Should You Wear Shorts or Pants Hiking? How Women Can Decide
When heading out on the trails, women face a decision between wearing hiking shorts or pants.
What you wear impacts comfort, performance, and of course, style. This guide looks at the key factors to help you choose what’s best for your hike.
Hiking shorts or pants? For women hitting the trails, settling on the right legwear matters.
Women hiking shorts boost air flow on hot days and move freely over terrain. But pants protect better from brush or cold. We break down the call with tips from experts and women hikers.
When Are Shorts Better For Hiking Than Pants?
Hot Weather Hiking
Shorts shine on sweaty summer trails when venting heat takes priority. As hiker Amy N. told us: “I overheat quickly, so I love hiking in shorts. The breeze helps keep me cool.”
Data shows warmth spikes hiking effort:
Per the table, heart rate jumps 10% at 70–84F versus under 55F. By 85F, it’s up 13%. Hiking shorts help control body temperature, making hot hikes feel less grueling.
REI instructor Lily G. agrees: “I always wear lightweight hiking shorts in summer. Long pants tend to trap heat and moisture.”
Hot Weather Locations
Choices differ by location too. If hiking Death Valley in July, shorts help handle the 112F temps. But along California’s foggy coast at 65F, pants prove better.
Expert Jackie E. advises checking area weather and dressing accordingly: “I check predicted highs/lows. Over 80F and I’m certainly wearing shorts. But I’d opt for pants in most shoulder season hikes.”
Short Distance Hikes
Shorts allow greater stride on short area hikes. “I like shorts for quick day hikes under 5 miles,” says outdoorswoman Erica T. “It’s what I wore hiking Runyon Canyon last weekend.”
Longer treks may still warrant shorts. But added miles hike up abrasion risks from brush. So pants merit consideration.
Freedom of Movement priorities
Shorts provide less restriction during activities requiring agility and free movement. As runner Lauren F. explains: “I always wear shorts trail running. Long pants inhibit my stride.”
Hiker Terri agrees: “If doing intense hiking, bouldering or hill repeats, I want shorts for the range of motion.”
So shorts win for freedom-boosting hike training. But for a simple nature walk? Personal preference rules.
Hot Weather Walker Preferences
While some find shorts too revealing for casual walks, others like 59 year-old Mary D. prefer them always: “I wear shorts hiking in nearly any weather. I just don’t like pants.”
Hiker fashions evolve alongside culture. And each woman can decide what makes her comfy. But hot forecasts may shift choices toward shorts.
When Are Pants Better Than Shorts For Hiking?
While right for some situations, shorts aren’t always ideal:
Cold Weather Hiking
Once the mercury drops, pants provide defense against the elements. Cold-averse hikers like Heather V. concur: “My legs chill easily. So I wear insulated pants year-round.”
REI salesperson Andrea D. agrees: “I suggest wearing pants in cold weather. Especially in environments like the Pacific Northwest’s soggy trails.”
Cold Weather Locations
As with heat, regional cold snaps can make pants necessary. Colorado hiker Jenny T. reports: “I only wear pants winter hiking here in the Rockies. Shorts when snow camping would be crazy!”
Location matters. Research area norms, and dress accordingly.
Long Distance Hikes
Added miles also favor pants. “I’m fine wearing shorts on short area hikes,” says park ranger Melanie W. “But I always wear pants backpacking since they offer thicker brush protection.”
Insect Protection
Shorts leave legs exposed to threats like ticks carrying Lyme disease. So pants help shield against bites. Per Melanie: “Ticks can’t grab your legs as easily with long pants.”
But some still opt for shorts against bugs, using sprays for defense. It’s a personal choice based on risk factors.
Leg Protection Priorities
Long pants shield shins and calves from abrasions. As Colorado trail guide Martha A. notes: “I wear pants hiking to prevent scratches. Some narrow trails here have thorny overgrowth.”
But even in dense brush, some still prefer shorts. Ultimately, it’s deciding if protection or ventilation matters more that day.
Cultural Norms
Certain groups hike in pants by default for modesty. Orthodox religious communities tend to wear pants or knee-length skirts.
While shorts suit some just fine for modesty, cultural norms make pants the choice for others.
Key Factors For Deciding Shorts or Pants Hiking
Choosing shorts or pants needn’t be guesswork. Weigh these factors:
Analyzing these points helps determine ideal legwear. As hiker Juliet V. sums up: “Check the weather, mileage and brush thickness. Then decide if cooling or shielding matters most that day.”
Hiking Shorts and Pants Features to Know
With basics covered, here is what to look for in hiking legwear:
Shorts Benefits
Seeking shorts? Prioritize:
- Breathable Fabrics: Lightweight and ventilated
- Moisture Wicking: Sweat absorbing and quick drying
- Stretch Woven: Allow free movement during wear
- Gusseted Crotch: Eliminate inner-thigh chafing
- Deep Pockets: Securely store trail necessities
- Secure Waistband + Belt Loops: Prevent slipping and ride up
- UPF Rating: Sun protection from Ultraviolet Protection Factor fabric
Pants Benefits
Need pants instead? Look for:
- Insulated Fabrics: Heat retaining to block cold
- Durable Fabrics: Reinforced to handle brush and abrasion
- Water + Wind Resistant: Repel elements on cold, wet hikes
- Reinforced Knees + Seat: Prevent wear in high-friction zones
- Secure Waistband + Belt Loops: Prevent slipping and ride up
- Zippered Pockets: Safely stash small items
- UPF Rating: Sun protection from Ultraviolet Protection Factor fabric
Analyze expected conditions, then seek those features. Cold and wet? Waterproof wind pants make sense. Hot and sandy? Lightweight shorts with pockets excel.