Somewhere around mile four on the Skyline Divide trail, with the temperature already fifteen degrees warmer than it was at the trailhead, you’ll have strong opinions about the shorts you chose that morning.
The PNW has a way of stress-testing gear that most national outdoor roundups don’t account for. We’re not talking about the dry, sunny Southwest. We’re talking brushy social trails, muddy spring approaches, ridge crossings where the wind shifts and it’s suddenly forty-five degrees, and the kind of drizzle that isn’t dramatic enough to change plans but is absolutely soaking your legs.
Finding shorts that handle all of that without chafing, bagging out, or turning into a wet sail is genuinely harder than it sounds.
I spent time digging into the top-rated options on REI and cross-referencing with verified trail community reviews to put together this list. I’m not going to pretend I’ve personally worn all of these down every trail in the Cascades — that would be a lot of shorts and a lot of trails. What I can tell you is exactly what real-world hikers consistently say about each pair, what the specs actually mean in PNW conditions, and who each option is really built for.
Let’s find your next trail companion.
Best Women’s Hiking Shorts at a Glance
- Best overall: REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts
- Best for coverage: Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Shorts
- Best for water crossings: Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts
- Best for durability: prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Shorts
- Best for scrambling and technical terrain: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts
- Best mid-range step-up: Columbia Summit Valley Shorts II
- Best near-knee coverage: KUHL Trekr Pull-On 11″ Cargo Shorts
REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts — Women's
Best Overall
Key Specs
- Price: $49.95
- Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
- Inseam: 5 in.
- Rise: Mid
- UPF Rating: 50+
- DWR Finish: Yes (PFAS-free)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: Six functional pockets — every one of them big enough for a phone. Fast-drying fabric that beads water immediately. A relaxed elastic waistband that doesn’t dig in under a hip belt.
What to know: The cargo-inspired look isn’t for everyone style-wise. Some reviewers note they ride up slightly during water activities, so if you’re planning heavy creek crossings, the Patagonia pick below might be a better call.
These are the ones I keep coming back to when I’m doing my research on what actually holds up for PNW day hikers, and the consistency of the praise is hard to ignore.
The Trailmade shorts are built on a 94% nylon, 6% spandex blend that testers across multiple gear review sites consistently called one of the fastest-drying fabrics in the category. When water hits the DWR-treated surface, it beads and rolls off. In testing by OutdoorGearLab, the fabric was thoroughly soaked and dry to the touch again in under forty minutes — which, for anyone who’s started a ridge hike in a surprise PNW drizzle, is the kind of stat that actually matters.
The six pockets are the headline feature and they earn it. Two large front hand pockets extend nearly the full length of the inseam — you can fit your forearm in them, which means your phone, snacks, and a few dog treats aren’t going anywhere. Two envelope-closure front accessory pockets add secure storage, and two rear pockets round it out. For trail junky types who like to keep hands free without a fanny pack, this setup is hard to beat.
The wrapped elastic waistband sits relaxed against the body without cutting in, and it plays nicely with a pack’s hip belt — a detail that cheaper shorts routinely get wrong. The Bluesign certification means the fabric meets independent environmental and chemical safety standards, which matters if that sort of thing influences your gear choices.
For a $49.95 price point, this is one of the better values in the category.
Who it’s for: Day hikers and weekend backpackers who want serious pocket utility, solid DWR performance, and a versatile short they can wear for more than just hiking.
Who should look elsewhere: If you prefer a very streamlined, athletic aesthetic or you’re doing significant water crossings — the cargo pocket styling and slightly longer silhouette won’t be for everyone.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Shorts — Women's
Best for Water Crossings
Key Specs
- Price: $79.00
- Material: 94% nylon, 6% elastane
- Inseam: 9 in.
- Rise: Mid
- UPF Rating: 50
- DWR Finish: Yes (PFC-free)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: Exceptionally soft, stretchy fabric that moves with you on anything from steep scrambles to long switchbacks. Fast-drying, UPF 50, and DWR-treated. The low-profile waistband sits flat under a pack or harness.
