorts for men to experience comfort. Stretch Zion is an abrasion-resistant fabric that can handle rough rocky faces, gravel, and branches.

The 97% nylon and 3% Spandex ensure abrasion-resistance and durability while the spandex allows the stretchiness for the fabric. You won’t have to worry about movement restrictions and rips. In addition, the fabric also dries incredibly well because of the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. 

These shorts have five pockets to provide the best portability for your needs. At the front and the back of the shorts, there are two pockets alongside a hook-and-loop closure cargo pocket. This provides some storage for your phone or keys. On the left side of the shorts, there is a large pocket that is covered with a flap to ensure no items fall out and a zipper pocket underneath it. The pockets are mesh, giving you a ventilated area to prevent you from overheating.

There is also an adjustable waistband system to make sure your shorts stay in place. There are men’s and women’s for these shorts. Men’s version of these shorts has two inseam options:10″ (25.4cm) and 12″ (30.5cm). On the other hand, the women’s has a 5″ (12.7) inseam.

3. Columbia Silver Ridge Hiking Shorts

The Columbia Silver Ridge Shorts are popular cargo shorts that many hikers enjoy. They are one of the best hiking shorts and moderately priced to use for backpacking, camping, and hiking. They provide substantial comfort and flexibility with their key features and materials.

They have several neutral colors, carrying five pockets with a good amount of space to carry your key belongings. The fabric uses Omni-Wick and Omni-Shade technology to effectively block out UV rays (UPF 50) and allows breathability.

These hiking shorts are mostly nylon with mesh panels to provide ventilation and easier movement. They come in several neutral colors, carrying only five pockets that each have a substantial amount of space to hold a good number of small objects. They are made with synthetic quick-drying material with an addition of a belt.

There are six pockets: two hand pockets, two side pockets, and two back pockets. The left side has a zipper, allowing users to keep their valuables safe. The shorts come in with an elastic waist as well as a hook and loop closure as an added bonus. With these many features, you will not have to worry while on the hike or on the beach.

4. prAna Brion Hiking Shorts

The prAna Brion Shorts are an excellent choice for hiking and daily use whenever you want. They use high-quality Stretch Zion fabric to make the hiking shorts extremely tough, stretchy, and durable. The shorts also include spandex, providing a comfortable texture for long-lasting use.

On top of that, they are water-resistant, so it’s easy to relax your mind during the rainy weather. It also has a button, a zipper closure, and belt loops in three different ranges of inseam for men and women.

The shorts also come in with the following pockets: three front-hand pockets and two back-hand pockets. The front-hand and back-hand pockets come with mesh interiors, providing breathability for your hot summer days. If your shorts get wet, it will dry quickly because of the lightweight material being under 10 ounces. It is especially important to note that they are slim and durable, making them fashionable enough for daily use.

5. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hiking Shorts

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are one of the most popular shorts for many hikers and outgoers. These hiking shorts are super light, making them great for mountaineering on a really hot summer day. It prevents abrasion from occurring when you accidentally scrape your thigh. The shorts are made of thin and stretchy nylon and elastane fabric.

The fabric is woven tightly to apply as much durability, sun protection of UPF 50, and abrasion resistance. The 90D nylon construction is woven with spandex, giving the shorts ample durability and stretch. It is an added bonus that they are also wind-resistant and water-resistant, allowing you to feel as comfortable as possible.

As for the pockets, they have two front-hand pockets and back-hand pockets. There is also a zippered side pocket for important belongings. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts also have belt loops, a button, and a zipper fly to provide a low-profile waist while climbing up the mountains. Another important factor is that the shorts come in eight different colors and two different inseam lengths (8” and 10”).

6. prAna Olivia Hiking Shorts

PrAna’s Olivia shorts are designed for stylish usage and comfort with their high-quality and built-in “Stretch Zion” fabric, providing users a flexible usage for all active outdoor purposes and activities. These hiking shorts are quick to dry and abrasion-resistant, making this a great choice for long outdoors and hikes.

The UPF 50 fabric protects your skin from harmful Ultraviolet A and B. The DWR finish of the shorts provides water-resistant protection, so there’s no worry about getting too wet.

