Check out our many women's hiking shorts here : They exist in multiple sizes from S to XXL and in various colours, so you can find the ones you love. Many of our walking shorts and ladies’ trekking shorts feature a stretch fabric that will enable complete freedom of movement and comfort! We wrote this guide to share the different features and technologies of our women's walking shorts.

Women’s hiking shorts : How to choose them ?

Women's hiking shorts can fit multiple uses. During the summer, they can be worn anytime : from city trips, to mountain adventures and classic Sunday strolls. Some people even wear them at work !

During spring and autumn, our women's walking shorts will be a perfect companion for your mountain and outdoor adventures, for the warm days. You will find multiple women's shorts and ladies’ trekking shorts, fit for various pursuits. They're mostly differentiated in inseam length, colours and styling ; We have multiple colours, from black to bold flashy colours. In between we have several discreet colours such as grey, burgundy, petrol etc... You will find the colours that fit your tastes!

Inseam : From 3 inches to 12, we have walking shorts for every taste. It's not so much a matter of your height, it's about how you want to wear your pair of shorts! If you prefer longer shorts, choose an inseam around 8 to 12 inches. It will cover your thighs and allow more pocket room. Longer inseams are often fit for city trips and hiking in varied conditions. If you prefer a shorter inseam, pick your shorts in between 3 and 6 inches. They will be extra light, breathable and comfy. Shorter inseam shorts are perfect for active sports : climbing, hiking, walking and running, generally while the weather is warm. Choose your regular size.

Last but not least, our women's walking shorts come in different cuts : Some are ample and more loose, some are closer to you and some are even leggings. It's mostly a matter of taste. But, know this : ample shorts are suited to people who prefer a wider cut and more pockets. Tighter leggings shorts will suit you if you want total freedom of movement, excellent breathability and a lightweight fabric.

There is technology in our walking shorts : Discover why

Our range of women's walking shorts and ladies’ trekking shorts are unique. At Columbia, we think of clothing as a technical ally that can help you to tackle nature's adversity. Hiking shorts are part of this philosophy. Here are some of the technological options found in our women's walking shorts :

• Omni-Wick™ is an enhanced wicking technology that is particularly efficient for active sports : walking, hiking, trail and running. It moves the moisture away from the skin and disperses it across your shorts fabric for a rapid evaporation and drying. Stay dry and comfortable during your outdoor adventures!

• Omni-Freeze ZERO™ reacts with your sweat and provides a cooling effect! Yes, it sounds unbelievable, but we have designed a cooling technology, within our fabric. The blue ring reacts with your perspiration and lowers the fabric's temperature, so you can stay cool in your walking shorts.

• Omni-Shield™ is another technical asset Columbia provides to hikers and walkers : This is made to protect you from water and stains. We've designed a fabric that repels water and stains by preventing liquids from absorbing into the yarns and saturating or staining your hiking shorts. It incorporates a quick drying feature.

FAQs

What is the best brand for ladies’ trekking shorts?

The best brand for hiking and trekking shorts is one built on a dedication to comfort, performance and style. A brand that has a legacy spanning multiple decades. A brand that demonstrates expertise and commitment to quality in every item it produces. A brand like Columbia.

Alongside superior hiking shorts, check out our full range of hiking gear, including men’s hiking shoes and women’s hiking jackets. Like everything we design, each item is tested tough and features the standard you have come to expect from us.

Should my hiking shorts be tight or loose?

How your shorts fit is primarily a personal preference. However, we do have some recommendations. For low-intensity hikes and a more casual look, choose a looser fit. For high-intensity climbs, choose a slim fit with plenty of stretch to ensure a full range of movement.

What fabric is best for hiking shorts?

We recommend a pair of hiking shorts that is lightweight and breathable, as well as one that includes moisture-wicking properties like Omni-Wick^TM. Avoid cotton because it tends to absorb sweat, holding it close to the skin. It also takes a long time to dry, which increases the risk of chafing and blisters. Fortunately, every pair of Columbia hiking shorts is made with technical fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable for every step of your journey.

Are Columbia’s hiking shorts water and stain-resistant?

Yes, some of Columbia’s hiking shorts are water and stain-resistant. Look for models that feature our exclusive Omni-Shield^TM technology. Omni-Shield^TM repels water (and stains) by preventing liquid from absorbing into the garment’s fabric.

If you anticipate some heavy rain, check out our fully waterproof trousers that can be worn over your hiking shorts. Once the rain dries up, simply remove the trousers and pack them away in their own pocket.

Are hiking shorts good to travel with?

Yes, hiking shorts are great to travel with. Whether you’re visiting another country or planning a staycation, our hiking shorts are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for active pursuits, but can also transition easily to casual outdoor lunches. Not only that, their small size makes them easy to pack without taking up space in your luggage.

What if it gets cold?

Are you afraid of going for a mountain adventure without women's trousers ? Shorts might not be enough when the temperatures drop at nighttime. Get yourself a pair of hiking trousers or zip off pants.

If you’re looking for versatility, durability, comfort and protection on your next hike, look no further than Columbia’s collection of ladies’ trekking shorts. As with all of our gear, they’re tested tough, giving you the confidence you need for every step of your journey.