What to know: Some longer-term owners report pilling on the fabric, particularly with regular washing. Worth noting at this price point.
The Dynama Bermuda occupies a specific niche in the women’s hiking short category: it’s for hikers who want real coverage without the rigidity of a heavier fabric. At a 9-inch inseam, these protect your thighs from brushy trail edges, reduce sun exposure on open ridgelines, and handle the full range of PNW conditions without feeling like you’re hiking in board shorts.
The 94% nylon, 6% elastane blend is genuinely soft in a way that most trail shorts aren’t. Multiple gear testers have noted it feels closer to athletic wear than traditional hiking fabric, which makes it versatile enough for yoga after a hike, a bike ride, or just a long day on your feet. The stretch factor means the fit stays consistent whether you’re in a wide stance on a rocky section or just walking out to the car.
The DWR coating handles light rain and wet brush well. OutdoorGearLab testers found the fabric dried in about 10-12 minutes even when thoroughly soaked — genuinely fast, and relevant for anyone hiking in variable conditions. The UPF 50 rating is the full standard, which matters on exposed ridges like the Enchantments approach or the Skyline Divide meadows.
The low-profile waistband is one of the more thoughtful design choices here. No buttons, no zipper, just a flat elastic band with an internal drawcord for adjustment. It disappears under a hip belt and doesn’t create pressure points on longer days. For anyone who’s had a pack’s waistbelt turn a regular waistband into a misery device, this is worth paying attention to.
The zippered thigh pocket adds secure storage for a phone or small valuables, and two front hand pockets round out the storage situation. Not the pocket count of the REI Trailmade, but enough for most day hikes.
Who it’s for: Hikers who prefer more coverage, hate chafing on longer days, and want a soft, stretchy fabric that works for multiple activities. Also great for anyone who hikes exposed terrain where sun protection on the legs matters.
Who should look elsewhere: If you run hot, the 9-inch inseam will retain more warmth than a shorter cut. And if pilling over time is a dealbreaker at this price, read a few more reviews before committing.
Patagonia Outdoor Everyday Shorts — Women's
Best for Water Crossings
Key Specs
- Price: $89.00
- Material: 96% NetPlus recycled nylon (from fishing nets), 4% spandex
- Inseam: 4 in.
- Rise: Mid
- UPF Rating: Not rated (DWR-treated)
- DWR Finish: Yes (PFAS-free)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: Fast-drying recycled nylon that handles water crossings, rain, and mud with ease. Deep drop-in side pockets with snap closures. Relaxed fit with just enough stretch for easy movement. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
What to know: Sizing runs inconsistently — some reviewers say size down, some say true to size. Worth trying before committing if you can get to a store. At $89, it’s the priciest pick on this list.
Patagonia built a reputation making things for people who actually go outside and use them hard, and the Outdoor Everyday Shorts continue that tradition. These are the shorts for hikers who wade creeks, hike in rain without checking the forecast, and want to feel good about the materials their gear is made from.
The fabric is 96% NetPlus recycled nylon — made from postconsumer fishing nets recovered from the ocean — with 4% spandex for stretch. That nylon is built for water. It dries fast, sheds moisture, and doesn’t bag out when wet the way some cheaper fabrics do. One verified reviewer wore these for nearly 800 kilometers of hiking and reported the pockets were deep enough to carry a phone, snacks, and occasionally a small water bottle. That’s a durability data point you can actually use.
The 4-inch inseam is on the shorter side, which improves ventilation on hot days but offers less brush protection on overgrown trail sections. The adjustable webbing belt adds a nice fit adjustment option without adding bulk, and the zip fly plus button closure on the elastic waistband keeps things secure on technical terrain.
The relaxed fit is worth noting. These aren’t slim-cut athletic shorts — they have a boxy, casual silhouette that some hikers love for comfort and others find unflattering depending on body type. Multiple reviewers noted the fit works better for straighter figures; if you have significant hip-to-waist ratio, the prAna option below may serve you better.
From a values standpoint, the Fair Trade certification and recycled material sourcing are genuinely meaningful for Patagonia and not just marketing language.