The Olivia shorts can survive a lot of scrapes while being lightweight in 5.86 ounces and well fit. The fabric is mostly nylon and partially spandex with DWR treatment applied. They come in different inseam options: men have 10 inches (25.4 cm) and women have 5 inches (12.7 cm). Thanks to the various inseam options, men can have two hand pockets on each thigh.

There are also large hand pockets and two rear pockets for more storage and larger belongings. The bonus is that these shorts are stylish to mix-and-match so they’re a great lifestyle option for the outdoor adventurer.

7. Arc’teryx Palisade Hiking Shorts

Out of all the Arc’teryx products, the Arc’teryx Palisade Shorts are some of the most expensive and high-quality legwear you can really purchase. While they’re excellent, the cost is extremely expensive in comparison to the short mentioned in this list. Keeping the price point in mind, the Palisade Shorts are extremely popular amongst hikers.

These hiking shorts use TerraTex, a high-quality Arc’teryx fabric, providing a really breathable and lightweight experience. They’re also durable and stretchy so users will not need to worry if they need to really stretch during a hike.

One of the main important factors of these shorts is the number of zippers! There are five zippers in total and also a belt to provide its uniqueness and sturdiness. The integrated belt provides a fast and simple fit for users. They keep you moving on the trail and looking stylish in your city on the go.

If you already love Arc’teryx, you should get these shorts. If you want really high-end shorts, you should start here. If you’re on a budget for other quality shorts, you should look to other kinds on this list to get the same job done.

8. The North Face Aphrodite Hiking Shorts

The North Face Aphrodite shorts are uniquely made for women, providing substantial measurements and comfort for the target market. These shorts are especially great for casual walking, hiking, exercising, and stretching.

The shorts come with a FlashDry-XD fabric, allowing the shorts to dry faster and to move perspiration away from the skin. It is mostly nylon and partially spandex. It is also extremely durable; users can use a resilient stretch with no problem. T

hese hiking shorts have a large elastic waistband so users can adjust the tightness. The fabric lets users slip on and off quickly with no hassle. The shorts have a 3.5-inch inseam, so they offer some protection but not against abrasion.

There are two vertical hand pockets for easy access to warm your hands or to store smaller items. Alongside the vertical hand pockets, the small stealth cargo pocket is for storing keys or much simpler items. The shorts weigh about 4.8 ounces so it is easily a great activewear.

9. BALEAF Men’s Hiking Shorts

Are you looking for an inexpensive option for shorts with great durability and comfort? The men’s and women’s BALEAF hiking shorts are highly rated and popular amongst all ages. The hiking shorts are made out of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, making them flexible and durable for long usage.

The liner is built-in with mesh briefs to provide extra security and comfort. There’s also a drawstring to provide tightness and a secure fit. There are pockets, 2 side ones and 1 rear side.

The weight of these shorts is about 5.6 ounces with an inseam of 3 inches, 5 inches, and 7 inches. BALEAF running shorts also use a quick-dry fabric to make you feel as dry as possible from sweating. There is also a huge multitude of colors, making customization for your fashion needs. Most importantly, they are lightweight and include a back pocket with a zipper.

10. BALEAF Women’s Hiking Shorts

Baleaf Women’s Long-Running Short helps you bring comfort in your life while on the go or on a casual hike. The fabric is mainly made out of 90% polyester and 10% spandex. The waistband is about three inches long with a four-way stretch to provide the best comfort for your stomach.

The hiking shorts are about 7 inches long to provide unrestricted freedom during all activities. It comes along with mesh briefs to provide a breathable experience when you are running. The back zipper pocket of the shorts provides a secure placement for your ID card, keys, money, or gels. As an added bonus, it is great for everyday use whenever you want.

Conclusion

Have you made your final decision(s)? This list is to provide you the best options to enhance not only your hiking experience but your overall lifestyle. Shorts are essential to protect our legs and to provide comfort in our travels. It has the best helpful features to make sure you won’t feel disappointed during your travels. They help leave your worries behind as you wear your handy shorts out in the rough terrain, at the beach, or during your commute to the city. The best lightweight hiking shorts for thru-hiking are brought to you by our best selections! Life is not complete without the best of the best!