Who it’s for: Hikers who regularly encounter water on the trail, run hot, and care about sustainability in their gear choices. Also great for the “I’ll hike in whatever the weather does” crowd.
Who should look elsewhere: If fit is unpredictable for your body type or you need more inseam length for brush protection, keep scrolling.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts — Women's
Best for Scrambling and Technical Terrain
Key Specs
- Price: $90.00
- Material: Recycled nylon blend (46% recycled content), with spandex for stretch
- Inseam: 5 in. or 7 in. (two lengths available)
- Rise: Mid
- UPF Rating: 50+
- DWR Finish: Yes (water and wind resistant)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: Award-winning Ferrosi fabric delivers genuine abrasion resistance alongside quick-dry, wind-resistant, and water-resistant performance. UPF 50+. Deep mesh-lined hand pockets with a secure zippered back pocket. Available in two inseam lengths. Bluesign approved.
What to know: The integrated web belt is a polarizing feature — CleverHiker testers found it unnecessary since the elastic waistband already holds well, and it adds bulk under a pack hip belt. The updated version’s 2-inch belt is wider and more noticeable than the original. Fit runs snug at the waist with a looser leg, which some hikers find unflattering.
Outdoor Research has been making gear for Pacific Northwest conditions specifically since 1981 — they’re a Seattle company and the Ferrosi fabric is one of their signature materials. If you’ve ever stood on a PNW ridgeline when the wind picked up unexpectedly, you’ll understand why wind resistance in a short matters.
The Ferrosi fabric is built from recycled nylon with stretch, and it’s genuinely different from the softer, athletic-leaning nylon in the other picks on this list. It’s more structured, more abrasion-resistant, and designed to handle repeated contact with rock, brush, and rough terrain without pilling or snagging. If your hiking regularly involves off-trail travel, scrambling, or bouldering, this is the pick to look at seriously.
The quick-dry performance is strong. The water resistance isn’t just a DWR coating — the Ferrosi fabric itself sheds moisture and dries fast even when thoroughly wet. For creek crossings, waterfall mist, or hiking through wet brush first thing in the morning, that matters.
The pocket layout is practical: deep mesh-lined front hand pockets that handle a phone without issue, and a zippered back pocket for anything you don’t want to lose on a scramble. CleverHiker testers carried a phone, snacks, and a small multitool in the pockets on steep terrain without problems.
The belt situation is worth knowing about upfront. It’s integrated, it comes with the shorts, and the elastic waistband beneath it is actually secure enough to not need it. You can leave the belt loose or remove it — multiple reviewers suggest doing exactly that when wearing a pack.
Available in a 5-inch and 7-inch inseam, which is one of the better features of this lineup. If brush protection or anti-chafe coverage is a priority, the 7-inch is a meaningful upgrade. Both lengths are the same price.
Who it’s for: Technical hikers, scramblers, and anyone doing off-trail travel where abrasion resistance and wind protection actually matter. Also great for multi-day trips where you’re going days between laundry.
Who should look elsewhere: If soft, stretchy athletic fabric is what you want, or you hate waist belts on shorts, the REI Trailmade or Mountain Hardwear Dynama will feel more comfortable day-to-day.
prAna Stretch Zion Cargo Shorts — Women's
Best for Durability
Key Specs
- Price: $84.00
- Material: 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane
- Inseam: 5 in.
- Rise: High
- UPF Rating: 50+
- DWR Finish: Yes
Where To Shop
What hikers love: The Stretch Zion fabric has a devoted following for a reason — it’s durable, stretchy, and holds up to regular hard use. High-rise fit with double webbing waist adjuster for a precise fit. UPF 50+ and moisture-wicking. Zipper pocket on the left side for secure storage.
What to know: The back pockets are on the shallower side — when sitting down, a phone can shift. A few reviewers also note the shorts stretch out a bit through the day, so sizing down is worth considering.
The Stretch Zion fabric has been a prAna signature for years, and it earned that status the old-fashioned way: hikers, climbers, and outdoor educators kept buying it season after season because it didn’t quit. These cargo shorts take that reputation and put it in a high-rise silhouette with legitimate pocket utility.
The 95% recycled nylon, 5% elastane blend moves well in two directions, which means the fabric doesn’t fight you on steep terrain or awkward scramble moves. The double webbing adjuster at the waist is a practical detail — it lets you dial in the fit precisely, which matters when the waist-to-hip ratio of standard sizing doesn’t quite match yours. Multiple curvy-figure reviewers specifically called these out as one of the few hiking shorts that worked for them.
The high rise is a feature, not just a trend. It stays in place under a pack’s hip belt, reduces the exposed lower-back gap that plagues lower-rise shorts, and adds coverage on windy ridges. The UPF 50+ rating means you’re covered on exposed PNW ridgelines without needing to add sun-protection layers.
The Stretch Zion fabric is Bluesign certified and Fair Trade certified, and uses recycled content — a triple certification that puts it in solid company on the sustainability front.
Pocket layout: two patch hand pockets up front, a secured zipper pocket on the left side, and two back pockets with zipper closures. The back pockets are the weak link — they’re functional but shallow enough that sitting down can push items out. Keep your phone in the side zipper pocket.
Who it’s for: Hikers who put gear through real use and expect it to last more than a season. Also great for anyone with curves who’s struggled to find hiking shorts that fit both the waist and hips.
Who should look elsewhere: If you prefer a shorter inseam for ventilation, or you don’t want cargo styling, the Patagonia or REI picks will suit you better.
Columbia Summit Valley Shorts II — Women's
Best Mid-Range Step-Up
Key Specs
- Price: $55.00 (frequently on sale)
- Material: 86% nylon, 14% elastane
- Inseam: 5 in. or 7 in.
- Rise: Mid (active fit)
- DWR Finish: Yes (Omni-Shield)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: The 14% elastane content gives these real stretch — a meaningful upgrade over the non-stretch Sandy River. Active fit that moves well on trail. Two inseam options. Pockets include hand pockets, a rear pocket, and a knife/multi-tool pocket. Columbia Titanium series quality at a mid-range price, often found on sale.
What to know: Runs slightly large — most reviewers recommend sizing down. The UPF rating isn’t listed on the product page, which is a gap vs. the UPF 50 options on this list. No recycled materials called out.
Columbia’s Summit Valley line sits in their Titanium series — their performance-focused tier, a step above the Sandy River entry-level positioning. The Summit Valley Shorts II are what you get when Columbia actually tries to build a technical hiking short rather than a versatile outdoor short that happens to work on trail.
The 14% elastane content is the key upgrade over the Sandy River. Where the Sandy River has essentially no stretch, the Summit Valley moves with you — useful for long stride days, steep climbs, and anything that requires dynamic movement. A reviewer from Hiking Tested who put these through a proper trail test noted the stretch made them significantly more comfortable on technical terrain than the stiff Sandy River.
The Omni-Shield finish repels moisture and resists stains. It’s not a full DWR in the same sense as the prAna or REI options, but it handles light rain and mud contact without absorbing it. The quick-dry treatment helps moisture escape from the surface, which is what you want in the PNW.
The multi-tool/knife pocket is a small but practical touch — it sits cleanly at the thigh without the bulk of a full cargo pocket. For day hikers who carry a multi-tool or folding knife, having a dedicated slot keeps it accessible without digging through a hand pocket.
Two inseam options (5-inch and 7-inch) make these more flexible for different body types and trail conditions than most Columbia offerings.
The sizing issue is consistent across reviews — order down. If you’re a 10 in most brands, try an 8 here first if you can get to a store. The belt loops are helpful for accommodating the size if you end up between sizes.
At $55 retail with frequent sales, these hit a practical price point between the Columbia Sandy River budget entry and the $80+ premium picks. If you want real stretch and a cleaner trail aesthetic without paying prAna or OR prices, these are worth a look.
Who it’s for: Hikers who found the Sandy River too stiff but aren’t ready to spend $80+ on premium technical shorts. Also a good option if you want two inseam lengths to try.
Who should look elsewhere: If UPF rating matters to you, this isn’t the pick. And if you need serious abrasion resistance for scrambling or off-trail, step up to the OR Ferrosi.
KUHL Trekr Pull-On 11" Cargo Shorts — Women's
Best Near-Knee Coverage
Key Specs
- Price: $85.00
- Material: 57% polyester, 43% nylon
- Inseam: 11 in.
- Rise: Mid
- UPF Rating: 50+
- DWR Finish: Yes (moisture-wicking, quick-dry)
Where To Shop
What hikers love: Seven pockets — including zippered thigh pockets and hidden snap cargo pockets — that actually fit a modern phone in every one. Near-knee 11-inch inseam eliminates inner thigh chafing on long days. Mechanical stretch with rebound holds its shape. UPF 50+. Pull-on rib-knit waistband with drawcord. 4.8 stars across 39 REI reviews.
What to know: The 11-inch length runs about two inches above the knee on most women, which is the point — but if you run hot or prefer a shorter silhouette, this isn’t the pick. The chino-inspired styling is trail-to-town versatile but won’t appeal to everyone aesthetically.
KUHL has been making oddly-named, genuinely well-built outdoor clothing since the early 90s, and the Trekr line has been a women’s trail staple for years for one simple reason: the 11-inch inseam solves the inner thigh chafing problem that shorter cuts never quite address on high-mileage days.
The fabric is a 57% polyester / 43% nylon blend with what KUHL calls mechanical stretch — meaning stretch with rebound, so the shorts move with you and then spring back to shape rather than bagging out over the course of a long day. Multiple long-term owners noted their pairs have lasted years of heavy use while maintaining their fit. One Backcountry reviewer mentioned owning the pants version for eight years with the shorts holding up comparably. That’s the kind of durability data point that matters more than any spec sheet.
The near-knee length hits roughly two inches above the knee for most women, which does two things in a PNW context: it protects your thighs from brushy trail margins and it means you’re not constantly reapplying sunscreen to your upper legs on exposed ridgelines. The UPF 50+ rating covers what’s underneath the fabric; the length reduces what needs to be covered in the first place.
Seven pockets is a headline number, and reviewers back it up as legitimate — not seven tiny pockets that technically count, but seven pockets that actually hold things. The right front pocket has a dedicated zippered compartment; the thigh cargo pockets have hidden snap closures that keep items secure on scrambles; the front slash pockets and back pockets round out the storage. Multiple reviewers confirmed a 6-inch-by-3-inch phone fits in every pocket without forcing it.
The pull-on rib-knit waistband with drawcord is a practical call. No button, no zip fly, just a comfortable elastic waist you can dial in with the drawcord. It sits cleanly under a pack hip belt without hardware digging in.
The 4.8 stars across 39 REI reviews is one of the stronger ratings on this list. Several reviewers note they went back for a second pair or multiple colors, which is generally a reliable signal.
Who it’s for: Hikers who chafe on shorter cuts, anyone logging serious mileage in warm weather who wants coverage without overheating, and hikers who want a short they can wear straight from the trailhead to a restaurant without changing.
Who should look elsewhere: If you run hot and prefer a 4-5 inch inseam for ventilation, or you want a slimmer athletic silhouette, the REI Trailmade or Patagonia pick will serve you better.
What to Look for in Women’s Hiking Shorts for PNW Trails
This is where the generic national roundups fall short. The PNW has specific demands that change what features actually matter. Here’s what I look at.
Material and quick-dry performance
Rain happens. Sweat happens. Creek crossings happen. In the Cascades and Olympics, a short that absorbs moisture and stays wet is a misery device. Look for nylon or polyester blends with a DWR treatment. The best performers in this roundup beaded water immediately and dried in under 40 minutes even when thoroughly soaked.
Cotton is a no. Not even “hiking cotton.” Just no.
DWR finish quality
A DWR finish keeps light rain and wet brush from soaking through the fabric. In the PNW, where drizzle is a lifestyle, this matters more than in drier climates. Look for PFAS-free DWR as a baseline — better for the environment and increasingly the standard in quality outdoor apparel.
Inseam length and brush protection
This is personal, but it’s also practical. Shorter inseams (3-4 inches) are great for ventilation on hot days. Longer inseams (5-9 inches) protect your thighs from brushy trail margins and reduce chafing on longer mileage days. Many lowland PNW trails have significant brush encroachment, especially in summer — the Wonderland trail sections through dense growth, Olympic coastal trails, and plenty of Cascades approaches. A 5-inch inseam is a solid middle ground.
Pocket security
Your phone is your map, your emergency contact, and your camera. In shorts without secure pockets, it’s also a liability every time you sit down on a log or scramble over a boulder. Zippered pockets or deep snap-closure pockets are worth prioritizing. Loose open pockets on technical terrain make me nervous.
Waistband compatibility with pack hip belts
If you’re carrying a daypack or overnight pack, the hip belt sits directly on your waistband. A rigid waistband with hardware (buttons, clasps) creates pressure points over long miles. Low-profile elastic waistbands or flat waist designs work significantly better. The REI Trailmade and Mountain Hardwear Dynama both handle this well.
Fit and coverage at the waist
High-rise fits stay in place better on technical terrain and eliminate the lower-back exposure gap when you’re leaning forward on steep climbs. They also tend to work better under a hip belt. If you’ve ever had a pack shift your shorts down to an uncomfortable level mid-scramble, a high-rise fit is the solution.
UPF rating
Open ridgelines in the Cascades and Olympics offer zero shade. UPF 50 is the full standard and blocks more than 97% of UV radiation. UPF 30 is functional but notably lower protection. For mostly shaded forest hikes, 30 is fine. For exposed alpine terrain — bump it up.
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A Note on Shopping for Hiking Shorts on Amazon
I want to be straight with you about something, because it affects how much you should trust what you find if you search Amazon on your own.
Amazon’s hiking shorts results for women are genuinely hard to navigate. A meaningful portion of the results are dominated by listings with name-soup titles from overseas sellers — think long strings of keywords with no actual brand identity. “Women Quick Dry Lightweight Cargo Hiking Short Elastic Waist Outdoor Athletic” from a seller you’ve never heard of with 200 mostly unverified reviews.
Some of these are perfectly fine for around-the-house wear. Some are not. The quality control is inconsistent, the sizing charts are often wrong, and the materials are frequently misrepresented. The cheap price can look appealing until you’re three miles into a hike in shorts that are chafing your thighs raw, or worse, starting to come apart at the seams.
Cry once, buy once.
The one Amazon link in this roundup — the Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda — is an established brand with real quality standards, real customer service, and real sizing consistency. It just happens to also be available on Amazon at a competitive price. That’s a different situation from rolling the dice on a no-name brand because it was $18.
For hiking apparel, I strongly recommend starting at REI or a brand’s direct site. You get a membership discount, a generous return policy, and the ability to actually read verified reviews from people who’ve worn the gear on real trails.
Comparison Table
| Shorts | Price | Inseam | Material | DWR | UPF | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Trailmade | $49.95 | 5 in. | Nylon/Spandex | Yes | 50+ | Overall value |
| Columbia Summit Valley II | $55.00 | 5 or 7 in. | Nylon/Elastane | Yes | N/A | Mid-range stretch |
| MHW Dynama Bermuda | $79.00 | 9 in. | Nylon/Elastane | Yes | 50 | Soft coverage |
| prAna Stretch Zion Cargo | $84.00 | 5 in. | Recycled Nylon | Yes | 50+ | Durability + curves |
| KUHL Trekr Pull-On | $85.00 | 11 in. | Polyester/Nylon | Yes | 50+ | Near-knee, anti-chafe |
| OR Ferrosi | $90.00 | 5 or 7 in. | Recycled Nylon | Yes | 50+ | Scrambling + wind |
| Patagonia Everyday | $89.00 | 4 in. | Recycled Nylon | Yes | N/A | Water crossings |
